Bush’s African concerns

The way one of the poorest regions in the world is flush with unending bloodshed and continuous fighting is ample proof of the crying need for political reform. There is something unique about the African character, which allows lingering rivalries, good for only adding to the collective downfall, take precedence over making peace and advancing efforts for uplift of the downtrodden. As such, Washington's concern over mad blood spilling in Kenya and “genocide” in Darfur are welcome. It would, of course, help a great deal more if these words find quick backing in concrete actions.

Bush's African safari is also perhaps the best time for the continent's leaders to make a strong argument about pains their economies are suffering because of policies framed in Washington. Dependant primarily on agriculture output, African farmers are among the least fortunate for having to compete for shares in the international market with heavily subsidised US counterparts.

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America's military initiative too is likely to counter its share of roadblocks. Of late Washington's military deployment to distant shores has fuelled more troubles than it has helped end. In Africa, too, American military assistance is blamed for its share of negative spill over.

It would be best if the US sticks to political, medical and education assistance for the time being. The African continent is in crying need of uplift. And in these days of rapid global integration, falling behind the rest of the world risks being alienated beyond redress. If the West helps Africa overcome this fear, it would have done a big favour.