By: Varney Dukuly
WASHINGTON DC: President Biden is hosting leaders from across the African continent in Washington, DC from December 13-15, 2022, for the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit.
The Summit will demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa, and will underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities.
Africa will shape the future — not just the future of the African people, but of the world.
Africa will make the difference in tackling the most urgent challenges and seizing the opportunities we all face.
The Biden African summit, according to US government, is expected to shape the future and build on shared values.
“Foster new economic engagement,
Advance peace, security, and good governance,” a statement from the US state department said.
Accordingly, the African Leaders Summit calls for commitment to democracy, human rights, and civil society
The summit interestingly will not only work collaboratively to strengthen regional and global health security but also promote food security
On the margin of the summit, the leaders of Africa will also respond to the climate crisis and amplify diaspora ties.
Ahead of the summit, US President Joe Biden has expressed optimism over the future of U.S.-Africa relations.
“I look forward to working with African governments, civil society, and diaspora communities across the United States, and the private sector to continue strengthening our shared vision for the future of U.S.-Africa relations,” he stressed.
The Biden summit with African leaders has turned out to be a dream come true for Liberian leader George Weah.
Mr. Weah supporters and members of his government view his attendance at the meeting with Joe Biden as a big frustration to the opposition community.
A statement from the office of the Presidential Press Secretary said, President Weah is expected to hold bilateral and multilateral meetings with Joe Biden and other leaders attending the forum.
The U.S.-Africa Leaders’ summit scheduled for Dec. 13-15 is one of President Joe Biden’s top foreign policy priorities in the coming months.
However, the U.S President has also been criticized for inviting autocrats and leaders with checkered rights records.
The Foreign Policy is reporting that: ‘Three African leaders who have been invited run governments that stand accused of war crimes or crimes against humanity: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi; South Sudanse President, Salva Kiir; and Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
William Ruto, the recently elected President of Kenya, is also expected to attend the summit in Washington.
Ruto faced charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in fomenting a wave of violence following Kenya’s 2007 elections that led to the deaths of some 1,200 people.
The ICC, in 2016, dismissed his case for lack of evidence, but refused to acquit him.
Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Frederick Shava is also expected to come.
Due to a series of coups in West Africa in recent years, most coup leaders don’t have a ticket to come to Washington.
Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have all been suspended from the AU and didn’t get an invite.
But one coup leader apparently did. Chad President Mahamat Deby.’
