Obama likely to visit Africa this year
US President Barack Obama orders a shave ice at Island Snow in Kailua, Hawaii, January 3, 2011. The Associated Press reported on Monday that Mr Obama will “almost certainly” visit Africa in 2011. AFP | Saul LOEB
Whether President Barack Obama visits his father's homeland this year will depend on how the United States gauges Kenya's adherence to democratic norms.
Citing sources in the White House, the Associated Press reported on Monday that Mr Obama will “almost certainly” visit Africa in 2011.
“No decision has been made on which countries Obama will visit, but deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said stops will reflect positive democratic models,” the AP added.
The New York-based news agency did not specifically mention Kenya as a potential destination for Mr Obama. But the AP noted that he has a “personal connection to Africa and that his father and other family members have been affected by the corruption that plagues many countries there.”
The president intends to increase his engagement with Africa in 2011, which so far in his tenure “has taken a backseat to other foreign policy goals,” the AP observed. The White House believes progress has been made on those primary agenda items, such as winding down the war in Iraq, fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan and improving relations with Russia.
“He will focus in Africa on good governance and supporting nations with strong democratic institutions,” the AP added.
Mr Rhodes told the news agency that the White House understands that increased US involvement with Africa can be viewed as meddling. “But he said Obama can speak to African leaders with a unique level of candour.”
The president has already intensified his focus on Sudan and is playing a direct role in efforts to resolve the stalemate in Ivory Coast, the AP reported.
