‘Shining city on the hill’ image of US forever tainted by Capitol violence – analyst
The image of the US as the doyen of all things associated with democracy and freedom has been tainted by Wednesday’s violence in Washington DC, says US-Africa relations expert at Wits Dr Bob Wekesa.
Violence broke out after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed a session of Congress held Wednesday to certify Joe Biden's election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the Capitol Hill and accusations the president was attempting a coup.
The protest comes after Trump instigated his supporters to riot after he lost the elections.
A flag-waving mob broke down barricades outside the Capitol and swarmed inside, rampaging through offices and onto the usually solemn legislative floors.
Security forces fired tear gas in a four-hour operation to clear the Capitol and police said at least one person was shot and killed, reportedly a female Trump partisan from California.
ALSO READ: Mob storms US Capitol as Trump accused of 'coup'
Wekese says Africa has looked to the US as the “shining city on the hill” for democratic values, but may now need to look inward.
"African countries have always looked to the US as a role model and this is now badly shaken.
"This means that African countries will have to look inward, at least for now," Wekesa said.
He says, however, that America's saving grace may be that many Trump supporters who hold office have distanced themselves from the riot.
Vice President Mike Pence has since unfollowed Trump, changed his Twitter header and himself and his chief of staff, Marc Short, have reportedly been banned from entering the White House.
"Senators and a number of others who were in very strong support of him thought this is too much,” says Wekesa.
"So I think that there are voices who are saying that he has gone too far indicates that there will be some mending situation there," he adds.
