Cape Town – Former African Union ambassador to the United States, Dr Arikana Chihombori Quao, has commended US President Donald Trump’s decision to invite South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House last week, describing the move as a step in the right direction.
However, she did not hold back in criticising Ramaphosa’s delegation for what she called a “lack of preparedness.”
In an interview with SABC News, Chihombori said African leaders must “wake up” to the changing landscape of global diplomacy and adopt more strategic approaches in engaging with international partners.
“What African leaders need to realise is that president Trump is saying no more divide and conquer, no more regime change. President Trump is is bringing in and ushering in a new era that says let’s trade as equal partners,” she said.
[WATCH] Former African Union ambassador to the U.S., Dr Arikana Chihombori Quao, says it was a step in the direction for President Donald Trump to invite President Cyril Ramaphosa to the White House last week. She has, however, criticised Ramaphosa’s team for lack of… pic.twitter.com/4gLndlPoYQ
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 27, 2025
“If African leaders failed to come to the table, understanding we have a leader who wants to deal and he will negotiate the best deal that he can for his people and you need to come to the table with the best and brightest negotiators and also ready to come up with the best and brightest negotiators and also ready to come up with the best deal that you can for your people.
“This environment has never existed in Africa since colonisation. So if we miss the opportunity with president Trumpto negotiate for the minerals, the wealth of the countries, for the betterment of our people, it is a missed opportunity. President Trump is coming in to trade. He is not playing games.”
Her comments come amid growing debate over Africa’s positioning in US-Africa relations and the continent’s readiness to capitalise on shifting geopolitical interests.
The White House meeting, held in Washington, marked Ramaphosa’s first official visit to the US under Trump’s administration.
Dr Chihombori, a vocal Pan-Africanist and medical doctor by profession, has consistently called for stronger leadership and unity among African nations in their dealings with global powers.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
