For years, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner mercenary group has played the role of Russia’s shadowy enforcer, executing clandestine operations across the developing world, particularly in Africa, on behalf of the Kremlin. However, the recent ill-fated rebellion led by Prigozhin has left him debilitated and weakened, presenting a golden opportunity for the United States to seize the moment and reshape its engagement with the continent.

Now that Prigozhin is in exile in Belarus and the Russian state is distracted by its war on Ukraine, the time has come for the United States to boldly step onto the African stage. The global arena is witnessing an intense competition for influence between great powers. As the curtain rises on a new chapter, Africa stands as a crucial battleground in this competition. If the United States fails to shape events on the continent in its favor, these revisionist adversaries will.

Russia and China have been feasting on Africa’s vast resources and strategic significance, securing economic footholds and building alliances with African nations. They have skillfully leveraged their economic prowess and diplomatic maneuvers to propel their interests forward while we have been content with a passive role. The time has come to realize that Africa is no longer a secondary concern but a prime arena for geopolitical competition.

As Russia and China make strides here, we must recognize the urgency of getting in the game. Africa’s potential is immense, with a growing population, untapped resources, and a hunger for progress. To compete effectively, we must move beyond transactional relationships and instead foster comprehensive partnerships that prioritize the well-being and aspirations of the African people. Through constructive engagement, we can build trust, counter extremism, and mitigate the root causes of instability, while simultaneously creating new avenues for economic cooperation and collaboration.

The United States must also employ a holistic approach to counter Moscow’s and Beijing’s propaganda campaigns. By supporting local media, promoting press freedom, and facilitating exchange programs, we can empower African voices and ensure that accurate and diverse narratives shape public opinion.

In this era of great-power competition, the United States cannot afford to lag behind in Africa. The time for action is now. As Russia and China eat our lunch on the continent, we must rise to the occasion, reclaim our position at the table, and demonstrate our commitment to Africa’s prosperity and stability. By seizing this opportunity, we can forge a future where Africa stands as a testament to the transformative power of partnership, with the United States playing a leading role in shaping events and securing our collective interests.