Litmus Test for SADC Unity in the Wake of US Military Overtures

Kim Heller

The United States (U.S.) is romancing the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is no whirlwind courtship. For months now, Washington has been actively engaged in the new peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In July, senior leaders from the U.S. Africa Command visited Angola and Namibia. Last week, AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John W. Brennan and Ambassador Robert Scott held an online press briefing to provide some insight into the U.S. intentions.

There is an unmistakable desire to deepen security links and avert the threat of terrorism and insurgency, which poses a risk beyond the Continent. The U.S. also hopes to elevate its economic presence in Africa. The G-7-backed Lobito Corridor, connecting Angola to the DRC and Zambia, is a flagship project.

At the recent press conference, Brennan spoke of how the U.S. respects and honours the vision of "African-led, partner-led, and ally-enabled" projects. Brennan cited the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Angola as such an example. However, behind the silky talk lies the grim fact that most foreign partner projects are owned and governed by foreign interests rather than driven by local needs or wishes.

Despite all the overtures by the United States government, there is no true love affair in the offering. Stripped of all its seductive talk and promises, it is crystal clear that this newfound fondness for Africa is motivated by the United States' lust for mineral wealth, its excitement about the prospect of SADC as a security headquarters, and the thrill of winning strategic advantages over its key rivals, China and Russia. The U.S. does not love Africa. It loves to use Africa.

For the U.S., the stability of Southern Africa, its enormous mineral wealth and its vital geo-strategic ports make it a highly attractive partner. Greater control over the Lobito Corridor is a significant win for the U.S., for it provides access to a critical sea route for both economic and military purposes.

The charm offensive in the SADC must be viewed in the context of negative sentiments towards the U.S. in parts of Africa. There is little love left for the U.S. in parts of West Africa, the Sahel region, and most notably in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

It is not surprising then that the U.S. is desperately seeking a friendly outpost on the Continent, and Southern Africa seems to be a willing partner. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently spoken of how the U.S. is moving away from a "charity-based foreign aid model" to partnerships with African countries that "demonstrate the ability and willingness to help themselves."

The US is a serial opportunist. Its roving eye is easily drawn to speedy, high-dividend transactions rather than long and steady associations. The U.S. expects that SADC will be up for sale, like much of Africa. Too often, the Continent is little more than a passing fancy in the rivalries of great nations.

In the swoon of foreign advances, SADC must be cautious, and it is imperative that it resist becoming an easily discarded pawn in U.S. rivalries with China and Russia. The U.S. is unlikely to be a steady partner for SADC, especially under the Trump administration.

A short-term fancy by the U.S. whose affections can be withdrawn in a wink, is not a sustainable partnership for SADC unless it is defined and dictated by SADC itself, rather than imposed by the United States. SADC must forget how U.S. Aid was stopped in an inhumanly hurried manner, jeopardising millions of impoverished Africans.

What is concerning is that an overwhelming involvement of the U.S. in the Lobita Corridor, its military presence, and hold over mineral resources appears to emulate former exploitative colonial patterns. Equally worrying is the risk of U.S. interference with security priorities and protocols. The securitisation of SADC and the potential disorientation of its security plans,  protocols and structures pose a direct threat to its sovereignty.

Emotions can change; whims are not long-term commitments. SADC must be careful not to fall for a gambit that does not favour it in the medium to long term. The words of African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat must be heeded, "We are not pawns," he declared at the 2024 AU summit.

At this juncture, SADC unity cannot be compromised, especially given the ongoing crisis in the DRC. A unified rather than individual country strategy is likely to strengthen the hand of the SADC in dealing with the U.S.'s partnership invitation.

The Trump administration holds no affection for Africa. It is about narcissistic intent and interest. A penchant for power, not peace, is its motivational force. The intent is simple. For now, the U.S. is salivating about minerals, strategic ports, valuable shipping corridors and military presence. In West Africa, AFRICOM has been marched out.

Now, the U.S. is hoping to be welcomed in Southern Africa. With the relative stability SADC offers, it could be a real win for the U.S. Unless SADC ensures that the relationship is one of mutual collaboration, support, and development rather than dependency and control, it will be but a pawn in the play of foreign players. In the Washington Qatar brokered peace deal for the DRC, SADC and the African Union were sidelined. This should make SADC proceed with caution.

SADC risks getting caught up in an exploitative relationship – where its strategic assets and infrastructure are used for U.S security benefits and where extraction rather than development ensues. SADC must act in a unified manner, especially given that member countries have different historical relationships with and attitudes towards the U.S.

SADC will need to be highly vigilant to ensure that military training exercises are not more sinister military plans by the U.S. to fight the growing influence of China and Russia. If SADC acts submissively and with naivety, smiles will turn to tears in a classic betrayal by imperial agendas. Africa must protect its heart and its sovereignty.

Southern Africa cannot be turned into the U.S.'s new battlefield. What is certain is that Africa will continue to be a playground for foreign wars. With this understanding, SADC must not lose its sovereignty in the easy frolic and charm of foreign suitors.

* Kim Heller is a political analyst and author of No White Lies: Black Politics and White Power in South Africa.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.