WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the world keeps an eye on Ukraine, Iran and Israel, our adversaries are keeping their sights on Africa. This week, the White House hosted leaders from several western African nations in hopes of improving economic relations. Experts believe the Administration is meeting with these leaders in hopes of making China and Russia less influential in the region.
In a three day mini summit in Washington, the Presidents of Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Gabon and Liberia met with President Donald Trump.
“All very vibrant places, great minerals, great oil deposits and wonderful people,” said Trump during the meeting.
We expect there will be talks about immigration, trade and security.
“We encourage the countries here today to make greater investments in defense,” said Trump. “Hopefully of course buying our equipment because I guess we do make the best defense equipment. I guess we proved that two weeks ago in Iran.”
We also expect leaders to privately share their concerns with the President about cuts to aid for African countries. After returning to the White House, one of the first major cuts was USAID, or the US Agency for International Development. Cuts to the agency impacted many African nations by forcing health centers to shut down and created shortages in HIV medications and contraceptives. The President told leaders they’re looking to redirect USAID with new economic opportunities.
“We have closed the USAID group to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse which was tremendous waste fraud and abuse,” said the President.
This meeting with western African leaders comes at a time when China is expanding their presence in Africa. China has been the leading trade and investment partner in the region and some believe they are eyeing western Africa to set up a military base.
The United States has its own influence in the region, especially in support of counterterrorism missions. However, many believe the US has not focused enough on the continent and left it more open to influence from our adversaries.
For this mini summit, the US could strike a deal on critical resources and to get more investments to the US.
“We want to encourage American involvement and investment,” said Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia.
