Obama Gets "Into" Africa: An Ugly Scramble for Oil, Minerals, and Markets

Unfortunately US policy towards Africa have largely translated into holding the door open for U.S. multinationals to do what outsiders have done for centuries: extract the continent’s wealth.

by

John Feffer

President Barack Obama speaking at a business forum aimed at increasing investment in Africa, in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania last year. At the Africa Summit in Washington, DC this week, more than 50 heads of state from the continent have gathered to discuss "development" in Africa. Sadly, much of what's being discussed looks more like exploitation and a race by the world's powerful corporations to secure Africa's profitable resources for themselves. (Photo:  Evan Vucci/AP file)

President Obama is definitely “into” Africa. As much as possible in a world riven by multiple crises, the president has made the continent a focus of his policymaking. Turning his own Kenyan heritage into a personal bridge to the region, he has visited Africa three times as president – in 2009, 2011, and 2013. He has touted his administration’s multi-billion initiatives such as Power Africa to bring electricity to millions of homes, a fellowship program for young African leaders, and the continuation of efforts to fight HIV-AIDS and other infectious diseases....read more...