Blinken kicks off three-country Africa tour

American Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in South Africa on the first leg of a three-country tour that will also take him to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as Rwanda.

The visits underscore US president Joe Biden’s departure from his predecessor Donald Trump’s disregard for Africa. Blinken’s visit follows his excursions to Nigeria, Senegal and Kenya last November. The interest in the continent reflects fears in Washington that both China and Russia are making inroads that need to be countered.

The last high-level dialogue between South Africa and the US was seven years ago. As John J Stremlau explains, the two sides are committed to reaffirming priorities on subjects ranging from agriculture to climate change and trade and investment.

In Rwanda and the DRC, security will dominate discussions. In Kigali Blinken is expected to discuss peacekeeping and what can be done to help calm tensions in the region. In recent decades the US has, for the most part, been one of Rwanda’s staunchest defenders. Jonathan Beloff looks at whether Washington can realistically address democracy and human rights concerns.

There's also analysis of the US decision to declare monkeypox a national emergency, and the role of women in Kenya's election.

Caroline Southey

Founding Editor

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John J Stremlau, University of the Witwatersrand

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