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HAVE YOUR SAY - What will Obama mean for Africa?
Written by: AlertNet
A man wears a portrait of U.S. President-elect Senator Barack Obama during celebrations of his historic White House victory in Nairobi's Kibera slum. REUTERS/Noor Khamis
As Africans celebrate the election of Barack Obama, hopes are high that America's first black president will tackle poverty, hunger, conflict and disease across the continent. But what reason is there to suppose Obama's commitment to Africa will be any greater than that of U.S. President George W. Bush, whose efforts to draw attention and aid for combating diseases in Africa has been one of the few widely hailed successes of his foreign policy agenda? Tell us what you think. Are you optimistic that Obama will make a difference to Africa? What should be at the top of his African to-do list? What dangers await as the new administration sets about reshaping aid, trade and diplomacy? Please leave your comments at the bottom of the page.
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20 responses to “HAVE YOUR SAY - What will Obama mean for Africa?”
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06 Nov 2008 04:23:58 GMT
As an African (not politician), I feels that Western democracies have not done enough to protect the human rights of the individual in Africa. Europe and the USA have supported the likes of Mobutu( in Zaire),Moi(in Kenya), Amin and Obote (in Uganda) Mubarak (in Egypt) and many other despot in the last four decades since all these countries became independent. What has been the practice has been for western democracies to protect their economic interests at the expence of the human rights of the individual. We need urgently a leader who will confront these despot and urge them to relinquish power after a given period and not to prolong their terms in office indefinitely.
I really do pray and hope that the new black President Obama of the USA will act differently from his predecessors, and stand up to defend the human rights of the individual African. Saka Busolo06 Nov 2008 04:24:42 GMT
Obama is and has been a very rich man, a millionaire. He did not help his own family in Africa. Expectations of help from him are misplaced.
06 Nov 2008 14:32:29 GMT
For me its more on his image which has suddenyl the way the world looks at America. We see Bush as a bully and here we are looking at someone every continent can identify with. Whether he makes huge committments or to Africa is something but what I quite sure of is that he will change they way America does business with the world. Most of the people at least for these few moments would want to be identifed with Americans a feeling which didnt exist few days ago. I think its naive for someoe to think that Africa needs loads and laods of money to be dumbed in Africa to show his committment to Africa. Thats wrong. Africa need business opportunites, fair trade etc. Africa needs to be left out to make use of its resources to develop itself. We will need help here and there but I dont think aid has helped Africa at all. In fact has done bad by propgating global capitalsim which has decapacitated our people who are now relying on aid most! of the time. I hope the world will be benefit more from Obama as an icon and may be policies but I view Obama as an unifying factor.
06 Nov 2008 16:23:40 GMT
The president of U.S.-based aid agency Refugees International has written an interesting blog on how the election of Barack Obama could mean greater U.S. engagement in Darfur. He points out that Senator Obama has advocated a consistently tougher approach toward Sudan than President Bush has followed. Read the full article on RI's site: http://www.refugeesinternational.org/blog/president%E2%80%99s-corner-obama-darfur-refugees-and-diplomacy
06 Nov 2008 17:06:36 GMT
BARACK OBAMA I THINK HE WILL BE THE BEST FOR AFRICAN BECOUSE AS HE KNOWS MORE ABOUT THE BLACK OF AFRICAN STORY AS HE BLACK.AFRICAN PEOPLE NO ONE STANDS BEHAIND THEM LONGS TIME THEY SPENT PEOPLE HOPING. PEOPLE NEEDS FREEDOM,EDUCATION,INVESTMENT AND MORE AS YOU SEE MORE THAN 80% PEOPLE NO STUDIED SO WE NEED OBAMA THINK FOR HIS COLOUR BACK OF HIM.ASIA,EURO.AND AMERICA FIGHTING EANCH OTHER FOR KINGDOM BUT AFRICA STILL FIGHTING WITH DROUGHT,STARING AND THIRISTY MORE PEOPLE UNEMPELOYEE THAN EMPELOYEE SO MORE PEOPLE DYING. SO IF I WANNA FROM HIM JUST I WANNA THINK FOR TIMIT PEOPLE WHO ARE THOSE LOOKIN FOR LIFE AND PEACE AS FREEDOM BEEN. AFRICA MAMA AFRICA MAMA AFRICA MAMA
06 Nov 2008 22:45:56 GMT
One think that I want Africans to understand is that even though Barack is now the president-elect of the U.S, but unlike Africa, where the president runs the entire government as his/her own family own business,in America most of anything that the president wants to do has to be approve by congress. So lets don't put our hopes up higher than they should be with the misunderstanding that all our problems in African will be settle by him. He will make a fine president. But please give him chance to settle down first. I've been in the U.S now for six years studying the politics here, and its true democracy here and I love it.
07 Nov 2008 13:45:31 GMT
THE BARACK OBAMA PRESIDENCY WILL NOT BE MUCH DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF GEORGE W. BUSH BECAUSE IN AMERICA THE POLICIES ARE NOT INTERFERED WITH LIKE THE ONE FOR AFRICAN STATES.
THE OTHER THING IS THAT HE HAS MORE PROBLEMS THAN EVEN AFRICANS THEMSELVES WHO DO NOT WANT TO WORK, BUT EXPECT DONOR AID AS THEY SIT ON THEIR SYNERGY. PRESIDENT OBAMA, SHOULD ENCOURAGE ONLY FREE TRADE AMONG THE AMERICANS AND HIS AFRICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT HOME. MINE IS JUST TO WISH HIM THE BEST OF LUCK AND GOD'S BLESSINGS DURING HIS FOUR YEAR TERM TENURE. Wilson Kipkazi- Eldoret, KENYA07 Nov 2008 15:02:12 GMT
Please Obama think about Africa suffering more especially ,DRC by lobbing with the currently political seat that is been lead by a Black American to stop all mayhen in Africa
08 Nov 2008 04:02:04 GMT
We have enough poverty in the USA that needs to be taken care of before we hand out money to dictators and despots. Expect nothing.
08 Nov 2008 04:02:15 GMT
Africa needs a lot of attention. They need to improve themselves in their dirty politics and President Obama should link any kind of aid to them with their own improvements.
Aids given out to so many countries over the last so many years have evaporated without any accountable results. And so, accountability has to be a factor in any kind of a loan to any Country. Past SG of UN, Kofi Anan should be invited by the New President to handle the uplifting of African nations. They do need help. Thanks. Nick Mandalaywala.10 Nov 2008 13:36:32 GMT
Africa has its own set of problems created by themselves and through their leaders.African countries are each within and of themselves responsible for themselves and should not export their problems to other nations.Its like being the thief and the policeman at the same time.You mark my words they will get nothing this time ,the economy in America is bad and will be for the next 5 years or so before the economy improves can you reasonable expect out sourcing of monies.Also ,I beleive that Obamas relatives are becoming a source of shame
10 Nov 2008 13:40:41 GMT
I think it is good, that an American even with African roots is now the president of the most powerful country in the world. But the expectations of US-Citizens, Americans, Europeans, less Asians, but especially Africans are too high.
He can not fulfill these expectations as long as the US-American people are willing to live with Africans under the same hut and share the scarce food, which they have earned. The Europeans in general are not the best examples in this issue, but whenever it is possible to support Obama and fight against all lobbies and dictators or corrupt politicians, there is a good chance to do so, for us all as white people and I hope, that the Chinese will not only their own interest in this issue. The next four years will be very exciting! I am looking forward to what can be acchieved.11 Nov 2008 17:58:13 GMT
I think we should focus more on what Obama's example should mean for leadership in Africa rather than on mispalced expectations of increased focus on African affairs in washington because of the imminent chnage of administration. If african leaders can begin to show responsible governance geared towards addressing the myriad of problems facing their people. Obama succeeded because he pledged to bring chnage and gave new hopes to the millions of destitute Americans of all races and not just because of his skin colour. African leaders should take a cue from him and make life better for their people rather than for jsut their own families. For the African populations, the lesson is that their vote is crucial and powerful; they should stop selling it for a bag of rice and/or slat.
12 Nov 2008 12:15:23 GMT
As for Africans expecting handouts from Obama it is not going to work.And as much as Obama would like to change things in Africa( as I know he wants to), we as africans have to be ready to be take his advice without the money.Remember when he made some comments in Kenya in 2006 and some government officials were not pleased and condemned him; even though he spoke the truth about corruption and human rights? And for blaming the west for not doing enogh and supporting dictators, mmhm.., what about us Africans not electing back these dictators, basing our politics on issues and not individuals.I have friends from Zimbabwe who praise Mugabe becasue he tells it as it is to the west, well yes but why can't he do that while taking care of his people , they are starving! As a kenyan I am so proud of Obama's victory but I expect no handouts from him but I want to copy his style. And let's not forget he is the president of the people who el! ected him; their interests come first.
13 Nov 2008 11:26:27 GMT
Obama will make little difference to Africa and to the rest of the world. He will have to much to do here in the USA (satisfying the people who put him in office). Any aid to Africa will be seen as a gift that could be given to African-Americans here in the USA. We must not forget the pressure that will be placed on him by the illegal immigrants now in the USA and the Mexican government who does not want them back. There will be no time on his adgenda for Africa....
19 Nov 2008 09:00:30 GMT
As an American I have to say that Africans need to more for themselves and seek less from western democracies relating human rights. in fact I'd say that all nations should be looking out for themselves and be dependant on no one for their own well being or prosperity.
What will Obama do for Africa? NOTHING! He never took care of his own family in Africa nor did he bother to use his clout to legitimze the family he had in the United States. If Obama does anything it will be to lead Africa to even greater reliance on western powers. After all Obama is a marxist why would he go against his hearts ambition. Africa...You've been screwede enough by the west. Look to yourselves.20 Nov 2008 18:36:10 GMT
Africans let us celebrate with Obama for the achievement he onbtained. Let us take pride in his achievement because he originate in our continent. But as for the expectations placed on his shoulders i think we should give him a break because he has not even settled into presidency. If he happens to think about us, let that be an addition and not a prize in demand. His family life and relations with african relatives has nothing to do with us. After all everyone has a private life, right? Let give him a chance please, i hope that is not much to ask.
27 Nov 2008 13:40:58 GMT
Education it should only up to the basis of how to read and write only but what matters most on how they will gain it a lot of important to us, and they have a lot of skill when they seek for the job like the computer school today that there are very in demand today on how to use the computer. Education is truly an important aspect in the success of a nation. A new administration is about to take over, and education is a topic that���s hovering on the minds of many. What will president-elect Barack Obama do to improve the massive groups of students and teachers in America? In an article at The Apple, Obama���s first step into the development of education is focused on No Child Left Behind. He does not intend to scrap the program, but he does want to reform it, particularly when it comes to standardize testing. He is against preparing students all year to ���fill out bubbles.��� As long as the performance is up to standard, both Obama and Vice-President Elect Biden will support charter schools. Teachers at charter schools and beyond find Obama's incentives like Teacher Service Scholarships and various pay rewards hopeful. Moreover, a major part of the president-elect���s proposal is to enhance Early Head Start Programs and provide ! tax credits for college education.! Restoring faith in the American educational system via these ideas and more will surely lead to the kind of credit repair the country needs ��" where the currency is a vibrant workforce that is equipped and ready to lead America into the future. Click to learn more about Credit Repair.
27 Nov 2008 13:41:09 GMT
Obama will help Africa by bringing hope back to the continent. His best contribution will be inspiring Africans to face their challenges,solve their problems and learn to accomodate each oher. He will be a good role model for the new generations in Africa as well as other parts of the world. And although he faces formidable chaallenges here in the US, I believe he will find the time and wisdom to convince those power loving dinosaurs in Africa to open the way for the new generations that have been waiting to lead for too long. God Bless Obama, the Us, Africa and the whole of Mankind.
07 Dec 2008 22:06:13 GMT
It is worth boasting that an african-american person holds the world's most powerful position. However, ironically as he is the American president-elect, he has to serve the nation that elected him. I think he does not owe Africa more than Asia owes him from the presidential perspective. Again, in a 4 years term or 8 years term, he has a lot of American issues to attend to. I believe if he acts differently from what the American people expect from him, no more african-american president will be elected. The most we could expect from him is to pave the way for enlightening the dark part of the world which Africa is part of.