US - Africa Relations: Agenda 2009
G. LeMelle & M. Stulman | Foreign Policy in Focus | February 2009
Obama fever has also not escaped Africa. The African population has been greatly anticipating the new US administration. However the challenges are big: armed conflict, humanitarian crises, escalating food prices, enormous problems in the world economy, the consequences of climate change and so on. To cope with the high expectations, the US must focus on the following areas:
- Consider the role of the military: Under the Bush government the presence of the US military in Africa was strongly reinforced. The peak was reached in the deployment of its own Commandos for Africa (AFRICOM) in October 2008. At the same time, the US military did not enjoy a good reputation in the area. It was seen purely as a cover for stealing resources and maintaining US interests. The aim of the new US administration at this time should be to create a positive image of the military, so that a basis for peace and development can be administered.
- Strengthen cooperation with the UN: The US army is not suited to handle long term tasks like reducing poverty, building infrastructure or good governance. It would be better if these were left to the UN and then to support them by dealing with violent conflicts. Through this they could also strengthen the UN's peacekeeping efforts.
- Fair Trade instead of Free Trade: African countries have especially suffered as a result of the economic crisis. As a result of the crisis, developed countries have reacted with an increase in farming subsidies. That worsens the situation further in Africa. The US must not only stop this trend, but also provide a new economic order under the premise: Fair Trade comes before Free Trade.
- Lead on climate change: "Africa is the continent with the least responsibility for climate change, but at the same time the continent with the most to lose, if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced," said Director Steiner of the UN Environment Programme in 2007, expressing the dilemma Africa faced. The consequences of climate change like desertification, hindered access to water or climate change refugees are the catalysts to new crises in Africa. To effectively tackle these problems, there needs to be stronger global management. The USA can fulfil this role, but they must lead the way as a good example. This includes the reduction of their own CO2 emissions, and also assisting African countries financially in the battle against climate change.
Given the special challenges that lay ahead for President Obama, it will certainly not be easy to meet the hopes and expectations of the people of the African continent. There will be elections in 18 countries in 2009 - a potential focus for new political unrest. It costs US taxpayers nothing to change the tone in the relationship to Africa. Constructive cooperation to find solutions to these problems should again be brought to foreground.
This summary was prepared by the Atlantic Community editorial team from "Africa Policy Outlook 2009," published here by Foreign Policy in Focus, January 2009.
