« Second, U.S. security assistance must be focused on those who respect democratic norms. The wars on terror and drugs should not be conflated nor used as a justification for providing military assistance to regimes that abuse or neglect their people. Such aid can backfire, as we have seen in Mali. »Kofi Annan - washingtonpost.comThere have been few more powerful symbols of the changing African narrative than this week's staging of the first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington. The White House sees this event as a chance to strengthen ties with a dynamic part of the world that is an increasing contributor to global prosperity. With seven of the world's fastest-growing economies on the continent , and a rapidly rising middle-class , the emphasis of U.S. relations with Africa has shifted decisively to investment opportunities and partnership.The United States, of course, enjoys a special place in the imaginations of Africans — something that was reinforced by the election of President Obama. Young people continue, as I did when I came to study here many years ago, to look to the United States for inspiration, viewing this country as a place of economic opportunity built on a platform of democracy, human rights and religious tolerance.America's achievements resonate across all of Africa, where people also seek ways to improve life for their families. They aspire to choose — and reject — their leaders at the ballot box, to create courts that deliver impartial justice, to speak their minds without fear and to enjoy a free press that helps hold governments to account. But for many of them, these goals remain out of reach.Beyond the continent, a peaceful and economically strong Africa can be a major part of the solution to many of the world's great challenges. It can help drive global growth, reduce poverty and inequality, improve health and counter the threats of terrorism and climate change…
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» Fw: *DHR* America-Africa Summit : The next steps for Africa to meet its potential
