Biden’s Actions on the 5Rs Initiative

The Biden administration has taken steps to address some of the Cameroon American Council's 5Rs Initiative, a comprehensive framework for addressing the needs of Central African migrants. Still, key opportunities to fully embrace revitalization have been missed.

 

Remembrance: During his historic visit to Angola, Biden visited a slavery memorial and emphasized remembrance in his speech, stating:

 

“As I said at the U.S.-African Leaders Summit that held in Washington two years — I held in Washington two years ago, ‘Our people lie at the heart of the profound connection that forever binds Africa and the United States together. We remember the stolen men and women and children who were brought to our shores in chains, subjected to unimaginable cruelty.’”

 

However, Biden missed the opportunity to commemorate Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal and its exploitative colonization from the 1400s to 1975, which created a legacy of systemic oppression. He also failed to draw parallels between the eras of slavery and colonization. The fight for independence plunged Angola into a civil war that continues to drive refugees to flee.

 

Reconnection: Biden highlighted U.S.-Africa cultural ties, announcing expanded support for Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) students and emphasizing Angola’s role in the Kwanzaa Corridor and national heritage preservation. 

 

Biden could expand this effort on the U.S. side by focusing on language and heritage recognition, such as supporting those fleeing Angola and other Central African and African Lusophone countries, such as Cape Verde (celebrating 50 years in 2025), who need language access and cultural integration support. Deepening recognition of September as National African Immigrant Heritage Month could amplify their contributions and acknowledge the shared history of struggle and resilience.

 

Revitalization: While Biden strongly supported the Gullah-Geechee people following the collapse of a critical bridge, he failed to connect the dots between this heritage and Angola. The Gullah-Geechee language and culture are deeply tied to Angolan influences, including linguistic connections like the word for peanuts. Acknowledging these ties would strengthen revitalization efforts by emphasizing the contributions of Angola and Angolans to the U.S.

 

Biden also FAILED recognized the historical migration of Angolans to Maine and Congolese and Cameroonians to Massachusetts, including the vibrant Cameroonian community in Lowell, Massachusetts, which has an official sister city relationship with Bamenda, Cameroon.

 

Call to Action

Now that the 118th Congress adjourns for the year, and Biden’s reported consideration to issue or extend protective status to 31 countries excludes these Central African countries, failure to act could leave thousands of Angolan, Congolese and Cameroonian refugees vulnerable to deportation, family separation, and persecution. 

 

“President Biden’s trip to Angola was a historic moment, but it cannot be his only contribution to Central African lives,” said Bello. “We’ve seen victories in this campaign, but the fight is far from over. Congress must push Biden to extend protections before time runs out.”