Fri Sep 20 10:55:32 UTC 2024: ## US Eyes Angola as Key Ally in Africa, Biden’s Visit Signals Shift in Power Dynamics
Amidst growing US-China rivalry for influence in Africa, President Joe Biden is set to visit Angola, marking the first time a sitting US president will visit the country. The visit, scheduled for the end of Biden’s term, signals a significant shift in US strategy towards Angola and the broader African continent.
Angola, previously closely aligned with Russia, has moved closer to the US in recent years, particularly since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. This strategic shift is exemplified by Angola’s decision to send its Foreign Minister, instead of President Joao Lourenco, to the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The US sees Angola as a vital partner in securing crucial minerals and curbing Chinese influence in the region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The US is looking to leverage Angola’s growing influence in the Great Lakes region to counter China’s stronghold on the DRC’s mining sector.
However, the visit comes with complexities. Angola’s human rights record remains a major concern, with reports of extrajudicial killings, excessive force, and arbitrary detentions. The US could use the visit to encourage Angola to improve its human rights record and adopt more democratic practices.
Despite Angola’s strategic importance, the US’s trade with Angola has declined in recent years. This highlights the need for the US to bolster economic engagement and provide support for Angola’s development.
Biden’s visit to Angola is a significant development in the ongoing power struggle between the US, China, and Russia in Africa. It underscores the US’s renewed focus on the continent and its willingness to engage with countries like Angola to counter China’s growing influence. However, the visit also highlights the need for the US to address concerns about Angola’s human rights record and strengthen economic ties.
First Piper 