Former US President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of criticism after lauding several African and Caribbean leaders with questionable human rights records. Speaking at a recent event, Trump singled out South Sudan's Salva Kiir and Cuba's Miguel Díaz-Canel as "strong leaders", drawing sharp rebukes from human rights organisations.
Controversial Endorsements
Trump's remarks, made during a private gathering, included praise for leaders accused of suppressing political opposition and violating civil liberties. "These are people who know how to get things done," he reportedly said, without addressing the well-documented allegations against them.
Human Rights Groups React
Advocacy groups were quick to condemn Trump's comments. "Glorifying autocrats undermines decades of progress in promoting democracy and human rights," stated a spokesperson for Amnesty International. The organisation highlighted South Sudan's ongoing civil conflict and Cuba's crackdown on dissent as particularly troubling contexts for such praise.
Political Fallout
The incident has reignited debates about Trump's foreign policy approach, with critics accusing him of consistently favouring authoritarian figures during his presidency. Some analysts suggest these latest remarks could further alienate moderate voters ahead of potential future political campaigns.
As the controversy unfolds, many are questioning the potential impact on US relations with African and Caribbean nations, particularly among populations affected by the actions of the leaders Trump chose to commend.
