By Aiyeku Timothy
United States President Joe Biden on Friday declared his unreserved support and partnership with Africa.
Joe Biden also hinted he would attend the next African Union summit, in the interest of US as the continent has been largely ignored by his predecessor.
In a video message directed to the African Union summit, being held virtually due to Covid, the new US president vowed his administration will work with Africans on his key priorities of fighting the virus and climate change and also to advance diplomacy to end the continent’s conflicts.
“None of this is going to be easy, but the United States stands ready now to be your partner in solidarity, support and mutual respect,” Biden said.
“I hope I can be with you next time in person.”
Biden also vowed to promote democracy and the rights of sexual minorities — which are frequently under attack in Africa.
Biden said he wanted to work with Africa on “a future committed to investing in our democratic institutions and promoting the human rights of all people — women and girls, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities and people of every ethnic background, religion and heritage.”
Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump was the first president since Ronald Reagan not to visit Africa during his tenure and rose to prominence by promoting the falsehood that his predecessor Barack Obama was born in Kenya.
However, Biden will go down in history as one of the few sitting US presidents to have attended African Union summit when he eventually attends.
