Joe Biden appears to fall asleep at African summit in Angola

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Sleepy Joe resurfaced in Africa this week.

U.S. President Joe Biden appeared to rest his eyes during a summit with African leaders in Angola in the moment that was caught on camera.

The outgoing president, who was seated in the middle of a table with officials from African countries, can be seen closing his eyes and resting his head while Tanzania’s Vice President Philip Mpango spoke.

From the footage, it appeared Biden’s eyes were closed for more than a minute.

The rest of the time, the 82-year-old appeared alert and gave remarks and took notes before and after the brief apparent nap, which was called out by many on social media.

Jake Schneider, the rapid response director for Trump’s campaign, joked, “Biden literally falls asleep during his own meeting in Africa. Who’s running the country?”

Radio host Ross Kaminsky, along with many others, called it “embarrassing” and he added, “It’s incredible that our enemies haven’t challenged us more while we’re basically without a president.”

Another user asked, “Why is this man allowed in public?”

Biden’s visit to Angola marked the first time the President has stepped foot on African soil during his presidency.

The discussion centred on African officials and U.S. business leaders who are investing in the Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor, and Biden noted that he likes “trains a lot,” recalling his old commute between Wilmington, N.C. and Washington, D.C.

“Mr. President, I’m coming back to ride on the train all the way from end to end,” he told Angolan President João Lourenço.

“I like trains a lot. So I’m coming back,” Biden said. “You’re stuck with me.”

Biden said the U.S. has invested $4 billion along the 1,300-kilometre Lobito Corridor, which consists of train lines in Zambia, Congo and Angola, the Associated Press reported.

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“Africa has been left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future,” Biden declared, calling the line a “game changer.”

By the end of the decade, the rail line could link southern Africa’s west and east coasts.

Biden wants to use the project as part of his push to counter China’s growing influence in Africa, as Beijing has heavily invested in mining and processing African minerals, and has used its Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure strategy to promote its economic and political influence, according to the AP.

Before leaving the continent, Biden told African leaders, “I want to come back and ride the whole thing.”