Will Donald Trump turn his back on Africa? Sizing up foreign policy clues – Peter Vale

As the after-shocks of Trumpquake reverberate around the world, analysts are working at trying to understand how life will be different with the US led by Donald Trump. Peter Vale of the University of Johannesburg has studied Trump’s speeches and political trends to come to the conclusion that Africa will not be a priority for President Donald Trump.

Importantly, the African diaspora is unlikely to have his ear. Vale says it is essential to have the right diplomatic team in the US to lobby for African causes, people who will not openly show distaste for the new president.

Donald Trump is a man who takes things personally and domestic policies will easily be delivered at the expense of foreign beneficiaries. Adding to complexity is the shifting sentiment towards China, which African politicians should be mindful of as they negotiate with the US.