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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced a bold commitment of $45 million in additional financing to address conflict and bolster stability in coastal West Africa, an area grappling with increased insecurity linked to jihadist insurgencies. Blinken’s pledge came during the second stop of his four-nation tour of Africa, covering Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola from January 21-26.
The primary objective of Blinken’s tour is to engage in discussions about U.S.-African partnerships encompassing trade, climate, infrastructure, health, security, and other critical issues. This tour follows a summit in Washington with African leaders in December 2022, focusing on addressing security challenges in West Africa, the repercussions of a coup in Niger in the preceding year, and growing Russian influence in the region.
Upon arriving in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s financial capital, on Monday evening, Blinken met with President Alassane Ouattara on Tuesday morning, where he disclosed the additional financing during a joint press briefing. Ivory Coast, like several other coastal West African countries, has been impacted by Islamist insurgencies that originated in Mali in 2012 and spread across the Sahel region despite international military efforts to contain it.
The $45 million pledge is set to supplement the $300 million already invested by the U.S. in coastal West Africa over the past two years. Blinken highlighted the significant increase in military training, amounting to 15 times the previous investment, and emphasized the commitment to civil protection initiatives in Ivory Coast. He expressed appreciation for Ivory Coast’s leadership in combating extremism and violence in the region.
President Ouattara acknowledged the persisting security challenges in the area, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address them. The joint commitment to enhancing security in coastal West Africa reflects a collaborative approach to tackle the complex issues arising from jihadist insurgencies and other security threats.
The $45 million injection is expected to fund initiatives aimed at strengthening security forces, enhancing military capabilities, and supporting civil protection efforts. This financial commitment aligns with broader U.S. efforts to foster stability and security partnerships in the region. The tour serves as a platform for diplomatic engagement, reinforcing the importance of collaborative solutions to address multifaceted challenges affecting West Africa.
Blinken’s visit signifies the United States’ recognition of the strategic significance of West Africa and its commitment to working closely with regional partners to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. The pledged funds underscore the urgency of addressing security concerns and fostering resilience in the face of evolving threats, emphasizing the United States’ role as a key ally in the region.
source: Reuters