The Migration Research Institute hosted a roundtable discussion titled "From the M23 to the USAID Cut: The US Africa Policy in a Transactional World". The event featured former Ambassador Tibor Nagy, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Viktor Marsai, Executive Director of the Migration Research Institute at MCC. The discussion was moderated by Máté Gergely Balogh, Senior Researcher at the Migration Research Institute.
In his opening presentation, Tibor Nagy examined how US policy toward Africa has changed over time. He argued that the continent has rarely been a top geopolitical priority for Washington, with American engagement largely focused on aid and responding to crises. According to Nagy, US-Africa relations have also long been influenced by paternalistic attitudes. While both Republican and Democratic administrations launched initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation with African countries, many of their objectives remained unmet. He contrasted this with the current US approach, which places greater emphasis on economic partnerships, investment, job creation, and supporting peace efforts in countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Viktor Marsai turned the discussion toward security challenges on the continent. He highlighted the growing influence of radical Islamist movements and pointed to the role that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have played in spreading Salafist ideas across Africa. As these currents gain ground, they increasingly challenge the more moderate Sufi traditions that have historically been dominant in many regions. Marsai noted that this creates opportunities for extremist groups such as Boko Haram and al-Shabaab to expand their influence. He also warned about the growing links between Islamist extremism and organized crime, while noting that increased US involvement in counterterrorism efforts across Africa represents a positive development.
The discussion shed light on the changing nature of US-Africa relations and the key security, political, and economic developments shaping the continent today.
