Group urges Biden to restore hope of democracy in Africa

Says sit-tight leaders will reference Trump’s actions

Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on the Joe Biden administration in the United States (U.S.) to engage with Africa to restore faith in democracy, respect for human rights, free speech, and the rule of law.

In a statement yesterday, the Executive Director, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, commended the American judicial system for remaining resolute in defending the ballot, despite pressure from desperate politicians.

He believes that despite the worrisome legacy of the Donald Trump Presidency on democracy, especially in Africa, the Biden-Harris administration will work to urgently repair the damage.

CHRICED also expressed optimism that the Biden administration would immediately reverse the discriminatory travel bans imposed by Trump and the exit of the U.S. from the Paris Accord.

The group noted that as a presidential candidate, Biden weighed in on the issue of killings and abuse of the rights of #EndSARS protesters in Nigeria.

It, therefore, called on individuals and institutions in Nigeria, as well as those in other parts of the globe still struggling to institute real democracy, to pick the valuable lessons from the U.S. democracy, despite the dangers.

Zikirullahi said: “Worse still, President Trump’s harsh, acerbic and very denigrating rhetoric emboldened despots and dictators, especially in Africa, to justify wrongdoings against their own people. A ready example is the recent presidential election in Uganda, which was lacking in the minimum standards for credible polls.

“CHRICED is also of the view that the racially-motivated tension, the incitement of insurrection, the storming of the Capitol building by right-wing extremists and other forms of violent conduct, which trailed the U.S. elections, and beclouded the build-up to the inauguration, will be repeatedly referenced by sit-tight leaders and anti-democratic forces in Africa.”

According to him, with the influence of the U.S. Presidency, CHRICED believes there is a lot more than the Biden-Harris administration can do to pressure the authorities in Nigeria and other African countries to ensure they respect, promote, and protect the rights of all citizens.

“CHRICED hopes that leaders of institutions critical to the success of democracy in Nigeria, as well as other parts of Africa, would pick up valuable lessons from the recent experience in the U.S.”