Why America must stand with Africa’s human rights defenders

Africa has become a battlefield between democracy and authoritarianism. As things stand right now, the autocrats are winning.

In the shadowy recesses of international politics, Africa is often overlooked by headline-dominant crises elsewhere, yet it is a pivotal arena where the future of global democracy may well be decided. As more than 25 percent of the world’s population will be African in the coming decades, it’s in our best interest to think about their future — and the broader implications for global security, democracy and U.S. interests.

Often sidelined in policy priorities, Africa has become a playground where China and Russia gleefully carve up spheres of influence through natural resources and — let’s not forget — UN votes, thanks to cozy relationships with authoritarian regimes.

Human rights defenders across the continent are on the forefront, fighting an uphill battle against these entwined forces of local tyranny and international autocracy. Their struggle is not just a local fight for resources or freedoms; it’s a frontline defense against the spread of global autocracy, influencing international law, global governance and the balance of power.

The stakes are incredibly high. When African nations fall under the sway of autocrats, backed by Chinese and Russian support, they become chess pieces in a game that strengthens authoritarianism at the expense of global democracy. These alliances facilitate the circumvention of international sanctions — African countries have been accused of issuing diplomatic passports to sanctioned officials, aiding nuclear agreements with entities like Rosatom, and providing refuge for international fugitives.

At a recent event hosted by the McCain Institute, defenders from Congo Brazzaville, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea and Uganda shared stories of harassment, brutal attacks, unjust imprisonment and the devastating impact on their families. Despite these harrowing personal experiences, they maintained a resolute focus on the broader implications of their struggles for global stability.

Congolese defender Andrea Ngombet emphasized the critical yet overlooked role of Africa in global politics, warning of the continent’s use as a stage for advancing autocracy worldwide. “It’s time to recognize the decisive role Africa plays in global instability,” he said. “My country’s nuclear agreement with Russia’s Rosatom is a stark example of striving for unchecked power, emulating North Korean aspirations to cement power permanently.”

Nicholas Opiyo, a renowned human rights lawyer from Uganda, highlighted the hypocrisy of his government. While publicly aligning with global anti-terror efforts, Uganda serves as a covert channel for violating international sanctions, underscoring the urgent need for global attention to these regions where defenders persevere against all odds to spotlight and combat these critical issues.

Why should the U.S. care? Because the battle for human rights in Africa aligns closely with America’s national interests, and it is a strategic measure to maintain balance in global affairs. The defenders’ battles against corruption and exploitation are directly linked to the security and stability of international markets and democratic institutions. Defenders point out the connections between seemingly unrelated international crises; they’re drawing a map of a world where ignored countries are aspiring to become mini-North Koreas, with ambitions for nuclear capabilities that could destabilize the entire world.

Authoritarians and hostile nations aren’t waiting for the U.S. to finish internal debates or the November elections — they’re advancing their agendas now, exploiting the distraction. It is not enough to condemn from afar or impose sanctions without follow-through. American foreign policy must recalibrate to support these defenders more effectively.

The U.S. must be a proactive partner, amplifying the voices of those who fight for democratic values and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. This support should involve creating mechanisms whereby the targeted sanctions and frozen assets of perpetrators are used to support the infrastructure of democracy — funding legal aid, supporting independent media and ensuring that activists have the technology and security they need to be safe and effective.

Moreover, there is a need for a robust policy framework that not only penalizes through sanctions but also actively dismantles the networks that allow sanctioned officials to evade these penalties. African countries should not be seen as conduits for sanction dodging or as backdoors for illegal international dealings.

What happens in Africa will not stay in Africa. Supporting human rights defenders is not just the right thing to do; it is the smart, necessary path forward for global security and the international order. So, let’s not just send thoughts and prayers. Let’s send support, solidarity, and a loud, clear message: Human rights matter, everywhere.

Berivan Orucoglu is the assistant director at the McCain Institute, where she oversees the Human Rights Defenders Program.