US' Blinken announces $45 million for security in West Africa

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged $45 million in funding on Tuesday toward security in West Africa, during the second leg of his African tour.

Blinken, who started his tour Monday in Cape Verde, announced the funding while meeting Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara in the capital, Abidjan.

“Cote d'Ivoire is an essential partner for us and for other countries in the region that are trying to move forward,” Blinken said at a joint news conference. “We appreciate particularly the leadership shown by Cote d'Ivoire in countering extremism and violence.”

Ouattara said security in the region is “difficult and we appreciate the US for all their support in countering terrorism.”

Blinken applauded the important leadership of Ouattara in other regional issues, citing “the very hard but important work of trying to return Niger to constitutional order.”

Ouattara was among the leaders of the ECOWAS West African bloc who strongly opposed the ouster of democratically-elected President of Niger Mohamed Bazoum last year following military intervention.

The US maintains about 1,000 soldiers in Niger, and the West African country served as a crucial partner in the region’s fight against terrorism during Bazoum’s rule.

While in Ivory Coast, Blinken joined the Ivorian Foreign Minister to watch the Africa Cup of Nations match Monday between the hosts and Equatorial Guinea.

As a lifelong soccer fan, it was great to feel the energy of all the fans in the arena, Blinken tweeted.

Blinken was expected to travel to Nigeria later Tuesday before wrapping up his trip in Angola.

Since 2022, the US has contributed $300 million in “stability-focused assistance” in the region.