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Out in Africa? Tillerson trip leaves hosts nonplussed
Former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (left) wafts the aroma of fire-roasted coffee beans during a traditional coffee ceremony at the US embassy in Addis Ababa on March 8, 2018. AFP PHOTO | POOL | JONATHAN ERNST
From the outset, Rex Tillerson’s first trip to Africa looked half-hearted and token, but with the hindsight knowledge that the U.S. Secretary of State was fired just two days in, his African hosts must be wondering why they bothered.
Beyond $533 million in humanitarian aid and some pat remarks about security and not getting too cosy with China, Tillerson’s main aim appeared to be clearing up the mess left by President Donald Trump’s reported dismissal of some African nations as “shithole countries”. Trump later denied making the comment.
