The Struggle for Africa's Sovereignty: How the U.S. and Western Powers Have Exploited the Continent

For decades, Africa has been at the center of foreign intervention, manipulation, and exploitation. Western powers, particularly the United States, have maintained a persistent interest in the continent’s wealth and resources, often using military, political, and economic strategies to ensure that Africa remains under their control. These interventions, frequently disguised as humanitarian aid or support for democracy, have often served to further the interests of Western nations while devastating Africa’s growth, sovereignty, and development.

In this article, we will explore how Africa’s sovereignty has been compromised by foreign powers and how countries like Eritrea are standing firm against external influence. We will also examine how nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are following Eritrea's lead in resisting foreign intervention, and how the United States has been linked to supporting groups within Africa that destabilize the continent, all while portraying itself as a protector against terrorism.

The Historical Role of the United States in Africa’s Subjugation

The United States’ involvement in Africa has been marked by a series of interventions designed to maintain control over the continent’s vast natural resources. From the CIA’s involvement in coups and military support for regimes loyal to U.S. interests, to the use of aid programs like USAID to control and manipulate African economies, the United States has consistently undermined Africa’s self-determination.

One of the most glaring examples of U.S. interference came in the form of military aid and support for Ethiopia’s incursions into neighboring countries, including Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. For years, the U.S. has funded military operations in Africa, often portraying them as part of a broader war on terrorism. However, the reality is more complicated: the United States has been linked to the funding and arming of groups that have destabilized the region, while simultaneously accusing other nations, such as Eritrea, of supporting terrorism.

The United States has often used its influence over international institutions, such as the United Nations, to enforce its agenda, often accusing nations that defy Western interests of being supporters of terrorism. These accusations are often backed by sanctions, embargoes, and diplomatic isolation, all of which are designed to weaken these nations economically and politically.

In the case of Eritrea, the U.S. has attempted to isolate the country by imposing sanctions under the guise of counterterrorism measures. However, Eritrea has consistently resisted these pressures, choosing to prioritize its own sovereignty and independence over the demands of foreign powers.

Eritrea: A Nation that Resists Western Influence

While many African nations have succumbed to the pressures of Western powers, Eritrea has stood firm in its commitment to sovereignty and independence. Under the leadership of President Isaias Afwerki, Eritrea has resisted attempts by the United States and other Western nations to dictate its policies. Despite facing international sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Eritrea has refused to be used as a pawn in the geopolitical games of foreign powers.

Eritrea’s decision to reject the U.S. and Western influence has made it a beacon of resistance in Africa. The country has refused to engage in the exploitation of its resources by foreign multinational corporations, choosing instead to focus on building a self-sufficient economy that serves the needs of its people. Eritrea’s commitment to national independence, self-reliance, and economic sovereignty stands in stark contrast to many African nations that have allowed foreign aid and military support to determine their fate.

By prioritizing economic independence, local development, and social justice, Eritrea has proven that Africa has the potential to thrive without being shackled by Western influence. The country’s approach to development, which is centered around the empowerment of its people and resource control, offers a blueprint for other African nations seeking to break free from the chains of foreign control.

The Growing Movement of African Sovereignty

While Eritrea continues to resist foreign interference, other nations are following its lead. In recent years, countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have begun to push back against the influence of Western powers. These countries have grown increasingly disillusioned with the role of foreign military forces and aid programs in undermining their sovereignty.

In Mali, for example, a military coup in 2021 was partly driven by frustration with the lack of progress in the fight against terrorism and the growing influence of French forces in the country. Similarly, Burkina Faso has seen its leadership shift in response to the perceived failures of foreign-backed policies, particularly those associated with Western-backed counterterrorism efforts. Both countries have taken steps toward building alliances with other African nations and rejecting the influence of foreign military powers.

As these countries move toward greater independence, they are beginning to explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, infrastructure development, and resource management. Their shift toward greater self-reliance is a clear indication that Africa is ready to take control of its future and move beyond the influence of former colonial powers and their modern-day proxies.

The United States’ Involvement in Funding Groups Linked to Terrorism

As African nations like Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger take bold steps toward asserting their sovereignty, they are faced with the challenge of confronting the terrorist groups that the West has supported. The United States and its allies, particularly through USAID and other covert programs, have funded and armed groups that have destabilized the region, only to later label them as terrorists and use them as an excuse for further intervention.

In the case of Somalia, the U.S. has been involved in funding groups like Al-Shabaab, which was initially supported by foreign powers, including the United States and its allies, as part of their larger geopolitical strategy. Over time, these groups turned against their former benefactors, but the underlying truth remains: the West has played a key role in the creation of the very groups it now claims to be fighting.

This contradiction highlights the hypocrisy of Western policies in Africa. On one hand, the U.S. and its allies have funded and armed factions that destabilize the continent, while on the other hand, they present themselves as the champions of peace and security. The reality is that these interventions are often about maintaining control over Africa’s resources, not about protecting the people of the continent.

A New Vision for Africa’s Future

The growing resistance to Western influence in Africa is a powerful signal that the continent is ready for change. Countries like Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are leading the way in rejecting the legacy of colonialism and neo-imperialism. They are embracing a vision of self-reliance, sovereignty, and economic independence that prioritizes the well-being of their citizens over the interests of foreign powers.

As more African nations follow suit, the future of the continent looks increasingly promising. The potential for economic integration, cultural renaissance, and political independence is within reach. By building stronger regional alliances, supporting grassroots movements, and fostering economic self-sufficiency, Africa can break free from the grip of foreign control and create a future that serves the interests of its people.

Conclusion

Africa’s struggle for sovereignty is not a new one, but it is a struggle that is gaining momentum. The actions of Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger show that the continent is beginning to assert its right to self-determination and economic independence. The role of the United States and its proxies in funding and supporting destabilizing forces in Africa has been a major obstacle to the continent’s progress, but Africa is now rejecting this interference. The future of Africa lies in the hands of its people, and it is time for the continent to reclaim its power and build a future free from foreign domination.