Embarking on a significant four-nation tour across the continent, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken commenced his journey in Cape Verde. Expressing admiration for the island nation, he hailed it as a true beacon of stability in the region amidst prevailing challenges and instability.
In addition to Cape Verde, Mr. Blinken is scheduled to visit Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola.
While hosting African leaders at the US-Africa summit in 2022, President Joe Biden sought to underscore his commitment to the continent. Despite his earlier pledge to visit Africa in 2023 during the summit, the trip did not materialise.
Mr. Blinken, who last visited the continent in March of the previous year, acknowledged the challenges in the Middle East that have occupied his attention. However, quoting President Biden, he reassured his audience in Cape Verde, stating that the United States remains fully committed to Africa.
According to the AFP news agency, he emphasised, “Our futures are linked, our prosperity is linked, and African voices increasingly are shaping, animating, and leading the global conversation.”