US embassy speaks out following Trump's derogatory comments

Following recent derogatory remarks by United States president Donald Trump about countries in Africa, the US embassy in South Africa has issued a tweet reiterating its commitment to partnerships in Africa. “The US deeply respects the people of #Africa and values partnerships with them,” the embassy stated. “There has been no change in our dedication to partners and friends across the continent.” The US charges d'affaires, Jessye Lapenn, has since been summoned to explain Trump’s statement apparently denigrating African and other countries, according to Clayson Monyela,  spokesperson for the international relations and co-operation department (Dirco). “The department will provide an opportunity to the charges d'affaires to explain the statement that African countries, alongside Haiti and El Savador, constitute ‘shitholes’ from which migrants into the United States are undesirable,” he said. Monyela said South Africa aligned itself with the statements issued by the African Union and the Africa group of ambassadors to the United Nations in New York. “Africa is united in its affirmation of the dignity of the people of Africa and the African diaspora. Relations between South Africa and the United States, and between the rest of Africa and the United States, must be based on mutual respect and understanding,” Monyela said.