President Joe Biden on Friday pledged a partnership with Africa, saying he hopes to attend the next summit of the African Union, a general interest in the US interest in a continent that largely ignores its predecessor.
In a video message to this weekend’s African Union summit, which is being held virtually because of Covid, the new US leader has promised to work with Africans on his top priorities to fight the virus and climate change, and also diplomacy to promote an end to the conflicts on the continent.
“None of this is going to be easy, but the United States is now ready to be your partner in solidarity, support and mutual respect,” Biden said.
“I hope I can be with you in person next time.”
In what became early themes of his presidency, Biden promised to promote democracy and the rights of sexual minorities – which are frequently attacked in Africa.
Biden said he wanted to work with Africa on a “future invested in investing in our democratic institutions and promoting the human rights of all people – women and girls, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities and people of all ethnicities”. background, religion and heritage. “
Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, was the first president since Ronald Reagan not to visit Africa during his tenure, and became prominent by promoting the falsehood that his predecessor Barack Obama was born in Kenya.
Trump is said to have used an explicit term to describe African countries when he explained why he did not want non-white immigrants to the United States.
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