As promised, we have gathered reactions to last week’s U.S. elections from around Africa (we also note that some news organizations that have gathered global reactions but have not included those from Africa). As the following articles demonstrate, the implications are potentially great for the continent, including on climate change, the U.S.’s reputation as a democratic “role model” for young people, the reinforcement of authoritarian governments, and the increased militarization of the continent. We begin with articles by Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, who notes (following our argument last week, in “What next after 11/9 for the U.S.? Reactions, and a plea for lessons and wisdom from our friends and colleagues in Africa”) that U.S. diplomats will have a harder time lecturing African governments about democracy, and draws pertinent parallels between the U.S. today and Germany in the 1930s, and Patrick Bond, who lays out how the elections will harm environmental efforts and embolden the militarization and external economic control of resources on the continent.
Where is the United States that I used to know?
By Bolaji Akinyemi, The Guardian
Trump’s isolationism: Threats and opportunities for Africa
By Patrick Bond, Pambazuka News
Additionally, we present other articles reflecting reactions and concerns regarding the potential impact the US election and a Trump presidency on countries throughout the Continent.
Why do young Africans care so much about the US elections?
By Chude Jideonwo, African Voices
Ces autocrates africains qui applaudissent à l’élection de Donald Trump
Par Youssef Ait Akdim (Rabat), Frédéric Bobin (Tunis, correspondant), Aziz El Massassi (Le Caire), Mélanie Gonzalez (Abuja), Serge Michel, Josiane Kouagheu (Douala), Habibou Bangré (Kinshasa), Christophe Châtelot et Cyril Bensimon, Le Monde Afrique
Trump élu: les défenseurs du climat sonnés mais déterminés
Slate Afrique
Global community must unite against Trump to avoid climate catastrophe
Friends of the Earth International, Pambazuka News
The Trump presidency and US foreign policy
By Abayomi Azikiwe, Pambazuka News
Africa leads outcry over setback for feminism after Trump victory
By Emma Graham-Harrison, The Guardian
What will a trump presidency mean for the Congo (and Africa)?
Congo Research Group