William Ruto made the first state visit to the United States by a Kenyan President in 20 years. Ruto went to Atlanta and Washington, DC to discuss the potential extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Kenya’s contribution to a planned peacekeeping mission in Haiti. Kenyan historian Macharia Munene writes in The Standard that Ruto’s favourable relationship with the US could change if Trump wins the election.

Benin’s parliament is considering a new law that would make Afro-descendants in the Americas eligible for citizenship. This follows a decision to allow visa free travel to citizens of other African countries.

• The national army foiled a coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Africa is A Country interviewed Dutch-Cape Verdean musician Nelson Freitas on the global popularity of African culture. The interview is the first of a series on African music in partnership with NPR’s Rhythm Lab Radio.
• OkayAfrica speaks with South African voters ahead of elections.

‍

Image: William Ruto meets with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in 2022. 15 December 2022. Photo credit: U.S. Department of State, image in the public domain per 17 U.S.C. § 101 and § 105 and the Department Copyright Information.