LUANDA, ANGOLA — U.S. President Joe Biden was greeted with a warm welcome at Angola’s pink-hued Presidential Palace on Tuesday, as he embarked on his first and likely final visit to the African continent as president.
The visit began with a red-carpet promenade, followed by renditions of national anthems by a military band and an inspection of troops. As President Biden and Angolan President Joao Lourenco, accompanied by diplomats, got down to work, it was clear that this visit was of great significance for both nations.
“I am deeply honored to be the first American president to visit Angola, and I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together in transforming our partnership,” Biden expressed to Lourenco. “There is so much more we can achieve together, and I am excited for the future.”
According to Frances Brown, the senior director for African Affairs at the National Security Council, Biden sees Angola as a prime example of a collaborative relationship with the United States.
“We, the United States, are working closely with Angola on several important initiatives,” Brown shared exclusively with VOA. “These include promoting peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fostering economic opportunities in the region, and enhancing technological and scientific cooperation.”
However, one issue that was not publicly addressed by President Biden was Angola’s human rights record. Amnesty International, a leading human rights organization, has repeatedly documented excessive and lethal force being used to suppress peaceful demonstrations in Angola.
“Amnesty has documented numerous instances of excessive and lethal force being used to suppress peaceful protests,” said Kate Hixon, advocacy director for Africa at Amnesty International USA, during a Zoom interview with VOA. “Not only are victims of these demonstrations denied access to justice, but we have also seen the passing of repressive laws in recent years. These laws limit freedom of expression, assembly, and the media.”
Angolan opposition groups expressed disappointment that President Biden did not address human rights concerns during his visit and missed an opportunity to listen to their grievances.
“The Lobito rail corridor seems to be the only focus of Biden’s visit to Angola,” said Ernesto Mulato of the opposition UNITA party.
On Wednesday, President Biden is scheduled to visit the port city of Lobito, where a new rail line, funded by the United States, has been constructed to transport raw materials from Africa’s interior to the bustling port.
However, Brown reassured VOA that President Biden always raises concerns about human rights in private discussions with other leaders.
“He never shies away from discussing democracy and human rights issues with his counterparts,” Brown stated. “This is consistent with his long, distinguished career in public service.”
As President Biden’s visit to Angola comes to an end, it is clear that the relationship between the United States and Angola is one of great importance and potential. Both nations are committed to working together to promote peace, security, and economic growth in the region. And while there may be areas of concern, the United States remains dedicated to promoting human rights and democracy around the world. President Biden’s visit to Angola serves as a testament to the strong bond and cooperation between the two nations, and the promising future that lies ahead.
