The African Union Mission wishes to express its infuriation, disappointment and outrage over the unfortunate comment made by Mr. Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, which remarks dishonor the celebrated American creed and respect for diversity and human dignity.

While expressing our shock, dismay and outrage, the African Union strongly believes that there is a huge misunderstanding of the African continent and its people by the current Administration. There is a serious need for dialogue between the US Administration and the African countries.

The Africa Union, through its Member States, values the strategic partnership with the US. This relationship should be from the point of equality and mutual respect based on accepted international principles of respect of basic human dignity for all.

The African Union Mission condemns the comments in the strongest terms and demands a retraction of the comment as well as an apology to not only to the Africans but to all people of African descent around the globe.

Washington DC, 12 January 2018