According to officials in the meeting, President Donald Trump used vulgar language when questioning why the United States would accept more immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and “shithole countries” in Africa rather than places like Norway in rejecting a bipartisan immigration deal. Trump denied using that language. Here is a selection of responses from world leaders, academics and entrepreneurs from some of the nations mentioned by Trump.
South African opposition
South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane, above, called Trump’s comments “abhorrent … The hatred of Obama’s roots now extends to an entire continent.”
Botswana
Botswana’s government called Trump’s comment “reprehensible and racist,” saying the U.S. ambassador had been summoned to clarify whether the nation is regarded as a “shithole” country after years of cordial relations.
Botswana’s President Ian Khama, above, on October 28, 2014.
Senegal
Senegal’s President Macky Sall said he was shocked and that “Africa and the black race merit the respect and consideration of all.”
African Union
“Given the historical reality of how many Africans arrived in the United States as slaves, this statement flies in the face of all accepted behavior and practice,” African Union spokeswoman Ebba Kalondo said. “This is particularly surprising as the United States of America remains a global example of how migration gave birth to a nation built on strong values of diversity and opportunity.” Above, German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the fifth African Union-European Union Summit in the Ivory Coast on Nov. 29, 2017.
Kenya
While the Kenyan government did not have an official statement about Trump’s comments, Kenyan entrepreneur Wangui Muraguri told the AP that Trump’s remarks were “the perfect definition of racism.”
United Nations Human Rights Council
Trump’s comments were “shocking and shameful,” said Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the U.N. human rights office. “I’m sorry, but there’s no other word one can use but racist.”
Uganda
Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, called Trump’s remarks “unfortunate and regrettable.” He is shown above, left, with his wife, Janet, on May 12, 2016.
South Sudan
“Unless it was specifically said about South Sudan, we have nothing to say,” South Sudan government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny told The Associated Press regarding Trump’s remarks. Above, left, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is shown July 9, 2015.
Nigeria
“He has not only insulted Africans, he has also insulted African-Americans,” said Sylvester Odion Akhaine, associate professor of international relations at Lagos State University in Nigeria. “Internationally, such language will deepen the isolation of the United States, a country that is already losing its global prestige.”
Haiti
The Haitian government said Trump’s immigration comment as reported reflects a “racist view of the Haitian community.” Above, Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise is welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron in France on Dec. 11, 2017.
Source: https://www.newsday.com/news/world/trump-africa-comments-leaders-1.16138967
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