U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday hosted President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders to a working lunch on the sidelines of the 72nd UN General Assembly in New York.
Mr. Trump, who said he was greatly honoured to host the lunch, highlighted the good on the continent, encouraging them to tackle health, and terrorist like Boko Haram and others, for peace to reign.
But he made no mention of human rights violation as relating to groups like secessionist IPOB and its leader Nnamdi Kanu the Nigeria military is trying to hammer down in the southeast.
Kanu was said to have written letters to the UN and the US over Nigeria’s human rights records. The Igbo in the US also protested to embarrass Buhari in New York during UNGA 72.
The world body has yet to say anything in sympathy with IPOB.
President Rump would rather feel “ greatly honoured to be joined by leaders of Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda and South Africa. In particular, I want to thank President Condé, who is representing the African Union.”
According to him he saw partners for promoting prosperity and peace on a range of economic, humanitarian and security issues.
“We hope to extend our economic partnerships with countries who are committed to self-reliance and to fostering opportunities for job creation in both Africa and the United States.
“Six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies are in Africa. Increasing American trade and investment across diverse industries – including agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare, travel, and tourism – will further transform lives throughout the continent.”
He said described Africa a continent of tremendous potential. The outlook is bright. I look forward to hearing from you and your advice during the meal.
He even commended troops currently serving in the field.
“Very brave. Very, very brave what they’re going through,” he said.
He listed U.S agenda for a range of issues including health, humanitarian service, terrorism, and others.
The IPOB cause has drawn little attention from around the world. Germany, for instance, has insisted IPOB should respect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and constitution.
Turkey too has dissociated itself from the claim by Kanu that that IPOB would get weapons from Turkey to confront the Nigeria military carrying out Iperation Python Dance in the southeast.
IPOB was declared a terrorist organisation yesterday by a federal high court in Abuja.
Kanu too has gone into hiding since the Southeast Governors Forum proscribed IPOB.
The lunch was held at the New York Palace Hotel.