Interesting times ahead It has really been an eventful and turbulent 2016 and Donald Trump''s victory to become the 45th president of the United States of America says a lot about the unpredictable nature of politics. While many commentators had already declared Trump''s rival Hillary Clinton a frontrunner in the 8 November polls, it was, however, Trump who romped to victory.
It was a stunning victory indeed that rattled global markets and sent shockwaves across the world.
Even the American media, which played a big part in letting people believe Clinton would win, ended up with egg on their face and will now have to make peace with the fact that Trump is their new leader. It is true that Trump''s sexist and misogynistic views put off a lot of people, but not even the Clinton camp was able to capitalise on this.
Trump supporters largely consisted of the white working-class, those who have backed the president-elect''s ''America First'' vision, while highlighting the negative effects of globalisation. The outcome of the American vote is a clear indication that there is a deep-seated sense of ideological differences and Trump''s victory has exposed this ugly side of America if one looks at the negative stereotypes in this election. Back home, Africans are staring at the face of uncertainty and don''t know really what to expect from the Trump-led government.
Although he has established a good rapport with Russia and China, Trump has given little perspective of his foreign policy when it comes to African-US relations.
Will we see a renegotiation of all the US''s foreign trade deals, which includes the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is critical to the US-African relations? Only time will tell.
Outgoing US president Barack Obama has consistently advised Africa to take charge of its own destiny in the world.
Africa''s marginalised status in world affairs cannot be left as it is and it is high time that we really take charge of our own future and make Africa great again.