Maseru___ Economists predict a need for African countries, especially Lesotho to fasten belts if former president of the United States of America (USA) Donald Trump returns to power.

In an interview on Friday, Mr. Thabo Qhesi said if Trump returns to the presidency seat, many countries are likely to relive the Ukraine-Russia war impact, only this time it will be Trump. He cited the inflation rate which he said is likely to find its upward way again, then impacting on the prices of commodities and crude oil, probably resulting in high standards of living.

Qhesi recalled that the former USA president once withdrew the USA Covid-19 assistance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the midst of the pandemic, due to his differences with the WHO Director. “That itself is an indicator that he may be considered a danger to human lives, not only in Lesotho but also in other countries that rely on foreign aid’’, he commented.

However, Qhesi was also quick to note the fact that the election of either Biden or Trump cannot impact the Compact II as it has been signed up for the next five years and the AGOA which is going to be extended, and the upcoming regime cannot override that. According to a Bank Lombard Odier and Co. Ltd report, equity markets are already expecting an increase in volatility before the US presidential election.

The report further shows that in the face of geopolitical tensions inflation could rise

significantly. The US is heading for a presidential election which are to be held in November 2024