Joe Biden was sworn in on January 20, 2021, as the 46th President of the United States of America (USA). It was a spectacular event, one that many felt would be subverted, but it did take place. Equally interesting was Biden’s address in which he clearly showed that he knew well where the nation was coming from and saw the need to have a peaceful United States of America.
The inauguration of Joe Biden and his Vice, Kamala Harris, was historic in certain respects: Biden is the oldest American to emerge as President at 78; Kamala Harris is the first black female of Asian descent to become the Vice President of the US, and the inauguration being conducted in a restrictive environment without the usual 250,000 invitees.
Messages from world leaders to the new president, reflected warm felicitations, and at the same time, expressed the expectations and hope that they looked forward to in relationship with the US.
In general, the occasion was a big relief to many Americans and indeed, a lot of people from other nations who described the event as “the end of an error, and the beginning of a new era.” Recall that upon the election of the immediate past President Donald Trump in 2016, he conducted the affairs of government in a tumultuous way for four years that bewildered not only Americans but also the whole world. In the process, many believed that the American goodwill was destroyed by Trump. Americans saw him as one that denigrated the essential substance of the US in terms of its standing in the world, its relationship with allies and also its position as a leading power that emerged supreme at the end of the cold war. Americans who were used to normalcy in governance woke up to a situation where they were governed in many instances, through twitter and other social media platforms.
The new era at the White House shows that history has corrected itself, and it becomes a lesson to generations to come. One of the lessons to draw from the inauguration episode is that democratic institutions should remain committed to the tenets of democratic principles in order to deliver on their promises and keep the system going.
Because of strong institutions, Americans were able to avert a coup d’état on American democracy that happened on the Capitol. The will of the American people prevailed because their institutions showed resilience in the face of autocracy, dictatorship and fraudulent attempt to subvert their will. Compared with the African situation, it is worthy to note that out of the 54 countries, only 14 countries have not had coups d’état in Africa. Records show that from about 1956 to around 1990, Africa had over 111 coups d’état. What Africa needs to do is to show more commitment in respecting constitutional and legislative provisions that guide the workings of institutions. This way, institutions will become stronger and facilitate orderly and peaceful transfer of power.
The electoral process that led to the emergence of Biden as the president, is yet another lesson. The electoral rules, regulations and the process of conducting election are essentially managed by local method. In other words, the rules are governed by state laws. In the most contested areas, it was Trump that had issues with state officials which his political party equally controlled. Yet those who conducted the election in those states were true to their oath of office; they were not persuaded by partisanship to frustrate the will of the people.
The judiciary in the US remained resolute in discharging their duties. There were no delays in disposing all sorts of cases, over 60 of them, including an appeal to the Supreme Court.
The major task before the new administration is fulfilling its campaign promises as the world awaits policies that will open a better and new chapter in their relationship with other countries. There is a lot to hope for as there is no threat of war; no irrational action against any country or people; no executive orders banning groups or people going into the US, or unilateral sanctions against countries for no apparent reason
As a father figure, Biden in his address, demonstrated his plans to rebuild alliances beyond the US, which were greeted with enthusiasm around the world. He equally gave indications to improve US-Africa relations of which Nigeria is potentially a beneficiary. This could mark a strong point of cooperation and support for Nigeria as well as other African continent.
There are indications from analysts that the Biden presidency will strengthen and refocus US foreign policy on Africa. This is a message of consensus, unity and accommodation. As part of his commitment to pursue this agenda, he signed a number of executive orders repealing the earlier policies imposed on America by Trump. One of the executive orders that was repealed reversed immigration restrictions with regard to persons from certain major Muslim countries and parts of Africa including Nigeria. That action will engender a more friendly visa regime as well as more targeted approach to international trade.
However, alliances are built by persuasions and convictions through a sincere and genuine outreach or engagement with the world. As former Chairman of the Foreign Elections Committee in the Senate, Biden knows many world leaders, and the workings of international institutions. It is hoped that he will put this exposure to effective use.
Biden will do well by first uniting his country, and thereafter, reach out to other nations including the North Atlantic Alliance, where a lot of systemic damage was inflicted on their relationship by Trump. There were unilateral impositions of certain payments for the protection of some countries by Trump. For instance, South Korea was expected to pay $5b virtually every year for the presence of US troops in that country.
Fundamentally, Biden will look at the entire global landscape and see what is missing. A few areas that await his attention include the global climate change which he has to re-engage with the UN to meet the mitigation agenda. He could review the relationship with Mexico, as well as look at reviving global arms reduction or arms controlling treaties with countries like Russia. He may consider setting a new negotiation with China in order to de-escalate the growing expenditure in armaments and arms race which is weighing heavily on the defence budgets of many countries. He will possibly look at cooperating with African countries like Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, among others, in terms of curbing terrorism, and restoring the supremacy of human rights as the essential cornerstone of the US policy in Africa and other parts of the world.
In seeking a change of narrative in the US-Africa relations, Africa should recognize that diplomacy is a two-way traffic; it’s a two-way dialogue between the actors who have to establish their priorities. The management of domestic policies can impact on foreign policy focus.
Biden assumed presidency under very challenging circumstances. America is the epicentre of Covid-19, and it’s battling with racism, extremism and economic challenges. Essentially, domestic priorities will be foremost in the minds of the new administration while at the same time, deploying foreign policy to simply mend fences, restore and recover lost grounds, and perhaps build or shore up confidence with partners and the rest of the world.
Biden promised to spend $1.93trn immediately as stimulus package in the country. It may be because of such spending that US aid to Africa fell from around $146bn in 2014 to about $80bn in 2019. What this means is that Biden may be hampered to boost foreign aid or increase the maintenance of American bases in Africa or other countries. Obviously, the expenditure at home or the massive challenges he will face in terms of addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, and actually vaccinating 100 million Americans in 100 days, as he promised, will occupy much of his time. In other words, the domestic situation which is virtually an emergency issue, may take preponderance over foreign policy considerations.
While this new dawn is applauded, Africa will do well to moderate its expectations because anything might just happen elsewhere in the world or in the US itself that may consume the greater attention of the new president.
Africa had expectations when Barack Obama became president, and we thought that because of his DNA connection with Africa, there would be a lot for Africa but it didn’t work out that way. Our chances may even be narrower now considering the Asia-centric focus of some African countries in terms of trade and accessing loan facilities.
Africa can be an investment hub for America, American companies and businesses if only we play our role very well. It’s important to realize that investors won’t operate in a climate of uncertainties. They want assurances and guarantees which a handful of African countries can provide including Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Ethiopia, Kenya, among others. These countries are proving to be magnates for foreign investments.
Biden has sent clear signals to Africa and the rest of the world that his administration is open for business. It’s left for Africa, particularly Nigeria, to take advantage of the opportunity by being proactive in engaging the new government.
Our challenges internally must be ameliorated, corrected and removed before we expect the investor to come. If the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is well packaged and administered correctly, it may remove the impediments that have hindered investments in Africa, and serve as an attraction to the Biden presidency.
Looking at the broad labels of global security and democracy, there are two important things Biden said he would do in terms of reaching out to the rest of the world for which Nigeria and Africa should prepare. First, he said he would convene a summit for democracy. Nigeria should participate with a credible position in terms of outlining its fundamental objectives to consolidate democracy in Africa.
The second conference Biden promised to organise is the global security summit. As a country confronting terrorist actions and internal security, Nigeria should attend the occasion to learn more about international security in accordance with the UN Charter.
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