How US uses carrot and stick tactics on human rights in East Africa

Biden Ruto

Kenya President William Ruto and US President Joe Biden during their talks at White house on May 23, 2024.  

Photo credit: PSC

The US policy in East Africa is increasingly becoming a choice of pragmatism versus straitjacket approach to the issues of democracy and human rights.

From Kenya to Tanzania, Uganda to Rwanda, Washington has employed carrot and stick throughout President Joe Biden’s tenure, reflecting its intention to rival China’s interests in the region, while seeming to uphold its traditional values of democracy and human rights.