How Africans are reacting to UK election results

The landslide election victory of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party has been met with varied responses by leaders and citizens in African countries.

Brexit and Boris Johnson trended on social media Friday morning - a sign of widespread interest in how the UK's departure from the European Union would affect Africa.

In a tweet, Zambian President Edgar Lungu expressed confidence that Zambia and the UK will "continue to explore avenues of cooperation and investment" under Mr Johnson's leadership.

Somalia's President Mohamed Farmajo said the UK is a "valuable ally and friend of Somalia". While Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated Mr Johnson and promised to work to strengthen bilateral ties.

Many people appeared surprised by the margin of the win. Others wondered how what appeared to them to be a tight political contest ended up as a heavy defeat for the opposition Labour party.

And there are those bracing for "interesting times" ahead, while making references to a world in which Boris Johnson and Donald Trump hold two of the most powerful seats in the world.

Here is a sample of the responses on Twitter:

There is a lot tribal bigots from Kenya can learn about Conservative victory in the UK. Boris Johnson will form government without violence. There was no rigging! Parliamentary system is the only cure for electoral injustices. @silasjakakimba @DennisOnyangoGM #ShameOnNairobian

— Abuga Makori EGH, MBE (@o_abuga) December 13, 2019

Many congratulations to the UK for a successful election. No matter the outcome, we always celebrate democracy, because we know how the alternatives look like.
Good luck to Prime Minister #BorisJohnson from South Africa.????????????????#UKElection

— Sumlenze (@Smlenzes) December 13, 2019

In US, Trump was elected, despite the Hate. It was a free & fair.

In UK, Boris Johnson has just been re-elected, despite the Hate. It was a free & fair.

In Nigeria, ...

— Young Otutu (@YoungOtutu) December 13, 2019

After the massive win over Jeremy Corbyn & labour party, I believe that Brexit is a done deal. Then, you can restore British lost supremacy in Africa & strengthen the ties with Trump. And perhaps Kenya may be a beneficiary of a good bilateral ties. Congratulations Boris Johnson

— King Kevin Amimoh (@KingKevAmimoh) December 13, 2019