The Obama administration'stop official for Africa says the United States intends to have astrongerpartnership with the continent. Assistant Secretaryof State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson spoke at the Center for AmericanProgress (9/15) in Washington.
"In the past fourmonths, since I became assistant secretary, it is clear to me that PresidentObama has a strong, continuing and personal interest in what happens on thecontinent. And that he intends to giveAfrica a much greater priority among our foreign policy interests," he says.
"First, we willwork in partnership with African governments and civil society to strengthendemocratic institutions. Second, we willwork for sustained economic development and growth across the continent. Third, we will also continue to maintain ourhistorical focus on health issues," he says.
The StateDepartment official says the U.S. will also work to "prevent, mitigate andresolve conflicts and disputes" -- and deal with the growing problems ofnarcotics trafficking, climate change and energy security.
"The world ofgeo-strategic politics continues to shift as the world community leaves behindthe challenges and the chessboard of the global cold war era and moves towardsa future that is more global, more resource conscious, more affected by issuesthat know no borders," he says.
Carson says theObama administration has proven its interest in Africa with numerous tripstothe continent by U.S. officials. Thisincludes a seven-day visit by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as thepresident's visit to Ghana.
President Obamahosts a luncheon for African heads of state attending the U.N. General Assemblysession and will meet with African leaders invited to the G20 summit inPittsburgh September 24 and 25.
"The president hasmade it clear that despite the very serious and well-known challenges thatconfront Africa today, we remain optimistic and hopeful about thecontinent. We believe in Africa'spotential and its promise," he says.
However, he saysAfrica is poor, adding that its people are "disadvantaged by poor governments,poor infrastructure, natural and man-made disasters." Many suffer from what he calls a harshness oflife that is often daunting.
"We must seek outand publicize the progress that is occurring to give hope to others andencourage the kind of investment in people and countries that is critical," hesays.
Asked about thekilling of a suspected terrorist in Somalia by U.S. special forces, Carson saysit probably makes all those who work in East Africa safer and more secure.
He calls Nigeriathe "most important country in sub-Saharan Africa" because of its population,oil and peacekeeping capability. But hesays Nigeria, like other countries on the continent, has failed to live up toits potential. He cites corruption and violence in the Niger Delta as some ofthe reasons.
On Zimbabwe, hesays President Mugabe and his party have failed to live up to the agreementthat brought about a unity government with the opposition.
Carson says Africawill help shape the 21 Century, adding the United States cannotignore the role its people will play in the international community.