Congratulatory messages are pouring from leaders across Africa to felicitate with president-elect Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, following their victory at the United States election polls.
Biden, whose advisers are already discussing who will fill in key positions in his cabinet, is already set for plans in office as congratulatory messages pour in from all quarters from the African continent and across the world.
Beginning with Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, who has urged Mr. Biden to deploy his vast experience in tackling the negative consequences of nationalist politics on world affairs, has congratulated Mr. Biden saying his win came at a time of uncertainty and fear in world affairs.
In his congratulatory message posted on his official Twitter page, President Buhari noted that Nigeria hopes for greater cooperation with the United States especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including the war against terrorism.
He further mentioned that,
“Respect for the will of the people is the very reason why democracy remains the best form of government, despite its limitations from one polity to another, and from one society to another”.
Similarly, Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, in a signed press statement has added his congratulations and spoke of Africa’s pride in seeing the election of Ms Harris as VP, who has an Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father.
He added that President-Elect Joe Biden must restore the confidence in the role of America as the largest economy of the world which has a significant responsibility for peace, security, stability and progress of the world.
Uganda’s President, Yoweri Katuga Museveni, in a congratulatory tweet, stated that he hoped a trade deal that gives African nations duty-free access to US markets would be renewed.
Also, Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo in his congratulatory message described Biden’s victory as “decisive” and congratulated Ms Harris on making history as the First woman Vice President-Elect of the US.
“It is my sincere hope that President-Elect Biden’s tenure of office will be marked by the delivery of unity, security, progress and prosperity to all americans,” he tweeted.
Other African leaders on the list of leaders who have sent their congratulatory messages after the election result came out are Ethiopia’s Prime minister Abiy Ahmed, Niger’s President Issoufou Mahamadou, Senegal’s President Macky Sall, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa and Somalia’s leader Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.
President Donald Trump has yet to concede and has not spoken publicly since his defeat.
Former US President, George W. Bush Congratulates Biden
Former US President and Republican, George W. Bush has congratulated the President-Elect, Joe Biden on his win, assuring Americans that their votes counted.
According to Mr. Bush, President Trump has the right to pursue legal challenges as well as also request recounts regarding any unresolved issues which will be properly adjudicated.
Bush added that the American people can have confidence that the election was fundamentally fair and it’s integrity will be upheld as it’s outcome is clear.
In a phone conversation, President Bush had spoken to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris congratulating them while stating that Mr. Biden is a good man who has won the opportunity to lead and unify the country.
Former President Bush also congratulated President Donald Trump for winning the support of more than 70 million Americans saying their voices would be heard through elected Republicans at every level of government.
President-Elect Joe Biden vows to unify America
“I am humbled by the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me. I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify.”
– Joe Biden (President-elect, United States of America)
Advisers to US President-elect, Joe Biden, are already discussing who can fill key portfolios in line with the democrat’s pledge to constitute the most diverse cabinet in history.
Giving his victory speech, Mr. Joe Biden said
“I am humbled by the trust and confidence you’ve placed in me. I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify. Who doesn’t see Red states or Blue states but only sees the United States”.
The President-elect will name a group of scientists and experts today who would develop a blueprint for tackling COVID-19.
However, prominent Republicans in the US Congress also have urged President Trump to fight hard and not concede his loss to Mr. Biden in the race for the White House.
Some of the Republicans also mentioned that legal challenges must be allowed to play out before he takes the next action.
