In his third phone conversation with an African leader since he won the U.S. presidential election last November and since his swearing in as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, President Donald Trump called President Muhammadu Buhari monday and pledged the support of his country in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Trump also indicated his readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria with military weapons to combat terrorism, signifying a departure from the Barack Obama administration, which had blocked efforts by the Nigerian government to procure American-manufactured military weapons, citing alleged human rights abuses by the Nigerian military.
Although there was no statement from the White House on the phone call, a statement issued monday by the Nigerian president’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Trump spoke with Buhari who is still on vacation in London, the United Kingdom, on the phone.
After his phone call to Buhari, Trump was slated to speak to South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma later monday.
Adesina said the phone conversation was at the request of the American president.
He also said the conversation between the two presidents was cordial.
He said Buhari congratulated Trump on his election as president of the United States and on the appointment of his cabinet.