Buzzing Today: 5 Important Takeaways From President Trump’s Letter to Africa

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American President Donald Trump had stirred up a firestorm of vexation among African nations, when earlier in January it was reported he called them “shithole countries” during a meeting with lawmakers in Washington. However, in a letter dated Thursday 25 January, Trump says he ‘deeply respects’ the people of Africa and that he will be sending his top diplomat, secretary of state Rex Tillerson to visit the continent in March this year.

In the letter  addressed to African leaders ahead of the 30th African Union Summit holding currently in Addis Ababa, Trump notes that the US “profoundly respects” the partnerships and values shared by the US and Africans.

Here are 5 important takeaways from the letter;

1. In the letter, Trump does not acknowledge the reported comments, therefore there was no apology but said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson would make a “extended visit” in March. He told African leaders that he looks forward to “welcoming many of them to the White House.”

2 .He states that the United States deeply respects the people of Africa, and “my commitment to strong and respectful relationships with African nations as sovereign nations is firm,”.

3. He states that African states can rely on America’s partnership and support in dealing with the issues (advancing trade and development, resolving armed conflicts, combating corruption and many others) which the 30th African Union Summit is billed to address.

4.He added that he wishes to build on the relationships established during the African Leaders Lunch during the United Nations General Assembly, the African Ministerial in Washington and his Ambassadors throughout Africa.

5. Then he sends his greetings, highest regards and best wishes for the success of the summit.