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 As President Bush returns to business after a seven-day, five-country tour of their continent, many Africans are waiting to see if he will make good on commitments made preceding the trip. According to The New York Times’ Richard Stevenson, the president made three key promises that will prove crucial – and difficult – to keep.
After pressing for the passage of his $15 billion AIDS legislation, the president promised to serve as a leader in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. However, next year’s financing still has not been solidified, and many expect that appropriations will fall short of the promised $3 billion. In addition, after committing to help level the playing field in the global market, the president has returned home to domestic constituents who want to protect subsidies and other trade advantages to American farmers and business owners. Finally, the president vowed to help Africa end the conflict in Liberia. However, Americans remain concerned that the current conflict could result in a disaster similar to Somalia in 1993. At this point, the president has committed American troops to participate in bringing peace Liberia, but has not specified how.
In the meantime, aid agencies like World Vision spend much of their time and money in Africa, attempting to mitigate the chronic poverty faced by most on the continent.
“President Bush encouraged Africa with his wonderful promises,” said Wilfred Mlay, World Vision’s regional vice president for Africa. “Now we pray that his commitment to the nearly 700 million people in sub-Saharan Africa will not waver, and that he will encourage other world leaders to more fully engage the continent.”
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