President Obama Meet Leaders of African Nations at the White House

Posted on July 29, 2011 by SouthernGirl2

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A Native Texan who adores baby kittens, loves horses, rodeos, pomegranates, & collect Eagles. Enjoys politics, games shows, & dancing to all types of music. Loves discussing and learning about different cultures. A Phi Theta Kappa lifetime member with a passion for Social & Civil Justice.
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3 Responses to President Obama Meet Leaders of African Nations at the White House

  1. newcenturywoman says:
    July 30, 2011 at 2:08 am

    I’m glad to see this gathering of melanin-enhanced leaders meeting in our nation’s capitol – US President Barack Obama, the fraternal son of a Kenyan, along with four democratically- elected leaders of Sub-Saharan African countries. In the photo spread, everyone looks so pensive. As I’m glancing over the photos (during the wee wee hours of the night) I’m just wondering what President Obama is thinking. In most of the pictures, his usual radiant smile seems to have morphed into a contemplative facial gesture. At the same time, I’m wondering what the African leaders are thinking. Their facial expressions project an equally serious look. Is there a shared feeling of mutual respect among the leaders? How do the African presidents feel about having such a close ancestral connection to the most powerful leader in the world?

    I’m happy that our President is recognizing these African leaders and making a point of reaching out to them collectively. As he indicated in his press statement, building on a partnership with the African leaders is mutually important given that economically Africa is becoming one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

    If reelected for another four years, I believe President Obama will be the impetus for important changes in his father’s continent of birth—just as he has been for the Middle East region of the world in just two and half years. This presidency continues to prove that Barack Hussein Obama is indeed a World Leader.

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    • SouthernGirl2 says:
      July 30, 2011 at 9:51 am

      I concur with all of the above, NCW! The facial gestures got my attention too. The President is in deep thought. I’m sure these African leaders are filled with pride to have that ancestral connection. I couldn’t have imagined seeing this image 10 years ago. I’m so proud the President is reaching out to these African leaders and I have no doubt when re-elected he’s going to be the impetus for change in Africa just like we witnessed in the Middle East. He’s a World leader indeed! I’m looking forward to seeing what he will accomplish in the next four years.

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  2. SouthernGirl2 says:
    July 29, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    President Obama Meets with Leaders of Nations Representing Africa’s Democratic Progress

    http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/

    Today, President Obama welcomed President Yayi of Benin, President Conde of Guinea, President Issoufou of Niger, and President Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire to the White House. In the President’s remarks he spoke about the four leaders’ efforts to strengthen democracy in Africa:

    All these leaders were elected through free and fair elections. They’ve shown extraordinary persistence in wanting to promote democracy in their countries despite significant risks to their own personal safety and despite enormous challenges, in some cases — most recently in Côte d’Ivoire — in actually implementing the results of these elections.

    But because of their fortitude and because of the determination of their people to live in democratic, free societies, they have been able to arrive at a position of power that is supported by the legitimate will of their peoples. And as such, they can serve as effective models for the continent.

    These countries all underscore what I emphasized when I visited Ghana and gave a speech about Africa as a whole — this is a moment of great opportunity and significant progress in Africa. Politically, the majority of Sub-Saharan African countries are now embracing democracy. Economically, Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world.

    And we just had a very productive discussion where we discussed how we can build on both the political progress, the economic progress, and address the security challenges that can continue to confront Africa. And I emphasized that the United States has been and will continue to be a stalwart partner with them in this process of democratization and development.

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