Bush’s Africa Trip to Focus on Health, Education and Violence

By Jacob Leon Beier
Impunity Watch Editor-in-Chief

WASHINGTON, United States – Today, President Bush departed on a six-day, five country diplomatic trip to Africa.  Bush makes stops in Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia and will meet with each country’s head of state.  This is President Bush’s second presidential tour during his tenure in office. 

President Bush is expected to draw attention to the United States’ efforts to combat widespread HIV/AIDS and malaria epidemics and improve the quality of education on the continent.

Prior to his departure, President Bush defended his decision to not send troops to the Darfur region of Sudan to prevent further acts of genocide in an interview with the BBC.  Bush argued that he did not want to mobilize US troops in another Muslim country and that China “can do more to relieve the suffering of Darfur.”  The US noted that China is currently involved in trade deals worth billions in Africa and does not inquire about the lack of democratic institutions and human rights.

President Bush will also likely have to answer questions concerning what some consider to be unfair trade practices with Africa on the part of the United States.  Critics contend that certain US trade policies “undermine struggling Africa economies.”  For example, Benin’s economy relies on its cotton exports.  But, due to the high level of government subsidies given to the US cotton industry, Benin cannot compete with US farmers.  "If George Bush comes here without something concrete to say about our everyday livelihood, he needn’t bother,” said Beninese cotton grower Ali Assi Mabdou.

President Bush called on Kenya to return to democratic rule prior to leaving on his African trip.  He made known that he would send Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to “deliver a message directly to Kenya’s leaders.”

President Bush told the BBC that he has maintained a “firm, heartfelt commitment to the continent of Africa.”  Aid to Africa has increased dramatically during Bush’s time in office.  The Bush Administration announced the development of its Millennium Challenge Account at the president’s January 28, 2008 State of the Union Address.  Bush stated. “[t]his program strengthens democracy, transparency, and the rule of law in developing nations.”  Though, critics have argued that the US Aids program is ineffective and based on moral agendas rather than policies of efficient and equitable distribution.

For more information, please see:

BBC – Bush Set for Second African Tour – 15 February 2008

Reuters – Bush’s African Visit Seen More About Strategy than Compassion – 15 February 2008

Bloomberg Press – Bush Africa Trip Touts Successes, Bypasses Places He Can’t Help – 15 February 2008

AllAfrica.com – Africa:  Bush Visit to Focus on Health, Education – 15 February 2008

The New York Times – Turmoil in Africa Alters Focus of Bush’s 5-Nation Tour – 15 February 2008

The White House – Africa Policy