U.S. Secretary of State, Blinken, Expected in Nigeria

Michael Olugbode

The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken will arrive Nigeria next week on the second leg of his first official visit to Africa. He will first visit Kenya, before coming to Nigeria and end the visit in Senegal, in a trip that will run from November 15 to 20, underscoring the depth and breadth of the U.S. relationships with her African partners.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the US Embassy, Abuja, titled, “Secretary Blinken’s travel to Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal,” the top Joe Biden administration official will meet with Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Amb Raychelle Omamo.

The statement said during the visit to Kenya, “the Secretary will advance US-Africa collaboration on shared global priorities, including ending the COVID-19 pandemic and building back to a more inclusive global economy, combating the climate crisis, revitalising democracies, and advancing peace and security.

“The Secretary and representatives of the Kenyan government will discuss their shared interests as members of the United Nations Security Council, including addressing regional security issues such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan.

“The Secretary will advance US-Kenyan cooperation on ending COVID-19, improving clean energy access, and protecting the environment. The Secretary will underscore US support for a peaceful and inclusive Kenyan election in 2022.”
Blinken would then travel to Abuja, where he will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama.

“They are expected to discuss furthering cooperation on global health, security, expanding energy access and economic growth, and revitalising democracy,” said the US embassy.

It explained further that the Secretary would deliver a speech on US-Africa policy in the capital of Africa’s largest democracy and also engage with Nigerian entrepreneurs in the digital sector.

The statement reads, “The Secretary will conclude his trip in Dakar, where he will meet with President Macky Sall and Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall to reaffirm the close partnership between our two countries.

“Given President Sall’s upcoming African Union chairmanship, Secretary Blinken looks forward to discussing regional issues and shared values.

“The Secretary will engage in events that highlight America’s strong commercial relationship with Senegal, amplify the role of female Senegalese entrepreneurs, and showcase the US partnership to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.”