U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged an additional $45 million to bolster security efforts in coastal West Africa during his ongoing four-nation tour of the continent.
The tour, spanning Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Angola from January 21 to 26, focuses on strengthening U.S.-African partnerships across various sectors, including trade, climate, infrastructure, health, and security.
Addressing key issues such as security challenges in West Africa, the aftermath of the coup in Niger last year, and Russia’s increasing influence in the region, Mr. Blinken arrived in Ivory Coast’s financial capital, Abidjan, on Monday evening.
Following a meeting with President Alassane Ouattara on Tuesday morning, the Secretary of State announced the additional funding during a joint press briefing.
Ivory Coast, like other coastal West African nations, has grappled with Islamist insurgencies that originated in Mali in 2012 and spread across the Sahel region despite international military efforts.
Blinken emphasised the importance of mutual security challenges, commending Ivory Coast’s leadership in the fight against extremism and violence.
Blinken stated, “We spent a lot of time discussing mutual security challenges. “We appreciate Ivory Coast’s leadership in the fight against extremism and violence.”
The funding will supplement $300 million the U.S. has already invested in coastal West Africa over the past two years.
“We have increased military training by 15 times and are investing in civil protection in Ivory Coast,” Blinken added.
President Ouattara acknowledged the persistent security challenges in the region and expressed gratitude for U.S. support, particularly in the areas of intelligence and counterterrorism.
“That is why we do appreciate the USA for their support in the area of intelligence and the fight against terrorism,” Ouattara stated.
The U.S. faced setbacks in the Sahel region, notably with the military coup in Niger last July, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, a key U.S. ally.
This coup, along with other military takeovers in West and Central Africa in recent years, has raised concerns about instability, especially as junta-led governments have severed ties with traditional Western allies.
Secretary Blinken’s visit includes discussions with African leaders and stakeholders, with the trip focusing on fostering collaboration to address shared challenges and deepen diplomatic ties.
After the meeting in Ivory Coast, he proceeded to meet Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, and is scheduled to continue his tour with a visit to Nigeria in the evening.
(Reuters/NAN)