OBAMA'S MISSED AFRICAN OPPORTUNITY

Even before becoming President, Obama's favorability was high in Africa. Kenyan's lauded him as one of their own, Tanzanians wore his face emblazoned on traditional clothes and fabrics and 66% of Nigerians wanted him to win the Presidential election. Such popularity was the norm across the continent. And when it was revealed that he would be visiting the continent, some thought it was an acknowledgment of the continent's importance, others, like many Nigerians, felt snubbed by his decision to not visit that nation, and others yet, were happy that he would specifically visit their countries. But despite the support Obama receives and the excitement he generates, Obama's first official trip to the African continent is a missed opportunity to endorse the very democratic change he championed on the African continent. On a continent where many countries are struggling to create systems of democratic representation that work for them, this missed opportunity could have dire consequences.

EGYPT & GHANA'S IMPORTANCE TO THE U.S.

Obama visited Egypt and will visit Ghana in July. Egypt sits at the intersection between the African continent and the Middle East and has been a key partner to the United States for many years. However, even before his trip, there was criticism that the visit to Egypt would be seen as tacit support for the Egyptian President. Hosni Mubarak is considered by some to be an African dictator that "has governed the country for nearly three decades with scant tolerance for political opposition."

While in Egypt, Obama reached out to the Muslim world and sought to change perceptions that America is at war with Muslims. His focus on Muslim/Arab relations while in Egypt, is a reflection of the ongoing war against terrorism. The tragedy of 9/11 transformed the way America relates to the Middle East, radical Islam, Muslims and perceived threats in general. Consequently, the Obama administration forwent an opportunity to emphasize the need for democracy, and chose instead to focus on transforming America's image and reputation.

Ghana's history of democratic elections since the transition from military rule is heralded as an African political success story. Unfortunately, Ghana is increasingly considered an "illicit producer of cannabis [and a] major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin." Yet, Ghana's oil deposits, though small in comparison to other top oil producers, make it a strategic energy partner for oil-hungry America. American owned oil company, Chevron, is building the West African Gas Pipeline which will run from the Niger Delta in Nigeria to Ghana, and the West African Gas Pipeline Company is headquartered in Ghana's capital, Accra. Considering America's need for oil, the importance of the energy- and resource-rich West African region, and Ghana's success at democracy, it is not surprising that Obama would visit. Yet, it would be a shame if during his July trip to Ghana, Obama failed to focus on the need for democracy across the continent. His popularity plus the fact that he is America's President gives him the capacity to empower pro-democracy activists and help in building a foundation for political reform in many African countries.

AN OPPORTUNITY LOST IN NIGERIA

Obama's decision to not visit Nigeria is a lost opportunity to encourage a better democratic system that does not completely ignore the will of the people. It is well recognized that the last Nigerian presidential elections were flawed. And, in fact, a report revealed that the ultimate acceptance of Nigeria's 'election' results by the international community encouraged Kenya's political leaders to effectively declare a winner in their Presidential elections even before the elections ended. A visit from Obama, who is so well respected that a spoofed letter from an Obama-imitator caused Nigerian militants to declare a ceasefire, could have been instrumental in advancing the cause of pro-democracy advocates in Nigeria and around the continent.

Additionally, the recent engagement between the Nigerian military and the Niger Delta militants is a situation that directly affects America's access to non-Arab oil and deserves that nation's immediate attention. 44% of Nigeria's oil product went to the U.S. in 2008, and that percentage is expected to grow. Even a powerful American Senator recommended that Obama intercede in the current Delta violence. While there is no word on what, if anything, Obama thinks about the growing violence, a visit from him, and/or attention from his administration, could definitely lead to a ceasefire and encourage alternative means of bringing peace to the Niger Delta region. This peace is necessary because the stability of that nation directly impacts the daily activities of everyday Americans. Nigeria is the United State's largest trading partner in sub-saharan Africa, and the U.S. is home to a growing number of Nigerians in the diaspora. The U.S. is also the largest foreign investor in the country.

Although Middle East relations is a key issue requiring the utmost attention from the American government, Africa's strategic importance to the United States must not be ignored. For too long, America's relationship with Africa has unequal and plagued with inconsistency. The African continent has many growing economies, is a source of many essential natural resources and unfortunately, many people for whom true democratic representation could be very beneficial. Nevertheless, the reality is that Africans cannot wait on Obama or anyone else to help push the continent towards democracy and improved standards of living. It is upon Africans themselves to make that happen, despite the tribulations, natural and man-made, that stand in the way.

Related Articles of Interest:
- The Glaring Omission

- Nigeria's Obama Expectations

- Is An 'Obama' Possible in Nigeria?

- Obama, Nigeria and 'Africans For Obama'

- In Search Of Democracy: Obama, Kenya & Nigeria

- Barack Obama & Kenya

- Barack Obama & America: Who Needs Who More (written by guest writer, Dr. Joseph Okpaku, Sr.)

- Congratulations to Barack Obama