(Washington) A diplomatic promotion and Barack Obama as a surprise guest at a gala dinner: Joe Biden took great care on Thursday of Kenyan President William Ruto, whom he sees as a privileged ally in the face of the ambitions of Russia and China in Africa.
In a vast pavilion set up on the lawns of the White House, the American president praised the “belief in freedom” and “democracy” shared with his host, and gave an Irish-inspired toast to honor of his guest: “May God hold you in the palm of his hand until we reunite. »
William Ruto praised the “enduring bonds of friendship, partnership and solidarity between Kenya and the United States”, and raised a glass to “good health and long life” to the American presidential couple.
Brief appearance of Obama
PHOTO HAIYUN JIANG, NEW YORK TIMES
Former President of the United States Barack Obama
Some 500 guests in long dresses and tuxedos were invited to enjoy beef and lobster, while listening to gospel and country.
Former President Barack Obama, of Kenyan descent through his father, made a brief surprise appearance at the start of the dinner.
On a more official note, the American president had earlier announced the promotion of Kenya to the rank of America’s “major non-NATO ally”.
“This is the culmination of years of collaboration,” he said during a joint press conference at the White House.
It will be the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to receive this title which grants the States concerned – 18 so far – military and diplomatic privileges.
The two leaders were asked about sending a Kenyan force to Haiti, but did not make concrete announcements on the start of the international mission supposed to bring some stability and security to the country.
PHOTO JACQUELYN MARTIN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
US First Lady Jill Biden and Kenyan First Lady Rachel Ruto
The force led by Nairobi, and strongly encouraged by the United States, can “break” the gangs, assured William Ruto.
Partnerships
He is the first African leader since 2008 to have the honors of a state visit, the highest degree of diplomatic favor, to Washington.
Washington and Nairobi have launched new partnerships in health, particularly in the fight against malaria and AIDS, in education, and even in the energy transition.
The White House also reported “significant progress” towards a bilateral strategic trade partnership agreement, with the aim of signing it before the end of the year.
The two governments launched an appeal on sovereign debt, in order, according to the American president, to allow “countries strangled by debt” to have access to “transparent, sustainable and accessible lending practices”.
Kenya’s first creditor is China, which has launched major investment projects across the African continent, in some cases accompanied by very heavy or even insurmountable debts for the countries concerned.
William Ruto, who visited Beijing last October, said the United States now had the opportunity to “completely review its strategy for Africa and strengthen its support” for the continent.
The Biden administration claims to have great ambitions in Africa, which Washington has neglected in recent years.
China and Russia
Unlike his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, and although he promised it, Joe Biden did not go there on an official trip.
William Ruto also called on Washington to extend an agreement that opens the American market to several African countries, the “African Growth and Opportunity Act”, which is due to expire in 2025.
He finally pleaded to support Kenya’s efforts in terms of peace and security in the face of the crises in the Horn of Africa as well as in the Great Lakes region.
In addition to China, the United States also faces Russia in Africa, which is advancing its pawns militarily. Niger, for example, has just demanded the departure of American troops from its soil, while establishing military cooperation with Moscow.