an hour agoHarris begins his visit to Africa with a view to repairing relationships
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)US Vice President Kamala Harris has arrived in Ghana today, her first stop on the weeklong tournament in Africa. She said she was a very excited “for Africa's future”, adding that she would discuss issues such as increased food security, climate crisis and increased investments in the continent. Harris will [...]
She said she was a very excited “for Africa's future”, adding that she would discuss issues such as increased food security, climate crisis and increased investments in the continent.
Harris will spend three days in Ghana, two in Tanzania and one in Zambia. She is the highest member of the Biden administration to visit Africa this year.
Its agenda also includes some less traditional stops to highlight the future of the continent, where the average age is only 19.
Relations between the US and Africa deteriorated badly under former President Donald Trump's administration, and the Benden administration has tried to repair damaged ties.
The US unveiled an African strategy in August last year, with the aim of strengthening democracy on the continent.
In December, Beden hosted a summit with African leaders in Washington. He has also announced support for the African Union to become a permanent member of the 20-nation Group.
Harris is arriving in West Africa at a time of geopolitical rivalry, as China and Russia expand their influence on the continent by providing economic and security assistance.
Although White House officials have stressed that Harris' trip concerns only US relations with Africa, the continent remains of great strategic importance after the US recalibrates its focus-based foreign policy in China.
China has created a large presence on the continent, whether by expanding telecommunication networks or building infrastructure.
Ghana reached an agreement of 1.8 billion euros with a Chinese company to develop roads and other projects in exchange for access to a key mineral for aluminum production.
While Ghana is one of the continent's most stable democracies, its economy faces a debt crisis and a growing inflation.
Russia has shared long partnerships with Africa, with the Wagner mercenary group gaining more and more ground in countries like Mali after French forces were expelled.
Moscow supports the neutrality of many African countries in the war in Ukraine. However, the effects of war, such as rising food prices, have damaged many African economies.
