President Museveni on Friday joined several African leaders in congratulating Donald Trump on winning the November 5 US presidential election in which he defeated Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Twice-impeached President Trump has emphatically retaken the White House with 295 electoral votes to Harris’s 226, according to American media.
Although some observers place Africa low on Washington’s agenda, Trump’s second non-consecutive but final four-year term will have major consequences for the continent of more than 1.3 billion people, where US hegemony is increasingly challenged by China, Russia and other emerging countries. powers like India.
Here’s how some leaders in the bloc responded to Trump’s return, promising a “golden age for the US.”
Yoweri Museveni from Uganda: “By winning both the popular vote and the Electoral College, your victory was a true reflection of the sentiments of the majority of U.S. citizens. We, the freedom-loving people of Uganda, look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with your government. -seeking peace and mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Paul Kagame from Rwanda: “I sincerely congratulate you on your historic and decisive election as the 47th President of the United States. Your clear message was that the United States must be a partner of choice, attracting people through the power of its example, rather than by imposing its views and ways of life on others. I therefore look forward to working with you in the coming years in the common interest of both our countries.”
Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: “I look forward to continuing our two countries’ strong cooperation and partnership to promote peace, security and common prosperity for our two nations.”
Samia Suluhu from Tanzania: “Mr President-elect, you have my best wishes. I look forward to working together to strengthen bilateral ties between Tanzania and the US.”
Republican presidential candidate and US President-elect Donald Trump addresses his supporters during his rally in Florida, US, on November 6, 2024. Inset are African Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia . PHOTO/REUTERS/COMBO
The Egyptian Abdel Fattah el-Sisi: “We look forward to working together to establish peace, maintain regional peace and stability, and strengthen strategic partnership relations between Egypt and the US and their friendly peoples. The two countries have always presented a model of cooperation and together they have managed to realize the common interests of the two friendly countries, which we would like to continue in these critical circumstances that the world is going through.”
William Ruto from Kenya: “Your victory is a testament to the determination of the American people to place their trust in your visionary, bold and innovative leadership. Kenya stands ready to further enhance our cooperation on issues of mutual interest, including trade, investment, technology and innovation, peace and security, and sustainable development. Kenya values its sixty-year partnership with the United States, which is based on our shared values of democracy, development and mutual respect. We look forward to deepening our cooperation under your leadership as we work together to address global challenges, promote peace and security, and foster inclusive economic growth for the benefit of our peoples.”
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa: “I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two countries in all areas of our cooperation. On a global level, we look forward to our Presidency of the G20 in 2025, where we will work closely with the US, who will succeed us as President of the G20 in 2026.”
Emmerson Mnangagwa from Zimbabwe: “The world needs more leaders who speak for the people. Zimbabwe stands ready to work with you and the American people to build a better, more prosperous and more peaceful world.”
Lazarus Chakwera from Malawi: “I wish you the best of luck in your comeback and we look forward to involving you in all developments between the US and Malawi!”
Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: “I look forward to continuing our two countries’ strong cooperation and partnership to promote peace, security and common prosperity for our two nations.”
Botswana State Duma Gideon Boko: “As the newly elected President of Botswana, I look forward to continuing our strong bilateral relationship.”
Alassane Ouattara in Ivory Coast: “I look forward to working with him to continue strengthening the historic ties of friendship and cooperation and the strategic partnership between our two countries.”
Hakainde Hichilema from Zambia: “This historic achievement demonstrates the freedom of the people to choose their leaders. We look forward to strengthening our bilateral cooperation and deepening our ties.”
Trump, 78, will be inaugurated before his 2i.e government on January 20, 2025, once Congress approves his re-election.
*Comments are largely from X, formerly Twitter.
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