U.S. Allocates $45 Million to Address Conflicts in West Africa

By Samuel Ouma

The United States government announced it will provide $45 million to help address the ongoing conflict in West Africa.

The announcement was made by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Bliken during a meeting with Cote D’Ivore President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan. Blinken is in Africa for a week-long tour aimed at strengthening US-Africa relations.

Secretary Blinken and his delegation attended a  match in the AFCON tournament in Abidjan. They praised the players for their outstanding professionalism, competitiveness, and sportsmanship on the field.

With this funding, the United States has contributed nearly $300 million to promoting stability in Coastal West Africa since 2022.

“We are making long-term, strategic investments to help Côte d'Ivoire address underlying drivers of conflict, in line with its commendable "people-centred security" approach.  Across northern Côte d'Ivoire, programs are fostering dialogue among local government and communities, expanding economic livelihoods for youth and women, and increasing the capacity for community policing,” said Blinken.

He also stated that the Joe Biden administration will continue to invest in Côte d'Ivoire's institutions across sectors to strengthen governance, build capacity, and improve service delivery to all communities.

Blinken noted that the U.S. will support free and fair elections during the 2025 general elections.

On trade and investment, the secretary underscored the American government's commitments to expanding economic growth in the West African region.

For instance, he revealed that American company Cybastion is building the country's Digital Administrative City and national data centre.

Furthermore, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), USAID, American corporations, and the Government of Côte d'Ivoire collaborated through Digifemmes to support over 3,500 women-led or women-owned small and medium-sized businesses.

At the same time, he confirmed that the United States is expanding its security partnership with Côte d'Ivoire to achieve its common goal of defeating terrorism and creating an environment conducive to economic and social development.

Blinken added that America supports President Ouattara's administration's efforts to provide reliable and sustainable health services.