Blinken to Visit Four African Nations Amid Political Instability and Growing Chinese Influence

The U.S. Secretary of State's trip will focus on strengthening U.S.-Africa relations and countering China's influence, with a focus on regional security, democracy promotion, and trade.

• U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola next week, marking his fourth trip to Africa.
• The visit comes as the U.S. seeks to strengthen its relationships on the continent, particularly in light of recent political instability in Niger, Gabon, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Blinken's agenda will focus on regional security, conflict prevention, democracy promotion, and trade, with a particular emphasis on countering China's growing influence in Africa.
• In addition to political and security issues, Blinken will also highlight the U.S.'s partnership with Africa on climate, economic investment, food and health.
• While in the Ivory Coast, Blinken may attend an Africa Cup of Nations soccer match.

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