During his visit to Angola, President Joe Biden discussed a key infrastructure project, the ‘Lobito corridor,’ aimed at enhancing U.S. influence amid increasing Chinese competition. Their talks included foreign policy issues, governance, and the fragility of democracy. Biden’s trip, marking the first by a sitting U.S. president to Angola, coincided with a poignant visit to the National Museum of Slavery. The initiative seeks to improve investment in Africa while addressing Angola’s significant debt to China.
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden engaged in discussions with Angolan President Joao Lourenço during his visit to this southern African nation, focusing on a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening Washington’s influence in the region amidst rising competition from China.
As Mr. Biden prepares for the transition of power to Donald Trump on January 20, the upcoming changes in leadership subtly underscored their talks, although the two leaders did not directly mention the next American president.
According to a senior U.S. official who attended the meeting, their cordial dialogue encompassed various foreign policy issues, including President Lourenço’s diplomatic efforts in addressing the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
A central topic of their conversation was the ‘Lobito corridor,’ an ambitious railway project representing a major investment initiative emblematic of the Biden administration’s commitment to Africa.
They also delved into governance matters and the ‘fragility’ of democracy, emphasizing that it requires ongoing dedication and effort.
In honor of this historic visit, which marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has traveled to Angola, two public holidays were proclaimed. As the American motorcade traversed the quiet streets of Luanda, accompanied by police and military presence, many residents lined their windows and balconies to welcome the momentous two-day visit.
Later in the day, President Biden is expected to address attendees at the National Museum of Slavery, referring to it as the ‘original sin of the United States’ in the capital of this former Portuguese colony along the Atlantic coast.
In the 19th century, Angola was a significant contributor to the transatlantic slave trade, supplying a large number of enslaved individuals to the Americas.
On Monday evening, President Biden had a poignant encounter with Wanda Tucker, a descendant of the first enslaved child born in the United States, whose parents were brought from Angola to Virginia in 1619.
– Major Railway Initiative –
On Wednesday, President Biden plans to journey to Lobito, located approximately 500 km south of Luanda. There, he will convene with leaders from various nations involved in the ‘Lobito corridor,’ designed to facilitate the transport of crucial raw materials, including copper and cobalt, to the coastal city.
The project encompasses not only Angola but also the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, as stated by the White House.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized that this initiative represents ‘a true revolution for America’s engagement in Africa.’
He expressed optimism that the future administration would recognize how this investment would enhance security, prosperity, and economic stability across the continent.
Supported by the European Union, the ‘Lobito corridor’ is designed to showcase American aspirations in Africa, a region that has seen a decline in attention from the United States while China has made significant investments.
‘We are not asking nations to choose between the United States and China or Russia. Instead, we seek dependable investment projects for Africa,’ he stated, alluding to the challenges many countries face after relying on inconsistent investments, resulting in overwhelming debt.
Notably, Angola’s debt to China amounts to $17 billion, representing 40% of its total national debt.
This trip marks the first visit by an American president to Africa since 2015, occurring at a time when President Biden’s political capital is limited.
His visit has been somewhat overshadowed by the recent presidential pardon granted to his son Hunter, a situation that has drawn significant media attention.
When questioned about this matter by reporters during his stay in Luanda, President Biden chose not to respond, highlighting a striking shift from his previous stance of allowing justice to take its course regarding his son, who is currently facing charges related to illegal firearm possession and tax fraud.