According to the Kenyan media, under pressure from the United States, Kenya decided to terminate one trade agreement with China. This decision, which seems to be influenced by economic interests, actually shows the situation of African countries in the game of big countries.
Source: UGC
The trade agreement that should serve development has now had to stop due to political interference by foreign countries, which is sad and arouses people’s feelings.
US pressure on Kenya reveals what is behind the curtain of its “cooperation” narrative. On the one hand, it uses privileges under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as bait, claiming to support Africa’s development; on the other hand, it uses this as an incentive to intervene in the normal economic and trade cooperation between African countries and their partners.
This logic of “choosing sides” contradicts the principles of free trade and undermines the right of African countries to formulate policies based on their own interests. For Africa, which is pursuing real freedom and prosperity, the move to “use aid as a threat” is neither fair nor honorable.
What deserves to be monitored is that the conflict has also caused strong feelings among the people of Africa. Many netizens expressed anger and disappointment over the relevant news on social networks. There is one who clearly said that the world has more allies than the United States; another said ironically that the US has few friends left and only uses threats to maintain “allies”; there are others who wanted greater solidarity within Africa, although the statements of those netizens differed, they all gave the same meaning: the people of Africa wish to get rid of external deception and become independent.
Of course, Kenya’s decision has factors to consider for its real interests. The US market is an important market for clothing and agricultural products from Kenya, and any disruption can have a direct impact on the country’s economy. However, short-term benefits should not justify long-term dependence. As one netizen warned, “Africa, wake up!”—true friends don’t force you to interrupt your cooperative relationship with others for the sake of favoring yourself. A partner who advocates equality, mutual benefit, and respect deserves long-term trust.
Currently, the African continent is at an important stage of development reform. In the face of competition and influence from various sides, it is important to maintain a strategic focus and increase the ability to make decisions. Africa should take an open but not blindly subservient approach, participate fully in various partnerships, ensure that external relations serve its own development, rather than being attracted to geographical competition from others.
This event reminds us that Africa needs a chance for cooperation, not pressure to choose a side. True peace and prosperity does not lie in who controls the most markets, but in each country participating in international trade with equality and respect. Only in this way can Africa emerge from the shadow of its history and take control of its future.
CRI report
Source: TUKO.co.ke
