Africans reject choosing sides as China, US compete for influence – Afrobarometer

A new Afrobarometer report titled "Beyond Borders: Citizen Perspectives on a Shifting Global Order" reveals that Africans are rejecting the pressure to align with any single global power. Instead, citizens across 38 African countries favor maintaining relationships with multiple international partners based on their effectiveness in serving national interests.

The report indicates that positive views of one major power, such as China, do not necessarily lead to negative views of another, like the United States. China received the highest positive ratings, with 62% of respondents describing its influence positively, while the United States' positive perception dropped from 59% to 53%. The European Union received 50% positive ratings, while former colonial powers were at 41%.

India had a 39% positive rating, and Russia recorded the lowest positive perception at 36%. Despite Russia's increasing awareness in Africa, negative ratings have risen by six percentage points. Africans generally support a nonaligned stance, as 72% of those aware of the Russia-Ukraine war favored neutrality, with the exception of Mali.

The report also found strong support for increased African representation in global institutions, with 71% of respondents favoring greater influence in international decision-making bodies like the United Nations. This reflects a desire for a balanced global relationship where Africa can engage multiple partners without being forced into rival camps.