Bringing dignity to a banal speech

Few writers in the media make comment of the point that Egypt was his first visit to Africa as President, Ghana was second.

If there was a supposed snub to Nigeria by his choice of Ghana, then there was simultaneously a snub to so called ‘sub-Saharan’ Africa by his choice of Egypt.

Obama had a historic opportunity to address many of the ills of the nation he now heads and deliberately chose not to do so. Instead he delivered a speech full of banality using language designed to chastise Africa in the eyes of the western media, perhaps to reinforce the fact that he has no loyalty to Mama Africa.

I hope I am wrong, maybe he is playing a clever double game where we will see his intent towards restoring African sovereignty through covert foreign policy.

Sadly even if this is the case I am of the belief that leaders should act with integrity in the open and not behind malevolent secretive institutions such as the CIA, which continue to play a major role in the destabilisation of the Continent in favour of US and western interests.

Firoze, your text exuded a dignity lacking in the most eloquent of speeches ever made during the seven month political life of the US President, it revealed a holistic understanding of world politics that no longer places Africa at the boundary as a raw mineral source to be exploited, but at the centre as a force of people and natural resources to be nurtured and respected.

I wish Obama had your vision, your humanity. Sadly his actions to date and most importantly his inactions, reveal that he does not. Thankfully Pambazuka News exists to promote another way forward. Until then the struggle continues.