January 25, 2021 In our “Africa Reacts” series, the CSIS Africa Program asks prominent African journalists, civil society activists, and thought leaders to share their analysis on the U.S. political process. By flipping the script—featuring African analysts’ views on U.S. politics rather than U.S. analysts’ opinions on African developments—we are seeking to start a new conversation about the future of U.S.-African relations. In our eighth edition, we asked top African analysts to react to President Biden’s inauguration and the events leading up to that day. Many noted the deleterious effects of the January 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol on the United States’ global reputation as a beacon of democracy. Others argued that President Trump’s policies and actions over the last four years have set a precedent for “strongmen” across Africa to ignore democratic norms and backpedal on human rights. Last, many looked forward with anticipation—wondering how the Biden administration will juggle its domestic challenges of political divide, systemic racism, and surging Covid-19 cases, while working to restore its legitimacy and leadership on the world stage.