"I stand before you as a proud American. I also stand before you as the son of an African. Africa and its people have helped shape who I am and how I see the world." (CBS/AP, 2015) President Obama concluded a historic trip to Africa on July 28, 15, addressing the African Union in Ethiopia. In his address to Africa’s leaders, President Obama spoke about the economy, security, and human rights issues. He also called for an end to corruption, suggesting African leaders’ should not stay in office past their constitutional allotted term.
President Obama has been able to observe a number of African issues and events from a distance. Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, may have been in existence before the turn of the century, but has become a prominent threat since 2009. In February 2011, the revolution in Egypt brought the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, who was in office for thirty years. In September 2012 came the attack on Benghazi. In August 2014, the Ebola outbreak in western Africa became an international health concern. President Obama didn’t let current terrorist or health concerns detour him, as he became the first sitting president to visit Kenya and Ethiopia this last week.
Egypt has remained in unrest since the 2011 revolution, with speculation still of an upcoming civil war. After the fall of Mubarak followed President Mohamed Morsi. He served just one year in office before his removal by Egypt’s armed forces. Morsi was recently sentenced to death for conspiring with foreign militants to free jailed Islamists in 2011. Another revolution in 2011 took place in Libya. That revolt led to a civil war, in which ruler Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed after four decades of power. On July 28, 15, Gaddafi’s son, Saif was sentenced to death for war crimes that took place during the 2011 uprising. Libya still remains divided today between an elected eastern government and an Islamist western government.
It seems the uprisings resulted in the removal of regime, without bringing a better alternative to power. Currently only bloodshed flows freely within these nations. The war within these countries may cease if they able to establish a democracy.
President Obama spoke of Africa being the fastest growing continent, and made mention of necessary changes to ensure future progress. Less corruption, and upholding human rights would be a positive step forward. We’ll have to watch the next generation to see what becomes of their descendants.
Works Cited
CBS/AP. (2015, 07 28). Obama wraps historic trip with bid for Africa's future. Retrieved 07 29, 2015, from CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-africa-ethiopia-fight-against-hunger-african-union-security/
President Obama has been able to observe a number of African issues and events from a distance. Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, may have been in existence before the turn of the century, but has become a prominent threat since 2009. In February 2011, the revolution in Egypt brought the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, who was in office for thirty years. In September 2012 came the attack on Benghazi. In August 2014, the Ebola outbreak in western Africa became an international health concern. President Obama didn’t let current terrorist or health concerns detour him, as he became the first sitting president to visit Kenya and Ethiopia this last week.
Egypt has remained in unrest since the 2011 revolution, with speculation still of an upcoming civil war. After the fall of Mubarak followed President Mohamed Morsi. He served just one year in office before his removal by Egypt’s armed forces. Morsi was recently sentenced to death for conspiring with foreign militants to free jailed Islamists in 2011. Another revolution in 2011 took place in Libya. That revolt led to a civil war, in which ruler Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed after four decades of power. On July 28, 15, Gaddafi’s son, Saif was sentenced to death for war crimes that took place during the 2011 uprising. Libya still remains divided today between an elected eastern government and an Islamist western government.
It seems the uprisings resulted in the removal of regime, without bringing a better alternative to power. Currently only bloodshed flows freely within these nations. The war within these countries may cease if they able to establish a democracy.
President Obama spoke of Africa being the fastest growing continent, and made mention of necessary changes to ensure future progress. Less corruption, and upholding human rights would be a positive step forward. We’ll have to watch the next generation to see what becomes of their descendants.
Works Cited
CBS/AP. (2015, 07 28). Obama wraps historic trip with bid for Africa's future. Retrieved 07 29, 2015, from CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-africa-ethiopia-fight-against-hunger-african-union-security/
