World angry, stunned, sad over Trump
President’s words called irresponsible, racist
JOHANNESBURG — The world reacted with shock, anger and a tinge of humor Friday over President Donald Trump’s “shithole countries” remarks, with governments, civic and political organizations, and individuals labeling the president’s comments irresponsible and racist.
Africans across the continent felt aggrieved by Trump’s crude remarks, but some using the hashtag #shithole with beautiful photos of sunsets, elephants grazing on plains and other pretty images. Others were not so lighthearted.
Botswana’s government was first on the continent to condemn Trump’s statements, referring to them as “highly irresponsible, reprehensible and racist.”
During a meeting with members of Congress on Thursday to discuss immigration, Trump reportedly became irate and questioned why the U.S. was allowing people from El Salvador, Haiti and Africa to enter the country.
“What do we want Haitians here for?” Trump asked. “Why do we want all these people from Africa here? Why do we want all these people from shithole countries?”
He then added: “We should have people from places like Norway.”
Botswana summoned the U.S. ambassador to express its displeasure over the remarks and to inquire as to whether Botswana was a “shithole country.”
“The government of Botswana is wondering why President Trump must use this descriptor and derogatory word when talking about countries with whom the U.S. has had cordial and mutually beneficial relations for so many years.”
Botswana called on the African Union and leadership bodies to condemn Trump over his comments.
Since taking office, Trump has barely mentioned Africa except to reduce foreign aid. His characterization of the continent shocked many — and angered others who saw it as part of a Western narrative characterizing Africa as a country and not a continent of 54 different nations.
Senegalese President Macky Sall described himself as stunned by Trump’s remarks.
“I am shocked by President Trump’s statements on Haiti and Africa. I reject and condemn them vigorously. Africa and the black race deserve the respect and consideration of everyone,” Sall tweeted.
The African Union, the continent’s leadership body, was “frankly alarmed” by the comment, AU spokeswoman Ebba Kalondo said.
“Given the historical reality of how many Africans arrived in the United States as slaves, this statement flies in the face of all accepted behavior and practice,” she said.
The remarks sparked global condemnation.
Kenneth Roth, director of Human Rights Watch, described Trump’s comments as “racist trash.”
“This racist trash shows we not only need immigration reform but also presidential reform,” he said.
Rupert Colville, U.N. spokesman on human rights, called the comments “shocking and shameful.”
“I’m sorry, but there is no other word for this but racist,” Colville said.
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Senegal, Trudy Stevenson, said Trump’s comments were “revealing.”
“How embarrassing for #America, and insulting to #Africa,” she tweeted.
At a market in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, some saw Trump’s remarks as insulting. Others thought the comments would make America less attractive for Ghanaians and curb the country’s brain drain.
One shopkeeper, Million Anamoo, said, “Trump is scaring us.
“Whites and blacks should work together like a piano. America is one of the best countries. Ghana here is a free country, a peaceful country. We receive all tourists. We don’t discriminate. So we don’t expect another country to discriminate.
In Haiti, President Jovenel Moise’s government issued a statement denouncing what it called a “racist” view of Haitian immigrants and people from African countries.
El Salvador said it sent a diplomatic protest note to the United States expressing “resounding rejection” of Trump’s remark.
The Central American nation’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that “El Salvador demands respect for its brave and dignified people.”