Reaction from around the world to the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump: “American democracy is obviously limping on both feet....This, alas, is actually the bottom. I say this without a shadow of gloating. America no longer charts a course and therefore has lost all rights to set it and even more so to impose it on others. Konstantin Kosachev, head of the foreign affairs committee in Russia’s upper house of parliament.

— Disgraceful scenes in US Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

— A fundamental rule of democracy is that, after elections, there are winners and losers. Both have to play their role with decency and responsibility so that democracy itself remains the winner....President Trump regrettably has not conceded his defeat since November, and didnt yesterday either, and of course that has prepared the atmosphere in which such events, such violent events, are possible. German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

— What is happening is wrong. Democracy is the right of people to exercise a vote, have their voice heard and then have that decision upheld peacefully should never be undone by a mob. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

— Shocking scenes in Washington. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

— The rampage at the Capitol yesterday was a disgraceful act and it must be vigorously condemned. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

— Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwes democracy. Yesterday’s events showed that the US has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end. Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

— Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

— The world considered America as a successful model of democracy, but we have witnessed the chaos, the assault against congress members and the looting. Same as third-world countries! Iraqi lawmaker Hakim al-Zamili.

— We must call this out for what it is: a deliberate assault on democracy by a sitting president & his supporters, attempting to overturn a free & fair election! The world is watching! Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney.

— I warned you: it’s bad when (people) walk down the street, it’s even worse when they walk into the courtyards, it will be unbearable when they come to your apartments. We must not allow this. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

— The scenes we saw are the result of lies and yet more lies, of division and contempt for democracy, of hatred and rabble-rousing, including from the very highest level. This is a historic turning point for the United States. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

— Everywhere there is a Trump, so each of us has to defend the Capitol.” Donald Tusk, former European Union leader, former prime minister of Poland.

—This is an internal affair of the United States. At the same time, we draw attention to the fact that the electoral system in the United States is archaic; it does not meet modern democratic standards, creating opportunities for numerous violations, and the American media have become an instrument of political struggle.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2021