A press briefing between President Biden and President Ruto concluded amidst a flurry of questions from reporters. The topics ranged from the U.S. decision not to deploy troops in Haiti to Kenya's commitment to sending troops to aid in the country's recovery. President Biden faced inquiries about Israel, particularly regarding the ICC's warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged use of famine in Gaza as a weapon of war. The President emphasized the U.S.'s opposition to these warrants, stating a distinction between Hamas and Israel.
The meeting highlighted concerns about engaging African nations in conflicts without deploying American troops, given the current climate. Jude Mohr, a Fellow at the Center for Global Development, shed light on the evolving dynamics in Africa. He noted the diminishing U.S. military presence in the region, with recent exits from Niger and Chad, allowing Russia and China to expand their influence.
Mohr emphasized the shift in power dynamics over the past two decades, with China emerging as a significant player in Africa. The Biden administration's focus on strengthening U.S.-Africa relations aligns with efforts to counterbalance China's growing influence on the continent. The Kenya state visit symbolizes a broader strategy to bolster American presence in Africa amidst increasing competition from other global powers.
