U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden will attend the opening of the Football World Cup in South Africa.

While he’s at it, he will make several stopovers in Africa. He is accompanied by General Scott Gration, President Obama’s special envoy to Sudan. Their assignment is to finalise the secession of South Sudan, which could occur in the first half of 2011. On this account, they will meet with Salva Kiir, who is slated to become the first president of the new State.