African and world leaders have congratulated Donald Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America after his landslide win over Democrats candidate and vice president Kamal Harris.
Trump, who served as the 45th US President, scored 292 electoral college votes out of the required 270, while Harris polled 224. The Republican candidate also polled over 72 million in the popular vote compared to Harris’ 67.2 million votes.
In her concession speech at Howard University in Washington D.C., the US vice-president acknowledged “the outcome of this election is not what we wanted”, but insisted there must be a peaceful transfer of power. Harris urged her supporters to accept Donald Trump’s White House victory, while telling them to “never give up” fighting for their ideals.
Addressing her supporters, Harris stated that she had had a phone call with Trump. “I told him we will help him and his team with his transition. And we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power. While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fuelled this campaign,” she added
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu were among the first leaders to congratulate the incoming US president with a message arriving before Trump had met the electoral vote threshold to be declared the election’s winner.
Starmer, who spoke with the US President-elect on Wednesday said, “As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”
The Israeli PM posted on his official X account, “Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu.”
Congratulating Trump, Canadian Prime Minister wrote on X, “Congratulations to Donald Trump on being elected President of the United States. The friendship between Canada and the U.S. is the envy of the world. I know President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations.”
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, also congratulated Trump on his election, noting that “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, Tinubu stated that Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.
Similarly, South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, said, “Congratulations to United States President-Elect @realDonaldTrump on your return to the Presidency. I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation. In the global arena, we look forward to our Presidency of the G20 in 2025, where we will work closely with the US who will succeed us in the G20 Presidency in 2026.”
Kenyan President, Willia Ruto noted that Trump’s victory was a testament to the firm resolve of the American people to repose confidence in his visionary, bold and innovative leadership.
“As you embark on this phase of your journey of leadership, Kenya stands ready to further enhance our cooperation on matters of mutual interest including trade, investment, technology & innovation, peace and security, and sustainable development.
“Kenya values its longstanding partnership with the United States spanning over sixty years grounded in our shared values of democracy, development and mutual respect. We look forward to deepening our collaboration under your leadership as we work together to address global challenges, promote peace and security and foster inclusive economic growth for the benefit of our peoples. Ruto posted on his official X account.
