The press statement from the White House is below. If Obama is serious about strengthening democratic institutions in Africa, it would be nice to see a shift in the dialogue on countries like Burkina Faso, Uganda, Congo, Gabon, Chad, and Mauritania.
I wonder if Kenya would be on this list, had Raila Odinga won the recent Presidential election.
One should note that all three of the countries Obama is venturing to were covered in earlier Presidential visits by George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Statement by the Press Secretary on the President’s Travel to Africa
President Obama and the First Lady look forward to traveling to Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania from June 26 – July 3. The President will reinforce the importance that the United States places on our deep and growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including through expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions; and investing in the next generation of African leaders.
The President will meet with a wide array of leaders from government, business, and civil society, including youth, to discuss our strategic partnerships on bilateral and global issues. The trip will underscore the President’s commitment to broadening and deepening cooperation between the United States and the people of sub-Saharan Africa to advance regional and global peace and prosperity.
Africa in DC 