President Tinubu missing as Trump hosts 5 African leaders

The brash and tough-talking President of the United States, Donald Trump is set to host the presidents of Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Gabon for a White House luncheon Wednesday.

Nigeria’s president, Chief Bola Tinubu appears to be missing as Trump did not extend invitation to him.

This medium understand that the diplomatic engagement is expected to center around commerce, trade, and security.

The meeting, which will take place in the State Dining Room of the White House, brings together leaders from five countries along Africa’s Atlantic Coast, reflecting growing U.S. interest in strengthening ties with the region.

According to diplomatic sources who spoke with AFP, the agenda will feature discussions on boosting U.S.-Africa trade relations, attracting investment, and enhancing regional security cooperation.

Other expected topics include maritime safety, counterterrorism efforts, and infrastructure development.

But few concrete details have emerged as to the White House’s intentions.

The meeting comes as the Trump administration is focused on tariffs and trade deals, and as it seeks to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals.

But the five nations lack the extreme mineral wealth of other African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Officials from the five countries who spoke to AFP seemed keenly aware of the White House ethos.

Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai accepted the invitation with an eye on no longer being “solely (an) aid recipient”, his press secretary Kula Fofana told AFP on Tuesday.

“Our interest is to look more to trade and engagement partners who will invest,” she said.

Gabonese presidential spokesman Theophane Biyoghe said the meeting marked a chance for synergies “centred around the industrialisation of our economy”.

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