Diplomatic tour A tour that began on Sunday 07 August and which has already led the American diplomat to South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This visit is an opportunity for the United States to show its concern for Africa and to warn against Russian influence on the continent.
The six-day diplomatic tour begun by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ends with his trip to Rwanda, the last country to be visited on the black continent. With the Rwandan authorities, Antony Blinken will mainly discuss the launch of the “US strategy for sub-Saharan Africa”. An initiative that reinforces the United States’ view that African countries are geostrategic actors and essential partners on the most pressing issues; whether it is promoting an open and stable international system, addressing the effects of climate change, food insecurity, global pandemics, or shaping a technological and economic future.
Tribute to the victims of genocide, human rights and the M23 on Blinken’s agenda.
Arriving in Rwanda on the night of Wednesday 10 August 2022, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will hold talks with President Paul Kagame and Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta today.
The discussions will focus on the issue of human rights, of which Rwanda has been accused on several occasions by non-governmental organisations. They will also discuss the release of the opponent Paul Rusesabagina who is the founder of the Rwandan Movement for Democratic Change (MRCD) and is serving a 25-year prison sentence. Finally, the thorny issue of the alleged support of Rwandan leaders to the “M23” rebels who are wreaking havoc in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will be addressed. A meeting that will help maintain peace in this area of Congo and reduce violence and tension.
Antony Blinken will mainly visit the Tutsi genocide memorial to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 massacre, which caused the death of several thousand people.
However, Anthony Blinken’s diplomatic tour is also part of the process of sensitising Africans to the danger posed by Russia, which by all means wants to influence the continent to extend its hegemony.
Thierry Hounye (stag).
