Did Marco Rubio Just Signaled a New Scramble for Africa?

In this episode of the Breakdown, we analyze remarks delivered by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference and assess what they signal for Africa. Rubio framed the post–Cold War order as a failure and called for Western renewal rooted in sovereignty, identity, and industrial strength. He rejected multilateral restraint and signaled that the United States would act with or without Europe. He linked economic security to supply chains and critical minerals. That language carries weight for Africa, which holds key reserves of cobalt, lithium, and rare earths. When major powers speak of consolidation and secure access, resource regions must pay attention. Cyril Ramaphosa responded by warning against a new form of mineral extraction without local beneficiation. The moment raises a strategic choice for the continent. Africa can remain fragmented and export raw materials, or it can coordinate policy, add value, and negotiate from strength in a tightening global order.