The growing presence of external powers like Russia and China in Africa impacts the continent's sovereignty and its relationships with traditional Western partners by offering alternative models of engagement that are less conditional than those of the West.

This provides African nations with new avenues for economic development and security cooperation, but also raises concerns about debt sustainability, the erosion of democratic norms, and a growing dependence on non-Western powers.

This dynamic challenges the historical influence of former colonial powers and creates a more complex, multipolar geopolitical landscape on the continent.

Impact on African Sovereignty-

The engagement of Russia and China, while offering opportunities, can also pose risks to African sovereignty. 

• Economic Influence and Debt: China has become Africa's largest trading partner and a major creditor, financing critical infrastructure projects through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While this has spurred economic growth, it has also raised concerns about debt-trap diplomacy. In some cases, countries have taken on unsustainable debt, giving Beijing significant leverage and potentially ceding control over strategic assets to Chinese state-owned companies.

• Political and Diplomatic Alignment: Both China and Russia adhere to a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This approach appeals to many African governments because it contrasts sharply with the Western emphasis on democracy, human rights, and good governance. This can inadvertently embolden authoritarian leaders and weaken efforts to promote democratic reforms and the rule of law.

• Security Cooperation: Russia's influence is often centered on security, providing arms and military training to African governments, sometimes through private military contractors like the Wagner Group. This security support can help to prop up embattled regimes, but it can also be a source of instability, as it can fuel conflicts and undermine regional peace efforts.

Impact on Relationships with Western Partners-

The growing presence of non-Western powers is fundamentally changing Africa's relationships with traditional Western partners, including former colonial powers.

• Diversification of Partnerships: African nations are using the competition between global powers to their advantage, giving them more options for investment and security cooperation. This allows them to diversify their partners beyond the West, reducing their reliance on traditional sources of aid and giving them greater leverage in negotiations.

• A "New Scramble for Africa": Western nations, particularly the United States and European powers, view the growing influence of China and Russia as a direct challenge to their own interests. They have responded with their own initiatives, such as the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), which aims to provide a more transparent and sustainable alternative to the BRI. This has turned Africa into a geopolitical battleground, with both sides vying for influence.

• Erosion of Western Influence: For decades, former colonial powers held significant economic and political sway in Africa. The rise of China and Russia has challenged this status quo, with many African nations now looking to these new partners for economic and military support. This shift has led to a decline in Western influence and a reevaluation of traditional relationships.