Joe Biden on Wednesday hosted most of Africa’s leaders in Washington for the first time since 2014, reviving a summit begun by Barack Obama and seize the moment to apologise to them for the ‘unimaginable cruelty’ of slavery from the U.S.
Biden said this in a White House dinner honoring African leaders and their spouses as he addressed what he called America’s ‘original sin’
According to him, America’s original sin is the enslavement of millions of people and the ‘stolen men and women and children brought to America shores in chains’.
The U.S. President has vowed to honor the descendants of Africa and the broader African diaspora community in the United States.
While he regret the past, Biden on Wednesday announced $55 billion to be spent on health, climate change and trade as an investment to Africa communities.
‘Our people lie at the heart of the deep and profound connection that forever binds Africa and the United States together,’ he said.
‘We remember the stolen men and women and children were brought to our shores in chains, subjected to unimaginable cruelty.’
Many people believed the new move from Biden is to limit the power of China, which has invested more in Africa than any other nation.
Beijing has held its own high-level meetings with African leaders every three years for over two decades.
It is important to know that Chinese trade with Africa is about four times that of the United States, and Beijing has become an important creditor by offering cheaper loans, often with opaque terms and collateral requirements – than Western lenders.
But, despite Biden’s new offer, many African leaders rejected the idea that they need to choose between the United States and China.
‘The fact that both countries have different levels of relations with African countries makes them equally important for Africa’s development,’ said Taye Atske Selassie Amde, Ethiopia’s U.N. ambassador.
‘However, it should be known each African country has the agency to determine their respective relationship and best interest.’
Biden met leaders from Gabon, Liberia and others facing 2023 elections, for a discussion on elections and democratic principles.
‘Africa’s economic transition depends on good government, healthy populations, and reliable and affordable energy,’ he told the summit.
‘These things business seeks out when they’re looking to invest. They attract new opportunities, and they launch new partnerships.
‘And the United States is committed to supporting every aspect of Africa’s inclusive growth and creating the best possible environment for sustained commercial engagement between Africa companies and American companies.’
‘The United States is all in on Africa’s future’ summit is a gathering of almost all African leaders in Washington DC.
Biden has promised U.S. support for a permanent Group of 20 seat for the African Union, and the appointment of a special representative to implement summit commitments.
