Africa fully supports Dr Tedros - President Kagame

President Paul Kagame has underlined that Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has got Africa’s full confidence. This follows a series of targeted criticism by the USA government, among others, towards the WHO’s global leadership on the way they have handled Coronavirus pandemic.

In a Twitter post, US President Donald Trump threatened to freeze American funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), saying it was "very China-centric" in its approach, suggesting the UN agency had gone along with Beijing's efforts months ago to minimise the severity of the outbreak

So far more than 83,000 people around the world have been killed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump tweeted: “The W.H.O. really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China centric. We will be giving that a good look. Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on. Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation?”

President Paul Kagame said that the world should avoid “politics” and “attacks” towards Dr.Tedros and WHO, at the time when then focus should be on defeating Coronavirus pandemic instead.

The head of state reaffirming the statement put out by Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

President Kagame tweeted: “Totally Agree, and asking this; Is it Dr.Tedros,WHO,China...under attack or all of them together? Let's focus on the fight against this pandemic,whoever sh'd be held acc'ntable will come later and done properly. Save us too much politics Africa does not need it. Who does?”

He added that the WHO leader Dr Tedros, “has the full confidence and support of Africa...as we know it!”

The AU Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, noted that WHO leadership should not be blamed for the pandemic. He also called on the global leaders, including the US government, should remain focused on fighting collectively fighting COVID-19

Mahamat tweeted: “Surprised to learn of a campaign by the US govt against @WHO’s global leadership. The @_AfricanUnion fully supports @WHO and @DrTedros. The focus should remain on collectively fighting #Covid19 as a united global community. The time for accountability will come.

He added: And for clarity, if clarity is lacking, I certainly do not imply that it is @WHO or  @Tedros that need to account in this regard.”

Several African leaders expressed their solidarity with the Leadership of the World Health Organisation, particulary Dr Tedros.

Hage G. Geingob, the President of Namibia added his voice in support Dr Tedros saying that he has turned the UN agency; “a true flag-bearer of multilaterarism when global solidarity has become critical. Let’s hold hands in this crucial moment and focus on what matters, saving lives.”

President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa commended the “exceptional leadership” of Dr Tedros, and called for international cooperation in fighting the global pandemic.

President Ramaphosa tweeted: “The most potent weapon against  #COVID19 and its devastating health, social & economic impact is international cooperation & solidarity, which is why the exceptional leadership displayed daily by @WHO & @DrTedros during an unprecedented global public health crisis is incalculable

The office the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari also commended the “guidance” of WHO’s leadership in fighting Coronavirus and called global solidarity if the world is to defeat the pandemic.

Nigeria Presidency tweeted: “The Government of Nigeria fully supports  @WHO and its Director-General @DrTedros. We are grateful for the leadership and guidance the WHO has provided as we respond to this pandemic. With #COVID19, we are in an existential battle, requiring global solidarity,”

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric also played down the criticism of the World Health Organisation.

Dujarric told reporters: "For the Secretary-General [Antonio Guterres] it is clear that WHO, under the leadership of Dr Tedros, has done tremendous work on COVID in supporting countries with millions of pieces of equipment being shipped out, on helping countries with training, on providing global guidelines. WHO is showing the strength of the international health system,”

By Athan Tashobya.