United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken commenced a four-country tour of Africa on Monday, emphasizing the United States’ dedication to fostering stronger ties with the continent despite current global crises. His tour includes visits to Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola, all democracies situated along the Atlantic Coast. This diplomatic venture occurs amidst escalating security concerns in the Sahel region and uncertainties regarding a significant US base in Niger, which recently experienced a coup.
In 2022, US President Joe Biden hosted African leaders, showcasing renewed interest in the continent. However, Biden did not fulfill his promise to visit Africa last year. Despite this, Blinken reiterated Biden’s commitment, stating, “We are all in when it comes to Africa.” He highlighted the intertwined futures and prosperity of the US and Africa and recognized the increasing influence of African voices in global discussions.
In his opening remarks in Cape Verde, Blinken praised the island nation for being a “beacon of stability” and a “strong, principled voice.” He noted Cape Verde’s cooperation with the US in law enforcement and naval operations. The country’s Prime Minister, Jose Ulisses Correia e Silva, expressed condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and criticized recent coups in Africa, affirming Cape Verde’s commitment to liberal democratic values.
Blinken’s visit to Cape Verde included a tour of the port in Praia, which saw expansion with the help of nearly $150 million from the Millennium Challenge Corporation. This US government body rewards countries meeting democratic standards with financial aid. Silva has also invited the Peace Corps to return to Cape Verde after a decade.
The Secretary’s next stop will be Ivory Coast, where he plans to attend a match between the host country and Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations, held at a stadium built with Chinese support. This visit comes on the heels of a visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi last week. China’s growing influence in Africa, along with Russia’s activities through the Wagner Group of mercenaries in several African nations, underscores the strategic importance of Blinken’s tour.
Meanwhile, Niger remains a focus, especially after the military ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Niger has been central to US efforts in countering armed groups in the Sahel, evidenced by a $100 million US base in Agadez. Although Niger has permitted nearly 1,000 US troops to remain, alternative locations in West Africa for a new drone base are being considered.
Parallel to Blinken’s visit, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield is touring Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. In Liberia, she is attending a presidential inauguration and observing the peaceful transition of power, marking significant progress in a region once known for turbulence.
