WASHINTON D.C. – Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House was more than a victory—it was a resounding mandate, a national endorsement that defied every obstacle thrown in his path. From court cases to convictions, from near-bankruptcy to assassination attempts, and from relentless media vilification as a fascist and a would-be dictator, Trump emerged as the choice of a populace that found his message resonant, his vision necessary, and his promise compelling. This wasn’t simply an election win for Trump; it was an unambiguous statement from American voters that they trust him to steer America’s future.
Beyond merely winning the electoral college, Trump won the popular vote and secured the Senate. Though the House of Representatives still hangs in the balance, he is likely to retain it as well. Such a decisive outcome reveals a level of public trust that speaks volumes. American voters have shown they are less concerned with the incendiary labels cast by detractors than they are with Trump’s assurances of national strength, economic growth, and international peace. And central to Trump’s message is an ambitious vision: ending foreign wars, a promise that holds implications far beyond Europe or the Middle East. For Trump, peace should not end at the U.S. borders—it has a global scope, it should reach even the heart of Africa.
Trump’s foreign policy agenda during his campaign was built around the idea of peace through strength, and his pledge to end “foreign wars” resonated powerfully with American voters weary of seeing young soldiers deployed in endless foreign conflicts. His re-election has thus provided him with a unique opportunity to forge a foreign policy that prioritizes stability and disengagement from wars without clear end goals. The American people’s trust has empowered him to pursue not only a reduction in military entanglements but also a redefinition of what foreign engagement looks like in a post-9/11 era.
While Ukraine and the Middle East remain key issues in his discourse on foreign policy, the situation in Africa must not be overlooked. Africa is home to numerous “forgotten wars” and conflict zones, situations that drive mass migration, breed insecurity, and risk destabilizing regions and global relationships. Trump’s pledge to “end wars” needs to encompass the peace and stability of Africa as well. African conflicts and humanitarian crises contribute to migration crises, which have ripple effects worldwide—including in the United States, as desperate migrants seek refuge from seemingly intractable violence and dictatorial regimes.
Africa’s geopolitical situation is complex, with enduring violence in multiple regions. Take, for example, the brutal humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where ongoing violence has left civilians struggling to survive. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), decades of conflict have led to staggering loss of life and deep-seated instability. Congo remains one of the most resource-rich yet tragically war-torn regions, with violence threatening any prospect of stability. Somaliland, despite more than 30 years of self-governance, remains a focal point of conflict in East Africa, entangled in hostilities involving both Somalia and Ethiopia. These are not isolated skirmishes; they are chronic flashpoints that threaten to escalate, dragging neighboring countries and potentially foreign actors into prolonged strife.
In Cameroon, the situation is similarly dire. The Southern Cameroons (Ambazonia) have been embroiled in a liberation conflict with the government of La Republique du Cameroun for nearly a decade, claiming the lives of over 30,000 people and creating a devastating humanitarian crisis. What began as protestations and cultural dispute got transformed into a war for independence, stoked by abuses and unchecked by international intervention. Each of these conflicts holds the potential to ignite regional instability and drive migration crises that reach American borders. Therefore, it would be a gross oversight to exclude these wars from Trump’s vision of peace. If America seeks to foster stability, these African conflicts must be included in the discourse of U.S. foreign policy.
Trump’s influence and popularity extend well beyond America’s shores, with Africans showing a surprising affinity for his candid, no-nonsense approach. Across the continent, Trump’s style has been perceived as refreshing and forthright, aligning with African populations who feel ignored or misunderstood by Western leaders. His pragmatism and rhetoric of empowerment resonate with African audiences who are weary of condescension from global powers and instead seek honest dialogue and partnerships.
Following Mr. Trump’s victory, Africans celebrated in the streets from Nigeria to Kenya. Placards carried in demonstrations lauded him as a symbol of the “people’s victory,” a leader who speaks candidly and stands firm. This enthusiasm is rooted in Trump’s reputation as someone who “calls things as they are,” a trait that contrasts sharply with the often diplomatically cautious discourse many African nations receive from the West. For these supporters, Trump embodies the ideal of a strong, straightforward leader who might not only stand with Americans but also serve as a “leader of the free world” by lending his support to the struggles of ordinary Africans.
One reason Trump is so popular among Africans is that his foreign policy platform holds the promise of liberation from “sit-tight” leaders and authoritarian regimes. In many parts of Africa, authoritarian leaders have clung to power for decades, stifling growth, curtailing freedoms, and keeping citizens in poverty. The specter of autocracy is pervasive: leaders like Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea and Paul Biya of Cameroon have held power for over three decades, entrenching political systems that prioritize their own authority over the welfare of their citizens.
Trump’s message of sovereignty, freedom, and empowerment speaks directly to Africans who desire a future free from the oppression of such regimes. By signaling an interest in withdrawing support from oppressive governments and instead fostering alliances with those who support democracy and reform, (as Trump did in his first coming) Trump’s administration could play a pivotal role in pressuring these regimes. His influence, applied effectively, could push autocratic leaders to enact reforms or, ideally, relinquish power in favor of more democratic governance. This would be a move that not only benefits Africa but also aligns with American interests in reducing economic migrant flows and fostering economic partnerships with emerging democracies.
Stability in Africa is inextricably linked to American security. The destabilizing effects of African conflicts fuel migration crises, place strain on humanitarian resources, and create ungoverned spaces where extremist groups can operate with impunity. The surge of African migrants, many of whom undertake perilous journeys across the Atlantic or through South and Central America, underscores the urgency of addressing root causes of instability.
President Trump’s mandate to end wars must thus recognize the importance of supporting African nations in resolving these conflicts. Reducing violence and strengthening governance in African nations could help curb the wave of migration, enhance global security, and lessen the need for reactive humanitarian aid. A stable Africa is not just a benefit to its people; it is a strategic advantage to the United States, one that aligns with Trump’s emphasis on pragmatic solutions over prolonged military engagement.
Critics of Trump’s “America First” policy often misconstrue it as isolationist. Yet, his record and rhetoric suggest a nuanced approach that balances U.S. interests with global stability. Trump’s inclination to disengage from unnecessary wars does not imply a retreat from global leadership. Instead, it suggests a recalibration where America actively engages with global allies on issues that matter most, including economic partnerships, security collaborations, and peaceful conflict resolution.
With Africa, this approach could mean supporting diplomatic and economic interventions rather than military involvement. By investing in peace-building measures and supporting regional partnerships, Trump could address the causes of conflict in Africa, thereby reducing the likelihood of new wars that demand American intervention. This approach reinforces Trump’s goal to protect American lives and resources while ensuring that foreign regions have the tools to resolve their conflicts with minimal foreign intervention.
The celebrations across Africa following Trump’s victory speak to a continent’s hope for change. Africans see Trump a potential ally in their struggles against oppression, conflict, and poverty. They long for a continent where peace prevails, where leadership is accountable, and where economic growth offers opportunities to all, not just the elites. Africans hope that Trump’s presidency will bring attention to their plight, focusing not merely on trade and aid but on systemic changes that foster peace and stability.
With Trump in office, there is a window of opportunity to address Africa’s security issues through a collaborative approach that values African agency. Supporting African-led peace initiatives, strengthening democratic institutions, and leveraging international organizations like the African Union could bring long-term stability. Trump’s administration has the chance to redefine U.S.-Africa relations by engaging with these challenges head-on, prioritizing sustainable peace over transient military victories.
The American people have spoken, entrusting Trump with the task of securing a world in which they, and others across the globe, can live without the specter of war. Trump’s second coming offers the potential to turn that vision into reality—a world where, finally, the drums of war fall silent, even in the most embattled regions of Africa.
