In a thought-provoking interview with Channels TV, former Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Professor Bolaji Akinyemi raised concerns about Donald Trump's perceived indifference towards Africa and its nations.
Akinyemi's remarks underscore a belief that the former president's interests lie elsewhere. "If you ask Trump to spell Africa or to spell Nigeria, he will not be able to do so," he stated, emphasizing that African countries are often overlooked in favor of regions like the Middle East and South America.
Akinyemi criticized Trump's lack of traditional presidential rhetoric during his inaugural address. He highlighted how Trump failed to call on the global community to unite on pressing issues such as climate change.
The professor remarked, "He was saying 'baby drill' - is that the kind of language you expect from a president in an inaugural address?" This dismissal of serious discourse reflects broader concerns about Trump's approach to international relations.
Acknowledging Trump's consistency with his campaign message filled with "falsehoods," Akinyemi cautioned African leaders about engaging with him.
"If you are asking President Tinubu or African presidents to try and fathom a pathway to engage Trump," he warned, "they've got a heavy duty on their hands."
While many remember Trump's controversial comments regarding Africa-labeling it as a "shithole" country-his first term did witness initiatives like Prosper Africa aimed at bolstering economic ties between the U.S. and African nations; nevertheless, skepticism remains around genuine engagement going forward.
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