25th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Africa Perspective
Dr. Ambe Valentine, a political and economic consultant from Cameroon, addressed the forum to present the concerns of Africans regarding the growing foreign influence on the continent. He described what he termed a “second scramble for Africa,” driven by geopolitical competition between Eastern and Western powers, particularly Russia and China. He expressed concern that Russia’s involvement in West Africa, especially amidst recent coups in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, is undermining democratic systems by promoting strong leaders rather than strong institutions. He argued that sustainable democracy in Africa must be adapted to African contexts and strengthened through institutional accountability rather than reliance on powerful individuals.
He also warned about China’s expanding economic presence, particularly through large loans that he characterized as creating debt dependency. While acknowledging that Chinese loans often carry lower interest rates than traditional Western lenders, he raised concerns about non-forgivable debt, asset seizures, and the long-term financial burden on African nations. According to Dr. Valentine, heavy indebtedness is limiting governments’ ability to fund infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development. He concluded by urging the international community to work alongside Africa in a manner that protects the continent’s interests, promotes institutional strength, and prevents unsustainable debt from undermining Africa’s future growth and sovereignty.
