In a stunning turn of events, Gabonese General Oligui Nguema and Senegalese President Bassirou Faye delivered a powerful address to former President Donald Trump, highlighting urgent calls for investment and transformation in Africa. Their remarks, made during a high-stakes meeting at the White House, underscored the dire need for local processing of raw materials to create jobs and prevent the tragic loss of young lives attempting perilous journeys across oceans in search of better opportunities.

“We are not poor nations; we are rich in resources,” Nguema asserted, emphasizing the necessity for American partnerships to harness Africa’s vast mineral wealth. He appealed directly to Trump for immediate investment, warning that without swift action, other countries would seize the opportunity. The urgency was palpable as he outlined the potential for economic growth through local resource transformation, particularly in Gabon, where the government is actively seeking American firms to invest in energy and mining.

Faye echoed these sentiments, commending Trump for his diplomatic successes and urging him to extend his peace-building efforts to regions plagued by conflict, such as Sudan and Libya. The Senegalese leader highlighted the critical role of stability in attracting foreign investment, stating, “We can only do business when there is peace.”

As the world watches, the message was clear: Africa stands ready for a new era of collaboration, but it requires immediate action from global partners. The stakes have never been higher, and the call for investment reverberates across the continent. Will the United States respond to this urgent plea for partnership, or will the opportunity slip away? The future of many hangs in the balance.