Trump touts US arms to African leaders

The president claimed recent strikes in Iran were evidence of the reliability of American-made weapons

US President Donald Trump has urged African leaders to increase defense spending and buy more American weapons, claiming they are “the best military equipment anywhere in the world by far.” 

Trump made the pitch as he hosted the presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau at the White House on Wednesday. He cited recent US military strikes in Iran as “proof” of the superiority of American-made weapons.

“We encourage the countries here today to make greater investments in defense, hopefully, of course buying our equipment, because we do make the best defense equipment,” the US leader stated.

Trump’s remarks come at a time when several African nations are increasingly distancing themselves from their traditional Western partners and turning to Russia for security assistance.

Niger terminated its military agreement with Washington following the July 2023 coup, prompting the withdrawal of American troops and the closure of a $100 million drone base. Russian military trainers and equipment were later deployed, as authorities in Niamey accused the US of failing to deliver on its promises to help combat the jihadist insurgencies that have long plagued the Sahel region.

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Chad also expelled a contingent of US special forces in 2024. Months later, the country formally terminated its longstanding defense pact with France, which officials described as outdated and incompatible with Chad’s current security needs and sovereignty. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have likewise severed military ties with France, accusing the former colonial power of stoking instability and prolonging militant violence under the guise of counterterrorism. The Sahel states have since hailed Russia as a more reliable defense partner and have signed new security agreements with Moscow.

During the meeting on Wednesday, Trump described terrorism as Africa’s “big problem” and called for continued efforts to combat it. He added that US officials had been tasked with pursuing closer coordination with the continent’s nations rich in “tremendous wealth” and potential.

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“There’s great economic potential in Africa, like few other places in many ways. In the long run, this will be far more effective and sustainable and beneficial than anything else that we could be doing together. I’m eager to work with each of you on your vital issues,” he stated.

In response, each of the five African presidents praised Trump’s global peace efforts and appealed for greater US investment in the untapped natural resources in their countries.

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani said his “small country” has a “great deal of resources,” including rare earths, manganese, uranium, and possibly lithium, and “a lot of opportunities to offer in terms of investment.”