US President Barack Obama called on Africa Tuesday to end “the cancer of corruption” and embrace democracy to ensure continued progress, in a speech to the African Union.
“Nothing will unlock Africa’s economic potential more than ending the cancer of corruption,” Obama said, warning that it drained “billions of dollars” from economies that could be used for health systems or creating employment.
“Only Africans can end corruption in their countries,” he said.
But he also said that ensuring democratic rights were protected was key.
“Africa’s progress will also depend on democracy, because Africans, like people everywhere, deserve the dignity of being in control of their own lives,” he said, in a speech that closes his two-nation tour of Kenya and Ethiopia.
“Yet at this very moment, these same freedoms are denied to many Africans. I have to proclaim, democracy is not just formal elections,” he added, to cheers from the packed hall, with all its 2,500 seats taken by AU officials as well as civil society representatives.
“When journalists are put behind bars for doing their jobs, or activists are threatened as governments crack down on civil society, then you may have democracy in name, but not in substance.
“I am convinced that nations cannot realize the full promise of independence until they fully protect the rights of their people.”
‘No to rulers for life’
Obama said Africa’s democratic progress is also at risk when leaders refuse to step aside when their terms end.
“No one should be president for life,” he said, adding that he himself was looking forward to handing over to his successor.
“I have to be honest with you: I just don’t understand this. Under our constitution, I cannot run again. There’s still so much I want to get done to keep America moving forward. But the law is the law and no one is above it, not even presidents,” he said.
“And, frankly, I’m looking forward to life after being president. It will mean more time with my family, new ways to serve, and more visits to Africa.”
Obama singled out Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza — whose re-election to a third term provoked weeks of unrest in the small central African nation — as an example of the dangers of trying to stay put.
“When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife, as we’ve seen in Burundi.”
He said clinging to power was “often just a first step down a perilous path.”
“If a leader thinks they’re the only person who can hold their nation together, then that leader has failed to truly build their country,” Obama said, hailing Nelson Mandela as an example for the continent.
