Angola President Lourenço Set for Another Term Amid Allegations of Unfair Vote
Wall Street JournalDec 24, 2022
Biden Makes History as First US President to Visit Angola
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Above: A poster showing a picture of Angolan President João Lourenço shaking hands with US President Joe Biden is seen in Luanda on Dec. 2, 2024. Image copyright: Julio PACHECONTELA /Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Joe Biden became the first-ever standing US Pres. to visit Angola on Tuesday, in a historic visit that included dialogue about security and trade.
In what was his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa, Biden held bilateral talks with Angolan Pres. João Lourenço, in the country's capital city, Luanda.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Ultimately this visit comes too late in Biden's presidency to really mean anything. With the administration's limited previous engagement with Africa, this visit has very little meaningful impact. Additionally, the sincerity of this visit is questionable, and its real purpose is likely more focused on countering Chinese and Russian influence than it is on fostering authentic long-term partnerships within the region.
Pro-establishment narrative
This visit is a long-overdue step in improving US ties to Africa. By emphasizing the US-Angola relationship, this visit symbolizes the US’ commitment to engaging with the African nation as an equal partner. This visit, and its focus on the Lobito Corridor project, could help to boost regional trade and investment, benefiting both the local economy as we as US strategic interests.
