At least five African countries will miss the next U.S.-Africa summit, according to officials in Washington.
By Abdou Cisse
The coming to power of Donald Trump of the Republican Party in 2016 had suspended U.S.-Africa relations.
During his presidency, Trump had shown no interest in Africa.
His successor, the Democrat Joe Biden, is trying to repair this historical lapse by organizing a summit with African leaders from December 13 to 15.
In preparation for this event, the last edition of which was held in 2014, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Molly Phee and Senior Director for African Affairs Judd Devermont gave a press conference online Wednesday, December 7.
During the meeting, Devermont said President Biden “is delighted to welcome 49 governments, the African Union Commission, CSOs, business and the private sector, young leaders, and the Diaspora to Washington, DC for the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit December 13-15.
The discussions will revolve around building 21st century partnerships.
“During the summit, we will talk about some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from pandemic and change to the negative consequences of the invasion of Ukraine, to issues that affect us all – democracy and government, security, trade, investment and development,” the U.S. diplomat said.
For the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, this will be an opportunity for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to “consolidate his working relationship with his peers and also to really deepen our discussions on issues of priority to Africans and Americans.
“These issues include climate change, food security and health security,” she said.
However, some African states will not be at the meeting.
“Out of respect for the African Union, we have not invited governments that have been suspended by the African Union for coups,” says Molly Phee.
“As for the countries we did not invite, they are countries that are not in the good books of the African Union. This includes Mali, Sudan, Guinea and Burkina Faso (riven by military coups),” says Judd Devermont, adding: “We have not invited countries with which we do not have diplomatic relations, such as Eritrea.”
Mr. Phee maintains, however, that the United States will continue to work separately with countries that are not invited because of their institutional instability “to encourage a return to a democratic transition.”
AC/cgd/fss/as/APA