Washington DC, 11 March 2023 (TDI): The Spokesperson of the United States (US), Department of State released a statement today in which he announced that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Ethiopia and Niger from March 14-17, 2023.
.@SecBlinken will travel to Ethiopia and Niger March 14-17 to reinforce African leadership on peace, security, and good governance and highlight U.S. collaboration with the @_africanunion. https://t.co/iJ71wsmx2v
— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) March 10, 2023
The purpose of this visit is to reinforce African leadership on peace, security, and good governance and highlight US collaboration with the African Union.
On March 15, Secretary Blinken will visit Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will meet with government officials & civil society actors to discuss the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement in northern Ethiopia & promote transitional justice and peace.
He will also meet with humanitarian partners to discuss the delivery of humanitarian assistance, food security, and human rights.
In addition, the Secretary will meet with African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat to discuss shared global and regional priorities and follow up on commitments made during the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit.
In his historic visit to Niger on March 16, Secretary Blinken will meet with President Mohamed Bazoum and Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou in Niamey.
Moreover, the Secretary will discuss ways to advance the US-Niger partnership on diplomacy, democracy, development, and defense.
He will also engage with youth from Niger’s conflict zones, who have completed the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) program, to learn about their contributions to peace in Niger.
“The United States is committed to supporting our partners in Ethiopia and Niger in their efforts to achieve peace, security, and sustainable development,” said US Secretary Blinken. “Our visit underscores the importance of the US partnership with these countries and the African continent as a whole.”
During his visit, US Secretary Blinken will also further US-Africa Leaders’ Summit collaboration on global and regional peace, security, and governance, as well as the climate crisis.
At last, the Secretary will also underscore US support for African permanent representation in multilateral bodies.
