By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
U.S. Secretary : Blinken’s African Tour, U.S. Secretary of State Set to Visit Nigeria
U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is scheduled to embark on a diplomatic tour of some African countries, including Nigeria, from January 21 to 26, 2024.
According to a statement from Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Blinken’s itinerary includes visits to Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, and Cape Verde. The trip aims to underscore the accelerated U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, with a focus on areas such as climate, food, and health security.
Blinken, the U.S Secretary is expected to highlight the U.S.’s commitment to a future-focused economic partnership, emphasizing investments in African infrastructure to boost trade, create jobs, and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness. The Secretary will also stress security partnerships based on shared values like respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and the expansion of the rule of law.
The statement further outlined Blinken’s reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability. Additionally, he will express U.S. support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges and advocate for African leadership in resolving conflicts diplomatically, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
1. U.S. Secretary of State
2. U.S.-Africa Partnership