Africa/World Reacts to Trump Vulgarity

Friday, January 12, 2018

Reacting to US President Donald Trump’s alleged “shithole countries” comment in reference to Haiti and Africa, global leaders and citizens, including Africans, had plenty to say in response.

According to The Washington Post who broke the story on Thursday, Trump allegedly said, “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”.

From Washington to Dakar, and from Abuja to Port-au-Prince, the reaction was mixed, ranging from outright fury, to tacit agreement, with most condemning the language used despite their personal thoughts. The ignorance of the US president was also a common them within these reactions, pointing to his blanket use of Africa, rather than 53 individual and unique countries.

“I am shocked by the words of President Trump on Haiti and Africa,” Senegalese President Macky Sall said in a tweet. “I reject them and condemn vigorously. Africa and the black race deserve the respect and consideration of all.”

Laurent Lamothe, former Prime Minister of Haiti tweeted : SHAME ON TRUMP! The world is witnessing a new low today with this #ShitholeNations remark! Totally unacceptable! Uncalled for, moreover it shows a lack of respect and IGNORANCE never seen before in the recent history of the US by any President! Enough is enough!

One Nigerian citizen commented on a Vanguard news item on the Trump comment, “I know what Nigeria is…but I will not support a racist in validating it….Trump’s statement is from a hateful position…mind you….he also called black communities shitholes in US…”

Another comment read, “African leaders should prove him wrong and turn things around. Trump’s speech should serve as a wake-up call. I love Africa but I will not settle for Africa as it is. There should, and can be, a better Africa. The Africa as it should be,” another comment read.

Meanwhile, American lawmakers and citizens were reeling in wake of his offensive comments, despite Trump tweeting Friday morning that he did not use that language. US senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, who was in the meeting, stated “In the course of his comments, [Trump] said things which were hate-filled, vile, and racist,” adding, “You’ve seen the comments in the press — I have not read one of them that’s inaccurate.”

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Image source: Gage Skidmore

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