The U.S. Secretary of State offers African countries Washington’s security services instead of the Russian ‘Wagner’ during a visit to the continent that included four countries

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded an African tour that included 4 countries, namely Angola, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast and Nigeria, during which he stressed that the United States is the best security partner for the continent instead of the Russian “Wagner” Group, which he accused of exploiting countries suffering from coups, conflicts, and extremist groups in the Sahel region.

Blinken’s tour comes as many African leaders express unease over the billions of dollars the United States has given Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, as well as Washington’s unconditional support for Israel in the Gaza war.

China, which the United States sees as its main rival, has rapidly expanded its presence in Africa through infrastructure spending, while Russia has strengthened its security ties with countries on the continent.