President elect Obama and Africa: Good-Bye to Aid, Welcome to Change

Senator Barack Obama was the underdog in this presidential election for obvious historical reasons, but his family and personal story, along with a dynamic and wonderful people (Americans are decent people, no matter what you think) who believed in his message of change was the fountain of inspiration that saw him breast the tape of victory (see Kal’s cartoon in the Economist of November 7). Thus, as we savor this historical moment, let us take time to consider its significance for Africa.

1. What lessons stem from this historical victory for the African continent?
2. On what principles should President elect Obama engage Africa (assuming the domestic problems give him a breather to think about Africa)?

Very briefly, reports out of Africa so far show some misplaced, ridiculous and perhaps exaggerated forms of celebration (Kenya declared November 5th a national holiday), some are said to be flaunting past photographs with Senator Obama, and as reported in the Nigerian Guardian, some are saying that no one dare refuse them visas or treat them shabbily anywhere in the U.S. anymore. Many have been heard saying that they now have their own in the White House. The suggested implication of these moments of excitement is that more aid will flow our way. While one recognizes the rights of Africans to celebrate, they should take some time to think of how they too can change the continent themselves, before asking for help.

There is a mixed and varied menu of lessons from this historical moment, most Africans and Africanist scholars will somewhat agree on the following:

1. HARD WORK! If Senator Obama succeeded through hard work, Africa can too. Africans including those in the Diaspora have suffered so many indignities in the past, and are today the most marginalized in the world. Just as efforts were made correct centuries of injustice to the African-American community, so has the international community attempted to help the continent with varying levels of success. While it is true that total justice has not been achieved for all parties, Senator Obama, in the usual saying, pulled himself by his boot-straps and made a commitment to succeed and he did all the way (family life, academic pursuits, professional and political career). May he succeed as President. Africans should be ready to pull themselves by their boot-straps and get ready to work harder. No one is coming to do it for us. Commitment would yield success.
2. CHANGE, HOPE AND INSPIRATION! Was Senator Obama’s message of change and hope inspiring? Yes! See those signs again – “Change we can believe in” “Yes we can.” Can Africa produce hope and inspiration? Yes only if there is a behavioral change in stealing of national wealth in particular.
3. Do Africans need outside help? Yes and No. No, because we already have what it takes to transform our societies. No, because we are not behaving in ways that outsiders can take us seriously. Yes, we will need outside help, but we have to earn it. How can we achieve this? As in lesson one, we need a complete behavioral transformation by committing to end the banditry going on in most parts of the continent. If we start doing this, the international community will take us seriously and yes, it will assist us in areas we cannot help ourselves.

What principles should influence President Obama’s engagement with Africa?

1. The message to African venal and irresponsible leaders should be this: “the people and only the people matter.” If they address the interests and welfare of their people, they will be engaged.
2. Perhaps an extension of principle one, the President elect must in unmistakable terms tell African heads of states to create a conducive environment for Africans to place their physical and intellectual abilities at the service of self and nation. It is true that the U.S. has more to do in creating an enabling environment for citizens to achieve their potentials, but it was in the midst of this imperfection President elect, Barack Obama was able to achieve some success. Anything short of this is unacceptable and must be emphasized at every opportunity.

How do we sum this up in the form of an Obama doctrine for Africa? You don’t need aid because the continent is so rich and blessed with human and natural resources. If you stop stealing we will assist in areas where you come short like technology. Those who have ears to hear - let them hear.