In brief
In a historic journey, President Biden embarks on his inaugural trip to sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on economic partnerships and addressing challenges related to his son's recent pardons.
On Monday, President Biden arrived in Cape Verde, marking the first leg of his only trip to sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency. This visit comes after a long wait and is underscored by recent developments regarding his son, Hunter Biden, who received a pardon for earlier legal troubles. The trip begins at the Amílcar Cabral International Airport on the island of Sal, where Biden paused to refuel Air Force One and engage in discussions with Cabo Verde's Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva.Following this brief stop, Biden will continue to Angola, scheduled to reach Luanda by evening. The president's agenda includes a visit to a slavery museum and the inauguration of a significant $1 billion rail corridor aimed at stimulating the Angolan economy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Biden administration to enhance economic ties with African nations, particularly in light of increased competition from China.This trip marks a pivotal moment, as Biden becomes the first sitting U.S. president to visit the region since 2015, fulfilling a longstanding promise. However, the timing of his departure, just after the high-profile pardon of his son, adds a layer of complexity to the trip, potentially drawing attention away from the diplomatic efforts at hand.
