According to information gathered from Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden has extended invitations to the three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, which is scheduled to take place from December 13 to 15, to 49 African heads of state, the president of the African Union (AU), and leaders of regional groups.
Biden has extended invitations to all sub-Saharan and North African governments that meet the following criteria: they are all recognized by the United States government, have had ambassadors exchanged with them, and have not been suspended by the African Union.
45 African heads of state and government have already confirmed their attendance with the White House, according to Dana Banks, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the National Security Council.
According to Ms. Banks, Biden invited 49 African leaders, excluding those from the four nations that the African Union has temporarily suspended: Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sudan, and Mali. Strong men who seized power via the use of force today rule all four of the non-invited nations.
Robert Scott, director of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, and Banks gave reporters an overview of the agenda via teleconference, emphasizing the importance of the U.S. commitment to the African continent.
However, it is anticipated that the event would significantly promote common goals and strengthen relations between the United States and Africa. It will present a chance to further the Biden administration’s emphasis on commerce and investment in Africa, as well as to emphasize its dedication to the continent’s security and democratic growth for the benefit of its people.
The summit’s organizers are actively working to bring the attendees to Washington. For instance, in the most recent conversation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s attendance at the Summit. Despite recently signing a peace agreement in South Africa, Ethiopia’s ongoing war with its neighbor Tigray has raised human rights concerns.
Secretary Blinken “underscored the significance of swiftly implementing the cessation of hostilities agreement, including removal of all foreign forces and parallel disarmament of the Tigrayan forces,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price, during their phone discussion on November 22.
According to Price, “Secretary Blinken acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Ethiopian government to work toward unimpeded humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services in the Tigray Region as well as in the surrounding Afar and Amhara areas.” The African Union’s monitoring and verification apparatus, among other things, continue to get help from the United States, he said.
The United States, with a persistent commitment, emphasized the significance of relations with Africa and expanded collaboration on common global concerns as early as July, and specifically said in an official declaration that:
- To better encourage new economic engagement, the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit will focus on shared principles;
- reaffirm the United States’ and Africa’s shared commitment to democracy and human rights;
- lessen the effects of COVID-19 and upcoming pandemics;
- collaborate to improve local and international health;
- enhance peace and security, address the climate problem, and improve food security;
- and strengthen links among diaspora communities.
And that the United States is eager to continue advancing its shared vision for the future of U.S.-Africa relations by collaborating with African governments, civil society, diaspora groups throughout the United States, and the commercial sector.
Kestér Kenn Klomegâh
