Questions surrounding the review of U.S. foreign assistance have led a number of African nations to
turn to America’s adversaries for help on global health. For China and Russia, this represents a long-awaited opportunity – fill the humanitarian vacuum left by the United States, increase their soft power in the region, and advance their economic and security interests.
Historically, innovative programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have promoted crucial U.S. national security and economic objectives including combating the spread of infectious diseases around the world, promoting mutually beneficial economic initiatives, and countering the malign influence of America's foes. Retreating abruptly from these programs would be counterproductive and risk jeopardizing the lives of millions of people while ceding ground to Beijing and Moscow, who are already jockeying for power and resources.
That is why the George W. Bush Institute submitted a statement to the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and a statement to the House Committee on Appropriations last week. We argue that American policymakers should reprioritize engagement in Africa to counter Chinese and Russian influence. Our recommendations include improving the well-being of African communities and economic growth opportunities through successful U.S. government initiatives, such as PEPFAR and the MCC.
America cannot give up on Africa now. The continent has the world's youngest and fastest-growing population in the world. Global health programs like PEPFAR and MCC remain critical tools to counter malign foreign influence and support African nations on their path to self-sufficiency and long-term stability. America's renewed engagement with Africa is a moral imperative and a strategic necessity.
