African leaders congratulate Johnson, watch for Brexit move
With Boris Johnson returning as British prime minister, African leaders were quick to congratulate Johnson and his Conservative Party on a decisive win that all but ensures a timely departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari wished Johnson well with the hope of forging “a stronger Nigeria-UK relationship,” while President Nana Akufo Addo of Ghana offered warm congratulations.
“We have an opportunity, together, to renew and strengthen the relations between our two countries, focusing on enhancing trade and investment, and scaling up prosperity for our peoples,” said Akufo Addo. “The common democratic aspirations and values of our two nations provide us with a strong platform for going forward. The Ghanaian people and I wish you the very best of luck.”
Johnson’ party took 365 of 650 seats in parliament, giving the conservatives a solid majority and likely ensuring the UK’s Brexit plan will move forward quickly. Johnson, in his first speech following the election, said the UK will leave the EU by the end of January 2020.
That has implications for African nations working on trade and related negotiations with the UK, as well as diplomatic questions on the engagement a post-Brexit Britain will have with the African continent.
Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said he expected a vote on the withdrawal agreement as soon as possible. “The EU is ready for the next phase. We will negotiate a future trade deal which ensures a true level playing field,” he said.
Image: Boris Johnson
Laureen Fagan
Laureen is the editor of Africa Times
Laureen is a freelance journalist creating high-quality, informed content on international affairs, politics and technology. She has worked both in and out of newsrooms since 2000. She is a former paramedic with significant experience in community resilience and nonprofit community development initiatives, and maintains "a passion for action" on sustainability and climate change. She also is trained in conflict resolution and diversity, and has special interests in science and medical reporting, and culture and religion issues. Laureen received her MSJ from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism in the United States, and completed additional graduate study in theology at University of Notre Dame. Follow Laureen on Mastodon at @laureen@m.ai6yr.org
