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President Biden’s Trip to Angola: A Journey of Promises and Doubts
Luanda, Angola – It was a day that started with torrential rain, flooding poorly drained streets, and threatening to halt President Biden’s one-hour ride to the National Slavery Museum of Angola. Despite the weather, Biden made it to the podium, speaking about the role colonial masters played in the Atlantic slave trade and the need to face history.
Biden’s trip to Africa was his first as president, and it was met with much anticipation. The focus of the trip was on helping Angola steady itself for the future, with the president announcing a surprise $1 billion in U.S. humanitarian aid to help those displaced by droughts and extreme weather.
However, the trip was not without controversy. Critics argue that the U.S. is trying to catch up with China, which has been actively involved in infrastructure and other projects across Africa. The U.S. has already sent hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Angola, and there are talks of a potential U.S. base in the country to counter Russia’s growing presence on the continent.
The trip was also marked by Biden’s lame-duck status, with many wondering how incoming President-elect Trump will handle Africa’s future. In an interview with Fox News, former Trump Africa envoy J. Peter Pham said that many of the projects could survive, especially if China feels a sting. However, he added that the new administration will ask tough questions about investments on the continent.
Despite the challenges, most in Angola seemed to think that Biden played his role fairly well in what was called his “global finale.” The test will come when it is seen if any of the benefits from these projects trickle down beyond the super-rich in oil-rich Angola to the mostly young Angolans who are desperate for a life and living.
