Blinken warns of global "democratic recession" as he visits Africa amid simmering crises in Ethiopia and Sudan

Nairobi, Kenya — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken opened his first official visit to Africa on Wednesday in Kenya, with an appeal for the preservation of democracy and inclusion in politically and ethnically fractured societies. His message was delivered amid worsening crises in neighboring Ethiopia and Sudan.   With insecurity wracking both of those countries, Blinken began a three-nation African tour in a country with its own turbulent history of democracy. Kenya will face another test of stability in a presidential election next year, yet it has emerged as a player in attempts to ease the growing conflict in Ethiopia.

Before meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta and other senior Kenyan officials, Blinken spoke with civic leaders about the importance of combatting what he termed "democratic recession" around the world, including challenges in the United States that show "just how fragile our democracy can be."