Biden Makes History as First US President to Visit Angola

story

DEC 3 2024

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 Imagesstory last updated DEC 3 2024

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 trip, which is Biden's first and only trip to the African continent during his time as Pres. is also the first trip by an American president to Africa since Barack Obama traveled to Ethiopia and Kenya in 2015.

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.

Voice of America

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.

News24