6 December 2022
Defense Writers Group
Moderator: Good morning, and welcome to this Defense Writers Group with Chidi Blyden, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs. I believe, ma’am, this is your first meeting with the Defense Writers Group so we are very honored by your presence here today.
Just a quick repetition of the ground rules that you all know. This discussion is on the record but there is no rebroadcast of audio or video. I’ll ask the first question then go around the room for the rest of the hour, reserving a few minutes at the end for DASD Blyden. But a half dozen of you have already asked in advance to be on the questioner’s list. If anybody else wants to ask a question, please drop me a note in the direct chat, not the group chatline there.
Again, Madame Secretary, thank you for joining us today.
The first question is sort of the background. The National Defense Strategy and the White House Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy outline a new approach to Africa. Can you describe a little bit what this new approach is all about, what is the US intent for adopting this new approach and hoping for a little news here, Madame Secretary. What goals does the US have for President Biden’s convening of the African Leaders Summit next week? Over to you, ma’am.
DASD Blyden: Thom, thank you so much for having me join this illustrious group, and I appreciate the opportunity to share a little bit about the new approach, as well as the Africa Leaders Summit that will kick off early next week.
