Cape Town played host, albeit against the wishes of many residents, to a Russian warship, in preparation for naval exercises that would include two South African vessels and also Chinese warships. Seen as a power projection and propaganda exercise, it underlines Great Power interest in Africa and the Indian Ocean. India is also expanding its navy and conducting exercises, although no African partner has been identified yet. 

Recently US President Biden hosted a number of African Heads of State and other dignitaries to enhance partnerships on governmental and private levels. The President spoke of cooperation in economic issues, health, democracy, and human rights.

But what does Africa need and want from the USA? An American diplomat, after a first exposure to South Africa, remarked that imitation is the most sincere compliment. He found many imitations of American television programs and magazines. Fashions, music, and decoration styles all showed a distinct US influence, or so he believed. I grew up with Marvel Comics (Casper the Ghost was a favorite) and later Mad Magazine. What, me worry?

On a superficial level, many Africans see America as a desired destination, and many migrate legally or illegally to enjoy the shopping malls and suburban life they see in movies. But on another level, there is a dichotomy. Many resent American political and economic dominance - "colonialism," they cry, with some reason. Many also decry American support for undemocratic governments. Aid is seen as patronizing and destructive, although also desperately needed. 

American (and other) aid is often carried out by bright young things with a do-good mentality and portrayed as the great America handing out alms to poor, ignorant natives. This breeds instant resentment, much as the aid might be needed. I experienced a girl, fresh out of school, running a social upliftment program in a remote Ugandan village, throwing her weight about and insisting on petty details that the older experienced village women did not appreciate. But she held the purse strings. 

President Biden spoke about economic partnership, the State Department mentioned support for the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. Laudable and important aims that should be backed up by American experience with its Latin American neighbors. Africa can produce cotton, for instance, to rival what the best subsidized US farmers can produce. But subsidies turn these farmers into competitors instead of partners. So the African farmers produce peanuts for local consumption.

Democracy and human rights are grand and well-appreciated sentiments in Africa, with more than its fair share of dictators and despots. But sentiments in this regard will be viewed through the lens of American support for such dictators and for Latin American regimes in Colombia and Nicaragua, amongst others. Support for Human Rights will immediately be tested against internal policies in the USA. 

So, what African needs is for the USA to fix its democracy, to become again the shining city on the hill, the symbol, and example of democracy, economic freedom, and prosperity.