At least 48 former United States ambassadors accredited to countries in Africa have written a public letter to President Donald Trump, encouraging him to reconsider his views on the African continent.

Trump has continued to express condescending views about Africa and its people since he first launched his campaign to become President of the United States. The most recent was earlier this month when he reportedly referred to Haiti and African nations as ‘shithole countries,’ while in a meeting with lawmakers on U.S. immigration policy.

“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” he reportedly told the lawmakers.

Trump has suggested that the United States should let in more people from places such as Norway.

In their open communication, the former U.S. ambassadors expressed deep concerns about the president’s recent comments, while acknowledging the importance of America’s partnership with countries in Africa.

Among the signatories to the letter are Edward Perkins, the former U.S. director general of foreign service and former ambassador to Liberia and South Africa; Johnnie Carson, former assistant secretary for African Affairs, and former ambassadors to Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Kenya; and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the former ambassador to Liberia.

They noted in their letter that Africa is a continent of great human talent and rich diversity, as well as extraordinary beauty and almost unparalleled natural resources, with deep historical ties with the U.S.

“As American ambassadors abroad, we have seen Africa’s complex and rich cultures, awe-inspiring resilience, and breathtaking generosity and compassion,” the letter read.

It added that despite challenges faced by many of its countries, the diplomats said they have seen in Africa dynamic entrepreneurs, gifted artists, committed activists, passionate conservationists, and brilliant educators.

“We learned of novel solutions to complex problems, helped American companies find partners critical to their success, and counted on African military and intelligence officials who often assumed real risks to help achieve outcomes critical to our shared security,” it further noted.

in their letter, the former ambassadors also acknowledged that engaging African countries with respect was key to protecting American interest.

According to them, the U.S. is safer, healthier, more prosperous, and better equipped to solve global problems when it works with, listens to, and learns from its African partners.

“We also know that the entire world is richer because of the contributions of Africans, including the many Americans of African descent,” the letter further reads. “It was one of the greatest honors of our lives to represent the United States of America abroad.  It was also a privilege to live in and learn from the diverse and spectacular countries of Africa.”

The diplomats expressed hope that President Trump would reconsider his views on Africa and its citizens, while also recognizing the important contributions Africans and African Americans have made and continue to make to America, its history, and the enduring bonds that will always link Africa and the U.S.

Featured photo by Matt A.J.