As the African Union prepares for its 39th meeting in Addis Ababa, the physical absence of US President Donald Trump is expected to be overshadowed by his “America First” agenda. A radical shift in US policy—moving from humanitarian aid to a strict trade-and-investment model—has left many African nations navigating a volatile economic landscape. Washington’s 2025 National Security Strategy highlighted this pivot, dedicating only a fleeting mention to the continent while prioritising select partnerships. Tensions have been further stoked by reciprocal tariffs reaching up to 30% and a massive visa processing suspension affecting nearly half of the AU’s member states. In response, nations like Mali and Burkina Faso have issued “tit-for-tat” travel bans, while others are increasingly turning toward Russia, China, and Gulf partners to diversify their strategic alliances.
---
Firstpost Africa | Alyson Le Grange | Africa | Global South | Geopolitics | Military Coup | Environment | Climate Change | Firstpost | News Live | World News | Latest News | Global News | International News | News | Trending News
Firstpost is an Indian news and media website. Get all the incisive opinions, in-depth analyses and other visual stories that matter to you and the world right here on this channel.
Subscribe to Firstpost channel and press the bell icon to get notified when we go live. https://www.youtube.com/@Firstpost
Follow Firstpost on Website: https://www.firstpost.com
Follow Firstpost on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstpost/
Follow Firstpost on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstpostin/
Follow Firstpost on X: https://twitter.com/firstpost
Follow Firstpost on WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va6zOIrEQIamseyg762V