How the U.S. Loses Africa to Putin's Russia

"Walter Russell Mead's "Why Putin Seeks to Dominate Africa" (May 14) asserts that Vladimir Putin's success in Africa is due in part to America's focusing too much on supporting democracy and human rights and not enough on security partnerships. Evidence shows that the inverse is true.

U.S. security-assistance spending in Africa dwarfs allocations for democracy. In 2017-18, the U.S. reportedly spent $110 million to build a base for U.S. drones in Niger. Yet in 2020, the U.S. spent a mere $3.8 million to strengthen democracy, governance and human rights in Niger. 

The same disparity applies for the broader continent. In fiscal year 2022, the U.S. spent 49% more on peace and security assistance (excluding Pentagon Title 10 funds to train and equip host-nation forces, which would increase the figure several times over) than it did to strengthen democracy and human rights. Only $33 million went to promoting political competition via stronger democratic institutions and $21.6 million on protecting human rights.

U.S. policy has failed to thwart Kremlin and Chinese expansion precisely because it has focused too much on near-term security gains. Robust democratic institutions and vibrant civil society make it difficult for China and Russia to exert influence and co-opt elites. Shunting democracy has opened the door to Mr. Putin in Africa.

Patrick Quirk

International Republican Institute

Bethesda, Md.

Mr. Quirk served on the secretary of state's policy planning staff, 2018-19." [1]

For some time America's ideas worked. Americans increased the power of  Africa's military in order to keep Africa's elites in control. Unexpected complication showed up - strong African military started taking power in coups and becoming elite themselves. To avoid repetition of this cycle and to counterbalance America, African military started cozying up to Russians. Now Western military facilities are being kicked out from Africa's soil.

1. How the U.S. Loses Africa to Putin's Russia. Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 21 May 2024: A.16.