US Secretary of State Blinkin arrives South Africa to begin tour of continent

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed at South Africa’s Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday kicking off his three-nation tour of Africa as the U.S. seeks to strengthen relations in the continent.

According to the Department of State spokesperson Ned Price, Blinken is in the country to launch the U.S. Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa and lead the U.S. delegation to the U.S.-South Africa Strategic Dialogue.

The aim of the strategic dialogue, which will also feature Blinken’s South African counterpart Naledi Pandor, is to meaningfully enhance the partnership and cooperation between South Africa and the U.S.

Several topics are expected to be discussed between the two sides among them climate change, trade, health, and food insecurity.

This is Blinken’s second official visit to Africa following trips to Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya in November last year. U.S. President Joe Biden has sought to repair relations between Africa and the U.S. which had deteriorated under his predecessor, Donald Trump.

Blinken’s tour includes visits to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. In DR Congo, Blinken is expected to attempt to reduce tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, according to State Department officials. DR Congo has previously claimed Rwanda is supporting a rebel movement in its eastern region, an accusation Rwanda has consistently denied.

Meanwhile, in Rwanda, Blinken is expected to bring up the detention of Paul Rusesabagina, a U.S. permanent resident, who saved hundreds of lives during the 1994 genocide and was later portrayed as a hero in the Oscar-nominated film Hotel Rwanda.

Story compiled with assistance from wire reports