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US steps up engagement with Africa in bid to counter rising Chinese and Russian influence
- Visits to continent by treasury chief and ambassador to UN follow summit in Washington last year
- Biden has pledged to invest US$55 billion in African infrastructure and other areas in next three years
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US President Joe Biden’s administration has increased its engagement with African countries in a charm offensive aimed at pushing back against rising Chinese and Russian influence.
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Last month, two high-profile Washington officials – US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield – visited Africa in quick succession as Washington renewed its focus on the continent to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence.
Yellen visited Senegal, Zambia and South Africa in a 10-day tour starting on January 17, while Thomas-Greenfield visited Kenya, Mozambique and Ghana over five days from January 25.
In Dakar, Senegal, Yellen said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “and weaponisation of food has exacerbated food insecurity and caused untold suffering” in Africa.
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China-funded infrastructure across Africa force difficult decisions for its leaders
China-funded infrastructure across Africa force difficult decisions for its leaders
She also took a swipe at China’s debt relief practices in Africa.
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“We believe that the international community, including China, needs to provide meaningful debt relief to help countries regain their footing,” she said.
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