By John Ikani
African leaders have been quick to congratulate Republican Donald Trump over his victory in the U.S. presidential election, with messages arriving on Wednesday from heads of state across the continent, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Eritrea, Somalia, Guinea Bissau, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Togo.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shared his well-wishes, affirming, “I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation.” He also noted the prospect of coordinated efforts in the global sphere, referencing South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency in 2025, with the U.S. set to assume the role the following year.
In Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended his support on social media platform X, stating, “Congratulations to President-elect (Donald Trump) on your election victory. 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.”
Calls for International Stability and Peace
Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki underscored the importance of international stability, calling Trump’s election timely as “global peace is of paramount importance more than ever before,” per a post from Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane G. Meskel on X.
Afwerki expressed optimism that Trump’s leadership could open new avenues for cooperation between Eritrea and the United States.
In Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud voiced enthusiasm about reinforcing strong ties with the U.S., seeing opportunities to enhance peace, security, and shared prosperity between their nations.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu joined the chorus of congratulations, looking forward to deeper ties between the U.S. and Nigeria amid evolving global challenges and prospects. Through his special adviser, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu also noted the United States’ vital role in global affairs and expressed his trust in Trump’s commitment to fostering global peace and prosperity.
Guinea Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo also extended his best wishes to Trump on his projected win, sharing hopes for a strengthened relationship and a productive new term.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema expressed eagerness to deepen ties with the U.S., stating, “We look forward to strengthening our bilateral cooperation & deepening our ties.”
Similarly, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye took to X to convey his congratulations, adding his hope for a strengthened Burundi-U.S. partnership.
[19:11, 06/11/2024] Emmanuel Obisue: South Africa Shuts Main Border With Mozambique Over Post-Election Unrest
South Africa announced the temporary closure of its primary border with Mozambique on Wednesday, citing security concerns as protests in Mozambique, fueled by election dispute allegations, have grown more intense.
Human rights groups report that at least 18 people have lost their lives since demonstrations began, with opposition groups challenging the legitimacy of last month’s election, which extended the rule of Frelimo, Mozambique’s ruling party since independence in 1975.
Mozambican authorities have responded to the protests with heightened security measures, including tear gas, live ammunition, internet restrictions, and warnings of potential military deployment.
South Africa’s border authority, referencing reports of torched vehicles on the Mozambican side, confirmed the closure of the Lebombo border crossing in Mpumalanga province, explaining, “Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice.” It also revealed that seven Mozambican officials have sought refuge in South Africa, requesting protection.
A South African journalist from SABC posted a video on X showing a line of trucks, extending kilometers, stalled as they waited to cross the border.
The recent protests in Mozambique are part of a movement led by Venancio Mondlane, a presidential candidate who claims he secured a victory in the October 9 election despite official results placing him second. Mozambique’s electoral commission has avoided commenting on the alleged fraud, and Frelimo has also declined to respond.
Protesters plan to converge on Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, on Thursday to cap off a week of demonstrations. Mozambique’s Defence Minister Cristovao Chume stated on Tuesday that the military is prepared to intervene if needed and cautioned against any attempts to disrupt government authority.
The Mozambican Centre for Democracy and Human Rights reported 24 fatalities linked to police confrontations, while Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado told Reuters that 18 deaths have been confirmed, though the actual toll may be higher.
Mozambique’s interior minister defended the actions of the police, stating that protests had grown violent, forcing security forces to act to maintain order, which regrettably resulted in loss of life.
