Trump to host leaders of five African nations at White House luncheon

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt announced that U.S. President Donald Trump will host a luncheon for the heads of five African countries, though further details were not immediately provided.

According to diplomatic sources and government statements, the meeting is expected to focus on trade, investment, and security cooperation, with the aim of strengthening U.S.-Africa ties.

A statement from the Liberian presidency emphasized that the meeting seeks to “deepen diplomatic relations, advance shared economic goals, and improve security cooperation.” A source from Guinea-Bissau said the talks will likely also address drug trafficking and regional security, as the country continues to face challenges from transnational criminal networks, according to news agencies.

Gabon’s presidential spokesman described the visit as “exceptional,” noting that Gabon is the only Central African country invited. The U.S. recently lifted sanctions on Gabon, following elections in April that confirmed coup leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema as president with over 94% of the vote.

Also expected at the luncheon are Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, though their offices have not commented on the event.
The gathering comes amid controversial U.S. immigration policies targeting African nations.

Washington recently implemented travel bans on 12 countries, with plans to potentially expand the ban to 36 more, including Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon, and Liberia, while simultaneously reducing visa durations for Nigerians to three months.