Simon Ateba covers the White House, the U.S. government, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other financial and international institutions for Today News Africa in Washington D.C. Simon can be reached on simonateba@todaynewsafrica.com
African leaders were not moved by President Donald Trump’s refusal to congratulate Joe Biden, as they began offering their congratulations to the new American President-elect and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as early as Saturday afternoon.
Even America’s closest allies in Africa, including South Africa, Ethiopia and Nigeria, quickly congratulated Biden shortly after networks projected him as the winner of the 2020 presidential election.
African leaders said they look forward to working with the new leader and strengthening ties.
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What they’re saying:
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tweeted: “We congratulate President-Elect @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris and the American people on your election. We look forward to working with you and deepening our bonds of friendship and cooperation.”
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari tweeted: “Congratulations to US President-Elect Joe Biden on his election at a time of uncertainty and fear in world affairs. His election is a reminder that democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means.”
President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted: “On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, I extend my warmest congratulations to the President-elect of the United States of America, Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr, on his decisive victory in the elections of 3rd November 2020. I also congratulate Senator Kamala Harris on becoming the first woman Vice President-elect of the United States.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tweeted: “My congratulations to US President-Elect @JoeBiden and Vice President-Elect @KamalaHarris on your historic #Election2020 win. #Ethiopia looks forward to working closely with you.”
President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba tweeted: “On behalf of the people of Gabon, I extend my warmest congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris for their election to the Presidency of United States . Our countries have always been staunch allies. The close relationship built over decades will grow even stronger in the future.”
Togolese President Faure E. Gnassingbe tweeted: “My sincere and warm congratulations to his excellency @JoeBiden for his brilliant victory in the US presidential election. Sincere congratulations also to @KamalaHarris , the first woman Vice-President elected to take up this post.”
President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa tweeted: “On behalf of all Zimbabweans, a huge congratulations to President Elect @JoeBiden on his election victory. Zimbabwe wishes you every successes in leading the American people. I look forward to working with you to increase cooperation between our two nations.”
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