In brief
Biden's journey, starting in Cape Verde and heading to Angola, occurs as he navigates familial controversies, including recent pardons issued to his son.
On December 2, 2024, President Biden kicked off the only visit of his presidency to sub-Saharan Africa, beginning in Cape Verde, an island nation situated off Africa's western coast. This marked a pivotal moment as he aimed to reinforce America's engagement with Africa amid rising influence from China. The presidential aircraft, Air Force One, made a brief stop at Amílcar Cabral International Airport on the island of Sal, primarily for refueling. During this hiatus, Biden took the opportunity to meet with Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, in a private airport lounge.The scheduled itinerary for Biden's trip includes a significant arrival later in the day in Luanda, the capital of Angola. There, he is expected to visit a poignant slavery museum and promote a newly planned $1 billion rail corridor intended to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic development within the region.Biden's long-anticipated visit to sub-Saharan Africa came after extensive delays and marked the first visit by a sitting American president to this region since 2015. His journey is particularly notable as it coincides with the recent news of him granting a "full and unconditional" pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who is facing accusations of tax and gun-related offenses. This backdrop adds a complex layer to the president's diplomatic endeavors as he emphasizes America's dedication to supporting African nations in their economic revitalization efforts.
