For Africa there is no difference between Trump and Harris

With Donald Trump having declared himself the winner in the US elections, experts say there is no difference in Africa as to who takes the reins of leadership between the Democratic or Republican candidates.

Moussa Ibrahim, the Executive Secretary of the African Heritage Institute, Johannesburg, has told RT that whether it is Trump's 'America First' policy or Harris's diplomatic tricks, African nations must realize that the next US president will only bring tactical changes within a system that has been undermining Africa's independence and self-governance for a long time.

He says Trump and Harris both represent two sides of the same coin. Trump's approach is blunt and direct. He promises the United States not to interfere too much in African affairs but at the same time he aims to disrupt its economy by implementing measures to restrict the import of African products. He has hinted at raising a 10 percent tariff on imported goods, which will undoubtedly adversely affect African exporters who rely on the US market. This approach marks the return of economic nationalism.

In contrast, Harris' approach is rooted in a soft but neo-colonial style. Through his emphasis on so-called human rights initiatives and investments in green energy, Harris seems to support cooperation with Africa.

However, this investment is strategic, aimed at forcing Africa to stick to the interests of the United States, while putting aside the priorities of African countries in development.

Ibrahim added that Trump's United States sees Africa as the last priority in its isolationist worldview. Trump sees Africa as a continent to be ignored or exploited when appropriate. It should be noted that when he was president, Trump used to compare African countries, Haiti, Ecuador with 'Toilet Pit'.

The scholar has pointed out that American leaders will come and go, but the liberation of Africa will only come from within the continent, regardless of who rules the United States.