Johannesburg, South Africa — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in South Africa on Sunday, in what analysts say is an attempt to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the region. Relations between the U.S. and South Africa became strained during President Donald Trump's time in office. Steven Gruzd, head of the African governance and diplomacy program at the South African Institute for International Affairs, said he doubted South Africa would be pushed into criticizing Russia, its partner, along with China, in the BRICS group of countries. While in South Africa, Blinken will visit Johannesburg's famous Soweto township, once home to liberation icon and first democratic president Nelson Mandela, as well as take part in South Africa's Women's Day celebrations. On Monday, he will meet South African counterpart Naledi Pandor and launch the new U.S. Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 07, 2022 08:15 UTC