The Biden administration is turning its focus to Africa by sending Secretary of State Antony Blinken to four West African countries next week as Russia and China seek to expand their influence on the continent.
Starting Sunday, Blinken will travel to Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola, the State Department announced Thursday, adding that he will discuss ways to strengthen U.S.-African partnerships through security, conflict prevention, trade, and job growth in the global marketplace.
This is Blinken’s first trip to Sub-Saharan Africa in nearly a year.
The emphasis on security talks is due to recent coups in Niger and Gabon and warfare over critical minerals between active rebel groups and government-backed militias in Congo.
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The U.S. has also expressed concern over the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent.
Rwanda and Congo are also likely to be discussed during Blinken’s trip. Congo has cobalt and coltan — critical elements in batteries that power mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. This has contributed to an increase in competition between the U.S. and China.
