Biden Embarks on His Historic Sub-Saharan Africa Trip

In an unprecedented visit, President Biden's first trip to sub-Saharan Africa underscores the urgency of bolstering American relations on the continent amidst political challenges at home.

President Biden arrived in Cape Verde on Monday for a historic stop in his presidency, marking the only trip he has taken to sub-Saharan Africa. This name-making journey comes as he seeks to reinforce American alliances in the region and counterbalance rising economic competition from China.

Air Force One touched down at Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island for a quick refueling before Biden proceeded to Angola, where he plans a high-profile engagement. In the airport lounge during the layover, the president met with Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, to discuss mutual cooperation.

The trip will lead Biden to Luanda, the capital of Angola, where he aims to visit a prominent slavery museum and unveil an ambitious $1 billion rail corridor project as part of his administration's efforts to stimulate economic growth in Africa.

Despite previous intent to visit the region sooner, logistics and delays postponed this tour until the final weeks of his presidency. Biden is notably the first sitting American president to visit sub-Saharan Africa in nearly a decade.

The trip comes on the heels of a significant moment in Biden's political landscape. Just before his departure, he issued a "full and unconditional" pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who faced tax and gun-related convictions. This development adds a layer of complexity to the President's African diplomacy, as it casts a shadow over his administration’s focus on international relations.