Africa must give unpredictable Trump 'benefit of the doubt' – Johnson Sirleaf

Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed disappointment at the loss of Hillary Clinton in the just ended presidential polls in the United States.

Africa’s first democratically elected female president was speaking to the BBC in the aftermath of the electoral victory of Donald Trump, who beat Hillary at the November 8 polls.

“We are extremely saddened by this missed opportunity on the part of the people of the United States to join smaller democracies in ending the marginalization of women.

“However, Liberia has a long and historical relationship with the United States and we expect the good relationship to continue,” the Nobel Peace Prize winner said.

Ms Sirleaf however expressed worry about existing trade agreements between the US and her country, she added that it is too early to put a finger on what Mr Trump’s presidency will mean for Africa.

“I’m worried about trade deals for Liberia, for Africa, I’m worried about investment and the special programmes that have been put in place by President Obama and by President George Bush before him.

“And we just don’t know what the new policy towards Africa will be under a Trump administration. We’ll have to wait and see. Obviously, we are concerned but we have to just give him the benefit of the doubt.”

Republican Party front-runner and business magnate Donald Trump was however elected as the 45th President of the United States of America.

70-year-old Trump had secured 290 of the electoral votes as against main opponent Hillary Clinton who gained 232 of the votes with only one State (Michigan) yet to be fully counted according to CNN.

In percentage terms, Trump had polled 47.5% (representing 59.6 million votes) as against Clinton’s 47.7% (59.9 million votes.) The November 8 election was keenly contested after months of heated campaigns.