Blinken: “We are fully committed to Africa”

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently visiting four democracies along the Atlantic Coast – Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola – amid escalating security concerns in the Sahel region and growing uncertainties surrounding a crucial US base in neighbouring Niger, which has recently experienced a coup.

While President Joe Biden hosted African leaders in 2022 to demonstrate heightened attention to the continent, he did not fulfil his promise to visit Africa last year. Nevertheless, Blinken reiterated Biden’s commitment, stating, “We are fully committed to Africa.”

In Cape Verde, Blinken underlined the interconnected futures and prosperity of the United States and Africa, highlighting the increasing influence of African voices in global discussions. Describing Cape Verde as a “beacon of stability” and a “strong, principled voice,” he expressed the US commitment to strengthening partnerships across the continent.

During discussions, Cape Verde’s Prime Minister, Jose Ulisses Correia e Silva, strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and criticized recent coups in Africa. Silva emphasized Cape Verde’s adherence to the values of liberal democracy.

Blinken toured the capital Praia’s port, which was expanded with nearly $150 million provided through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a program granting US aid to countries meeting democratic standards. Last month, the US government announced its intention to collaborate with Cape Verde on a third aid package, and Prime Minister Silva extended an invitation for the return of the Peace Corps, marking their comeback after a ten-year absence.

Blinken also visited Ivory Coast, where he witnessed the host country competing against Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations. The match took place at the 60,000-seat Olympic stadium, which was constructed with support from China. China, considered by the US as its primary global rival alongside Russia, has significantly expanded its influence in Africa through infrastructure project loans.

While China focuses on financing development projects, Russia, particularly through the Wagner Group of mercenaries, has become involved in Mali, the Central African Republic, and reportedly Burkina Faso. A delegation from Niger visited Moscow last month, following a coup in which the military ousted elected President Mohamed Bazoum, just months after Blinken’s visit aimed at reinforcing his leadership.

Niger played a crucial role in US efforts to combat armed groups in the Sahel, hosting a $100 million drone base in the city of Agadez. Despite the expulsion of French forces by the Nigerien government, nearly 1,000 US troops remain in Niger. General James Hecker, the US Air Force commander for both Europe and Africa, mentioned discussions about potential new drone bases in other West African locations.

Simultaneously, as Blinken commences his visit, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield is touring three additional West African nations – Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.