USA
The United States will give more than $533 million in humanitarian aid for victims of conflicts and drought in Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and the West and Central African countries bordering Lake Chad, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Tuesday.
Tillerson made the announcement at a speech in Virginia before departing for a week-long trip to several African countries. He also said the United States supported the creation of a development finance institution for Africa.
Tillerson contrasted the United States’ work on the African continent, which he said promoted “sustainable growth,” with that of China, which recently pledged $124 billion for its Silk Road plan to expand links between Asia, Africa, Europe and other places.
Chinese investment does have the potential to address Africa’s infrastructure gap, but its approach has led to mounting debt and few, if any, jobs in most countries
Tillerson said China’s investment in Africa “encouraged dependency”.
“Chinese investment does have the potential to address Africa’s infrastructure gap, but its approach has led to mounting debt and few, if any, jobs in most countries,” said Tillerson.
“When coupled with the political and fiscal pressure, this endangers Africa’s natural resources and its long-term economic and political stability,” Tillerson added.
Tillerson added that the US would continue to help fight corruption and promote transparent institutions across the continent.
Go to video
China's global influence looms over Harris trip to Africa
01:22
Global leaders at conference in China warn on growing geopolitical competition
01:46
Summit for Democracy: Zambians attend virtual event
02:20
British-Nigerian actor John Boyega hopes latest movie "Breaking" sparks conversation
01:30
UN alerts for potential cholera outbreaks after cyclone Freddy
01:02
Zimbabwe turns to coal from China to boost its power supply