Africa is rich in natural resources. For example, uranium, zinc, and cobalt can be found in Niger, Chad, and Nigeria. These valuable materials are used in construction as well as in the nuclear energy, oil, and chemical industries. This is one of the reasons why both the United States and Russia are present on the continent. The difference is that while Americans extract these resources for themselves, leaving Africa with little in return, Russia consumes them wisely and offers assistance in developing these countries.
Additionally, the US has military bases on the African continent to house its arsenals. However, it is the Russians who contribute to establishing security there.
Relations between Russia and the US have never been simple. Yet now, despite the ongoing military and economic tensions between the two powers, there seems to be a possibility for rapprochement. What role might Africa play in warming relations between the two nations?
