The African Union has said that it is “surprised” by moves by the United States to get rid of the director of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who is an African.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesusis who is from Ethiopia is facing calls to resign over criticisms that China’s response to the coronavirus was full of deception.
US politicians have been at the fore front of the campaign to have the WHO director to resign claiming he trusted the communist regime’s official reporting about the extent of the spread of the disease.
China has been accused in recent weeks of significantly downplaying its official virus cases, with some estimates suggesting their death toll could be as high as 40,000.
So far China has officially recorded more than 81,000 cases with over 3,300 deaths.
Republican Senator Martha McSally said Dr Tedros should resign over the ‘Chinese cover-up’.
Major calls for Tedros to resign
McSally told Fox News that the WHO director-general is partly responsible for China’s lack of transparency.
She also accused Ghebreyesusis, 55 of deceiving the world and even praising China’s ‘transparency’ during its coronavirus response.
The Republican Senator added that she “never trusted a communist” stressing the the Chinese government’s “cover-up of this virus that originated with them has caused unnecessary deaths around America and around the world…I think Dr Tedros needs to step down”.
“Dr Tedros deceived the world. At one point, he even praised China’s ‘transparency during its coronavirus response efforts despite a mountain of evidence showing the regime concealed the severity of the outbreak. This deception cost lives,” McSally further said.
Another Republican Senator, Ted Cruz, also joined calls for the WHO to consider removing its boss Tedros.
His spokesman told The Washington Free Beacon that “Sen. Cruz believes that the WHO has lost the credibility necessary for it to be effective, and a reevaluation of its leadership is urgently called for.”
Lack of accountability
Former US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, has also criticised the WHO over its previous statements about the virus.
This was posted by the WHO on January 14th. The WHO owes an explanation to the world of why they took China’s word for it. So much suffering has been caused by the mishandling of information and lack of accountability by the Chinese. https://t.co/SooEnEPsjJ
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) April 3, 2020
Then Florida Senator, Marco Rubio also joined the calls saying “Once this pandemic is under control, WHO leadership should be held to account. That includes Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has allowed Beijing to use the WHO to mislead the global community.”
“At this moment, [Tedros] is either complicit or dangerously incompetent. Neither possibility bodes well for his future at the helm of this critical organization.”
African Union comes to Tedros defence
But the African Union is coming to the defence of the WHO boss. The AU commission head, Moussa Faki Mahamat said he was “Surprised to learn of a campaign by the US govt against WHO’s global leadership.
He said “the African Union fully supports WHO and Dr. Tedros. The focus should remain on collectively fighting Covid19 as a united global community. The time for accountability will come.”
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.
— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) April 8, 2020
The President of Namibia quickly joined the calls for Tedros to be supported during the crisis.
I agree with you, my brother. @WHO, under the stewardship of @DrTedros, has shown itself to be 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. https://t.co/YN34D8lZey
— Hage G. Geingob (@hagegeingob) April 8, 2020
Rwanda’s Paul Kagame also joined in saying “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?”
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? https://t.co/pNeKIRZGE1
— Paul Kagame (@PaulKagame) April 8, 2020
South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa has also joined the call for Tedros to be backed in this moment of crisis.
He said “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 and Dr. Tedros during an unprecedented global public health crisis is incalculable.”
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 https://t.co/fbN5v4tnqd
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 8, 2020
The Nigerian government has also backed Tedros.
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.
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) April 8, 2020
China claims success in covid-19 battle
China has always maintained it has been successful in fighting the deadly virus but many including American politicians have doubted that.
Chinese authorities have now allowed people to leave the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei province after lifting a lockdown that has lasted for months.
Some 55,000 people are now expected to leave the city on Wednesday, according to government statistics.
But to be able to leave the city officials said people must have a “green” code on a widely used smartphone health app.
Globally over 1.3 million people have been infected by the virus with deaths hitting at least 70,000 as at April 6, 2020.
Source: Africafeeds.com
