Thread by @MacWBishop

“Ivory Coast is an Important Ally of the United States”

This is the front page of yesterday’s state-run Fraternité Matin, Ivory Coast’s most widely-read newspaper.

@IvankaTrump is in Abidjan continuing her tour focusing on women’s rights and economic empowerment.

In Abidjan, I spoke to one Ivorian who works in real estate. He said most people here look favorably on Ivanka Trump’s visit.

But, he added, “they would go crazy with excitement if President Trump visited.”

“Most people here are not very educated about politics. They like Trump because they think he is nobody’s puppet. They like his frankness.”

People had fantastical expectations about what Obama would do for Africa, he said, and were disappointed that nothing much changed.

Many Americans think the rest of the world views US politicians through the same political lens that they do.

In most places, only handfuls of people distinguish US politicians by their politics, as “Republican” or “Democrat.”

For good or ill, they’re just viewed as “American.”

From this perspective, @IvankaTrump’s visit is largely viewed as symbolic of the White House’s interest and commitment to Ivory Coast.

It should be noted that this sign was erected in the prefecture of one of President Alassane Ouattara’s top lieutenants.

Women in the cocoa industry sing “On doit travailler pour l’avenir de nos enfants,” or “We must work for the future of our children,” as they wait to meet Ivanka Trump in Adzopé, Ivory Coast.

There’s no denying these Ivorian women were very excited to meet Ivanka Trump. Especially when she started dancing with them.

They are blasting Fela Kuti during a break at the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, and I am fine with that.

@mayahorgan of Ingressive Capital, speaking at the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative:

“The best way to support women’s companies is to buy the products they are making.”

She noted the 5 countries with the highest rates of female entrepreneurship are in sub-Saharan Africa.

@LindseyGrahamSC is speaking about the War on Terrorism, which he says is coming to Africa. He is speaking at the Women’s Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative.

He adds: “Women are central to winning the war on terrorism.”

He says investing in women in Africa makes America safer.

“Of all the places in the world where a woman’s voice can change things, I choose Africa,” @LindseyGrahamSC says.

@ChrisCoons is here also. He introduced himself in French, a mild jab at @LindseyGrahamSC, who when introducing himself said “Out of respect for the French language, I will not speak it.”

America’s stance on Africa is bipartisan, @ChrisCoons said, before outlining various initiatives and aid programs the US is involved in across Africa.