Trump’s return to office and challenges for Africa
What you need to know:
- For Africa, the return to power of a man, who has often made disparaging remarks on the continent and its people, has stirred mixed reactions.
- This is a rare moment in the US, where a former president, having lost a re-election bid, has managed to reclaim the highest office in the land.
The inauguration of Mr Donald Trump as America’s 47th President is a momentous occasion for the country and the world. He is returning to office to serve his second four-year term and the world will be keenly watching the steps he makes.
He has vowed that he will use his new tenure to “make America great again”, but this cannot be done in isolation. There are national and regional interests that he must also pay attention to. Many are waiting to see how he will deal with the war in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion several years ago.
In the Middle East, where the war in Gaza has claimed thousands of innocent lives, there is some hope with a cease-fire beginning to take shape as the Israeli government and Hamas release hostages.
For Africa, the return to power of a man, who has often made disparaging remarks on the continent and its people, has stirred mixed reactions. They will be monitoring his vow to deport immigrants, including Africans.
Protect our national interests
This is a rare moment in the US, where a former president, having lost a re-election bid, has managed to reclaim the highest office in the land. It last happened in the late 19th century.
Kenya and Africa, in general, will approach this with cautious anticipation. Kenya will be waiting to see the fate of the expiring US-Kenya trade deal negotiations, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) that allows preferential access to the US market.
President William Ruto seemed to enjoy good relations with outgoing President Joe Biden, who during his tenure invited the Kenyan leader to a State Visit to the US, becoming the first African leader in 15 years. Interestingly, no African leader has been invited to the US president’s swearing-in.
However, Africa expects greater co-operation in fighting terrorism, which is a major threat to global and regional peace and stability.
The government should recalibrate its foreign policy to protect our national interests while fostering partnerships that reduce dependency on any single actor, including the US.
