President Obama hosts his African brethren
For the first time in the history of the United States, a sitting president is hosting African leaders. President Barack Obama, the first American of African descent to assume office as president of the United States of America, invited more than 50 African leaders to the White House to discuss mutual US and African priorities on economic engagement, security and governance.
As an economic bloc, Africa has been the least considered for any such forum and the election of Barack Obama was seen as a chance for the United States to give Africa the attention the continent it deserves. Unfortunately, Obama’s Africa policy has unexpectedly been low key and not visible enough. It is strange because of the historic ties Africa has with the United States. With approximately 30 million people of African descent the US Africa policy over the years have been more patronizing than mutually beneficial. Africans are used to receiving food donation from US during times of famine and crisis. On the other hand US interest in Africa has been in US strategic interest while economic cooperation has been largely ignored. Much of the relationship between Africa and the United States has been determined by the heinous slave trade. This is the time for African leaders to tap the potential of the African Diaspora that includes African Americans. The Israelis tapped the resources of the Jewish Diaspora and have benefitted immensely from it.It is not unusual that the main theme of the summit is security and corruption. Earlier last month, President Obama told a group of about 500 young Africans in Washington, D.C., “There are a lot countries that are generating a lot of natural resources, but are not putting that money back into villages to educate children.” The issue of corruption is hampering economic progress. Moneys for projects are embezzled and in a lot of cases the people are largely ignored. Poverty alleviation policies, if existent at all, are only preserved for the affluent in the urban areas and basic needs as water and energy are a luxury even in the 21st century. In spite of perceived economic growth often reported about Africa, disease and poverty continue to wallop its people and as we speak even nations who were on the upward trajectory are rushing to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for bailouts and assistance: all because they do not have the discipline to manage their resources and the incomes coming therefrom.
We hope this is not a summit to dole out handouts to the African leaders most of who are facing serious challenges at home. We hope too that the US would ensure that projects for which the moneys are earmarked would be seen to be executed.
Africa has a lot to share with the world. But Africa demands fair trade and embraces reciprocal respect for development. The Dark Continent has been isolated for far too long and if in 21st Century it is opening up it is time for exploration for mutual benefit.
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