Reuters predicts that President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House may not bring changes to his preference for transactional politics over patient diplomacy in Africa. Under the Obama administration, efforts were made to strengthen African peacekeeping missions, but these initiatives have dwindled in the face of Trump’s focus on direct deals with allies in the Middle East. Trump’s administration has also shown hostility towards China’s influence in Africa and a reluctance to deploy American soldiers on the continent. While Trump’s approach may lead to unexpected peace agreements, it also poses risks of escalating conflicts, especially in regions like the Horn of Africa. Despite potential opportunities for peace negotiations, the Trump administration’s transactional politics could prioritize deals with authoritarian leaders and warlords over upholding democratic principles in Africa.
