During a White House meeting between African diplomats and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, the diplomats were left puzzled after Conway did not mention the administration’s priorities for the continent.
According to a report from Foreign Policy, sources also said to the news outlet that the diplomats were disappointed that Conway did not mention and apologize for President Trump’s reported reference to their nations as “shithole countries.”
Instead, Conway was talking about Trump’s first-year accomplishments and was focused mainly on then-upcoming State of the Union address.
During a bipartisan White House meeting which covered the topic of immigration reform, Trump reportedly referred to Haiti, El Salvador, and several African nations as “shithole countries.” This has sparked anger and outrage across the African Union.
South African Republic was leading the ambassadors when they condemned the U.S. for allowing such comments to be made from acting president.
“South Africa aligns itself with the statements issued by the African Union and the Africa group of Ambassadors to the United Nations in New York. Africa is united in its affirmation of the dignity of the people of Africa and the African diaspora. Relations between South Africa and the United States, and between the rest of Africa and the United States, must be based on mutual respect and understanding.”
The Associated Press also reports that African leaders came close to demanding an apology from Trump in a letter drafted during an African Union summit last weekend. The letter mentions president’s remark “that defies all forms of diplomatic etiquette” and claims that leaders are “deeply appalled.”
Trump previously sent a letter to the African Union last month that addressed the tensions but did not mention his offending comments.
“The United States profoundly respects the partnerships and values we share with the African Union, member states, and citizens across the continent.”
“I want to underscore that the United States deeply respects the people of Africa, and my commitment to strong and respectful relationships with African states as sovereign nations is firm.”
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