US Lawmakers Accuse House Speaker Of Disrespecting Africa By Denying Ruto Address To Congress

Lawmakers from President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party on Friday accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of disrespecting Africa after he did not invite President William Ruto to address Congress during an upcoming Washington visit.

Biden has invited the key US regional ally next week for a state visit – the most prestigious trip a foreign leader can pay to Washington, which includes a ceremonial welcome and formal dinner at the White House.

Leaders on state visits often also address joint sessions of Congress, but Johnson, a Republican, brushed aside an appeal for an invitation to Ruto made by both the top Democrat and Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

In a letter to Johnson, 14 House Democrats told Johnson they were “extremely disappointed” by the decision and said, “The people of Kenya deserve more respect.”

“Foreign adversaries like China, Russia and Iran are working tirelessly to subvert America’s alliances, particularly in Africa,” wrote the lawmakers including Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Your choice not to provide the Kenyan president, a key African partner, the opportunity to address the Congress helps create an opening for autocratic adversaries to make inroads in African public opinion.”

Four foreign leaders have addressed joint sessions of the current Congress, in which the Republicans control the House – the prime ministers of India and Japan and the presidents of Israel and South Korea.

“Failing to offer the same invitation to President Ruto risks sending the message that African partnerships are less valued by Congress,” the Democratic lawmakers wrote.

The state visit comes as the US election season enters full swing, with many lawmakers occupied by campaigning.