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In Africa, Kamala Harris Looks to Deepen Relations Amid China’s Influence
New York TimesNov 24, 2022
The Facts
On Wednesday, US Vice President Kamala Harris visited Ghana as her first stop on an African tour that also includes Tanzania and Zambia. She delivered a speech on women’s empowerment and the importance of Africa to the world to thousands of young Ghanaians in Accra.
This week-long trip to Africa is part of Washington’s diplomatic push to counter efforts made by Russia and China on the continent. The two American rivals have invested billions, and the US is looking to strengthen its relationship with multiple African countries.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Vice President Harris has been left to deliver a compelling message and make empty promises to African leaders despite massive gains by Russia and China across the continent. Beijing has dropped tariffs to allow duty-free imports from several African countries and struck a multibillionaire deal with Ghana, and Russia likewise is showing increased geopolitical influence. Her visit on behalf of a languishing Biden administration is too little, too late.
Democratic narrative
Harris’ visit to Ghana — the first stop on her week-long trip to Africa — was a poignant event that can serve to inspire millions of young Africans, particularly women. The Biden admin. is bringing Africa and the US into a new era of partnership by honestly confronting the past and looking to the future.
