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Africa has to take lead against its tragedies: Obama

Speaking at the University of Cape Town while winding up his trip to South Africa, Obama said the US has no apology for supporting Africa’s…

Austine Odo, with agency report

Tue, 2 Jul 2013 4:00:00 WAT

Speaking at the University of Cape Town while winding up his trip to South Africa, Obama said the US has no apology for supporting Africa’s efforts in upholding human dignity. He said fear too often prevails in nations across Africa, citing Muslim nations like Mali and Somalia adding that too often terrorism perverts the meaning of Islam.

He said the American military presence in Africa is focused on putting muscle behind African efforts and that. He said as long as parts of Africa are ravaged by war, democracy and economic opportunity can’t take hold.

President Obama challenged young Africans to shore up progress on Africa which stands on a “fragile foundation,” urging them to pursue Nelson Mandela’s vision of equality and opportunity.

Obama who arrived in Tanzania yesterday said he wants a “new model” for Africa’s development. The president and his family were greeted by Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and troupes of dancers as they arrived in the main city of Dar es Salaam. Asked whether the US had done enough to help the continent, he said: “Ultimately the goal here is for Africa to build Africa for Africans.

Our job is to be a partner in the process and Tanzania has been one of our best partners.” Obama has been faulted for lacking a grand programme and many Africans have been disappointed at what they see as his lack of engagement with the continent, despite his African ancestry.

The president said he wanted to move away from traditional forms of international development and work more closely with businesses in Africa.

“We are looking at a new model that’s based not just on aid and assistance but on trade and partnership,” he said.

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