January 17, 2018
The Secretary General of the United Nations
The European Union Parliament
The Secretary General of the African Union
The US Congressional Leaders
All concerned countries and people
Human Rights Organizations
Re: President Donald Trump’s Use of the words: “Shitohole Countries in Africa and Haiti”
The Consortium of Ethiopian Civic Society Organization (TIBIBIR) presents its respectful compliments and submits this appeal for an expeditious consideration.
It has been reported widely that the US President, Mr. Donald Trump, has used the vulgar, racist and demeaning term: “shithole” referring to Haiti and Africa which contains 55 countries. Such a gross statement by a US President is not only unbecoming of a leader of a nation that has democratic values but also a clear and total disrespect of basic human rights of the African and Haitian people who comprise 40% of the global population. The President’s disgraceful statement is of a particular concern as he is speaking in his capacity as the leader of the United States of America, representing all of us.
It has been noted that the African Union has asked for an apology by President Trump. It is further noted that some nations such as Botswana and Nigeria have expressed their objections to President Donald Trump’s statement. However, Tibibir submits this appeal for a more appropriate action by the concerned international organizations and member countries in order to ensure that such a disrespect of soverign countries and their people would not be tolerated and so that the culture of mutual respect and international collaboration would be enhanced.
We, therefore, appeal for the following effective measures to be undertaken expeditiously:
- That the above mentioned international organizations consider the US President’s extremely vulgar statement in their respective assemblies and adopt resolutions condemning the President’s abusive statement;
- That the US Congress give the issue a serious consideration and adopt a resolution censuring President Donald Trump for his extremely embarrassing and shamefully insulting remark on countries and people who are on friendly terms with the United States;
- That all countries including Ethiopia and people who espouse principles of mutual respect call on their respective governments to ensure that appropriate action is taken to deal with President Donald Trump’s most inappropriate remarks;
- That President Donald Trump who considers himself brilliant recognizes the gross error he has committed and apologizes sincerely to the governments and people of Africa and Haiti.
With the assurances of our highest respect,
Betru Gebregziabher,
Chairman, CECSO-TIBIBIR
