African leaders congratulate Trump on election victory

Former United States President Donald Trump, who was the Republican candidate in the November 5 elections, has secured another mandate as head of state, projected results of the elections indicated on Wednesday.

The winner needs at least 270 Electoral College votes, with American media projecting that Trump has crossed that mark, ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party.

Official results are yet to be announced.

Trump, who served as the 45th president of the US from 2017 to 2021, said in an address in Florida on Wednesday that he "overcame obstacles that nobody thought" he would.

'Historic' victory

The Electoral College meets in December to confirm the 2024 presidential election results. The new US president will be sworn in on January 20, 2025.

Several African heads of state have congratulated Trump, 78, on his election.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud termed Trump's victory "historic", adding in a statement on X network on Wednesday: "I look forward to continuing our two nations' strong collaboration and partnership to advance peace, security, and common prosperity for our two nations."

Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye also congratulated Trump, saying: "I look forward to strengthening the Burundi-USA cooperation."

New 'era'

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu said Trump's presidency would enable the two nations to "foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens." Tinubu added that Trump's return to the White House "will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States."

President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) said in a statement on X that he was "ready to collaborate with the newly elected American president and to deepen the strategic partnership between DRC and the US, which already maintain good friendly and cooperative relations."

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema said in a statement on X that Trump's "historic achievement demonstrates the people's freedom to choose their leaders", adding that Zambia was looking forward to "strengthening our bilateral cooperation and deepening our ties" with the US.

In his congratulatory message to Trump, Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa said: "The world needs more leaders who speak for the people. Zimbabwe stands ready to work with you and the American people to build a better, more prosperous and more peaceful world."

'Mutually beneficial partnership'

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said his country was looking forward to "continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership" with the US. Ramaphosa added: "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."

Egypt's President Abdelfattah El-sisi said in his message posted on X: "I extend my sincere congratulations to the US President-elect Donald Trump, and wish him all the best and success in achieving the interests of the American people."

Sisi added that his country looks forward to "reaching together to establish peace, maintain regional peace and stability, and strengthen the strategic partnership relations between Egypt and the United States and their friendly peoples."

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement on X: "Congratulations to President Donald Trump on your election victory and comeback. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries during your term."

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