Diretube Presents Recent Appraisal of Obama's Legacy In News Media
Africans expected a lot from Obama when he was elected president in 2008. His racial heritage being rooted in Africa, his liberal and progressive views and overall commitment to change all came together to create a never before seen, surge of euphoric optimism on the African continent. Addis Standard newspaper's recent "Where Lies Obama's Africa Legacy" presents a unique portrayal of Obama’s contribution to African democracy. According to the writer, Obama preferred to invest in future leaders and besides the occasional criticism of dictators wasn't very hands on regarding the fight against totalitarianism in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although Obama visited Ghana’s capital Accra in his first 6 months and expressed Africa’s need for strong democratic structures and lack of need for strong men, he has not done much else aimed at bringing democracy in the short term.
When Obama took power only 10 Sub-Saharan countries had established democracies. The Addis Standard reports that many Africans do not see any hope in the future choice of American presidents. In health and trade, Obama’s contribution towards the fight for HIV/Aids and his lengthening of the AGOA to 2025 are cited among Obama's positive achievements in the special report for Addis Standard by Zelalem Kibret.
Among Obama's Major Achievements from the Addis Standard special by Zelalem Kibret
- Power Africa project aiming to double power supply in Africa
- Lead Africa Initiative or the Mandela Washington Fellow Ship Program that gives Africans access to academic progress and leadership training.
- Lifting the travel ban on people living with HIV-Aids from Africa. Very big deal since 70% of the world total is in Africa.