Eagles and dragons circle over Africa

The war in Western Sudan and the crisis in Zimbabwe have attracted a huge amount of political and media attention in the West. The loose affiliation of China with the Sudanese and Zimbabwean governments may increase the attention given to the crises, which are not unique despite their severity. Western countries and companies have enjoyed close ties with their African counterparts, but they have recently been challenged by China (and India, although its presence is currently less visible).

The possibility of Africa becoming a new frontier for an East-West struggle should alarm governments in the continent. Close affiliation with either side during the Cold War often brought violence and corruption. African governments may opt for non-alignment in a new rush as the safest course of action, and some countries are cleverly getting what they can from both sides. Zambia for example has been a major recipient of Chinese investment and Western aid; the DR Congo seems to be gearing its policy to follow suit.