White House has confirmed that US president Barack Obama is coming to Africa next month. The statement released on Monday from Washington describes it as Obama’s first major African tour since taking office.
Obama’s trip will see him visit Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa, between June 26th and July 3rd. Though Obama’s father was Kenyan, he has avoided the country since taking office, with his most recent visit being in 2006 when he was still a senator. The recent election of a president facing trial at the International Criminal Court seems to taken away any thoughts he may have had about visiting East Africa’s largest economy.
His previous visit to a Sub Saharan country was in July 2009 when he went to Ghana.
This was the statement.
Statement by the Press Secretary on the President’s Travel to AfricaPresident Obama and the First Lady look forward to traveling to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania from June 26 – July 3. The President will reinforce the importance that the United States places on our deep and growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including through expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions; and investing in the next generation of African leaders.
The President will meet with a wide array of leaders from government, business, and civil society, including youth, to discuss our strategic partnerships on bilateral and global issues. The trip will underscore the President’s commitment to broadening and deepening cooperation between the United States and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity.
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