Mahama urges Africa to respond strongly to Trump ‘insult’

Former President John Dramani Mahama has weighed into US President Donald John Trump’s reference to Africans and Haitians as coming from “shithole” countries.

Mr Mahama said Trump is demonstrating nothing but racism “and pursuing a policy of ‘Make America White Again’”.

The US President is reported by Washington Post to have referred to some countries as “shithole” when a proposal on a bipartisan deal on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was presented to him Thursday.

He has since denied using such language.

But the word has already ruffled some feathers in Africa with Botswana’s Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation on Friday issuing a strongly worded statement against Trump.

The country summoned the US Ambassador to express its displeasure.

“I congratulate Botswana for showing the way,” Mr Mahama tweeted on Friday.

“Our AU Presidents must respond strongly to this insult.”

The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made - a big setback for DACA!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018

Never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said “take them out.” Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings - unfortunately, no trust!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018

Africans and Haitians come from ‘shithole’ countries? Isn’t Trump demonstrating that he’s nothing but a racist and pursuing a policy of ‘Make America White Again’? I congratulate Botswana for showing the way. Our AU Presidents must respond strongly to this insult.

— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) January 12, 2018