The world was taken aback when news broke out that the controversial Boris Johnson had risen through the ranks of the Conservative party to become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the wake of Theresa May's resignation. There was so much noise, as he has been dubbed the "British Trump."
Boris Johnson edged Jeremy Hunt to become the UK's new PM, but he did not receive overwhelming reception from the British people and from the world at large. And truth be told, the man does not care about Africa at all. Africans should not even raise their expectations on healthy foreign policy. It's pretty much going to be like that of Donald Trump.
African political leaders were in a stampede to congratulate Boris Johnson on his elevation. But the question hovering was - do they really understand the despise and contempt this man [Boris Johnson] harbours towards Africa? Do they fully appreciate his racist attitude towards Africa?
Boris Johnson being in power is not really favourable news for Africas, considering the notorious, infamous racist remarks he has uttered previously. He has continuously exhibited complete disdain for Africa and also for minority groups. And in all those, he hardly has any remorse over his gaffes. His unapologetic nature makes him a contemptible political figure. Just like Donald Trump/
In showing Johnson is not Africa's friend, one needs to take a look at the statements he has said before that betray a mind so stuck in colonial ways that he believes Africa is destined to be "retrogressive."
On British colonialism in Africa he wrote, "It is just not convincing, 40 years on, to blame Africa's problems on the 'lines on the map', the arbitrary boundary-making of the men in sola topis."
"The continent may be a blot, but it is not a blot upon our conscience. The problem is not that we were once in charge, but that we are not in charge any more."
In 2002, in describing his meeting with children who had HIV/AIDS he said, "You would need a heart of stone not to have been moved by the little Aids-ridden choristers."
He used a racist term "piccaninnies" to describe black children. "What a relief it must be for Blair to get out England. It is said the Queen has come to love the Commonwealth, partly because it supplies her with regular cheering crowds of flag-waving piccaninnies."
Now, in light of this, it is hard to see how Johnson can be friendly towards Africa. Of course, he is going to attempt wooing African countries on a public relations charm offensive, but he will ultimately revert to his racist mode. And even his view towards Africa will become more hostile because of his colonial mindset. Whatever the case, it is what it is.
Africans should know Boris Johnson is not their friend and does not even regard Africans with dignity.
Header image credit - squid kenya