Discussion: Bush to Africa. Why Now?
- Posted on Wednesday 13 February 2008 - 14:29AfricaNewsUS President George Bush is expected to visit Africa from 15 to 21 February for what his office calls a firsthand review of the significant progress since his last visit in 2003. It is time to ask if this visit will really profit Africa and if yes how.
Bush and his wife Laura will visit Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda and Tanzania and, according to the White House, the agenda comprises issues relating to economic development, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other treatable diseases.
There are two main questions in relation with this trip:
QUESTION 1: South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt are not among the countries to visit. These are strategic partners not only due to their prosperous economies but also their strategic geographic positions. The turmoil in Kenya could justify why that country is skipped. What do you think of the five Bush's stops and those you think he should have added?
QUESTION 2: Bush comes to Africa a few months before leaving his presidential functions. Some would consider it as vacation in sunny African capitals as the northern hemisphere is having winter. What would his trip bring to Africa when a new president is expected to take over him and put in place new relationships with Africa?
You certainly have an opinion about these questions or any other related issue. Please send us your opinion in the reaction field below.
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Reactions
- Posted on Wednesday 13 February 2008 14:39Bush? Who's that? What did he do for Africa during his 8 years in office?
Obama for president! I think that he is the best that could happen to the African continent if he becomes the new leader of the USA! - Posted on Wednesday 13 February 2008 15:32In as much as i difer with some of Bush 's policies e.g using force when it sometimes not necessary i think his visit to Africa is a noble one. Taking into consideration the countries he is visiting it is evident that these countries are doing good for themselves taking into consideration that for the past year they been associated with Civil Wars and bad governance. US in the past has helped Africa Countries progress and this is still evident even in Zimbabwe were a legitimate government is at large.
- Posted on Wednesday 13 February 2008 15:43The only thing I can say about Bush and his administration’s perception of Africa is that they have been totally indifferent to African issues.
Contrary to Clinton who visited the continent on many occasions and still goes there, Bush saw Africa as another market. While defining his diplomatic ties with Africa he said that they would be guided by the “No aid but trade” principle.
Coming to Africa now brings nothing at all. Anyway, he will be away next January and his trips and eventual promises will belong to the past.Et in terra pax hominubus... - Posted on Thursday 14 February 2008 11:23A king only gives parting gifts to appease for wrong of his reign.
Let me start by saying that we cannot blame those who perceive his visit as a mere holiday in the light that he doesnt need to be here physical for US policy to be pro-african. As yet, we are at the receiving end of the global politics. This is very glaring in the ongoing US election campaign; where the emergence of Barak Obama seemed holding the key to African's greater role in the world politics.
Usually, a presidential visit is in the pursuit of his/her country foreign policy objectives. The stops listed are to further consolidate support for the Republican American...it is not in the best of Africa that Bush is coming around. Of course, this would be more glaring when these days unfold. The talk about war of terrorism and what role Africa is to play, the need to join forces with the new (Bush hopeful Republican led government) and other security issues would form the bulk of his speeches.
A closer look at the stops also reveal that the troubled spot (countries) are omitted. And to think that these vvery grey areas actually need the presence of such a world super power police officer to dawn the light of hope to the people.
Stoping in Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda and Tanzania, is this the US way of endorsing their democratic governments? Bush's coming will answer that question. The agenda which comprises issues relating to economic development, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other treatable diseases should have include other countries renouned for these.
This coming paint a picture of confidence by the Bush led US government that the Republican are positive about a return to the White House of another Republican. Thus, if Bush is visiting now, the new president would not be having any need to come around but would be concentrating on the urgent state matters: the midle-east crises, war on terrorism and, of course, the depresion hiting in on the American economy. Bush would be speaking much on this as well. Maybe how African need to be more liberal to US instead of the new found love for the China's booties. The age-long ideological battle between West and East will attempt a ressurection as well.
For the most part, this visit amount to a mere disipation of state resources by these countries. except the burden of funding his visit is borne by the US government. His stoping in Ghana could have provide the icing on the cake for the country's healing after the African Nation's Cup football tournament. But in his person, that would not be achieved. Maybe Nigeria government would have aprreciated this.....i mean, to endorse the new Ya'rdua governement. unfortunately, Nigeria is not on the list of his stops.
What I really dont understand is why American politics thinks its not yet time for a change in America, when all the handwriting to the way forward for America is the Obama way.eternal vigilance is the code of honour - Posted on Thursday 14 February 2008 11:38Bush is coming to Africa to counter check and take audit of his previous tours. His visit now that he is preparing to exit the White House will not serve any better.
It would be better for Barack Obama to make this tour since he would carry over to the White House.
Its a strategic visit yet so poorly timed.
Perhaps! he will use the visit to remind the Kenyan leadership to respect democracy and protect human rights.
Its a lost tour. - Posted on Friday 15 February 2008 15:10i think BUSH is trying to full africans that he cares abaut them but he has heart abaut africa .he is just trying towin win votes for the repiublicans buy showing that he cares about AFRICA.because most of the countries that he will be visiting are stable he just want to manipulate this countries and if he realy heard arfica in mind why is he not visiting those countries which have political problems like kenya nto help resolve this problems
- Posted on Saturday 16 February 2008 10:57As far as i'm concern Bush's visit will add nothing to Africa. Like Wafula said, it's strategic but poorly timed.
- Posted on Saturday 16 February 2008 20:01I repeat: A king only gives parting gifts to appease for wrong of his reign.
I hope the forum is following Bush in his Africa trip. The speeches are already revealing my predictions. More so, opinion are tinted in this direction that this august visit portend nothing as such as is needed by the continent now.
Our people, our government, and all African states will do well without the WEST. However, if the WEST can come to term with the urgent technical need of the continet.......which is crucial for the role Africa would play laterward. All this talk about corruption in our government is too obvious. Bush should let us domestic democracy and when Africa mature to evolve a workable form of it, it would be better for us.
Right now, Africa need to define who her friends are. The new found love in the EAST portend something......African leaders need to explore it, needs to define terms of trade in a new light, needs to open her door to symbiotic allies......and more. Not that US is a foe. What's is wrong with making many good friends? Though we said frinds are few, as yet......African dont have these few on her side.
Nevertheless, i wish President Bush a peaceful delibration in his chosen itinerary.eternal vigilance is the code of honour - Posted on Saturday 16 February 2008 20:07
http://www.barackobama.comquote:Jacob de Zeeuw wrote on 13 February 2008 @ 14:39:
Bush? Who's that? What did he do for Africa during his 8 years in office?
Obama for president! I think that he is the best that could happen to the African continent if he becomes the new leader of the USA!
OBAMANIA is the America's future...............all in favour, pls vote ......YES
eternal vigilance is the code of honour
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