President-elect Donald Trump’s first meeting related to Africa is connected to security, specifically the political crisis in Libya and other African issues. And the first African leader he is meeting on the issue is President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo.
The Congolese government spokesperson, Thierry Moungalla, revealed the meeting between the two but failed to disclose any details.
https://twitter.com/Thierry_mounga/status/813381007105753088
Trump, who officially takes office on Jan. 20, also is reported to have met with the Japanese Prime Minister and had high-level exchanges with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
The North African country of Libya was plunged into chaos following the forced ouster of longtime ruler Muammar al Gaddafi. President Obama has described it as “the worst mistake of my presidency,” revealing that there was no plan after the overthrow.
Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for close to five decades, was killed in 2011 after Western forces invaded the country. Libya has since been split among rivals governments ruling different parts. ISIS took advantage to seize parts of Sirte, the birthplace of Gaddafi and where he was killed, though government forces have recently freed the area.
Libya now has rival governments ruling different parts of the country, even though the UN-backed government in Tripoli, led by Fayez al-Sarraj, has gained international trust and support over the past few months.
The Trump team has yet to confirm the meeting, according to Reuters.
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