Blinken to visit Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Angola January 21-26

Antony Blinken, US secretary of state, is expected to visit Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola from January 21 to 26.

Matthew Miller, the spokesperson of the US department of state, announced Blinken’s planned visit to the four countries in a statement on Thursday.

Miller said the visit is aimed at highlighting the progression of the United States’ relationship with the continent after the US–Africa leaders summit in 2022.

“Throughout the trip, the secretary will highlight how the United States has accelerated the U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, including in areas such as climate, food, and health security,” the statement reads.

“He will also emphasize our future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.”

Miller said Blinken’s visit will “reaffirm U.S. commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability”.

He added that the visit is also expected to foster the U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges and de-escalate tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United States–Africa leaders summit, which focuses on trade, investment and security of the African continent, was first held in 2014 by Barack Obama, former president of the U.S.

In 2022, the meeting was hosted for the second time by President Joe Biden in Washington D.C.

The summit was attended by former President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders from other 48 African states.