U.S. Vice President Harris Travels to Africa in Bid to Counter China and Russia
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris recently embarked on a weeklong trip to Africa. Harris will travel to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia during her tour of the African continent. The visit by the vice president marks the fifth time in less than three months a senior Biden administration official has gone to Africa, with President Joe Biden planning to come later this year. The U.S. is attempting to reset relations with African nations after former President Donald Trump in 2018 used derogatory language to describe some countries on the continent.
What is happening in Africa?
Instructors: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos
News Articles
Kamala Harris begins Africa tour, announces security aid in Ghana
ALJAZEERA
March 27, 2023
US Vice President Kamala Harris kicks off Africa trip
DW
March 26, 2023
https://www.dw.com/en/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-kicks-off-africa-trip/a-65127958
Harris seeks to reset U.S.-Africa relations on 3-nation tour
POLITICO
March 26, 2023
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/03/26/kamala-harris-us-africa-relations-tour-00088889
Kamala Harris arrives in Ghana, kicking off weeklong Africa visit to bolster relations
PBS NEWS HOUR
March 26, 2023
Kamala Harris Africa trip: Can US charm offensive woo continent from China?
BBC NEWS
March 27, 2023
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65062976
Kamala Harris visits Ghana’s president on first stop of Africa outreach trip, promises aid, investments
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
March 27, 2023
US Vice President Kamala Harris visits Africa
AFRICA NEWS
March 25, 2023
https://www.africanews.com/2023/03/25/us-vice-pesident-kamala-harris-visits-africa/
Vice President Harris embarks on history-making Africa trip amid US-China competition
CNN
March 25, 2023
https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/25/politics/kamala-harris-africa-trip/index.html
Assessment
Writing: What is the significance of Vice President Harris traveling to Africa?
Debate: How should the U.S. respond if Ghana passes legislation that discriminates against members of the LGBT community?
Poll: Should the U.S. provide money to West African countries to combat extremism and instability?
Short Answer: In what capacity are foreign powers involved in Africa?
News Quiz
True/False
Joe Biden plans on visiting Africa later this year. (T/F)
The median age in Africa is over the age of 30. (T/F)
The U.S. faces competition from both Russia and China in Africa. (T/F)
Multiple Choice
Which of the following in 2018 used derogatory language to describe some African countries?
- Donald Trump.
- Joe Biden.
- Kamala Harris.
- Barack Obama.
Which of the following countries has recently loaned billion of dollars to African nations with high interest rates?
- Russia.
- China.
- U.S.
- France.
All the following are countries that Vice President Harris will visit on her trip to Africa EXCEPT.
- Ghana.
- Tanzania.
- Ivory Coast.
- Zambia.
