Trump Meets five African Leaders
US President Donald Trump meets with leaders from five African countries as he escalates a trade war that might have ramifications for developing countries that rely on US trade.
On Wednesday, Trump hosted leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal at the White House for talks and a working lunch, with discussions anticipated to focus on business potential, according to a White House official. Trump stated that the five countries were unlikely to face US tariffs.
During the lunch, Trump stated that the leaders come from “very vibrant places with very valuable land, great minerals, great oil deposits, and wonderful people”.
“There is a lot of anger on your continent. We’ve been able to solve a lot of it,” the US president claimed, pointing to a peace agreement leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda recently signed at the White House.
Trump also praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai’s English skills, despite the fact that English is the official language of the West African country.
“Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again,” said Boakai, who advocated for US investment in his country. “We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity.”
Trump responded by asking Boakai where he learned his English skills. “Such good English,” the US president remarked. “Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?”
Boakai seemed to chuckle. “In Liberia?” Trump inquired. “Yes, sir,” Boakai replied. “That’s very interesting,” Trump commented. “I have people at this table who can’t speak nearly as well.”
Liberia was founded by freed US slaves in the 19th century. Its official language in English, though multiple Indigenous languages are spoken there as well.
Gabon’s President, Brice Oligui Nguema, informed Trump that his country is ready to business and wants its raw natural resources processed domestically, but that this will require significant energy investments.
“We are not poor nations. We are resource-rich countries. But we need partners to help us develop those resources through win-win collaborations,” Nguema stated during the meeting.
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has stated that his country offers investment potential in tourism, including a golf course. Faye said the course was only a six-hour flight from New York and recommended Trump visit to demonstrate his talents.
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) announced earlier in the day that it will give project development finance for the Banio Potash Mine in Mayumba, Gabon, therefore reducing Gabon’s reliance on imports.
“DFC’s efforts not only benefit the countries and communities where they invest but also advance US economic interests by opening new markets, strengthening trade relationships, and promoting a more secure and prosperous global economy,” Conor Coleman, the investment manager at DFC, stated.
The five countries whose leaders met Trump account for a modest portion of US-Africa trade, but they have vast natural riches.
Senegal and Mauritania are significant transit and origin nations for migration, and they, along with Guinea-Bissau, are battling to combat drug trafficking, both of which are of interest to the Trump administration.
However, African Union officials question how Africa can strengthen trade ties with the US in the face of what they call “abusive” tariff plans and visa restrictions aimed mostly at African tourists.
Ambassador Troy Fitrell, the highest US diplomat in Africa, has denied claims of unfair US trade practices.
Earlier this month, US authorities abolished the US Agency for International Development, stating that it would no longer follow “a charity-based foreign aid model” and would instead focus on partnerships with states that demonstrate “both the ability and willingness to help themselves”.
According to a study published this week in The Lancet medical magazine, these changes might lead to more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030.
Trump is anticipated to announce dates for a larger summit with African leaders, probably in September, around the time of the UN General Assembly.
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