The following article highlights the importance of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to West Africa. Blinken’s tour aims to bolster U.S. influence in the region in the face of growing competition from Beijing and Moscow, while also confronting growing instability in the Sahel region.
Blinken’s first stop on his tour is Cape Verde, where he made a brief stopover before heading to Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Angola. The visit marks his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa in ten months, and comes at a time when international attention is mainly focused on the war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, this visit assumes great significance amid political changes in West Africa since Blinken’s last visit to the region in March 2023.
Notably, political changes have taken place in Niger, where Blinken previously supported President-elect Mohamed Bazoum. After a military coup that overthrew Bazoum, the new regime diversified its partnerships, notably strengthening its ties with Moscow and expelling French soldiers.
Russia has increased its influence in several French-speaking African countries, raising concerns about security in the Sahel, where jihadist groups continue to carry out attacks.
In response to the unstable situation in the Sahel, the United States is considering alternatives for a drone base, emphasizing the stability of coastal countries. Antony Blinken’s visit to West Africa aims to help these countries strengthen their societies comprehensively and combat the growing terrorist threat in the Sahel.
Upon his arrival in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he plans to attend a decisive African Cup of Nations (CAN) match, Blinken will hail the country’s democratic consolidation since President Donald Trump came to power. Alassane Ouattara in 2011.
Ivory Coast, which borders Mali and Burkina Faso, has succeeded in containing the jihadist threat by adopting a multidimensional approach combining military responses and economic development.
The Biden administration’s 10-year plan, announced last year, focuses on promoting stability and preventing conflict in coastal countries such as Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Togo, thus breaking with a security-focused approach.
In Cape Verde, Blinken’s first stop, the United States welcomes the democratic stability of the Portuguese-speaking archipelago.
The United States has contributed approximately $150 million through various programs, including the expansion of the capital’s port, road improvements and improvements to the drinking water distribution system, with a third program help currently under review.
In conclusion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to West Africa is of great significance amid growing competition between the US, China and Russia, as well as growing instability in the Sahel. The tour aims to strengthen U.S. influence in the region and support coastal countries in their efforts to combat the terrorist threat.