American President Joe Biden announced Tuesday, during a speech in Luanda, “new humanitarian aid of more than $1 billion for Africans displaced by historic droughts”, affected by famine in particular
The United States Agency for Development (USAID) specified in a press release that this was “additional assistance to respond to food insecurity and other urgent needs of refugees, displaced persons” in 31 countries of the continent.
This funding includes nearly 823 million dollars through USAID and nearly 186 million through the State Department, this press release further specifies, recalling that Africa is the region “where the percentage of the population suffering hunger is the highest. »
Armed conflicts, extreme weather phenomena and natural disasters explain this situation and the aid announcement “once again demonstrates our firm commitment alongside our African partners” to “meet the challenge of food insecurity”, states the text, which calls on other donors to be generous.
6.6 billion in humanitarian aid in 2024
In 2024, the United States has provided nearly $6.6 billion in humanitarian aid to sub-Saharan Africa, but more funds must be raised “to meet critical and growing needs,” USAID insists.
Joe Biden, the first American President to visit Angola, is due to visit the port of Lobito on Wednesday, some 500 km south of Luanda, to discuss the “corridor”, a gigantic railway line and emblematic investment of his presidency.
This major infrastructure project aims to assert Washington’s ambitions against China on the continent, a few weeks before the inauguration of its successor Donald Trump on January 20.
With AFP
Par The editorial staffEditorial Committee – Casablanca
Senegal
