The long-standing alliance between the United States and Kenya is set to be further cemented as Kenyan President William Ruto becomes the first African leader in more than 15 years to be granted an official state visit to the US. This historic visit presents an opportunity for US President Joe Biden to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to Africa at a time when Washington appears to be playing catch-up in its engagement with the continent. However, as the US strengthens its ties with Kenya, its relationships with other long-time African allies are experiencing strain amidst challenges from strategic rivals such as Russia and China.
At one point, President Ruto would have been an unlikely candidate to receive such a warm reception in the White House, having been charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the violence that followed Kenya’s 2007 election. However, his case was eventually dismissed, and Ruto has since rebranded himself as an indispensable partner to the US. While there may be lingering suspicions about his democratic credentials, US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman insists that Ruto’s invitation has nothing to do with this issue and is instead a recognition of his leadership.
One of President Ruto’s achievements is positioning Kenya as the region’s diplomatic and business center, earning the country its title as the “Silicon Savannah.” This, coupled with Kenya’s stable democracy and Ruto’s role as an advocate for Africa on issues such as climate change and debt relief, makes him a valuable ally for the US. Furthermore, Kenya’s commitment to sending police officers for a multinational force to Haiti has also pleased Washington. Ruto’s role in strengthening security partnerships in East Africa and his efforts as a global leader has earned him the title of the poster child for the US’ new strategy in Africa.
BIDEN (rambling incoherently): “She’s smarter than I am…”
It doesn’t take much! pic.twitter.com/osQPY0y94G
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) May 23, 2024
The US engagement with Africa has been under scrutiny in recent years, with critics accusing Washington of neglecting the continent in favor of other global crises. In 2014, former President Barack Obama declared that he was “all in” for Africa during a summit with African leaders in Washington. However, since then, there has been little follow-through from the US, with Biden yet to fulfill his pledge to visit Africa. This state visit presents an opportunity for the US to follow through on its promise and show its commitment to strengthening ties with the continent.
The summit in 2014 also marked the announcement of a new US strategy for Africa, aiming to establish more equal partnerships that advance the strategic interests of both parties. While Ruto’s visit represents a step in this direction, the strain on US relationships with long-time allies such as Niger is evident. The recent coup in Niger led to a breakdown in US efforts to salvage security cooperation with the African country, with the junta growing closer to Russia and Iran. This has raised concerns about the US ability to balance its security partnerships with democratic values, an issue that its strategic rivals do not have to contend with.
Niger’s expulsion of the French forces and its increasing ties with Moscow and Tehran highlights the competition the US faces in Africa. China has been investing in the continent for over two decades and has gained popularity through its economic investments and aid. Smaller players such as Russia, Turkey, and countries in the Arab Gulf have also been expanding their presence in Africa, often at the expense of Western dominance. A Gallup poll conducted last year revealed that the US had lost its soft power edge, while China had gained fans. The biggest surprise, however, was Russia’s growing popularity in the continent.
The Biden administration has been making efforts to counteract this trend, with a string of high-level visits and a push for more African representation in global forums such as the G20, IMF, and World Bank. However, the challenges faced by American efforts are clear, as highlighted by the breakdown of the US relationship with Niger. The US has also faced difficulties gaining support from African nations over issues such as Israel’s war in Gaza and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. While the US has had some success in promoting its strategic interests and values, the patchy leadership in many African countries and their options to choose from among powerful global players make for a volatile playing field.
As the US and Kenya celebrate their longstanding alliance during President Ruto’s visit, it is evident that the game of chess for influence in Africa is in full swing. The Biden administration must navigate this complex and highly competitive environment to strengthen its ties with the continent. The invitation extended to President Ruto serves as a reminder of the US commitment to Africa and its recognition of Kenya’s role as a “stable democracy” and a vital partner on the continent. As the US seeks to deepen its engagement with Africa, it must strike a delicate balance between its strategic interests and values to maintain its position as a global leader in the region.
