Sowore Condemns Trump’s Meeting with African Leaders, Labels it Modern-Day Slave-Era Public Humiliation
Nigerian human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned the recent engagement between former U.S. President Donald Trump and a group of African leaders, describing the encounter as a “modern-day slave-era public humiliation” of the African continent.
Sowore made his comments via his verified social media handle on Wednesday, following the high-profile meeting at the White House that included Liberian President Joseph Boakai and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
According to Sowore, the demeanor of the African leaders during the event revealed an unsettling level of submission that echoes colonial and slave-era dynamics.
“The way Donald Trump tore into African leaders, with them smiling, nodding and agreeing, was simply embarrassing,” Sowore stated. “It was reminiscent of the public flogging and humiliation that African slaves endured centuries ago—only now the chains are gone and the suits have replaced loincloths.”
The activist was particularly critical of President Boakai, who appeared unbothered when Trump expressed surprise at his fluent English, despite the fact that English is Liberia’s official language.
The comment sparked backlash both within Liberia and across African social media spaces, with many labeling it as ignorant and patronizing.
Sowore also questioned the priorities of President Diomaye Faye of Senegal, criticizing his reported request to Trump for support in building a golf course. He argued that such a request was superficial and ill-suited for a continent battling poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
“Africa doesn’t need golf courses. It needs infrastructure, education, industry, and self-respect. That our leaders would go begging for petty favors rather than demanding strategic investment is a disgrace,” Sowore added.
In his scathing commentary, Sowore said the interaction represented a deeper crisis of identity and leadership in Africa.
He accused African elites of lacking the courage to assert their countries’ dignity and sovereignty on the world stage.
“There is a dignity crisis at the top in Africa,” he wrote. “Until we start electing leaders who understand history, self-worth, and sovereignty, such humiliations will continue.”
The meeting between Trump and the African leaders was intended to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore trade opportunities. However, it has become a lightning rod for criticism due to Trump’s remarks and the seemingly deferential conduct of the visiting presidents.
The controversy has since stirred debate across African media platforms, with analysts divided on whether the leaders should have rebuked Trump publicly or maintained diplomatic decorum. Nevertheless, Sowore’s fiery critique has reignited conversations around Africa’s position in global geopolitics and the behavior of its leadership on the international scene.
