Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has expressed strong support for President Donald Trump’s approach to Africa, praising the administration’s ‘outside the box’ thinking. He specifically highlighted the recent airstrikes in Somalia as a testament to the effectiveness of the strategy. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Risch discussed the pressing national security challenges facing the United States in Africa, including terrorism, regional conflicts, and the growing influence of China, Russia, and Iran. Risch stressed the importance of Africa as a key economic region for the U.S. and called for a more proactive engagement with African nations to counter external threats.
Risch criticized Russia, China, and Iran for their ‘malign actions’ in Africa, accusing them of military interventions, exploitative trade practices, and supporting destabilizing activities. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to foster stronger partnerships with African states to counter these aggressors. Risch also pointed to the role of the U.S. military in Africa, noting its responsibility to protect American interests. He referenced the historical threat posed by Osama bin Laden, who used Sudan as a base to plan the 9/11 attacks, to underscore the ongoing risks of terrorism in the region.
In addressing the issue of Islamist terrorism, Risch expressed concerns about the spread of extremist groups in Africa and supported efforts to collaborate with local governments to control the situation. However, he also emphasized that the U.S. cannot be the sole provider of international support, urging African nations to take more responsibility. The senator also mentioned the recent move by Republican senators to block Somalia terror funding until allies pay a ‘fair share,’ highlighting the U.S. government’s recognition of Somalia as a terrorist safe haven. The U.S. military, through its Africa Command, has intensified operations against groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, with six air strikes conducted in Somalia this month alone.
Risch also addressed the situation in Sudan, where a civil war has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with thousands of casualties and displaced persons. He called for a swift resolution to the conflict and urged against the partition of the Sudanese state, which he described as a ‘playground for malign actors.’ Additionally, he mentioned the U.S. efforts to secure peace between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, recognizing the importance of regional stability in countering China’s influence in critical minerals deals.
In South Africa, Risch raised concerns about the country’s engagement with Russian, Chinese, and Iranian officials, as well as its hosting of Hamas representatives. He criticized the African National Congress government for its ‘posture’ and applauded Secretary Marco Rubio’s decision to not participate in the G20 conference. These actions, he argued, are part of a broader strategy to ensure U.S. national security interests and economic priorities are protected in the region.