NAIROBI,Kenya, Nov, 17 – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Nairobi Wednesday morning in a planned two day visit that will focus on regional security issues.
He was welcomed by foreign affairs cabinet secretary Rachael Omamo and embassy officials when his plane touched down at JKIA at about 1.20 am.
On Wednesday, Blinken met civil society groups holding discussions on various issues including human rights and how to best protect them in the country amidst accusations of government excesses.
Amidst the increased cases of enforced disappearances in the country, Religious leaders and human rights defenders pledged to petition the US government to invoke the Murphy law which prohibits funding to agencies that are complicit in human rights violations.
This includes the Anti-terror police unit which benefits from several US based programmes and funding.
Blinken will later on on hold further talk with CS Omamo before meeting president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Officials say they will focus on multiple global priorities, including ending the COVID pandemic and investing in health, addressing the climate crisis, building a more inclusive global economy, and strengthening democracy and respect for human rights.
In addition, the United States and Kenya are working together to address regional priorities, particularly ending the crisis in Ethiopia, fighting terrorism in Somalia, and restoring the civilian-led transition in Sudan.
Police say his movements may disrupt traffic flow on some routes in Nairobi.
Blinken Tour Of Africa
Secretary Blinken will then travel to Abuja, where he will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and discuss furthering cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access and economic growth, and revitalizing democracy.
The Secretary will deliver a speech on U.S.-Africa policy in the capital of Africa’s largest democracy. Additionally, the Secretary will engage with Nigerian entrepreneurs in the digital sector.
The Secretary will conclude his trip in Dakar, where he will meet with President Macky Sall and Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall to reaffirm the close partnership between our two countries. Given President Sall’s upcoming African Union chairmanship, Secretary Blinken looks forward to discussing regional issues and shared values.
The Secretary will engage in events that highlight America’s strong commercial relationship with Senegal, amplify the role of female Senegalese entrepreneurs, and showcase the U.S. partnership to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
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