On February 18, 2020, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Angolan President Joao Lourenco to discuss the strengthening of economic ties and Angola’s fight against corruption. Secretary Pompeo’s travel to Angola is part of a nine-day visit to six countries. Before arriving in Angola, Secretary Pompeo traveled to Senegal, meeting with President Macky Sall to discuss trade, the ongoing threat of terrorism in West Africa, and the corresponding need for US military aid. Despite concerns that the Trump administration intends to reduce troops in Africa, Pompeo said the US will work with Senegal, other West African countries, and France to counter the growing threat of extremist violence. Secretary Pompeo will also be traveling to Ethiopia, a key US ally in the Horn of Africa and the headquarters of the African Union. The focus of these visits is to enhance US economic partnerships with African allies in a time when China and Russia have already invested significantly in the continent.
