By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Cindy Saine
Published on 2024-01-18 18:43:30
The State Department announced that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be embarking on a six-day trip to Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola next week, marking his fourth visit to the African continent. This visit is a follow-up to the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, which was followed by 17 Cabinet-level official visits last year.
President Joe Biden has also expressed his intention to visit Africa this year, although no concrete plans have been announced. The State Department has highlighted how the United States has accelerated its partnership with Africa since the summit, particularly in areas such as climate, food, and health security. The department also emphasized the future-focused economic partnership and the United States’ investment in African infrastructure to promote two-way trade and job creation.
While there is speculation about countering China’s influence on the continent being a major theme of the trip, the State Department has downplayed this, with Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, stating that Africa is important for its own sake and for American interests.
Phee also mentioned major U.S. infrastructure projects in partnership with Angola and Cape Verde, emphasizing the need to highlight the positive aspects of Africa. She particularly highlighted the capacity of African people, especially the youth, and forward-looking engagements such as the partnership with Angola in outer space.
During his trip, Blinken hopes to attend a match in person at the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament in the Ivory Coast. Additionally, he will address security issues in the Sahel and coastal West Africa during his visit to the Ivory Coast.
Nigeria’s internal security challenges and Angola’s role in addressing tensions in the eastern Congo will also be discussed during Blinken’s visit. Cape Verde, known for being a democratic country and a model for the region, will also be a part of Blinken’s itinerary.
Through this trip, the U.S. aims to strengthen its partnership with Africa and promote positive engagement while also addressing security challenges and enhancing economic ties.
Read the original article on VOA
