Impossible is not American. Never say never. In politics and geopolitics, everything follows the wind's direction. A year ago, upon taking office at the White House, Donald Trump, 47th President of the United States, shook the entire world with a steep increase in tariffs for many countries, the suspension of the American social cooperation agency, Usaid, and the end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, an American law that allowed certain African countries to export their products to Uncle Sam's country without tariffs. Donald Trump ended this favor and raised the tariff to 47%. This meant the closure of many businesses and the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. African products would have lost all competitiveness on the market. Authorities went to great lengths to request clemency from the American president, who granted a 90-day reprieve. Agoa continued after the reprieve, but there was no official decision from American authorities. Exporting companies found themselves in limbo. Donald Trump kept African operators on a leash. It was a retreat to better strike down Agoa beneficiaries. And when least expected, the United States announces the extension of Agoa until 2028. One must be naive to believe this is a gesture of empathy from Donald Trump, whose character is neither sentimental nor humanitarian. We suspected it—there was indeed a catch behind this almost divine or rather diabolical generosity. The Agoa extension comes with easier American access to strategic minerals from countries benefiting from this opportunity. To put it plainly, this is nothing more than blackmail. As many countries covet rare earths, Americans realized they cannot let other powers occupy the field alone. Agoa is then an excellent bargaining chip. And just when African countries seemed on the brink of collapse, a providential decision comes to save them. At least for now. They are not obliged to accept this deal. One must think carefully before concluding an agreement, given the importance of strategic minerals worth far more than a year's extension of Agoa. But the State finds itself between two fires. Turning away from Agoa means endorsing the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs with no alternative solution. Accepting this fool's bargain means letting others plunder what remains of the country's minerals. The dilemma is complicated and the choice may require genuine national consultation. As they say, one is both happy and embarrassed, like a chick lured by a grain of rice but with a beak too small to crack it. So it is not just free trade zones and exporters who are affected by this situation. This is truly a Cornelian choice that involves the State's responsibility. There is reason to be agoassé.