By Charles Igwe
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja has expressed hope that U.S. President Donald Trump, following his re-election in 2024, will adopt a more balanced approach to contentious issues such as immigration and isolationist policies. While acknowledging Trump’s previous commitment to Africa, Kaigama cautioned against policy shifts that could negatively impact the continent.
The Archbishop highlighted concerns over Trump’s campaign promise to deport one million undocumented immigrants and his focus on tightening U.S. borders. While the president-elect’s stance on immigration resonates with many Americans, Kaigama stressed the importance of adhering to due process and exploring legal pathways for undocumented immigrants. “Mass deportations would not only pose logistical and economic challenges but would also have profound humanitarian consequences,” Archbishop Kaigama said, emphasizing the need for policies that respect human dignity.
Archbishop Kaigama underscored the complex nature of migration, calling for solutions that address root causes such as poverty, violence, and lack of opportunities in both host and origin countries. Quoting Pope Francis, he reiterated the need for empathy and solidarity, stating, “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.”
On the economic front, the archbishop expressed concerns about the potential cancellation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows eligible African countries to export goods to the U.S. tax-free. He warned that such a move, coupled with reduced foreign aid, could undermine critical initiatives in health, education, and infrastructure across Africa. Programs like PEPFAR, which have been instrumental in combating HIV/AIDS on the continent, could also face significant setbacks.
Despite these apprehensions, Kaigama acknowledged Trump’s past contributions, such as approving the sale of Tucano jets to Nigeria to combat Boko Haram insurgents. He called for continued collaboration between the U.S. and African nations, emphasizing that global challenges require cooperative solutions.
The Archbishop concluded by urging Trump to reconsider any isolationist policies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the modern world. “Collaboration serves the human family better,” he said, citing Pope Francis’ call for solidarity in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti. “We need a community that supports and helps us… to keep looking ahead.”
