Eyewitness Account of African Leaders at the UN General Assembly, New York

 During the UN General Assembly in New York, I witnessed a stark contrast between the African and European leaders attending the event. The grandeur of the African delegations left me speechless, as they arrived in convoys of over 20 luxury vehicles, all hired from American car rental companies. These lavish displays of wealth stood in stark contrast to the European leaders, who opted for modest transport and accommodation arrangements.

European leaders, including the Prime Minister of the UK and Prime Minister of Norway, shared a small car upon their arrival. Likewise, the Prime Minister of Italy and Prime Minister of Luxembourg, despite representing one of the wealthiest nations, arrived together in another small vehicle. I also noticed that the German Chancellor arrived with the Prime Ministers of Sweden and Denmark in a single Mercedes Benz, and all three were staying at a budget hotel in Manhattan.

On the other hand, the African leaders were staying in some of the most expensive hotels in Lower Manhattan, a part of the city known for being the financial hub of Wall Street. Each African leader booked entire five-star hotels for themselves and their entourages, which included politicians and other officials from their home countries. They were also seen shopping for high-end luxury goods in New York City.

It was a stark contrast when compared to other world leaders. For instance, the Prime Minister of Israel stayed in a modest office far away in Queens, and the Dutch Prime Minister shared a budget hotel with the Prime Minister of Malta and the President of the Czech Republic—a highly developed nation. The Prime Minister of Slovakia was reported to be staying in Harlem in another budget accommodation, alongside leaders from Jordan.

The most surprising part of the entire experience was learning that African leaders had taken over 39 five-star hotels in New York, while simultaneously appealing to European leaders for increased financial aid for their respective African nations. I saw the German Chancellor look on in disbelief as the African leaders arrived in their grand motorcades, yet he still went ahead to meet them.

This display of extravagance in New York by African leaders was both pompous and disconcerting, especially given the economic challenges their countries face back home.