US President Joe Biden intended to visit Africa on October 13 but canceled the trip because of Hurricane Milton’s advance on Florida. The visit would have been Biden’s first since he became president. While the reason for the cancellation is understandable, critics argue that the US president hasn’t given Africa the attention it deserves, especially as global powers like China and Russia expand their influence across the continent. Biden had pledged to visit Africa in 2022. He had also promised to support initiatives such as securing permanent seats for African countries at the UN Security Council and supporting the African Union’s membership in the G20. While some progress has been made, such as the AU’s G20 membership, Biden’s unfulfilled promises and delayed Africa visit have dampened his administration’s legacy. Analysts say his failure to engage deeply with Africa, coupled with controversial alliances like the one with Angola’s government, weakens the US’s standing on the continent.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
