African presidents bused to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral sparks controversy
Several photos have surfaced on social networks showing African heads of state including Kenya’s President William Ruto and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu being transported to the venue of Queen Elizabeth’s state burial at Westminster Abbey in London. The development has sparked controversy with many sharply reacting to it.
While all foreign dignitaries were transported by a fleet of buses, US President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill were allowed to travel to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral service on Monday, September 19, 2022 in an armoured presidential limousine: “The Beast”.
As the funeral leads trends across social media platforms, with the hashtag #queensfuneral, it appears many social media users are not happy about this arrangement which was announced days ahead of the funeral.
Africa Facts Zone twitted :”Kenya’s President William Ruto, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu and other African leaders rode in a bus to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s state reception in the UK.
USA’s President Joe Biden was allowed to ride in his bulletproof limousine”.
Former Kenyan Governor, Mike Sonko responded to this saying, “These foreigners lack manners. How can they keep African Presidents in one bus in London? God forbid something bad happens on that bus. What will happen?”
Others were however of a different views:
@Omoalayo_: This is not about the UK, the US won’t let their president ride on the bus… Interpol won’t, FBI won’t.. They just won’t allow it
@Tiyiselani_TP Whether we like it or not, a USA president is no ordinary president, he’s a president of the most powerful nation in the world. His security will be much higher.
@JosephBowyer1 Why do Africans like comparison? Yes and Biden is greater than every African president.
@Rhumeey The priceless smiles on their faces…so happy to be invited, ridiculed.. and humiliated regardless!
According to the UK’s Express news portal, the White House demanded that Biden travels via a six-car motorcade for “security reasons”. Their request was granted by UK officials hence the development.
The publication further claimed that the rest of the guests were transported in buses to “ease traffic congestion”.
However, according to reports, Biden was not the only one excluded from the VIP bus ride. Others included the royal families from European countries.
Also, on the list were leaders of G7 countries, like France’s Emmanuel Macron, Japanese Emperor Naruhito, and Canada’s Justin Trudeau among others. This is also for “security reasons”.
