Kenyan President William Ruto has become the first African leader in over 15 years to make an official state visit to the United States. This visit provides President Joe Biden with a chance to showcase his administration’s commitment to Africa, amid growing competition from global powers like Russia and China.
Despite some tensions with other African allies, President Ruto’s visit signals a strong US-Kenya partnership. Once considered an unlikely guest at the White House due to past charges by the International Criminal Court, Ruto has reestablished himself as a key ally. The charges related to post-election violence in Kenya were dropped, allowing Ruto to focus on strengthening ties with the US.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, emphasized Kenya’s importance as a stable democracy and a tech hub in East Africa. She highlighted Ruto’s leadership and Kenya’s long-standing alliance with the US, making him a fitting choice for a state dinner.
Under Ruto’s leadership, Kenya has positioned itself as a regional diplomatic and business center. While facing domestic challenges, such as economic protests, Ruto has emerged as a global advocate for Africa on issues like climate change and debt relief. Kenya’s role as a security partner in East Africa has also been notable, including its commitment to sending police to aid Haiti, which drew praise from Washington.
President Biden’s only call to a sub-Saharan leader last year was to Ruto, to discuss Kenya’s leadership in a multinational force in Haiti. Analysts believe Ruto’s state visit partly compensates for Biden’s unfulfilled promise to visit Africa, made during a summit of African leaders in Washington two years ago.
While Ruto’s visit underscores US-Kenya relations, the focus remains on setbacks the US faces in Africa, particularly in Niger. A coup in Niger shifted its relationship with the US, with Niger’s new leaders leaning towards Russia and Iran. The Pentagon recently confirmed the withdrawal of US troops from Niger, signaling a potential shift in regional alliances.
The Biden administration’s strategy aims to turn US-Africa relations into partnerships that benefit both sides. Ruto’s visit highlights this approach, even as the US grapples with challenges in West Africa. Molly Phee, the State Department’s top African affairs official, noted the difficulty in aligning US interests with the actions of Niger’s junta.
Increased competition from other nations, such as China, which has invested heavily in Africa, and rising popularity of Russia, present further challenges for the US. Murithi Mutiga from the International Crisis Group observed that countries like China and Turkey engage with Africa as a long-term investment, which has been well-received.
The Biden administration has made some strides, such as supporting African representation in global forums and investing in major infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor. Kingsley Moghalu, a Nigerian political economist, noted that delivering significant projects gives the US leverage to discuss democracy and other values.
Alex Vines of Chatham House pointed out that African countries seek a mix of partnerships, wanting options beyond just China. He highlighted the need for strong African leadership to navigate this competitive landscape. President Ruto is seen as a capable leader in this context, exemplifying the active role African nations play in global geopolitics.