The re-election of Donald Trump as the President of the United States is set to bring significant challenges for global relations, particularly in Nigeria, according to Joe Keshi, former Nigerian Diplomat to the United States (US).
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Keshi shared his insights on how Trump’s tenure could affect international relations, and how Nigeria might fare in the coming years.
“I think a lot of world leaders are waking up this morning, and re-strategizing on how they will deal with the next four years of Donald Trump,” Keshi said, describing the probable Trump presidency as one that promises to be “stormy” just like his previous presidency.
He highlighted that Ukraine, already amid a conflict, could see a shift in its alliances, now increasingly relying on European support. Meanwhile, Russia, Keshi pointed out, would likely be pleased with Trump’s re-election, given the president’s amicable relationship with the Russian government.
For Nigeria, Keshi cautioned that while there is a cordial relationship with the US, the country is not seen as a strategic partner.
“We like to use that word, but we are not a strategic partner to the United States,” he remarked.
Despite periodic consultations with Nigeria on matters of interest, Africa, including Nigeria, remains largely peripheral to global policies. “Nothing will change much under Donald Trump,” he added, forecasting a continued period where Africa and Nigeria are not likely to be high on Trump’s priority list.
In the wider context, Keshi expressed concern about the potential impact of Trump’s policies on global stability.
Reflecting on Trump’s ambiguous approach to critical crises, such as the Middle East, Keshi warned that Trump’s stance on Iran and Egypt could deteriorate relations in the region, especially with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu potentially receiving unwavering support from the US.
However, Keshi suggested that Trump’s strong ties with Saudi Arabia could facilitate some peace deals in the Middle East, though he was sceptical about Trump’s ability to navigate complex international conflicts effectively. “There will probably be nobody that will hold back Trump when it comes to the Middle East,” he said.
Looking ahead, the former diplomat noted that Trump’s re-election signals a continuation of an unpredictable foreign policy.
“When you look at the way Trump campaigned throughout this last election, you get the impression that he would honestly be unhinged, not like the first time when the system, the institutions, managed to control him,” he said.
With conviction, Keshi was not optimistic about the global ramifications of a Trump presidency.
“Certainly, I’m not too sure that Trump will be good for the world,” he concluded, suggesting that his leadership may pose challenges to international relations across the globe, particularly in regions like Africa.
Frances Ibiefo
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