Barack Obama & Africa: Some Reflections

In his recent visit to Africa, US President Barack Obama said “all the right things about Africa—and left a few ticklish ones unsaid,” says The Economist. “The tone may shift a bit but the policy will be similar to George Bush’s.”

While the former UN chief Kofi Annan maintains that the tragedy is “that when millions of Africans believed their countries and continent were finally on the right track, their hopes are being dashed by problems whose roots lie elsewhere.

“While the global crisis and climate change are creations of the North, it is Africa which is worst affected and least able to cope. The social and political consequences are profound.

“We recognize that the roots of the development crisis often begin outside Africa. But the reality is that the main responsibility for tackling the challenges Africa faces lies with its own leaders.

“This does not mean that the rest of the world can walk away. Africa’s international partners have a critical part to play in supporting the continent’s progress, and share responsibility for tackling imported problems. They also have an interest to do so: social tension and political instability in Africa have clear international costs and consequences.

“The scope for investment in Africa’s infrastructure, agriculture and communications are vast. So are the benefits it could bring. The spread of financial services to the poor has shown the potential for innovative investments. A drive for investment in these sectors will not only create jobs and increased trade in Africa, but also create markets for developed countries in these difficult times.

“Africa is enormously rich in potential. Amidst the gloom, there is an opportunity to be seized. If we have the courage and vision to rise to the challenge, it will benefit the 900 million people who live on the continent and create a valuable growth platform for the global economy.” More here…

The Economist states: “The deeper truth is that Africa is not high on the American president’s agenda. His Ghana speech was sensible and stirring. But in the end his message was that African-American relations would see no grand change.” More here…

A leading newspaper of Botswana, Mmegi, says: “Obama’s visit to Africa should be underscored, not only because he has African blood flowing through his veins but for the new message and vision that he wants to sell to the continent.

“He could have decided to turn a blind eye to the wrongs that afflict Africa and bathe himself in the adulation and adoration he received in Ghana but he decided to grab the bull by the horns and speak bluntly. He spoke the truth to African leaders and completely shattered their breast-beating philosophy.

“African leaders have been responsible for massive theft, gross human rights abuses and wanton display of undemocratic tendencies. The better ones have kept their mouths and eyes shut to the crimes committed by fellow leaders in the continent. Others have even chosen to applaud the thieves, murderers and misfits who masquerade as leaders in Africa.” More here…