By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-19 15:26:04
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to travel to four African countries as the Biden administration seeks to maintain its global focus despite ongoing crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Red Sea.
The State Department announced that Blinken will visit Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola starting Sunday. The talks during the trip will center on regional security, conflict prevention, democracy promotion, and trade. Nigeria, in particular, holds significant influence in West Africa and plays a key role in addressing security challenges, especially those related to Islamic extremist violence in the Sahel region.
This trip will mark Blinken’s third overseas mission this year. He recently returned from a 10-nation trip to the Middle East with a focus on Gaza, as well as a three-day visit to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
The timing of Blinken’s visit to Africa coincides with growing concerns about the United States’ relationships on the continent. Recent coups in Niger and Gabon, as well as unrest in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have raised alarm in Washington. Additionally, the U.S. and China are engaged in a competition for influence across Africa, with Angola being a key target for Chinese investment.
During his trip, Blinken will emphasize the administration’s partnership with African nations on issues such as climate, economic investment, food security, and healthcare. The State Department’s spokesman, Matthew Miller, stated that these issues will be at the forefront of discussions during the visit.
While in Ivory Coast, Blinken may have the opportunity to attend an Africa Cup of Nations soccer match between the host country and Equatorial Guinea.
Overall, Blinken’s visit to Africa reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to engaging with all regions of the world, even amidst pressing global challenges.
