Above: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., heads to Africa with
credentials of no other Senator – a son of Africa.
(MSNBC – Thurs., Aug. 17, 2006).
Photo: Seth Perlman Stf / AP file
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Not only the United States but also Africa and the rest of the world await with bated breath who turns in at the White House at the conclusion of the presidential race on 4 November 2008, writes Ethiopia’s business weekly Capital.
Apparently disappointed by the lack of commitment of President George W. Bush’s administration as regards dealing with burning issues in Africa, the paper point s out that the continent’s dream is the same as the vision of Democratic Party’s candidate, Barack Obama for his own country.
“Africa needs an America that can live up to its founding principles – an America that will help eradicate the glaring oppression that exists in every corner of our continent,” Capital’s leader for this week underlines.
Commenting on the presidential race immediately after the Democratic Party convention, the paper describes Obama as a “unique product of a unique nation, which is today in search of a different domestic and international outlook”.
But, referring to his presidential nomination acceptance speech at the convention on 28 August 2008, Capital expresses disappointment that Obama did not mention Africa and its myriad problems.
“The candidate must be astute enough to be aware that the United States development assistance under the Bush Administration is unprecedented in US history,” the paper acknowledges, noting the PEPFAR programme as a highly successful lifeline for millions of Africans living with HIV/AIDS. Read More.
