Kenya’s Rare Earths: A New Pillar in US Strategic Engagement

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Recent American initiatives raise concerns about respect for African sovereignty. The most striking example is Trump’s proposal to recognise Somaliland in exchange for accepting Palestinian refugees.

In Kenya, the U.S. is strengthening partnerships around rare earths, which are essential for the energy transition. This push is part of a global race for critical minerals, where Washington seeks to close the gap with Beijing. It also comes alongside a military repositioning in the region, particularly in the Sahel, after France’s withdrawal.

Recent American initiatives raise concerns about respect for African sovereignty. The most striking example is Trump’s proposal to recognise Somaliland in exchange for accepting Palestinian refugees. For historian Boukari-Yabara, these “deal-making negotiations” reflect a purely transactional view of relations with Africa.

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In the face of this aggressive policy, there is an urgent, unified continental response: Africa needs to create transnational industries and resolve the CFA franc issue. The key question remains whether African countries can turn this new geopolitical rivalry into a genuine opportunity for sovereign development.