Following Republican candidate Donald Trump’s projected U.S. presidential election victory, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was the first African leader to extend congratulations, signaling possible shifts in Ethiopia-U.S. relations. This outreach is notable after recent diplomatic tensions, including the Pretoria Agreement and criticism from the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. Many hope a Republican-led administration might take a new approach to relations with Ethiopia, as suggested by Abiy’s early congratulatory message.
Other African leaders followed suit, including Sudan’s Sovereign Council Head Abdelfattah al-Burhan, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Kenya’s President William Ruto, all expressing optimism about strengthening relations under Trump’s administration. These leaders highlighted their commitment to enhancing political and economic cooperation with the U.S., viewing the new term as an opportunity to solidify partnerships.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Trump and looked forward to advancing mutual interests, particularly as South Africa prepares to take over the G20 Presidency in 2025, to be succeeded by the U.S. in 2026. Ramaphosa emphasized his commitment to “continuing our mutually beneficial partnership” with the U.S.
In Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commended Trump, highlighting the need for leaders who “speak for the people” and expressing a desire for a peaceful, prosperous world through collaboration with the U.S. Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki also saw Trump’s victory as timely for global peace efforts, voicing hopes for renewed U.S.-Eritrean ties centered on constructive cooperation.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underscored peace and security as priorities for U.S.-Somalia cooperation, while Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed confidence that Trump would help “bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.” Tinubu cited shared goals for economic collaboration and tackling global challenges.
Leaders from Guinea-Bissau, Zambia, and Burundi echoed similar sentiments. Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo wished Trump success and called for peace and progress. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema anticipated deepened bilateral ties, and Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering U.S.-Burundi cooperation.
Interestingly, however, several African nations that traditionally congratulated U.S. presidents have stayed silent this time. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which recently closed and cut relations with some western countries like the recently closed U.S. military base in the region, did not offer formal congratulations, marking a possible reassessment of diplomatic ties. This trend reflects evolving regional and political dynamics, as more African nations reconsider their relationships with the U.S.