Washington: President Donald Trump is set to meet with the leaders of five African nations this week, focusing on enhancing trade and addressing security concerns. The White House emphasizes the commercial potential of African countries, even as US foreign aid to the continent has been significantly reduced under Trump’s administration.
According to Deutsche Welle, Trump aims to shift focus towards trade and investment, particularly in West Africa’s critical minerals sector and regional security. Despite the reduced significance of these countries in terms of trade volume with the US, they possess substantial untapped natural resources, which Trump sees as a mutual opportunity for economic growth.
Migration and drug trafficking also play a central role in the discussions. Zakaria Ould Amar, an international consultant from Mauritania, highlights Trump’s interest in controlling migration and drug routes, which have historically led to an influx of refugees and migrants to the US-Mexico border. Amar believes these security issues will dominate Trump’s agenda with the African leaders.
However, skepticism remains about the tangible benefits of the meeting for the African countries involved. Prof. William Ferreira from Guinea-Bissau expresses doubt, citing the Trump administration’s cuts to aid projects in Africa. Ferreira argues that the meeting might not yield significant improvements for the African nations.
For President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, the meeting offers a platform to enhance his international standing amid internal challenges and questions about his legitimacy. All five nations involved face rule of law issues, yet the event allows their leaders to appear as legitimate figures on the global stage.
Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema faces corruption allegations linked to a recent coup. Liberia and Senegal confront social challenges and accusations of facilitating illegal migration. Meanwhile, Mauritania grapples with severe social issues under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani’s leadership.
In contrast, Lesmes Monteiro, a presidential advisor in Guinea-Bissau, sees the meeting as a diplomatic success for Embalo, highlighting ideological alignment with Trump. Monteiro underscores Guinea-Bissau’s geostrategic importance to the US, suggesting potential economic interests in the medium term.