Tag Archives: history

TRUMP MEETS WEST AFRICAN LEADERS AS U.S. SHIFTS FROM AID TO TRADE

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By Ndiho Media

U.S. President Donald Trump this week hosted a pivotal working lunch at the White House with five West African leaders: Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, and Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema. The gathering signaled a proposed shift in U.S. engagement with the region, focusing less on aid and more on trade and investment.

During the meeting, President Trump described the visiting nations as “very vibrant places with valuable land, minerals, oil, and wonderful people,” reflecting a brand-new strategy framing Africa as a partner in economic development.

The African leaders emphasized that Africa’s long-term growth depends not just on extraction, but on local processing and industrialization—areas where U.S. investment could play a transformational role.

President Brice Oligui Nguema told U.S. President Donald Trump during Wednesday’s meeting at the White House.

“We are not poor countries. We are rich in raw materials, but we need partners who will support us and help develop those resources through win-win partnerships.”

Behind the polite welcome, however, a sensitive proposal was reportedly raised: U.S. officials urged these nations to temporarily host deported third-country migrants while their asylum cases move through the American system—a deportation strategy sparking concern in diplomatic circles.

To provide further clarity, Ndiho Media interviewed Melvin P. Foote, founder of the Constituency for Africa and a seasoned policy strategist.

“If you were to say we’re going to change [USAID] and improve it—I’ve got a whole laundry list of ideas,” Foote said. “But to throw it away? I’m not sure how that works out for Africa—or even for us here in the United States.”

He warned that long-standing tools of U.S. influence, such as Voice of America, Peace Corps, and NGO partnerships, are being devalued.

“Why would we give up our leverage? The Peace Corps is taking a hit. Many of the programs that helped build trust between Africans and Americans are vanishing.”

Foote also challenged the transactional tone of the administration’s new focus:

“All I hear is: how can we squeeze something out of Africa? Not how we solve problems together—health care, climate, governance.”

Yet, Foote remained optimistic about the continent’s future, especially youth-driven initiatives like the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

“YALI created a generation of empowered leaders. Future ministers, presidents, innovators—it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”

Finally, Foote emphasized the importance of diaspora engagement:

“When you call yourself African American, you’ve got to love both Africa and America. And we need to start acting like partners—not patrons.”

Against the backdrop of shifting geopolitics and rising global competition, Melvin Foote argued that U.S.–Africa relations must be rooted in trust, mutual respect, and long-term vision, not just transactional deals.

At Least 11 Dead in Kenya Protests as Central Business District in Nairobi is Locked Down

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By Ndiho Media | Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya is once again in crisis mode. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead and scores injured following a brutal crackdown on anti-government protests led essentially by Gen Z activists. The demonstrations, timed to coincide with Saba Saba Day, descended into violence as police sealed off central Nairobi, fired live ammunition, and deployed tear gas to suppress the unrest.

A doctor at Eagle Nursing Home in Kangemi confirmed to Ndiho Media that protesters brought in had died from gunshot wounds, a chilling escalation in a country once seen as a regional model of democratic progress.

For insight into the unrest, Ndiho Media spoke to Michael Agwanda, a political analyst based in Nairobi.

“By early morning, police had mounted barricades across the CBD. Shops stayed closed. The tension was thick. You could feel it,” Agwanda said.

“This wasn’t just a protest—it was a lockdown. The roads were sealed, and access to the city center was completely restricted. That kind of response only confirms how threatened the government feels by these young people.”

Agwanda emphasized that the protest movement is decentralized but robust.

“These youths are well-educated but sitting idle in their homes. They’re saying, ‘We have time. We have nothing to lose.’ And they’re determined to keep protesting until they are heard.”

He warned that the government is underestimating the resilience and desperation driving this new generation.

“Some of these kids are writing funeral notes to their families before heading out to protest. That level of commitment can’t be crushed by tear gas.”

Agwanda added that the government’s economic promises have failed to materialize, fueling frustration.

“The president’s ‘bottom-up’ economic strategy sounded good during the campaign, but it hasn’t translated into anything real. The youth feel abandoned, and now they’re fighting back.”

With Nairobi still on edge and no sign of de-escalation, observers fear the death toll may rise further. Rights groups are calling for an independent investigation, while protest organizers vow to return to the streets until their voices are heard.

“If the government doesn’t address their grievances—joblessness, corruption, inequality—these protests won’t go away,” Agwanda warned. “This is not just a moment. It’s a movement.”

Kenya’s Democracy Under Siege: A Deadly Crackdown on Protesters Raises Alarm

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By Ndiho Media | Nairobi

Kenya is reeling from one of the deadliest waves of political unrest in recent years. At least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured during mass protests in Nairobi this week, as security forces cracked down on demonstrators demanding accountability and economic justice.

Ndiho Media spoke with Hussein Khalid, a leading human rights advocate and CEO of VOCAL Africa, who painted a grim picture of the state of civil liberties in the country.

“This week was meant to commemorate comrades who were killed last year,” Khalid said. “Instead, the state responded with water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets—and once again, live ammunition.”

The protests were sparked by growing frustrations with President William Ruto’s administration, which had campaigned on promises of economic reform and youth empowerment through a “bottom-up” agenda. Instead, young Kenyans say they feel betrayed.

“The same government that claimed to be for the hustlers is now turning its guns on them,” Khalid added. “What we are seeing is a war on dissent.”

He said the situation has become so dangerous that activists now live in fear of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

“Yes, I am afraid. People are being taken from their homes. Some disappear, some are found dead,” Khalid said.

The government has blamed the unrest on “terrorists” and “looters,” but Khalid rejected that narrative, calling it a dangerous attempt to criminalize a constitutional right.

“We don’t need permission to protest. It’s a guaranteed right in our constitution,” he said. “If the government wants to ban demonstrations, they need to call a referendum. Until then, we will not be silenced.”

There’s also concern over a government-ordered media blackout during the protests. Khalid said attempts to muzzle the press are unconstitutional.

“Media freedom is non-negotiable. If the police don’t want their brutality reported, they should stop committing it,” he said.

Despite the bloodshed, the youth-led movement shows no signs of backing down.

“We’re at a standstill,” Khalid told Ndiho Media. “Protesters are mobilizing for another round, and the government refuses to listen. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight.”

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