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Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to visit Angola on Tuesday, promoting billions in commitments to the sub-Saharan nation. But an internet video that went viral during the visit has been criticized. The video shows Biden being shown where to go by Angolan President João Lourenço and his delegation using hand signals. Lourenço was once observed guiding Biden up a step by grabbing him by the jacket. The treatment was likened by social media users to "being handled like a toddler."
Joe Biden being treated like a toddler in Angola.He is so cooked. pic.twitter.com/mUaAcPvMRT
— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) December 3, 2024
Brainless Biden doddering around in Africa, being led around by the President of Angola who is trying to make sure Joe doesn’t face-plant. Global embarrassment. pic.twitter.com/bXR3Jln10A
— Suburban Black Man 🇺🇸 (@niceblackdude) December 3, 2024
WTF? Why is Joe Biden being manhandled like a child by the President of Angola?This is beyond embarrassing. pic.twitter.com/1awVNq2o38
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 3, 2024
Biden Highlights U.S. Commitment to Angola
Biden’s visit was a watershed in U.S.-Angola relations, notwithstanding the controversy. He announced a $3 billion commitment to the Lobito Corridor railway’s renovation when he met Lourenço in Luanda. In order to facilitate the export of raw materials essential for renewable energy technology, the project intends to link Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During their encounter, Biden said Lourenço, "The United States is all in on Africa." The visit was crucial, according to Lourenço, who emphasized its importance in mending relationships that date back to the Cold War.
To further highlight American investment in the area, Biden intends to visit the Lobito Corridor's Atlantic exit on Wednesday. The European Union, G7 countries, commercial consortia, and African financial organizations have all endorsed the idea.
Biden also visited the National Slavery Museum in Angola during his tour. The museum, which is located in the Capela da Casa Grande, emphasizes Angola’s role as a significant port of departure for Africans who were enslaved. Biden is anticipated to discuss the U.S. and Angola’s common history of slavery.
Biden visited Wanda Tucker on Monday. She is descended from William Tucker, the first kid born into slavery in colonial America. In 1619, the Portuguese ship White Lion carried William Tucker’s parents and other people who had been forcefully removed from Angola to Virginia.
Lobito Corridor: A Strategic Investment
Biden’s objective in Angola is centered on the Lobito Corridor project. The railway is intended to support the worldwide renewable energy supply chain by expediting the shipment of vital minerals. While acknowledging that the project would require years to finish, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stressed that progress was being made.