Africa-Press – Angola. Local elections are one of the ways in which Angola can strengthen its democracy, according to the US official responsible for relations with Africa, highlighting that there is a relationship between “good governance and a good economy”.
In an interview with Lusa following President Joe Biden’s visit to the Portuguese-speaking country, Molly Phee said that this was one of the topics surrounding democracy and human rights that were discussed with the Angolan head of state in the meeting that the two leaders held on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace.
“Many topics were discussed, it was a long meeting. And President Biden spoke about democracy – and he also did so publicly – that it is a difficult but important process, and that we must cherish it. He spoke of the ways in which the United States is trying to strengthen its democracy and the ways in which Angola can strengthen its democracy, in particular by promoting local elections”, she said.
The issues were also discussed at the US embassy with activists who expressed their greatest concerns in Angola,” said the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the US State Department.
“And I think the Angolan leadership recognizes what we see here and elsewhere in the world, that there is a critical relationship between good governance and a good economy,” he reinforced.
Molly Phee reaffirmed the messages conveyed by Biden during his 72-hour visit to Angola, which focused on the Lobito Corridor, and expressed confidence that the mutual benefits of this infrastructure will also be clear to the next administration and that the investments announced by the US President will continue.
The visit took place just weeks before Democrat Biden leaves the White House, where he will be replaced by Republican Donald Trump.
“Everyone sees the value of economic development. All Africans know and recognize the importance of infrastructure to improve their economies and create jobs,” Molly Phee said, highlighting the role of American private sector investment as an alternative to debt traps.
The main person responsible for American diplomacy for Africa was therefore convinced that Biden’s successor will not stop the millions of dollars announced.
“The United States has long been the largest donor of humanitarian aid globally, including in Africa. This is a proud tradition that is shared by both Republicans and Democrats. I am confident that the value of the investments will be evident to anyone who wants to review these projects,” he stressed.
Molly Phee added that Biden had the opportunity to meet with members of civil society before his speech at the Slavery Museum and traveled to Angola accompanied by African-American civil society activists and members of Congress and the private sector.
“The US believes strongly in the power of non-governmental groups and the important role of their advocacy,” he said, stressing that Biden wanted to celebrate this facet of political society and recommends the same for Angola.
The diplomat therefore rejected the idea that the visit was merely focused on business, ensuring that Biden’s concern is the impact that the Lobito Corridor has on Angolans and the region.
“Biden and President João Lourenço share the belief that infrastructure is necessary to generate good jobs and help people improve their lives. So I think it’s unfair to say that he’s not interested in people,” he emphasized.
Regarding the Lobito Corridor, he considered that it will change the lives of thousands of people, as will the other projects in the area of solar energy and agricultural and mineral productivity.
The official says that these are different approaches from those previously taken, with a focus on joint work between the private and public sectors and on supporting the Angolan government so that contracts are executed in a transparent manner.
“I think that’s what President Lourenço wants too. He wants to ensure that Angola’s resources are used to develop the country,” he stressed.
Regarding possible misuse of funds, he highlighted that on Thursday agreements were signed in which the North American agency USAID will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Transport to adopt transparent and competitive procedures in public procurement.
“This is an example of a new way of doing business that we are trying to promote with the support of Angola (…) I think it is something that Angolans want, they want to do business in a different way and we want to support them”, he highlighted.
He also said the US is interested in a genuine partnership with its “African friends” who need infrastructure investment and capital.
When asked about the difference between the United States and Chinese investments in Africa, she said it has to do with the financing model, as the United States brings in different partners to mobilize capital, with the involvement of the private sector “which is an alternative model to the simply extractive model”.
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