The White House National Security Council has provided details on the process President Joe Biden used to invite African leaders to attend the upcoming U.S-Africa Summit. Over 30 African heads of state and government have been invited to the Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. from December 13-15, 2022. The goal of the Summit is to deepen U.S. ties with African countries and build on the progress made during the Obama Administration’s “Partnership with Africa.”
When asked about the reasoning for the specific African countries chosen to participate in the upcoming virtual summit, a White House National Security Council spokesperson said that President Biden used three main criteria. First, the president considered which African countries are “most committed to democracy, human rights, and rule of law.” Second, he looked at which nations are taking “concrete steps to combat corruption.” Third, he considered “which governments are making genuine efforts to advance peace and security.” The spokesperson added that the president also took into account ” which countries are providing critical support to efforts to end conflicts in Africa, including the conflicts in the Sahel and the Great Lakes region.”
In a move to improve relations with Africa, President Biden has extended invitations to all sub-Saharan and North African governments that meet certain criteria. Specifically, the government must not be suspended by the African Union, be recognized by the US government, and have diplomatic relations with the US. This is seen as a positive step by many, as it signals a willingness on the part of the US to engage with African nations on a more equal footing.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that “President Biden looks forward to hosting leaders from across the African continent.”
“Our goal is to host a broadly inclusive Summit,” the official added. “We want to make sure that we are engaging with African partners on the full range of issues, from governance and democracy to economic development and security.”
Since the early 1990s, a number of African countries have been sanctioned by the African Union as a consequence of military coups and counter-coups. These events have been especially prevalent in West Africa, where the stability of democracy has been repeatedly tested in recent months. This has been the case in Burkina Faso, Mali, and other nations.
The United States has generally recognized most African countries, although there are a few exceptions like Western Sahara. In general, however, American foreign policy towards Africa has been shaped by a belief that democracy and respect for human rights are essential for lasting peace and stability on the continent.
The Summit, only the second of such events of its kind, will be the biggest U.S.-Africa engagement in Washington D.C. since former President Barack Obama hosted African leaders in 2014. The three-day event will consist of a series of meetings, working lunches, and keynote addresses focused on U.S.-Africa cooperation on security, investment, and democracy. The week will conclude with a gala dinner honouring African heads of state and government.
The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit will take place in Washington, D.C. from August 4-6. The summit, which will be co-hosted by the U.S. The Department of State and the Government of Ethiopia, will bring together approximately 50 leaders from across Africa.
The summit will focus on a range of issues, including trade and investment, security, democracy, and development. It will also provide an opportunity for the Biden administration to reaffirm its commitment to Africa and to strengthen ties between the United States and African countries.
The summit will be an important step in advancing the Biden administration’s Africa strategy, which focuses on promoting economic growth and opportunity, strengthening security, and fostering democratic development.
The Biden administration has said that the U.S.-Africa SummitU.S.-Africa Summit will “demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa, and will underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities.”
The administration has also said that the Summit will be an opportunity to “reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with African countries to advance peace, security, and prosperity on the continent.”
The Summit will bring together leaders from across Africa and the United States to discuss a range of issues, including economic growth and development, peace and security, and the fight against corruption.
In recent years, Africa has become an increasingly important player on the global stage. With a population of over 1.2 billion people, the continent is home to a significant portion of the world’s population and is therefore an important market for goods and services. Additionally, Africa is rich in natural resources, making it an important supplier of raw materials for the global economy.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of Africa is only likely to grow. In order to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future, it is essential that the world works together with Africa. This cooperation will be essential in tackling global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and disease. Additionally, by working together we can harness the continent’s vastness.
Since taking office in January 2021, President Biden has convened several high-level summits on various topics. On December 9-10, he hosted the first of two Summits for Democracy, inviting leaders from across the public and private sectors to brainstorm ways to revitalise democracies around the world. The gathering resulted in the creation of an “affirmative agenda for democratic renewal,” with a focus on addressing the most pressing challenges democracies currently face through collective action. This approach has been applauded by many as a much-needed step in the right direction for safeguarding the future of open societies.
Since taking office, President Biden has committed to elevating the United States’ engagement with Africa. The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, which will be held virtually on May 20-21, is a key part of that effort. The summit will bring together heads of state and government from across Africa with senior U.S. officials to discuss ways to deepen our cooperation on shared challenges and opportunities.
The summit comes just months after Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken unveiled the new U.S. policy for Africa in South Africa last August. The policy focuses on five key areas: democracy and good governance; peace and security; economic growth and investment; health; and education and cultural exchange.