Biden addresses slavery legacy while enhancing US-Africa ties in Angola
- President Biden visited Angola, the first sitting U.S. president to do so, to strengthen ties with the country.
- During his speech at the National Museum of Slavery, Biden labeled slavery as America's original sin, urging the need to confront historical injustices.
- His administration announced significant investments in infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor, highlighting the U.S. commitment to African development.
In early December 2024, President Joe Biden visited Angola, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president has done so. This visit aimed to strengthen U.S.-Angola relations and address America's historical ties to slavery. During his visit, Biden toured the National Museum of Slavery in Luanda, where he delivered a speech highlighting the brutal history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and referred to slavery as America's original sin. Interacting with descendants of enslaved Africans, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging the past as part of America's history. Biden's administration has committed significant investment in infrastructure projects in Africa, including nearly $4 billion for the Lobito Corridor, a railway project connecting Zambia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His visit comes at a crucial time as the U.S. seeks to enhance its presence in Africa amid growing competition from China, which has established strong ties and investments in the continent. This trip is seen as part of a broader strategy to re-engage with Africa and assert America's commitment to assist in economic development while addressing historical injustices.