The nomination of U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz for Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump has sparked reactions across the globe, particularly in Africa. Gaetz, known for his controversial foreign policy remarks, had in May 2024 called for a U.S. invasion of Niger following the country’s decision to expel American troops and realign itself with anti-Western powers.

This development has raised alarms among Pan-Africanists and observers of U.S.-Africa relations, particularly given the ongoing shifts in the geopolitical happenings in West Africa. Gaetz’s nomination as the chief law enforcement officer of the United States intensifies concerns over Washington’s approach to the continent.

Background on Niger and the Alliance of Sahel States

Niger is a member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a confederation that includes Mali and Burkina Faso. These three nations have undergone significant political transformations in recent years, marked by successful coups against Western-aligned leaders and the expulsion of French and other foreign troops. Their assertiveness has been hailed by Pan-Africanists as a stand against neo-colonialism, but it has also drawn ire from Western powers, particularly the United States and France.

In August, during an episode of This Week in Africa, a livestream hosted by African Stream and Authentic African, journalist Inemesit Richardson voiced her concerns about U.S. interventionism. She highlighted Gaetz’s May comments as emblematic of a broader trend in American foreign policy—using military intervention to secure Western interests at the expense of African sovereignty.

Richardson warned that while Gaetz’s threat to invade Niger did not materialize, the potential for regime-change tactics against AES countries remains a significant risk. The alliance’s bold stance against foreign interference has positioned it as a target for Western powers intent on maintaining their influence in the region.

The Implications of Gaetz’s Nomination

As Attorney General, Gaetz would head the U.S. Department of Justice, a role that encompasses domestic law enforcement and international legal actions. His nomination by Trump signals the possibility of a more aggressive foreign policy approach toward Africa, particularly toward nations that challenge Western dominance. Gaetz’s prior remarks about Niger amplify concerns that U.S. strategies may prioritize military and covert operations to undermine AES countries.

Observers note that Trump’s preference for hardliners like Gaetz reflects a broader agenda to reassert U.S. dominance globally. For Africa, this raises the specter of increased military interventions, economic sanctions, and covert destabilization efforts, all of which could challenge the sovereignty and stability of nations within the AES.

Pan-African Reactions

The nomination has reignited debates about Africa’s ability to defend its sovereignty against foreign aggression. Richardson’s call for Africans to unite in defending Niger and its allies echoes the sentiments of Pan-African leaders and activists who view the AES as a model for resisting neo-colonialism. The confederation’s expulsion of foreign troops is seen as a step toward reclaiming African agency, but it also makes its member states open to retaliation from Western powers.

The Need for Vigilance

As the world watches the transition of power in Washington, African leaders and citizens must remain vigilant. Gaetz’s nomination, coupled with Trump’s Afrophobic track record, suggests that the coming years could bring heightened challenges for Africa’s push for self-determination. The AES’s resistance to Western domination serves as an inspiration, but it also stresses the need for stronger regional alliances and global advocacy to counter external pressures.

Gaetz’s potential confirmation as Attorney General signals a pivotal moment for U.S.-Africa relations. It is a reminder of the enduring legacy of imperialism and the ongoing struggle for African nations to assert their independence in a global system often skewed against them. The call for Pan-African unity in defending Niger and the broader AES vision resonates as both timely and essential.