No strings attached to engagement with African countries – Blinken

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has said that there are no strings attached to the engagement with Nigeria and other African countries.

Blinken who spoke on Friday in Abuja when he visited the Headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said, “I also know that many countries across the region are wary of the strings that come with more engagement, and fear that in a world of sharper rivalries among major powers, countries will be forced to choose.

“So I want to be clear – the United States doesn’t want to limit your partnerships with other countries.  We want to make your partnerships with us even stronger.  We don’t want to make you choose.  We want to give you choices. Together, we can deliver real benefits to our people, on the issues that matter most to them.”

He also admitted that Nigeria and other African countries have not been treated fairly.

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He stated, “Now, I know I’m hardly the first American Secretary of State to come to Africa and promise different and better engagement.  Too many times, the countries of Africa have been treated as junior partners – or worse – rather than equal ones.

“Too often, we ask our partners to help uphold and defend an international system that they don’t feel fully reflects their needs and aspirations.  And we’re sensitive to centuries of colonialism, slavery, exploitation that have left painful legacies that endure today.”

He further listed areas of common interest for the US and Africa, which he said are global health, the climate crisis, inclusive economic growth, democracy, and peace and security.

On insecurity, he said “and attempts to address violent extremism have at times had the perverse effect of violating people’s rights, contributing to grievances, and furthering cycles of violence.

“We urge governments to contribute to and commit to criminal justice and security sector approaches that respect rights, as well as greater accountability for abuses, which is critical for earning the public’s trust.”