<h1>President dissolves aid agency, shifts to trade partnerships with five West African nations</h1> A US president met with leaders from five West African nations, promising to shift from aid to trade relationships. The administration dissolved the aid agency, ending what officials called a 'charity-based foreign aid model' in favor of partnerships with self-sufficient nations. African leaders praised the president's peace efforts and highlighted their countries' natural resources including rare earths, minerals, and oil deposits. The meeting addressed trade as a diplomatic tool, with the president suggesting trade restrictions could resolve conflicts. West African countries face significant impact from aid cuts, with one nation receiving support equivalent to 2.6% of its gross national income. The administration facilitated a recent peace deal between two African nations to access critical minerals in the region.