Over 90 percent of African countries have only had one or two leaders since gaining independence 50 years ago. Tribalism and corruption remain the most destructive forces there. That corruption is also fueled by neo-colonialism. Those corrupt leaders still act as puppets for old colonial masters (look at France's ongoing influence on its former colonies). They take bribes from outsiders in exchange for exploiting African natural resources, while the local populace dwells in extreme poverty. As for tribalism, it's simply because African countries were artificially created by Europe who carved up the continent for their own interests (the british, french and portuguese each got their share of land to exploit). These fake boundaries were created without caring for the local people. These locals had nothing in common, yet they were forced to be part of a country and that created problems still raging today. It's no wonder that loyalty to your tribe is more important than patriotism in Africa. Sad.
sgtpepper2345 Just to cite the example Obama mentioned, where in that dance thing in Ethiopia there were representatives of 80 languages and ethnic groups. Now I'm sure if the former colonial powers had drawn borders for each one, they would've also been blamed for scattering the continent into hundreds of small countries. Also, there are many European countries with different ethnic groups like Switzerland, Belgium, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and yet they've managed to make it work, not without occasional difficulties. But overall, I agree -- ethnic diversity is not a good thing for any country.
sgtpepper2345 That is absolutely untrue. According to this fact that you created yourself, 48 of the African countries would have had only 2 presidents since independence. The opposite is the truth. Only half a dozen had had less than 3 presidents/leaders.
How about not going there in the first place? Europeans got there by force, exploited the resources and messed it up to the detriment of the local population. Then, they blame them while still pulling the strings behind closed doors. A couple years ago, France sent their military to keep their puppet in Ivory Coast in power after the people rose against him (same in Congo, Central Africa, Gabon, Cameroon, etc). They still consider those former colonies as their own backyards. French companies monopolize large parts of the economies there after the bribing the authorities, while the locals suffer. African countries are basically fake borders created solely for the purpose of exploitation by Europeans. It's easy to blame the locals after you royally fucked them over for decades.
Loved what he said about leaders that would not step aside. I guess there were a few of them sitting there listening. Its these critters that hold back african countries.
This is a great speech with all Honesty have no doubt in my mind that even the Great Kings who have lived In Ancient Times we have listed to them over and over again, this is a True Believer of Democracy, Human Decency and respect for all. we are glad to be part of what is happening now So God help us.!!
I personal thank Au millitary for helping our people in Africa If Au governments help each other that Iam sure next years African will be Great continent My country and my continent InshaAllah I will be back with education and helping my people to make us grt
❤ machaallah84,c est moi al hadji houssein Ahmed douale,ce discours a ete et sara un moment inoubliable dans l histoire de ce monde tanks you excellence Monsieur barak hussein Obama for ever❤
We are proud of you Mr. President. What a man of integrity. Beautiful words! If only it reflected the truth -our biggest bets and prospects for trade are countries just right next to us. We must be ready to fight bribery and corruption. For Africa economy growth we needs strengthen in our numbers and diversity. We need to build institutions and infrastructures to catalyze our growth and to invest in the education of our youth
Stephen Ola Ojo Are you a Christian? why are you proud of the AntiChrist/son of perdition. Are you still being deceived by his "beautiful words". WAKE UP! The end is near, and its coming with flood, fire, world war and total destruction.
Jeremy Kegley Do you know the meaning of Antichrist? What has the choice of political party got to do with working against the laws of God and the freedom of Christians. I'm not a conservative party member, not even an American. If you have not yet given your life to Christ, I will advise you do before it is too late. This man is the Biblical son of perdition of the last days. He is the last president of America.
Ola George Yeshua said "be as your father in heaven" why are you folks continuing to mislead people about the Eli of the Bible????? Yeshua said "Obey the Commandments" Yeshua said when you pray, pray this way: "OUR father, who art in heaven, hallowed be THY name.....". You and Paul continue to speak against Yeshua, you need to read the New Testament for yourself, and stop parroting Priests etc. Don't respond to this til you did your home work.
Apart from the Denver 2004 Obama Speech, this is a very touching and historical Speech ever... A very powerful message especially to African Dictators... the message is very clear and easy to get, which favours our young generation. Thanks Obama. You are just such a gift from above to the whole world.
Germain Muhirwa Yes I agree very much! America does not know how good they have it to have a leader like this, and to complain of him endlessly even! He says he wants to serve after his Presidency, he would certainly be welcomed in Africa by most except those Dictators and their family/friends!
***** It is important that it is said. Words being spoken against them at a forum like this is powerful. It takes small steps to start the process to bring down the dictators and autocrats; steps like this speech.
snocat56 Hehe yes, America is a "ruined" country. Do you know how egotistical and pompous this sounds? America is ruined? What is Africa then and most of the rest of the world? Why am I a worthless piece of shit? Do you speak to every person this way? You are an extremely mean and vicious person.
Every word he speaks is true, President Obama is at the right place at the right time because I think the world is at a turning point and the world had to wait for a long period of time for such an extraordinary person! May God bless you and your family Mr. President Barack Obama, thank you so much for all of your hard work and greetings out of Bavaria in Germany!
I don't understand us Africans. Do we need an American to come down to Africa and tell us that -our biggest bets and prospects for trade are countries just right next to us. -bribery and corruption needs to stop for us to break through -there is strength in our numbers and diversity -we need to build institutions and infrastructures to catalyze our growth. -we need to invest in the education of our youth -we need to boost our healthcare policy -we can change our climate threat to economic advantages These are no brainers. But then on the issue of this "presidency for life" infestation in Africa, It is just really irritating to hear of such things. It all started with Former Nigeria president Olusegun Obasanjo, who completed two straight 4yr terms and still wanted to change the constitution to allow himself run. Same with Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso. Unfortunately Burundi's president Pierre Nkurunziza went on to actually pull this off. And then ironically you have people like Mugabe having the effrontery to speak about the situation in Burundi. Africa is living proof of the saying 'Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely' Our leaders in Africa are a problem... We keep doing the same thing that is not working repeatedly hoping for a different outcome. Electing very old men who should be in old people homes or tending their gardens all day to solve young problems and challenges. People who grew up in the very same problematic system and have never had the opportunity to step out of their territories, understudy other developed civilizations and know that it can be done. Men whose mentalities are carved in stone and who have no orientation or understanding of development. A people who have no other better choices because on the ballots they get to see old strong men. Its really sad. Yes Africa has a lot of potential but to unlock those potentials, we need to start doing things differently and allow our young who really understand development to preside over affairs of our countries. Let all these old men take seats on the back burner.
Dumb Dumber Why should we change the way we treat gays. Do we come telling America and the Western supporters of gaydom that they should change the way they view polygamy? You like gays we don't, we like polygamy you don't...So why should you impose your beliefs on us and not want to compromise on our own beliefs? We will allow gaydom in the African society when the West allows polygamy. It's as simple as that. You gay Westerners can then come marry our gay guys as long as we can come marry multitudes of your women. Simple and short.
Ndu Odi Go ahead - i have no problem with marriage between multiple people. I could give a shit. Personally im against the whole concept of marriage - i think its silly and childish. I would love to see the state stop endorsing any kind of relationships, gay or straight. Just know there is a reason why the west is doing better than africa - we progressed pass religion and hate - now you just need to. Trust me, living in the west is better than anywhere in africa. I am proud that i escaped the hell hole called africa - what a sad sad place.
Dumb Dumber I support your call for the state to stop endorsing relationships because relationships or marriage should be a contract between couples and their god. In the part of Africa where I come from we have a marriage practice which we call traditional marriage. It is not recognized by the state but by cultures. No paper documents are issued to confirm and deny the marriages...Yet we have far low rates of divorce than Western countries because of the role that culture and tradition playss in marriages especially in settling disputes which your Western cultures do not have provisions for because marriage is a business to you. While I am also happy I left Africa when I did for Europe and learnt about their civilization. Unlike you, I long to return home someday to play an active role in breaking the paradigms that enslave our way of thinking which blocks our development. It is arguable whether the west is doing better than Africa. In certain areas, yes but not in all areas. I believe in my people. I care for my people. I love my people. Where I come from in the Igbo culture we say, only a child who isn't worth the effort of his moms labor(who would have been better not being born at all) while birthing him grows old and ignores the inheritance his father left him because he wanted the Inheritance the neighbour was going to leave his son. I respect white people for pushing themselves to get to where they are now. Just like when black civilizations ruled the world and they were only learners its time to do what they did...borrow a leaf from them not run away from the motherland. The reason why living in the West is better than anywhere in Africa is because Westerners did something about their challenges..Not ran away from them.
Some people are intelligent than others, but unintelligent people can learn. We Africans have not yet convinced the world about our power to pursue truth. Everything exist because the causes that bring it about is equal to bringing it about.
Truth be told......Obama is that African Son anointed by our ancestors to lift Africa high. May the ancestors guide his path. Our children will be marveled after reading history books in the future. This tells us that we can make it, no matter what! God bless Africa
"No body should be a President for Life" From President Baraka Obama to African Leaders who stays on power for their lifes like..............,..............., and..............!
I'm just amused that I came here after one idiot on Twitter asked this after #Brexit "How come Barack Obama nor any other liberal has never complained that Africa's 52+ countries are not in a union?". Posted the url for this video in my reply and asked who he thinks Obama is talking to here. Haven't heard the answer yet.
Every one deserves dignity and to be treated with respect and dignity. I am sorry to say what they did to Gaddaffi and AFrica by way of Gaddaffi's timely murder and humiliation and destruction of his country that he lives and worked for had not signs of respect NONE....so american so european...
Under their tatty false flag of "Freedom and Democracy" they bring death and suffering to countless people ,then scream" murder" when victims give them a taste of death and destruction . wealthlinx1
wealthlinx1 Trouble is the ones that sow the seeds of war and hate ,take their profits and retreat behind the walls of their gated estates .leaving the innocents ,to gather the bitter harvest ,
Great Speech, we are all human irrespective of our color, religion, wealthy - dignity to all - Thanx Obama. Once we respect each other and follow the rule of law Africa will be very peaceful!
No talk better than this,it will not be,but it will be.A who will be the of action of this talk is that it makes the diffidence.what important for Africa is Action interns of those thoughts.not talks,who will be the in terms of action.this is the vital question for Africa.who will be the first in action,let us see together.
A successful son of the soil. A leader who is born to lead the USA. (United States of Africa ) he is our son and we thank Americas for giving him mandate to rule the world. Thank you America
having read some of the comments below, whatever the conclusion of each person or their opinions ( which you are entitled to) he is speaking the truth. if only our leaders will take some of his words and take action, I believe the likes of Trump will not call us shit hole in the near future. God bless AU
We so talk about this message a lot and we Seay yes our time come to be together but the is our governments is dropping us down and also they are just always making difficult problems and killing the Nation
Direct democracy (also known as pure democracy) is a form of democracy in which people decide (e.g. vote on, form consensus on) policy initiatives directly. Switzerland's Direct Democracy: Direct Democracy can be defined as a form or system of democracy giving citizens an extraordinary amount of participation in the legislation process and granting them a maximum of political self-determination. ONLY SWITZERLAND HAS A DEMOCRACY?
I just love how he can bring a speech to another country about investing in their youth, yet we literally have to go into thousands of dollars in debt to get an education in our own country.
This is a great truth from President Obama. Africa must stand up to condemn wrongs within its continent. Rather supporting bad government within the continent, Africa must work together to achieve liberation from poverty, under-development, corruption, oppression, bad leadership, etc.We need our fellow African brothers to develop ourselves.
alayande samson why are you proud of the AntiChrist/son of perdition. Are you still being deceived by his "beautiful words". WAKE UP! The end is near, and its coming with flood, fire, world war, and total destruction.
Good enough for today, but tomorrow they will be at it again. As Obama was giving this speech Musevenis troops were busy terrorising his competitors peaceful campaign rally for the next general elections next year in South West Uganda. Do we Africans ever learn? I don't know what middle class or a vibrant civil society Obama was talking about especially in view of cooked up figures released by countries like Uganda where starstics are cooked to reflect growth to funders. This is happening everywhere in Africa. On the other hand a special hurrah for countries like Kenya and Tanzania at least they can afford their citizens a decent change over and these two a ready for take off. All is not lost. I felt a chill of excitement listening to the Kenya civil society clearly outlining their dreams for their country. Uganda should wake up from this deep matooke slumber.
Domingo Asumu Asumu This man of lawlessness is still being deceiving many by his "beautiful words". WAKE UP! The end is near, and its coming with flood, fire, world war, and total destruction.
Ola George according to the words wich are being listened in this speech ,we can directly express our thanks for that. But, of course you are right saying what you've said, because these words have always been the words used by some many western presidents. I just said what I said when I just see him expressing those beautiful words for Africa. The problema appears when his mind and heart are not believing in what his lips are expressing before the crowd. That's why his words must always be put in question. Thanks.
Brilliant speech and a simple fact about African strong leaders that wanna remain in power Example, the president of Burundi and maybe in d future the President of Ruanda Paul Kagame, another president that may not want to go.. We will see
Cloud Strife I am not sure if he said that based on facts, or based on the audiences? Well, some said Africans were indeed the cradle of humanity, but some quarters also said that it was Iraq.
quaqmireful A cradle, can literally mean "the earliest period of life". Africans were here first before anyone else, hence they are the cradle of humanity. But to me, the phrase "cradle of humanity" reminds me of a structure or a frame, and that structure of humanity, the very thing that holds humanity together is unity among all people. There are many ways in which one can interpret the phrase, but i like the sound of it. (i just realized your picture also says unity, xD)
My concern is that people might misconstrue what he said, and argue along the lines of ethnicity. This is because I remembered he mentioned something about Iraq [or some other Middle-East countries] being the birth of humanity in one of his speeches. Hence I am questioning whether he based it on facts on playing to the tunes of the audience :D
quaqmireful The Middle East is the cradle of urbanized civilization. The Summerians invented writing, created the world's oldest cities like Ur and Uruk and the earliest organized hierarchical nation states. Africa is the cradle of human race as a species from a purely evolutionary biological point of view. ;-)
Great speech indeed! However, i hope that the "strong" man in #Djibouti who think that he's the only person who can hold the nation together will consider this and leave the power for the sake of Djibouti's stability. No one should be above the law!
Abiyu .Tegegn PART 1 OK, lets get down to the business of extracting FACTS from the undisputed historical records of information and wealth of abundant sources of original, yet ritualistic omissions and other treatises widely available from ethiopia's cookbooks, devoid of originality (implicitly and explicitly expressed with concocted appetite for REVISIONISM), and surely it will occur to you that even the laymen historian makes no effort to escape the blatant inferiority complex that these noxious-fume consuming Yemenites (after all they are Yemenites from Yemen) be-musingly wrap around their psyche. just before we delve into the fundamentals of an imploding ethiopia, i am making no efforts to pretend that desirable assumptions are made in exposing the FACTS that has besieged this unnatural naturalized ethiopia (i.e. from harvested populations, to inscribing a new history), to the contrary I am going to do the opposite of trying to validate the impossibility (i.e. ethiopia), in order to give the reader an inkling of what types of assumption violating situations are relatively innocuous (in practical sense), and what types are dangerous. Today, the following pillars are rightly pinpointed so on the following: () mass migration of Ethiopians fleeing their country to seek an alternative life () mass defection of pilots, almost every fortnight YOU HAVE 5 decorated pilots escaping with their jets or helicopters (including civilian pilots too), to WHERE? Europe () the disgruntled and demoralized army is waging war at 4 fronts (SOMALIA, ERITERIA, SOUTH-SUDAN AND indeed inside ETHIOPIA) () massive sellout of the land to SAUDI and Arab sheikhs fed up with the politics of the desert, and looming disasters in the Middle East (particularly As Iran once again finding its lost brother, USA). prior to debilitating Saudis, Iran was the key ally of the west in the region (I am not talking about symbolic terms), but in all spheres, so as that becomes a reality, escape routes must be established for SURVIVAL, end of the day MASLO's hierarchy of needs impinges all calculations, and with that ethiopians are leasing all their land Due to extreme poverty and hunger () above ALL, there is enough regularity in its Gyrations to entice structured/layered destruction in ethiopia, and this is DUE to the irregular nature of the laws that govern the making of "ethiopia" both in terms of people-hood and nationhood. continues.............
President Obama is a natural leader anywhere he goes. in the United States, he has to struggle with negative people, yet he has saved the economy,the banks,and the auto industry. he has made many changes......and he is a normal "down to earth man". humble and funny and intelligent and a real statsman. In my view he is one of the greatest Presidents in the US.
unless one regime is against USA interest they do not care whether it is dictator or not. you came for your own sake. Mr. Obama you even did not care for 90 million people. Peoples issue is not ur business. I am confused what democracy is and its manifestation. Obama taught me democracy is in the view of american interest.
Zelalem Teferi ኢትዮጵያውያን ያልሆኑ ስለ ሃገርህ በAmharicብትጽፍ መልካም ነበር ብለው ሃሳብ ሲሰጡ ምን ተሰማህ? ሲጀመርም ኦባማ ወደ ሃራችን ሲመጣ የኛን የውስጥ ችግር እንዲፈታልን መመኘት ሞኝነት ነው፡፡ ከላይ ሰውዬው እንዳለን ሁላችንም እኔም አንተም የሃራችን የችግር አካል ነንን፡ የመፍትሄም ጭምር፡፡ No westerner will be a solution for our internal problems. I believe Ethiopia is great, and so all Africa is. Obama is here to visit us. That’s all. Nothing miracle we are starved for & wait to have from his hand. Only Africans are there to solve Africa’s problem; period!!! Africa forever!!!
Feyi Joseph Feyi Joseph You blockhead! You better challenge my idea than insulting like looser. You can worship the president as God that is your headache. Mr. president can accentuate the real achievement that Ethiopia has done from the American point of view than bluffing. He should be adhered to only peace and security. Since he is big figure from the so called democratic country he should not be at liar position. This does not bring solution for the people rather it intensify the suppression. 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' Martin Luther King, Jr. Just for your knowledge. Do you remember what your advanced military faced in somalia? that is America's best humiliation in war. But we are doing assignment that your country could not hold. This is what makes Obama to lose his balance. This is one of what America needs from us.
This man full Africa, it’s not a trust speech, this man was in point since 8year he didn’t come to AU since then, after service finish come back AU come give us full speech disappointed, Africa I follow who can help them in China. We love China now, time I have last for America or western people now
When I heard Mr. Obama’s plan of visiting Ethiopia I was in expectant of nice future for our country and the people. I know that our government attempts to wrap its misdeed by providing good hospitality to guests; mostly EPRDF officials used this tactic to cover their sin. But I never anticipate US president would be hushed to tell EPRDF the truth. Other than telling the fact Mr. Obama denied the reality on the ground (the undemocratic election). This is disgrace for a person like His Excellency Mr. Obama. Even if I was in confusion by Bush’s family unmerited support to EPRDF; by presume it as Bush’s family or republican members individual interest I was anticipating that developed countries like USA honestly advocate for democracy, but not. My supposition was erroneous, because it is also the interest of His Excellency Mr. Obama and US Democratic Party. This shows that American democracy is deceit. The two parties (Democratic and Republican) have got power by the goodwill of CIA & FBI or by occasional arrangement. This might be the truth. So my conclusion attained to no democracy in the world; Democracy is superficial for the world and USA is opponent of democracy.
shaped in a way that our great fathers whom you regarded as slaves were exploited by working for you coz you are noise makers but practitioners plus stealing our countless resources like minerals and all sorts of raw materials. Do not pretend as if you do not know and if you do not, ask your enter clan
I will tell you how:they built most railways, they worked your fields and mines.That's how. They did this even when they didn't want to, at gun point or the crack of a whip
Whats up with the clapping? It is irritating. This clapping may mean that the audience is not taking in anything or that, what Obama Is saying is true but nothing will be done about it.
I liked this speech Obama is doing a lot for Africa he is right about corruption I agree I think hes a wise leader, but one factor many western leaders forget is that the people paying bribes are bullies too. My father turned down over $200,000 from a white businessman in Lusaka and our life was turmoil since then he even lost the job. I get threatened every time I talk about this or anything to do with corruption in my country Zambia or in Botswana where I used to live. Many leaders have died standing up against corruption, the lower level people in the government are just no match for the people that want to buy land and want mining contracts. And when your threatened or intimidated there are just not enough resources to complain nobody has the time, even when your in the US its much worse in Africa. I didn't hear about any initiatives to protect people that are being bullied or coerced to act illegally and take bribes. But I think he is right as a leader he has a moral responsibility to correct people who misuse their authority.
04:50 - "..eventually, liberation movements grew and 50-years ago, in a great burst of self-determination, Africans rejoiced as foreign flags came down.." Really? Talk to any African intellectual, and he/ she will tell you; the worst thing that ever happened to Africa was the overnight transition from colonialism to self determination. I have spent many long evenings speaking with my dear friend, colleague and neighbor from Sierra Leonne - and also had equally long talks with a relative-by-marriage from Algeria on this topic. Both of them have lived in north-Africa for more than 30-years, and both tell me the same thing - Africa is rotten to the core. They genuinely think there is no turning the continent around. I'm not African, but this doesn't sound very promising.
