Africa banks hope on Obama pledges

By Standard Reporter

Africa had a reason to smile in expectation of what Obama’s presidency could offer as the continent became one of the foreign priorities listed on the updated White House website.

A statement posted on the White House website indicated that the new administration would embrace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aimed at tackling extreme poverty around the world by half by 2015.

"This will help the world’s weakest states build healthy and educated communities, reduce poverty, develop markets, and generate wealth," read the statement that would touch the heart of Africa hope is high.

The new US President has also said he will increase America’s diplomatic presence in the world and particularly in Africa.

"To make diplomacy a priority, Obama and Biden will stop shuttering consulates and start opening them in difficult corners of the world particularly in Africa," the White House website stated.

Election pledge

During his campaign Obama promised to increase foreign aid to Africa by half from Sh2 trillion ($25 billion) to Sh4 trillion ($50) by 2013.

However, he put regimes dogged by malpractice on notice.

"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know you are on the wrong side of history," he said in his inaugral speech.

For his country, Obama embarked on the task of governing a hurting nation yearning for change, summoning his economic team and military commanders for meetings today, one day after claiming his place in history as the first black US President.

 

 

 

 

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