US Says It Will Watch African Elections Very Closely

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has said America will watch elections in Africa very closely and has warned of travel bans for those suspected of interfering with the democratic process or sponsoring electoral violence. 

Mr Pompeo said that the United States is committed to supporting free, fair and inclusive elections. He warned that America would not hesitate to impose sanctions, including visa restrictions, on those responsible for election-related violence. 

“The conduct of elections is important not only for Africans, but also for defenders of democracy around the world. We believe all sides should participate peacefully in the democratic process. Repression and intimidation have no place in democracies,” he said. 

He added that “as long time-partners to the nations of Africa” the US cares deeply about the future of the continent. 

Mr Pompeo’s comments come at a crucial time for democracy in Africa, with several nations gearing up for national and presidential elections later this year, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Somalia. 

In Zambia, the violence surrounding recent by-elections - including the destruction of a UPND campaign vehicle by PF cadres in Kasama - bodes poorly for the peaceful progression of new year’s general elections. The eyes of the world will doubtlessly be turned on Zambia before long.