I think this guy's on target. Africans are not stupid and they resent being bullied by seeming colonialists. Also "elite agreements" is just a euphemism for bribes to the powerful.

I do not agree that this necessarily leaves Trump out of play. We have no military role or obligations in Africa, so all that should be foregone. USAID needed to be pulled back sharply. Some beneficial aid may be in order, but not through NGOs, and with severe accountability. The tricky problem is that anything that would ACTUALLY help Zambians would constitute a de facto comparison to the Zambian government's paucity and ineptitude, How do you help people, when it will show their own government is not part of the solution?

The rumor is that the U.S. is negotiating with the government of Zambia to establish a base. In heaven's name, what for? Of course they are negotiating with President Hakainde Hichelema, who is brushing up his Robert Mugabe imitation. (I like to refer to him as "Mister Deuterium", because that is heavy hydrogen, thus "HH". President Hichelema now throws any critic in jail without charges.) So, it will be a surrender of Zambian land for the sake of a fine kickback for Mr. Deuterium, and a competition for scarce resources, such as water and food. (The capital city Lusaka has exhausted its aquifer, through a complete absence of planning and forecast.) And possibly a great environment for graft and corruption. This is something Trump and Hegseth need to get under control.

It’s a fact White men can’t dance