Barack Obama will take his place as President of the USA on January 20 this year. Millions of people across the continent of Africa are ecstatic about the election of Barack Obama as America’s next president. Parties were thrown after Obama won the election with many just happy to see ‘one of their’ own taking up the most powerful position in the world. But many also have high expectations after eight years of neglect under the Bush administration. The relationships between Africa and the USA were not that great during the Bush reign and many hope now that Obama is in control the relationships between the USA and Africa will be better. But are things really going to change for Africa now that Obama is President?

I feel many Africans have high hopes on Obama helping Africa out but we must not forget that Obama is coming into his position of President of the USA when the situation in the USA is not looking too bright. Barack Obama will face some of the most daunting challenges that any new president has confronted since at least 1981, when America tumbled into a severe recession. He faces the immediate task of leading a nation that is reeling from its most serious economic downturn in a generation, one whose government is saddled with a federal deficit that is heading for $1 trillion. He’ll take the reins of a country with more than 183,000 of its own people fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, conflicts that won’t end simply because a new president wants to end them. He also inherits a global war on terrorism against enemies who remain intent on doing America harm, not to mention hostile foreign capitals from Tehran to Moscow.
So as you can see, Obama has his hands full with pressing issues that he may not put in enough time and effort on Africa. Let us not forget that Obama was elected to be President of the USA and that is his number one priority. I am sure deep down, Obama would want to do all he can for Africa, thats goes without saying, but at times in ones life, there are some things you may want to do but other circumstances do not allow you to do them.

If Obama had come in at a better time then I am sure Africans from Cape to Cairo would be very happy. I am just really worried that many Africans have pinned their hopes on Obama and the American President may not meet their expectations. What do you think? Has Barack Obama come at the wrong time for Africa?

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