Blinken to Visit Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Others

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos

The United States of America Secretary of States, Antony Blinken would travel to Nigeria, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, and Angola, from January 21st to 26th.
A statement by the US Embassy,  explained that throughout the trip, the Secretary would highlight how the United States has accelerated US-Africa partnership since the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit, which includes areas such as climate, food and health security.

The statement also noted that the Secretary of States would emphasise the US future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States was 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.
According to the statement, “The Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law.  

“He will reaffirm U.S. commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges, and U.S. efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The United States reaffirms its sustained commitment to high-level U.S. engagement with Africa.”