AU council decries Trump’s ‘s***hole” remarks

Addis Ababa, Jan 16 : The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union on Tuesday issued a statement against US President Trump’s “s***hole” remarks.

The council said it received with utter shock the news of the uncouth words used by Trump in reference to African people and people of African descent, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We note that this language is wrong and does not reflect the stature of the President of the United States,” the council said, adding “In Africa we do deeply respect elders and the language that elders use should be respectful and one that befits the position that they hold. The President of the United States is an elder and should always remember and act as one.”

The council has called upon all citizen groups, religious organizations, academics and civic actors to condemn the language.

“We ask that the US President seriously considers withdrawing this statement and issue a public apology to all Africans and people of African descent in the world,” the statement read.

The council noted that the president should “remember that the social, economic and cultural contributions of Africans in the United States is one of the highest. The United States has a big number of professional Africans who cannot fit the description that he used”.

ECOSOCC joins the rest of the world to condemn the language of the President of the United States of America.

“We therefore call for the President of the United States to restrain himself and ensure that he espouses the values that the United States people have been known for,” the statement said.

IANS