FIRST ON FOX: The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in an exclusive interview with Digital, criticized China, Russia, and Iran for jeopardizing U.S. national security interests in Africa.
Senator Risch, representing Idaho, addressed the Trump administration’s strategy towards Africa, emphasizing issues like terrorism, conflict, and trade concerns. He stressed Africa’s significance to the U.S.
He stated that the economic potential of Africa is substantial and that the U.S. should actively participate in trade and investment there. He also noted critical national security challenges, including terrorism, widespread conflicts affecting regional stability, migration, and trafficking, that need to be addressed directly.
Risch has accused Russia, China, and Iran of being “malign actors” in Africa, citing military interventions, exploitative trade practices, and, in Iran’s case, alleged plans to extract refined “yellowcake” uranium for its nuclear program.
Risch asserted that the detrimental actions of China and Russia, along with regional players like Iran, pose significant threats to U.S. national security interests in Africa. He believes countering these aggressors involves both strengthening partnerships with African nations and responding to the challenges presented by countries like Russia and China in Africa.
Risch commented on the U.S. military’s role in Africa, stating that its primary objective is to protect the American people. He emphasized the presence of serious security threats in Africa that must be taken seriously, recalling that Osama bin Laden hid in Sudan, bombed U.S. embassies there, and planned the 9/11 attack.
Regarding Islamist terrorism, Risch expressed concern about its spread across parts of Africa and voiced support for collaborative efforts with countries to manage the situation.
He also noted that it is not solely the responsibility of the U.S. to confront this problem and urged other nations, including African countries, to increase their international support.
The U.S. government is closely monitoring Somali terrorism. A White House proclamation banning Somalians from entering the U.S. earlier this month identified Somalia as a terrorist safe haven.
Al-Shabaab and Islamic State-affiliated terrorists operate openly there. Since President Trump assumed office, the U.S. military, through its Africa Command, has intensified actions against these groups. This month alone, the U.S. has conducted six airstrikes against Islamic State in Somalia.
Risch has strongly advocated for a U.S. approach that relies less on a central government partner that has not been effective, and more on partners in Somalia and the region, to achieve meaningful counterterrorism results.
He believes President Trump’s Africa policy demonstrates “outside the box” thinking, citing the handling of recent airstrikes in Somalia with decisive action.
In Sudan, Russia and Iran are accused of promoting military agendas and war, which has resulted in an estimated 150,000 deaths and the displacement of over 12 million people since April 2023.
Risch stated that the war in Sudan must end, and the country’s partition must be prevented, calling it the world’s worst humanitarian disaster and a playground for malign actors backing both sides.
Concerning President ‘s efforts to bring peace to the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Risch mentioned that the administration is actively working to secure an agreement between the DRC and Rwanda to end the fighting. He added that America must act as a counterweight to China’s critical minerals deals in the region, which it cannot fully do until the region stabilizes.
In South Africa, government ministers continue to meet with senior officials from Russia, China, and Iran. The African National Congress, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has hosted officials from Hamas. Despite this, South Africa benefits from duty-free access to the U.S. for products like cars and fruit under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and other trade agreements.
Risch told Digital that he has consistently raised national security concerns about South Africa’s eligibility for AGOA. He noted that AGOA is set to expire later this year and that President Trump’s tariff regime already overrides many of its benefits. He remains critical of the South African government’s stance, which is why he supported Secretary Rubio’s decision not to allow U.S. representation at the G20 handover ceremony.
In November, South Africa is scheduled to hand over the chairmanship of the G20 to the U.S., but Washington is not sending any officials to the ceremony.
Digital reached out to the South African government but did not receive a response.
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