WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will receive a slew of African leaders in Washington this week, a summit that seeks to dispel mistrust and doubts about Washington’s real commitment to the continent.
In the days leading up to the event, US officials tried to play down fears that China was increasing its influence in Africa, a continent of more than 1.3 billion people. Instead, they tried to underline their intention to strengthen cooperation and dialogue with African leaders.
“This summit is an opportunity to deepen the many relationships we have on the African continent,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked about the shadow cast by China and Russia over the meeting.
“We will focus on our efforts to strengthen these relationships across a wide variety of sectors, including business, health, peace and security, but next week we will focus on Africa,” he added.
To that end, White House officials have anticipated major announcements next week. The government has already made an important announcement: it will seek to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20.
It will be the largest international meeting in Washington since the start of the pandemic. Local officials have warned the public of the possibility of road closures and tight security measures as 49 African leaders move from one side of the capital to the other.
The talks will focus on the pandemic, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, trade and other issues, US officials said. Biden is expected to speak at a US-Africa trade forum, hold small-group meetings with various leaders, host a leadership dinner at the White House, and attend other sessions with leaders during the meeting.
Biden has spent much of his time in office trying to reassure foreign leaders that the United States remains internationally engaged, following the isolationist trend under President Donald Trump. With this summit — the sequel to one held eight years ago by then-President Barack Obama — Biden has a chance to allay concerns in Africa about whether the United States is taking the relationship seriously.
Biden’s efforts to get the attention of African nations come at a sensitive time, as his administration has made it clear that Russian and Chinese activity on the continent is of great concern.
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Mutsaka reported from Harare, Zimbabwe and Magome from Johannesburg. Contributors Cara Anna in Nairobi, Kenya and Matthew Lee.
