NAIROBI — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken opened his first official visit to Africa in Kenya with an appeal Wednesday for the preservation of democracy and inclusion in politically and ethnically fractured societies. With insecurity wracking both of those countries, Blinken began his Africa tour in a nation with its own turbulent history of democracy. Kenya will face another test of stability in presidential elections next year, yet has emerged as a player in attempting to ease the Ethiopia conflict. The coronavirus pandemic canceled a planned early summer visit by Blinken to the continent. Now, three months later, Blinken hopes to deliver the administration’s “America is back” message to Africa.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 17, 2021 12:30 UTC