United States: "solidarity and mutual respect" the first words of President Biden to Africa
US President Joe Biden, in February 2021. SAUL LOEB AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
It is the first speech of the new American president on Africa.
On the eve of the 34th African Union summit, Joe Bien sent a video message this morning to the heads of state who will attend the meeting.
He explains wanting to engage his administration in joint work with the countries of the continent.
The President's message is in line with what observers sensed about the new American diplomacy towards the continent.
Publicity
Read more
What strikes first of all is the tone employed by Joe Biden: a tone that contrasts with that of his predecessor, extremely respectful, solemn.
"
My administration is committed to rebuilding our partnerships around the planet and re-engaging with international institutions like the African Union [...] We must all work together to advance our shared vision of a better future
", thus indicates the American president.
Joe Biden talks about the fate that unites the countries of the continent and the rest of the world.
Faced with shared challenges, he speaks as an equal to heads of state.
“
None of this will be easy, but the United States already stands ready to be your partner, in solidarity, support and mutual respect.
We believe in the nations of Africa.
In the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that exists across the continent.
And even if the challenges ahead are great, there is no doubt that our nations, our peoples, the African Union are up to the task.
"
"
Prosperity for all
"
The US president talks a lot about the future in his speech, a future made of trade and investment in order to achieve "
prosperity for all
".
Joe Biden promises enhanced diplomacy to try to resolve conflicts.
He also wishes to promote human rights by paying special attention to those of women, girls and the LGBTQ community.
Finally, he underlines the challenge of global health, with the Covid-19 epidemic, and the climatic upheavals which have caused “a
lot of suffering
” in his words.
The president again speaks of joint work, with the various African institutions, in particular the Africa CDC, the structure which deals with health issues at the African Union.
In conclusion, the American head of state hopes to be able to attend the next summit in person.
A wish that we do not know for the moment if it can be achieved, but which says a lot about the new tone of the American presidential speech on Africa
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
United States
Africa
African Union
Joe biden