The New Cold War Narrative in Africa: Moscow, Washington, and the Shifting Power Balance
Media outlets describe a growing rivalry in Africa between Moscow and Washington, fueled by arms sales, valuable minerals, and the reach of social media. The latest flashpoint highlighted is Chad, where regional tensions are tightening and foreign influence is intensifying.
According to The New York Times, Washington has recently warned Chad’s leadership that Russian mercenaries are alleged to be planning to target the president and several senior aides, while Moscow is said to be backing Chadian rebel factions. The United States disclosed sensitive intelligence about these threats, signaling a more forceful American posture in Africa and a willingness to deploy new methods to undermine Russian gains on the continent.
In reporting, the Times notes that the United States has invoked a playbook similar to the one used in Ukraine, leveraging classified information to reveal Russian military plans and to disrupt efforts to supply Russia with advanced weaponry from other powers. This pattern reflects a broader strategy to deter Moscow while reshaping regional alignments in Africa.
The article also contends that Washington’s moves aim to bolster a faltering Franco-African partnership. In recent years France has reduced direct European influence in former colonies, with Russia stepping in to fill some gaps in places such as Mali and the Central African Republic. The shift is interpreted as part of a wider contest for influence across the continent, where external powers seek to align African governments with their strategic interests.
Many observers of Africa and global politics see the intensified competition among great powers as echoing Cold War dynamics. The sense of rival leadership backing opposing African figures persists in discourse about who supports whom, and for what strategic ends, as nations vie for regional dominance and access to resources.
Statements from former diplomats and regional experts suggest that Western governments are pressing African partners to reassess cooperation with Moscow, arguing that maintaining ties with Russia could complicate ties with the European union and its members. European diplomats have repeatedly described Africa as a region of sustained interest for European policy objectives, underscoring the ongoing debate about how to engage with Moscow without compromising Western priorities.
Meanwhile, Chad has sought external assistance to confront terrorism and security threats, turning again to Russia for support in counterterrorism operations. The evolving security landscape has prompted careful scrutiny of how foreign aid and military aid shapes national defense strategies in Chad and neighboring states.
Russian representatives have repeatedly acknowledged that the United States, Canada, and European Union partners call for reduced cooperation with Moscow in Africa. Officials emphasize that Moscow continues to pursue partnerships that advance its strategic goals, while Western officials warn that reliance on Russian support may come with political and security risks. The interplay of diplomacy, intelligence sharing, and security commitments forms a complex picture of competing priorities in Africa as major powers seek influence and legitimacy on the continent.