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Clinton in Africa: Does Washington Really Care?
Speaking in Accra, Ghana, last month, President Barack Obama declared, "The 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra, as well." (...)
On the heels of Obama's trip to Ghana, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Africa this week. (...)
Compared to other U.S. administrations, this is the earliest point that both the president and secretary of state have visited Africa. Does this signal a change in America's policy? Is Africa now a strategic priority for the United States?
Not yet. America's relationship to Africa is still too often characterized by aid, and doesn't focus enough on other geopolitical priorities. That's not to say there's any lack of the latter. Between economic and business prospects, strategic oil reserves, protracted conflicts and crises, the threat of international terrorism, drug trafficking, disease, and other transnational issues, there are many things to attract U.S. interest. (...)
Despite fairly low expectations, President George W. Bush expanded American engagement across the continent. He drastically increased development assistance to Africa, and programs to reduce the burden of AIDS and malaria remain two of the signature legacies of his administration. Bush also made a concerted effort to secure a peace deal between north and south Sudan in 2005, at least temporarily ending a long-running civil war.
The increased U.S. presence and popularity, however, did not necessarily translate into greater influence. Recent years have given rise to tougher competition, as China and other new players have invested and become active on the continent. (...) And there have been marked deteriorations in several key bilateral relationships -- notably with Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
So, what can the Obama administration do? There are high hopes for change and stronger ties -- perhaps too high. Washington is currently constrained by the financial crisis, domestic politics, and competing, legitimate priorities outside of Africa. Nonetheless, the United States should increase diplomacy with leading economies, improve foreign assistance and trade, and be actively involved in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.
In building economic links, Washington could focus on Angola and Nigeria, two countries whose vital natural resources make them strategically and economically important for the United States. Nigeria is struggling with an insurgency in the Niger Delta and an eruption of violence in the country's north, both of which could be used to develop points of contact. But at the same time as it seeks opportunities for closer cooperation, Washington should call attention to Nigeria's fading democratic façade, and pressure leaders in both countries to control corruption and poor governance.
U.S. foreign assistance has been successful in many parts of Africa in helping to reduce poverty, increase economic growth, improve health, and foster good governance. But it is not as effective as it can be. American programs are outdated and unbalanced, and need to be modernized and reformed. Fortunately, there is bipartisan support for reform, and efforts are underway in Washington to rethink the delivery and structure of U.S. assistance.
Finally, American leadership is needed to contain war across the continent. The entrenched and intractable conflicts in the Congo and Somalia require a reinvigorated response from Washington. Close collaboration with South Africa is essential for protecting peace in Zimbabwe, and Sudan needs continued attention to ensure that next year's election is not a failure and to limit ongoing violence in Darfur.
Africa is not the backward mess Americans often assume. The continent is filled with opportunities, and examples of success can be found almost everywhere. And as countries continue to develop, the benefits of economic and political relationships developed now will only increase. But there are also real concerns. (...)
It's too early to tell if Africa will become a strategic priority for the United States during the current administration. The high-profile visits are a start. But Washington needs to pay closer attention to Africa, and make sure the contacts go beyond humanitarian concerns. Success in improving governance, the rule of law and stability is essential to advance stronger economic cooperation, as well as for U.S. national security. Even if dramatic changes are unlikely, it's in the interest of both America and Africa to move relations beyond the one-dimensional quality that characterizes them today. (...)
