Obama calls on Africans to fight tyranny, corruption

US President Barack Obama on Saturday condemned tyrants who enrich themselves and urged Africans to demand stronger governments as the son of an African immigrant made a landmark trip to the continent.

On his first official trip as president to the heart of Africa, Obama vowed more US help to battle disease and said conflicts such as the "genocide" in Darfur and terrorism in Somalia were "a millstone around Africa's neck."

The US president, whose father was Kenyan, said these conflicts needed a global response.

"Africa's future is up to Africans," Obama said in a speech to the Ghanaian parliament which he hoped would resonate across the continent, before visiting a former fort from where countless slaves were shipped to the Americas.

But he added many warnings to Africa's leaders [Must watch video below] and its people.

"Development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long," he said.

"That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans." More

How US Tyrants got rich and powerful by stealing Africa's wealth:




Who is Obama?
An actor walks upon the floodlit stage of life
wearing a mask of an angel beneath a demon's gown.
Pretence smiles upon the crowded hall of life
holding out hope as bright as it is false.
Son of a woman in whose veins flows the blood
of ancient Ireland and dark Africa's plains.
You are Obama, nick-named the standing king
You are Barack, oh, son born to deceive
The suffering hoards of Africa look up to you,
See a black saviour where nought but a Judas strides.
An entrapper of nations, bringer of dismal war
Behind the robes and the nylon wings of hope
Oh, may those who look upon you, see you as you are.
May those who hope in you behold you as you be
A prince deceitful to bring down Africa's shrines
A siren who leads Africa's ships onto rocks of obliteration.
Your rule my lord will not be one of peace
Your reign my king will not be one of smiles
Even as we speak in caves both dark and dank
Enraged fanatics plot your dark demise
They will put around your head a bloodwet martyr's crown.
Oh black Kennedy following the one before
May God forgive thee and thy fiery spouse
As you walk in silence from the stage of life
Barack Obama, blessed son, Oh standing king.

By Credo Mutwa