Sani Criticises Trump’s Question to Liberian President Boakai

Shehu Sani, the former Senator representing Kaduna Central, criticised President Donald Trump’s comments to Liberia’s President Joseph N. Boakai as emblematic of a significant disconnect and a lack of understanding regarding the African continent.

Sani stated, “That is a classic example of disconnect and ignorance about our continent.”

During a meeting with African leaders, Trump asked the Liberian President after he had spoken, “Thank you, and such good English, such beauty. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully? Where? Were you educated, where? In Liberia?” When Boakai said he was educated in Liberia, Trump continued, “You speak so well. Many people at this table cannot speak English so beautifully.”

Sani described the encounter as highly embarrassing and reminded the U.S. President that the United States has a unique relationship with Liberia, noting that the country was founded by Americans in 1822 and named after U.S. President James Monroe.

“Liberia has closer historical ties to the United States than any other African country. Trump was surprised that its President speaks ‘good English,’ even asking him where he learned it,” Sani said.

Trump faced significant criticism for his apparent lack of historical knowledge, especially about the fact that Black American slaves fled to form the country in the 1880s.