ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on the second leg of his four-nation African tour, arriving in Ivory Coast on Monday after a visit to Cape Verde. Amidst a backdrop of crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Red Sea, Blinken aims to underscore the Biden administration’s commitment to engaging with Africa on multiple fronts.
In a symbolic move, Blinken attended a soccer match at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara D’Ebimpé in Côte d’Ivoire, part of the Admiral’s Cup of Nations tournament. The Secretary of State was presented with a jersey bearing his surname, reflecting the warm welcome from the Ivorian hosts.
Speaking at the event, Blinken praised the Ivory Coast for the “extraordinary organization of this tournament” and highlighted the role of sports in fostering connections between people. He expressed gratitude, saying, “It’s great to be a small part of this year to honor the incredible work that the Ivory Coast is doing in bringing all of these countries together. It’s another way of building bridges between the United States and Africans.”
Acknowledging the ongoing infrastructure efforts between the United States and the Ivory Coast, Blinken emphasized the unique power of sports in building connections between people. “Sports does that as well as anything. It’s a pleasure to be a part of this tonight,” he remarked.
The Ivory Coast visit follows discussions with Cape Verde’s Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, where Blinken highlighted America’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Africa. Despite competing global priorities, Blinken assured that the Biden administration sees Africa as an “essential, critical, central part of our future.”
Analysts have noted that Africa appeared to have taken a backseat under the Biden administration, given the pressing international issues. However, Blinken’s current tour seeks to refocus attention on the continent, addressing crucial issues of trade, security, and democracy promotion.
In meetings with President Alassane Ouattara and Ivory Coast officials, the shared priorities were outlined, focusing on strengthening democracy, expanding trade, and improving local and regional security. The visit aims to underscore the Biden administration‘s commitment to fostering strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with African nations.
Blinken’s tour continues with upcoming visits to Nigeria and Angola, where discussions are expected to delve into regional security, conflict prevention, democracy promotion, and trade. As the Biden administration navigates global challenges, the African tour serves as a testament to its dedication to engaging with the diverse nations on the African continent.
