Nigeria, Feb. 21 -- The widening divergence between Europe and the United States (US) under President Donald Trump appears to be rendering the notion of the collective 'West' obsolete.

That could have important implications for Africa. Although the continent has been diversifying its global partnerships, it might now face difficult choices.

Mr Trump's decision to negotiate directly (and only) with Russia for a Ukraine peace deal, and the insults directed at Europeans by US Vice-President JD Vance at this week's Munich Security Conference, have created tensions.

Together, they seriously question the continued relevance of the transatlantic partnership.

Mr Vance urged European leaders to drop the 'firewalls' they have erected to keep fa...