'We must refuse to be subjects of Trump': Malema cautions African leaders against bowing to US president

JOHANNESBURG - Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has cautioned African leaders against bowing to United States (US) President Donald Trump in what he views as an attack on the sovereignty of African states.

Malema addressed delegates at the Nigerian Bar Association annual conference in Enugu on Sunday.

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The Nigerian Bar Association is the largest professional body of lawyers in Africa, representing more than 120,000 members across Nigeria and abroad.

Its annual general conference is the flagship gathering of legal practitioners, policymakers, judges, academics and international guests. 

Malema said a divided continent stands to lose big.

"We demand one Africa, we demand a borderless Africa, we demand an Africa with one president, with one currency, with one military command, with one parliament because we know the currency of Africa will be much more stronger than the American currency."

He said Trump had no business influencing Africa’s policy position amid continued criticism of Washington’s attempt to use trade tariffs to interfere in South Africa’s race laws and foreign policy.

"We must refuse to be subjects of Trump. We must stand together as the world changes and show them that Africa is one and that Africa is equal to all nations, to China, to Russia, to America."