"US Secretary of State Blinken's Africa Tour: Security, Partnerships, and Prosperity"

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his visit to Nigeria, positioned the United States as a more favorable security partner for Africa compared to Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which he accused of exploiting coup-hit and conflict-hit nations in the Sahel region. Blinken emphasized U.S. support for Nigeria and other regional partners in stabilizing the Sahel, particularly in light of recent coups. He highlighted the importance of strengthening security forces through equipment, technology, intelligence sharing, and technical support, while also stressing the need to address the root causes of military takeovers and engage with civil society actors and think tanks in the region.