In Nigeria, Antony Blinken sets priorities for the US administration in Africa

The head of American diplomacy Antony Blinken began his African tour in Kenya on Wednesday November 17, 2021, which also took him to Nigeria and Senegal.

REUTERS - POOL

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

The US Secretary of State is touring Africa.

During his stop in Nigeria this Friday, November 19, Antony Blinken announced that the United States will organize a summit in a month with African leaders to strengthen ties with the continent.

This morning, in front of the diplomats of the Community of West African States in Abuja, Antony Blinken delivered a speech setting out the priorities of American diplomacy in Africa. 

Advertising

Read more

According to Antony Blinken, the Biden administration " 

firmly believes that it is time to stop treating Africa as a geopolitical subject - and to start treating it as the major player it has become

 ."  

We will do things differently 

", assures the American diplomat, vis-a-vis the ambassadors of the member countries of the ECOWAS: " 

Too often, the countries were treated like juniors, rather than like equal partners

 ", he admits. 

 The United States does not want to limit your partnerships with other countries, 

” explains Antony Blinken.

We want to further strengthen our partnerships ... we do not want you to make a choice, we want to give you choices 

", continues the head of the American diplomacy.  

Without ever citing his Chinese competitor, Antony Blinken prefers to focus on what he says are " 

common interests 

" between the United States and Africa: health, climate change, security, democracy and growth. 

Thus, economically, " 

we want to create jobs that benefit local communities, 

" said Antony Blinken, who reaffirms his desire to fight corruption.

Washington welcomes the creation of the Continental Free Trade Area, which, according to Antony Blinken, offers real economic growth.

Antony Blinken continues his visit this Friday and Saturday in Senegal.

Had an excellent visit to Nigeria, reaffirming the US-Nigerian partnership.

We seek to support a more prosperous Nigeria - one founded on greater stability and transparent, responsive governance providing access to essential services for all.

pic.twitter.com/MZBS5nbzj7

- Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 19, 2021

See also Nigeria: weaponry, vaccines and police violence at the heart of the Buhari-Blinken meeting

Newsletter

Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • Nigeria

  • United States

  • Diplomacy