Anti-Rights Agendas Threaten Africa

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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U.S. Anti-Rights Figures at African Conferences

Across the African continent, a troubling trend is taking shape. Activists are sounding alarms about U.S. figures, often linked to conservative Christian groups, who are increasingly present at conferences focused on so-called “family values.” For many of us in the Diaspora, watching external forces attempt to shape social norms on the continent brings an uneasy sense of familiarity. These events are sparking deep concern among those fighting for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, who fear a significant rollback of hard-won human dignities.

The New Scramble: U.S. Anti-Rights Influence in Africa

Prominent U.S. conservatives are increasingly headlining conferences across Africa. Critics argue these gatherings are strategically designed to push an agenda that restricts basic human rights. This is particularly alarming for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The discourse often centers around “family values,” a term frequently used to mask discriminatory intentions. Indeed, this push mirrors tactics seen elsewhere, where such language is used to attack fundamental freedoms (Women’s Groups Sound Alarm As Prominent US Conservatives Headline African Family Conferences).

Furthermore, this isn’t just about speeches and workshops. American far-right evangelical organizations are reportedly funding African Members of Parliament and religious groups. Their goal is to advocate against homosexuality and push policies that align with a broader effort to curtail LGBTQ+ rights in various African nations (LGBTQ activists in Africa work to counter influence of American evangelicals). This financial leverage can create a powerful, externally driven pressure on local legislative processes, which is a serious concern for those advocating for African sovereignty and self-determination in matters of human rights.

“Family Values” Push: A Threat to African Human Rights

The term “family values” is a cornerstone of the rhetoric used by these U.S. conservative groups. However, beneath this seemingly benign phrase often lies an agenda that actively opposes human rights, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and women. This “family values” framework is frequently used to justify opposition to same-sex relationships and abortion, framing these stances as necessary to protect traditional family structures (Christian Conservative Opposition to SOGI Human Rights). Consequently, this can lead to policies that reinforce outdated gender roles and family compositions, often aligning with conservative religious views.

Organizations like Family Watch International (FWI) and the Center for Family and Human Rights (C-FAM) are prominent in this movement. These groups are actively involved in international advocacy against SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) rights. They also champion conservative family values, often collaborating with like-minded groups globally (Christian Conservative Opposition to SOGI Human Rights). Their lobbying efforts at international forums can significantly influence policy discussions, subtly shaping laws and social norms in African nations away from universal human rights principles. This external pressure is a direct challenge to the autonomy of African societies to define their own paths forward.

On the Ground: How U.S. Conservatives Impact African Lives

The influence of U.S. conservatives promoting anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ policies is viewed as a direct threat to fundamental freedoms across Africa. American pro-life organizations are notable participants in these conferences. They advocate for policies that undermine gender-based rights and reproductive health, essentially exporting U.S. culture wars to the continent (LGBTQ activists in Africa work to counter influence of American evangelicals). For many in the African Diaspora, this feels like a new form of ideological colonialism, where external definitions of morality are imposed with little regard for local contexts or the well-being of marginalized communities.

Critics are deeply concerned that these efforts support policies contributing to severe negative outcomes. These include death, discrimination, femicide (the killing of women and girls due to their gender), and widespread gender-based violence. Moreover, such policies lead to a broader restriction of fundamental freedoms that affect everyone (LGBTQ activists in Africa work to counter influence of American evangelicals). The fight for human rights in Africa is thus intrinsically linked to resisting these external pressures that seek to erode the safety and dignity of its people, particularly its most vulnerable.

African Voices Rising: The Fight for Dignity and Rights

In the face of these challenges, African activists are not standing idly by. They are bracing for a potential surge in discriminatory legislation and social backlash against marginalized groups. LGBTQ+ activists, for instance, are actively working to counter the influence of American evangelicals. They do this by supporting inclusive policies and advocating for robust rights protection across the continent (LGBTQ activists in Africa work to counter influence of American evangelicals). Their resilience is a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance against oppression.

Similarly, feminist groups are raising critical awareness about the potential erosion of women’s rights and dignity due to these conferences and the ideologies they promote (Women’s Groups Sound Alarm As Prominent US Conservatives Headline African Family Conferences). These local movements are crucial. They represent an internal, organic push for human rights that stands in stark contrast to the externally imposed agendas. The dialogue around “African feminist futures” also underscores the continent’s own vibrant conversations about diverse perspectives and the urgent need for comprehensive rights protections (African feminist futures: Reflections on the 2025 African Women in Dialogue Conference).

Decoding the Language: What “Pro-Life” Means for Africa

It’s crucial to understand the terminology used by these U.S. groups. “Pro-life,” in this context, typically refers to policies and advocacy aimed at restricting or banning abortion. These efforts often mirror U.S. conservative agendas, which are then exported to African countries through funding and partnerships with religious entities (Evangelical influence on US human rights policy explored). This isn’t simply about a moral stance; it’s about imposing a specific, often restrictive, policy framework onto diverse African societies.

The term “U.S. anti-rights figures” generally describes individuals or groups pushing for policies that limit human rights, especially concerning reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ issues. These figures are often tied to conservative political and religious movements (Evangelical influence on US human rights policy explored). Unfortunately, their framing of these issues as matters of “religious freedom” or “cultural values” can obscure the very real human rights implications for people on the ground (Why are white evangelicals anti-human rights?). The impact of such advocacy can be devastating, particularly when it leads to the criminalization of identities or personal choices.

The Web of Influence: Tactics of Anti-Rights Organizations

U.S. anti-rights groups often advocate for specific restrictive policies. These include the criminalization of same-sex relationships and outright bans on abortion. Such policies are promoted in African countries through lobbying efforts and partnerships with local religious or political figures (Christian Conservative Opposition to SOGI Human Rights). This influence can be quite direct, shaping legislation that has profound consequences for citizens’ lives and safety.

Moreover, the mechanism of this influence frequently involves financial support. U.S. conservative groups are known to provide funding to African MPs and religious organizations. This financial backing can sway policy decisions and foster alliances that promote anti-SOGI and “pro-life” agendas within African nations (Christian Conservative Opposition to SOGI Human Rights). It is this flow of resources that often underpins the capacity of these external agendas to take root, thereby undermining local democratic processes and self-determination.

Challenges and Hope: The Path to African Self-Determination

The presence of U.S. anti-rights figures at conferences in Africa raises significant concerns about the erosion of human rights. This is particularly true for LGBTQ+ individuals and women who are often the primary targets. However, the response from African activists provides a powerful counter-narrative. They are actively working to promote inclusive policies and protect human rights across the region. Their efforts often face considerable challenges, including limited resources and pervasive social stigma (Christian Conservative Opposition to SOGI Human Rights).

It is also important to acknowledge the broader context. International forums and discussions, such as the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, touch on U.S.-Africa relations, economic partnerships, and migrant worker rights (U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Side Events). While these may not directly address the anti-rights agenda, they highlight the complex web of international influence. Ultimately, the struggle for human rights in Africa is intertwined with the continent’s journey towards self-determination, free from external impositions that seek to dictate social and legal norms. The resilience and activism of African people themselves remain the most potent force for positive change.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.