Why did the Soviet Union and the United States both get involved in proxy wars in Africa during the Cold War?

1.Both governments were focused solely on providing humanitarian aid to the region.

2.Both governments were concerned with the protection of personal liberties and free elections.

3.Both governments wanted to secure their political influence in the region through support.

4.The United Nations requested that both governments intervene to bring about peace.

Question

Why did the Soviet Union and the United States both get involved in proxy wars in Africa during the Cold War?

1.Both governments were focused solely on providing humanitarian aid to the region.

2.Both governments were concerned with the protection of personal liberties and free elections.

3.Both governments wanted to secure their political influence in the region through support.

4.The United Nations requested that both governments intervene to bring about peace.

anonymous · Answer

Mostly (3) -- both governments wanted to secure their political influence in the region through support. 

Both the US and the Soviets were locked in the Cold War and one of the reasons it didn't quite turn "hot" was their use of proxies instead of hitting each other head on. By supporting countries and individuals that were friendly towards them around the world, they could "fight" each other without actually firing directly at one another. At least most of the time.

anonymous · Answer

thanks :D