LUANDA, Angola — President Biden’s visit to Angola, initially postponed twice, faced further challenges with torrential rain disrupting his travel plans.
The trip, Biden’s first to Africa as president, was overshadowed by concurrent events, including his son Hunter’s pardon, a high-profile murder, the instability of key allies, and ongoing turmoil surrounding Trump’s cabinet appointments.
Despite the adverse conditions, Biden delivered a speech at the National Slavery Museum of Angola, acknowledging the nation’s role in the Atlantic slave trade and emphasizing the need to confront historical realities.
The core purpose of the trip was to bolster Angola’s preparedness for the future, recognizing Africa’s projected demographic dominance by 2050. Biden reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to Africa’s success, announcing $1 billion in humanitarian aid to address displacement caused by drought and extreme weather.
Meetings with Angolan President João Lourenco focused on the Lobito Corridor, a $4 billion U.S.-backed infrastructure project aimed at facilitating the transport of critical minerals and agricultural goods.
Critics dismissed the aid package as insufficient, but the White House countered that the initiative aims to enhance Angola’s market participation.
While an expansion of the U.S. military presence in Angola wasn’t announced, the existing military aid and the growing Russian influence on the continent were implicit concerns.
Biden’s impending departure raised questions about the continuity of these initiatives under a new administration, given the incoming president’s past lack of engagement with Africa.
However, both the Angolan president and a former Trump Africa envoy expressed optimism about the projects’ sustainability, anticipating potential challenges but also acknowledging the possibility of continued progress.
Biden’s visit concluded with an inspection of the Lobito rail hub, followed by a roundtable discussion with regional leaders. Public perception of Biden’s visit in Angola was largely positive.
The long-term success hinges on the equitable distribution of benefits from these projects, ensuring that ordinary Angolans, particularly the youth, experience tangible improvements in their lives.
Despite the various challenges and negative news cycles, many Angolans expressed hope and welcomed Biden’s visit.
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