President Joe Biden's Visit to Africa.

By Edwin F -

President Joe Biden is currently on his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as U.S. president, which is significant as it fulfills a promise he made during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022. This trip is particularly notable as it comes at the end of his presidency, with Biden aiming to strengthen U.S. ties with African nations amidst growing competition from China.

Joe Biden 

One of the primary goals of Biden's trip is to highlight U.S. investments in Africa and to present a counter-narrative to China's expanding influence on the continent. The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of coalition-building in response to China's growing power in Africa .

Biden's visit includes a focus on the Lobito Corridor in Angola, which is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity in the region.

During his visit, Biden is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço in Luanda, and he will also deliver a speech at the National Slavery Museum, underscoring the historical ties and shared values between the U.S. and African nations.

Biden's trip comes at a time of uncertainty regarding future U.S.-Africa relations, especially with Donald Trump poised to take office in January 2025. This transition raises questions about the continuity of U.S. policies towards Africa. The visit is seen as an opportunity for Biden to solidify his administration's legacy in terms of foreign policy in Africa, particularly in light of criticisms that previous promises regarding U.S. engagement with the continent have been "over-promised and under-delivered".

The Biden administration has faced significant challenges in addressing ongoing conflicts in Africa, including the situation in Cameroon. Despite efforts to engage diplomatically and promote stability, many critics argue that the administration has not effectively resolved these conflicts.

The conflict in Cameroon, particularly in the Anglophone regions, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with thousands displaced and numerous casualties. Critics have pointed out that the Biden administration's response has been insufficient, with accusations of "too little, too late" in terms of diplomatic intervention and support for peace initiatives. Cameroon and the whole continent of Africa is watching to see if president Trump will bring anything new.

while the Biden administration has made strides in engaging with African nations, its effectiveness in resolving ongoing wars and conflicts, such as in Cameroon, remains a contentious issue. The administration's legacy may ultimately be judged by its ability to respond more proactively to these crises.



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