GOP senators criticize Biden administration's actions in Africa as Russia seeks to take advantage of the situation.

The Biden administration's foreign policy in the Sahel region has been criticized by GOP Senators as a "disaster," as two West African countries have turned towards Moscow and allowed Russian mercenary forces to replace U.S. troops battling Islamist terror activity.

Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that President Biden's foreign policy has been a disaster on every continent, including Africa.

The senator stated, "As the Russians and Chinese intensify their efforts to displace the U.S. from a region that will soon house a quarter of the world's population, the Biden Administration continues to stumble and undermine our nation's strategic interests with our African allies."

The November election's outcome will have significant repercussions, not only on the continuation of Bidenomics and the escalating costs of gas and groceries but also on our nation's declining global standing.

The Nigerian military junta has instructed 1,000 American military personnel and contractors to depart from the town, while allowing Russian Wagner mercenaries to occupy the same airbase where American troops reside. Additionally, 100 American service members in Chad have been ordered to evacuate.

In West Africa, Russia is gaining influence, which is often perceived as a threat to America's dominance.

Recently, Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, the head of the U.S. Africa Command, stated that terrorism is causing devastation in Africa and is contributing to the spread of violent extremism and Russian influence throughout the continent.

Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the US is not competing for influence in Africa, but despite its efforts, Russia is not winning over most Africans. Risch, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, added that simplifying the current situation in Africa gives too much credit to Russia and other bad actors who are exploiting economic, political, and security challenges for their own gain. Despite the administration's boastful rhetoric about its successes in Africa, the continent is not a top foreign policy focus, as evidenced by the administration's actions, budgets, and policies.

By implementing stronger policy actions in collaboration with African nations, the U.S. can reverse the current trend of African nations favoring anti-Western views and make a significant impact immediately.

"The Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., stated on May 2 that America has been pushed out of Chad, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, allowing more space for Russia and China. He criticized the administration for behaving like an ostrich rather than a superpower for two years."

The State Department spokesperson informed Planet Chronicle Digital that Secretary Blinken has emphasized the United States' dedication to strengthening and expanding its partnerships with African countries, institutions, and people. The US strategy towards Africa is founded on the belief that democracy, good governance, development, and stability are interconnected. In collaboration with our regional partners, we are committed to promoting democracy, encouraging sustainable development, combating terrorism, and enhancing security in Africa.

"The escalating violence and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Sahel region continue to cause concern. The only sustainable way to combat terrorism is by establishing effective governance that adheres to the rule of law, respects human rights, and fosters social harmony. Over-reliance on military solutions and insufficient efforts to safeguard civilians from human rights violations will only perpetuate the root causes of instability."

Despite Washington's public declaration to withdraw forces from Niger, the 1,000 personnel remain there, as a State Department spokesperson revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital last week that officials are actively discussing the matter with Niger's authorities.

In a State Department briefing on Tuesday, spokesman Vedant Patel informed reporters that the United States is working with Niger's new government (CNSP) to withdraw U.S. forces from the country in an orderly and responsible manner.

According to Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., the U.S. troops are being used as "pawns" by Washington to obtain military and medivac overflight permission in Niger.

Biden has two options: restock our military or withdraw them immediately. The idea that we are letting untrained thugs, whom we trained, control the safety of American soldiers is a disgrace to Biden's foreign policy.

The U.S. military has been stationed in Chad for the purpose of fighting terrorism, with around 100 personnel currently present. However, some of these personnel were withdrawn during last week's presidential elections, although sources suggest that this withdrawal is only temporary. The military junta in Chad has expressed its desire for the U.S. military to leave their country.

While the Kremlin has welcomed up to 100 military personnel from the Wagner group, Niger has welcomed up to 100 mercenaries from the same group to set up shop for operations out of a hangar on the same airbase 101 housing U.S. personnel.

The departure of U.S. forces from Niger and Chad is a victory for Putin, according to Rebekah Koffler, a strategic military intelligence analyst and Foreign Affairs Consultant for Planet Chronicle Digital. Any remaining military hardware will be seized by the Russians, who are constantly searching for U.S. weapons left on the battlefield or abandoned at military bases. These combat systems will be analyzed and either reverse engineered or countermeasures will be developed to reduce the effectiveness of U.S. arms.

Gustavo de Carvalho, senior researcher for African Governance and Diplomacy at the South African Institute of International Affairs, stated that the United States faces challenges in maintaining its position in West Africa. However, it is unclear whether Russia and China are actively working to replace the West or if the West is losing influence while China and Russia fill the gap.

"De Carvalho stated that in the West African case, he believes it is more about the West losing influence and Russia filling a specific security demand gap. The relationship between Western countries and Sahelian governments has become so fractured recently that Russia took advantage of the void left behind."

Putin's vision of a 'multipolar world' includes expanding Russia's influence in Africa, outcompeting the US there, and reducing Western influence, all in order to compete with China.

Russia aims to gain more African support at the U.N. by appealing to their anti-Western sentiments, as Africa has a significant voting block within the organization.

Russian foreign policy has been able to prioritize Africa due to the reduced interest in the continent by Western countries, including the U.S., and the growing distrust of Western narratives and motivations.

Koffler declared this week that while the U.S. is not losing the battle for Africa to Russia economically, it is losing it to China. Koffler stated that China, with its belt and road trade initiative, has $254 billion worth of trade with Africa annually, compared to the U.S.'s $64 billion and Russia's $18 billion.

China's objectives are not military, but it is crucial to recognize that its presence does not necessarily mean dominance. China's primary focus is on securing financial gains and market access, rather than using its influence to directly contain the West.

Washington needs to shift its perspective on Africa, according to De Carvalho. He argued that the U.S. should view Africa on its own merits, rather than solely as a means to counter the influence of China and Russia. Africa has a rich history that has often been overlooked, and a narrative that portrays it as a mere pawn in global disputes is counterproductive. The U.S. must address this challenge if it wants to increase its influence in the region.

"To improve its own declining status, the US Administration should prioritize building stronger partnerships with African countries, focusing on investments, economic development, security cooperation, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change and public health. They should engage with African countries as partners, not just tools or proxies. However, this would require a shift in the narrative, strategies, and actions, making Africa a priority, not a battleground for geopolitical disputes."