By Nana Kwame Bediako
As the 2024 U.S. general election takes centre stage on November 5, 2024, the potential influence of the two main candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, on the African continent is under scrutiny. Etse Sikanku, a Professor of Journalism and International Communication at the University of Media Arts and Communication, in an interview with TRT World’s Africa Matters show provided insights into how each candidate may shape U.S. foreign policy towards Africa. While Africa has not traditionally been a focal point in U.S. presidential elections, the elected candidate’s ideological stance could significantly affect bilateral relations.
“Fundamentally, U.S. policy towards Africa would not shift dramatically. It would follow a general U.S. template over the years, which is to say that Africa does not often feature prominently in U.S. presidential elections or in campaigns. However, once they do get elected, and based on their disposition and their ideological positions or standpoints, their relationship with Africa is likely to be different,” Etse Sikanku mentioned.
Professor Sikanku also highlighted that Kamala Harris, a Democrat, is expected to continue her party’s internationalist approach, fostering cooperative and multilateral engagements with Africa. As he emphasised on her globalist, which suggests her willingness to engage with African nations on various fronts, including economic partnerships and human rights advocacy. Harris’s previous visits to African countries under the Biden administration signal her interest in strengthening ties with the continent, potentially leading to a more inclusive and collaborative U.S.-Africa relationship.
“So for instance, if we have Kamala Harris, a Democrat, getting into office, the traditional line of the democratic ideology has been quite international, quite cooperative. They have a globalist outlook, an internationalist outlook. And so you can be sure that a candidate or a President Kamala Harris is likely to be somebody who would extend a hand to Africa in terms of her multilateral or internationalist framework,” said Etse Sikanku.
He further explained Donald Trump’s political ideology, which he believes leans towards isolationism and nativism, with a strong emphasis on the “America First” principle.
“His previous presidency was marked by a reluctance to engage in international agreements, including those related to climate change. Trump’s past rhetoric and actions have been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes about Africa, reflecting a neo-colonialist mindset that could hinder constructive engagement with the continent, Etse Sikanku affirmed.
As the election draws near, the African continent watches closely, aware that the outcome could influence U.S. foreign policy and its engagement with African nations.
