Embrace democracy: Barack Obama to African Union

Addis Ababa: US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that it was time for the world to change its approach to Africa, as he made the first address to the African Union by a US leader.

 

“As Africa changes, I’ve called for the world to change its approach to Africa,” he said at the AU’s headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital. “A half century into this independence era, it is long past time to put aside old stereotypes of an Africa forever mired in poverty and conflict. The world must recognise Africa’s extraordinary progress.”

 

Mr Obama also called on Africa to end “the cancer of corruption” and embrace democracy to ensure continued progress. “Nothing will unlock Africa’s economic potential more than ending the cancer of corruption,” he said, warning that it drained “billions of dollars” that could be used for health systems or creating employment.