What Obama`s Win Would Signify for Africa
blurb:isstoday:171008obama
17 October 2008: What Obama’s Win Would Signify for Africa
As the world watches the much-anticipated US election, the question is often asked what a win by senator Barrack Obama would mean for Africa? Many have expressed the view that Obama’s election would be good for Africa. Now that Obama seems to be in the lead, should they be celebrating?
Obama has made little mention of Africa and his intended approach to African issues. The two core functions of the American presidency are, after all, to develop and implement a foreign policy to enhance US interests, and pursue a domestic policy that will bring economic prosperity to the nation.
The foreign policy implications for Africa of an Obama presidency are largely unknown though Joe Biden, the democratic vice-presidential nominee, has already indicated that an Obama presidency will not be able to double overseas development assistance as originally promised. On his official website, Obama states that Africa is rated eighth on his top foreign policy priorities. Traditional American foreign policy has not been marked by an all-encompassing approach, but by assistance to specific programs in a limited number of countries. American energy needs and security concerns have largely shaped American policy towards Africa.
The big question is: will this broad approach change under Obama? For starters, American policy informed by security concerns in places like the Horn and North Africa is unlikely to change. With respect to assistance, even if Obama pledges additional foreign assistance for Africa, unless the traditional short term assistance is transformed to more sustainable long term development projects, it is not set to improve Africa’s ailing economic position. In fact, the reality is that Obama will be overwhelmed by American domestic issues that include the current financial crisis, and expectations management. From this perspective, a favorable foreign policy does not appear immediately forthcoming for Africa.
However, merely viewing an Obama presidency based on the potential outcome of the foreign policy and ‘goodies’ that Africa may reap could be considered a narrow approach. Africa should in fact be applauding the symbolism that his potential win would present. Dr. Makau Mutua, writing in the Kenyan Daily Nation of June 5th states that, while the office of the US presidency may limit Obama’s actual impact on Pan-Africa and the Third World, the symbolic importance of the achievement is what has the potential to go much further. It is offering a paradigm shift in the self-perception of a people whose destiny, according to Frantz Fanon, represents the possibility to refashion a new vision for the world, one beyond the limits set by European rationality and the consequences, both good and bad, that the Third World has reaped there from.
The Obama campaign is based on change we can believe in and change we need. Obama epitomizes that change literally in his persona and speech. In so doing, he is a voice for the young, women, minorities and the marginalized. He inspires them to believe in the audacity to hope. He demonstrates that one can rise from difficult situations and the confines of race, social status, parentage and poverty to achieve their true potential. His is a campaign that seeks to rally around presenting a new future for the citizens of the US if only they are willing to undergo a fundamental shift in thought, attitudes, cultural perspectives, diversity, traditions and leadership. The struggles and the issues that Obama’s campaign speaks to are all issues that Africa is grappling with. There is therefore a need to be attentive to the lessons that can be learned from this experience. Studies have shown that change is often resisted for a variety of reasons such as:
Power and control:
This is about nepotism, creation of monarchies, intimidation, selfishness, marred election processes, all in a bid to hold onto power and amass generational wealth that is retained amongst a clique of selected few. It thrives on a culture of bleeding the leech to feed the heifer. Why are African leaders holding onto power and serving lifelong terms in disregard of their relevance and usefulness to the societies that they serve? For instance President Omar Bongo of Gabon, the longest serving leader (40 years) has been outlived by eight US presidents. Such leaders have misplaced values and ideals instead of desiring to leave legacies of succession planning, infrastructural development, equitable access to resources, employment, education and a sense of pride, hope and belonging for the people.
Historical and cultural issues:
The issues of gender inequalities and marginalization in developmental initiatives are inherent in Africa’s historical and cultural practices and beliefs. This is influenced by societal norms about men’s and women’s proper roles, early socialization practices and experiences that reinforce these norms. This has resulted in resistance in incorporating women in the development process and in electing them to key leadership positions. In parallel, there are challenges associated with ethnicity and cultural biases that cause Africa to engage in needless conflicts that are detrimental to country progression and inhibit national development. Africa has seen the repercussions of these biases and keeps repeating the same mistakes over and over. It is not willing to change and yet expects different outcomes. There exists a system that rewards those who have committed injustices and penalizes those who act as the proponents of change against these biases. When will Africa wake up to the realization that a fundamental shift in terms of ideals, values and vision needs to occur?
In conclusion, the acknowledgement that there indeed exists positive and good things to be said about Africa, cannot be underscored and this is not a call to neither downplay Africa’s strengths and accomplishments nor subscribe to Western ideologies. However, if the greatest democracy in the world is on the road to subscribing to this change, why should Africa not do the same? Everyone has great potential if willing to change fundamentally in favor of progression. Whichever way we choose to look at it, it is clear that the symbolism of Obama’s anticipated win is set to impact on Africa. The choice remains on whether or not Africa is ready to recognize, embrace and learn from it.
Doris Murimi, Deputy Director, ISS
