Trump Meets African Leaders: Trade Over Aid di White House?
Former US President Donald Trump recently hosted a three-day summit for five African leaders at the White House. De summit, according to White House officials, be about exploring 'incredible commercial opportunities.' But some observers dey see am as something else entirely.
Who Attend?
De leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal dey present. All of these countries get relatively small populations and economies, wey dey make some people wonder why dem be selected.
Trade, Not Aid?
De main focus of de meetings be Trump's 'trade, not aid' policy. Considering say all of dem dey face 10% tariffs on goods wey dem export to de US, dem dey hope say dem go negotiate lower rates.
Praise and Partnership
During a lunch at de White House, de African leaders shower Trump with praise and push for stronger US economic partnership. De President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, even talk say Trump 'came to de rescue for peace' for Africa, referring to a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda wey de White House help broker.
Golf and Natural Resources
De President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, compliment Trump ein golf skills and invite am to build a golf course for Senegal. De African leaders also take advantage of de platform to talk about their natural resources, including rare earth minerals.
Criticism
But not everyone dey happy with de summit. Some people dey criticize am as 'modern colonial theatre,' wey dey suggest say Trump dey exploit Africa for ein resources. Dem also point out say de summit happen de same day wey de Trump administration increase tariffs on some African countries, wey dey show say Trump ein Africa policy be inconsistent.
De Big Question
So, what be de real motive behind Trump ein African summit? Is it about genuine partnership and mutual benefit, or just another way for de US to exploit Africa ein resources? De answer, like many things in politics, no dey clear cut.