Sen Risch: China, Russia, Iran gives us challenges in Africa
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First on Fox: The president of the senatorial committee of foreign relations was unleashed in China, Russia and Iran for having threatened American national security interests in Africa in exclusive comments to Fox News Digital.
In an interview with vast, senator Jim Risch, R-Assaho, discussed the approach of the Trump administration in Africa, highlighting terrorism, war and concerns about trade on the continent. Risch stressed the importance of Africa for the United States
“Economic opportunities in Africa cannot be underestimated and the United States must have a seat at the table concerning trade and investment in the region,” he said. “At the same time, there are serious national security challenges that we must take up to include terrorism, generalized conflicts affecting regional stability, migration and trafficking.”
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Senator Jim Risch, R-ID, spoke to Fox News Digital on Africa. (Bonnie Cash-Pool / Getty Images)
Russia, China and Iran have been criticized by Risch as “ malignant actors ” in Africa, accused of military interventions, commercial operating practices and in the case of Iran, which work on an agreement to extract refined uranium “Yellowcake” for its controversial nuclear program.
“The malignant actions of China and Russia, and even regional actors like Iran, are serious challenges for our national security interests in Africa,” said Risch. “The fight against the influence of these attackers concerns as much the United States which pursues greater partnerships with African states as to respond to the challenges put forward by countries like Russia and China in Africa.”
Risch weighed on the role of the American army on the continent, saying that “is to protect the American people, first and foremost, and this objective should remain the same in Africa. We have serious security threats in Africa, and we must take them seriously. Do not forget, Osama bin Laden hid in Sudan, bombed our embassies and planned its attack 9/11”. “”
The fighters of the Sudan Liberation Movement, a Sudanese rebellious group active in the state of Darfur of Sudan which supports the head of the army Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, attend a graduation ceremony in the south-east of the state of Gedaref on March 28, 2024. (AFP via Getty Images)
Then there is the question of Islamist terror. Risch said he was “concerned about the spread of Islamist activists in some parts of Africa and supported efforts to work with countries to help them control this situation”.
He added: “I am aware that it is not up to us to face this problem, and we must stop being the only major player to provide international support. Others, including African nations, must do more.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a family photo at the Kazan summit on October 23, 2024. (Alexander Zemlianichenko / Pool / AFP via Getty Images)
Washington clearly has Somali terror on its radar. By prohibiting Somalians from entering the United States earlier this month, a proclamation of the White House said: “The US government has identified Somalia as a terrorist refuge.”
Terrorists affiliated with the Al-Qaeda and Islamic State operate openly. The American army, through its Africa, increased measures against groups since President Trump took office. So far this month, the United States has already carried out six air strikes against the Islamic State in Somalia.
Al-Shabab fighters carry out a military exercise in the Suqaholahahahahahar district north of Mogadishu, Somalia, Sunday September 5, 2010. (Farah Abdi Warsameh / AP Photo)
“I have pleaded so strongly for the United States to build an approach that is less based on a partner of the central government which has not delivered, and more on partners in Somalia and in the region to cause effects of effective terrorism.
“Fortunately, the policy in Africa of President Trump has already shown that he is thinking of the beaten track, as shown by the management of recent air strikes on Somalia with less action by hand and a more direct and decisive action.”
In Sudan, Russia and Iran have been affected as protagonists pushing the military agendas and the war. It is estimated that 150,000 were killed and more than 12 million people, since the civil war broke out in April 2023.
“War in Sudan must end, and the partition of the Sudanese state must be prevented. It is the worst humanitarian disaster in the world and a playground for malignant actors supporting both sides,” he said.
Supporters of the National Niger Council of Sefeguard of the Fatherland (CNSP) hold a Russia (R) and a Chinese flag (L) while they meet in place of the concerted in Niamey on August 20, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)
The daring move to keep the Americans safe from “terrorists” is the basis of the ban on American trips for certain African nations
On the spearhead by President Donald Trump for efforts to bring peace to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Risch said: “I know that this administration works hard to conclude an agreement between the DRC and Rwanda which will end the fights. America must serve as a counterweight to the critical mineral agreements in China in the region, but cannot do it fully as long as the region is no longer stable.”
In South Africa, government ministers continue to meet senior Russian, Chinese and Iranian officials. The political party of the African National Congress, of which South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is the leader, welcomed officials from the Hamas terrorist group. However, the country benefits from the franchise advantages of rights for products such as cars and fruits in the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA and other commercial transactions.
Washington, DC – May 21: American president Donald Trump (R) speaks during a meeting with the president of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at the Oval Blanche office on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
Risch told Fox News Digital: “I have constantly raised national security problems concerning the admissibility to barley in South Africa. AGOA.
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In November, South Africa had to present the G20 presidency in the United States, but at that time, Washington does not send a single civil servant to the transfer ceremony.
Fox News Digital contacted the South African government, but has received no response.
