UPDATE: Even the Washington Post now concedes that Bush has done more for Africa than any other President in U.S. history

Ever since President Bush launched his Millennium Challenge Account for African development (in March 2002) and his $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (January 2003), I’ve been arguing – to the consternation and apparent dismay of almost all who bothered to listen - that Bush has done more (and offers the best solutions) to help alleviate poverty in Africa than any other world leader in modern history.

When I published this lamentation in June 2005, I was surprised by the number of people who refused to accept my argument, despite the credible testimonials - from renowned crusaders for Africa like Sir Bob Geldof and Bono - I profferred to support it. But I assumed that these critics were either political dunces or visceral Bush haters who would question any praise God Himself betows upon him.

I found it ironic, however, that chief amongst these critics and haters were African and Caribbean natives who benefit so much from his foreign policy largesse; although I was not at all surprised that African Americans - who have a vested political interest in criticizing or resenting everything Bush does no matter how salutary – were the most committed naysayers.

Therefore, imagine my own consternation and dismay when I discovered that some of my informed colleagues and other putatively fairminded people, including journalists from the esteemed Washington Post, were no more accepting of Bush as Africa’s greatest white hope – especially with the mirage of Bill Clinton in contention. In fact, I was utterly forlorn of hope of ever disabusing them of their imperviousness to reason in this regard.

But then no less an authority than the Washington Post published an article on Sunday in which it not only affirms my argument but also reports that Bush has met personally with more African heads of state than any of his predecessors and, with plans to return this year, will have made more state visits on the African continent than any other president in U.S. history. Indeed, this article even alludes to my critics as follows:

…all of this is surprising for a president who is often criticized as lacking curiosity about much of the world and who heads a political party traditionally skeptical of the efficacy of foreign aid.

I appreciate how implausible it seems that Bush’s humanitarian aid to Africa may shape his presidential legacy as much as his war in Iraq. And I do not for a moment suggest that the good he’s doing in Africa should insulate him from criticism for mess he’s creating in Iraq or for his political failures at home: Katrina. After all, no one has been more critical of Bush than I have in these respects.

But, as one who has been pleading for decades for American presidents to supplement their political rhetoric about African development with more conditional aid and targeted investments, I believe it’s imperative to give him his due. Therefore, I commend this definitive article for your edification. And, as my last word in praise of Bush on Africa, I shall suffice to note that “I told you so!”


Related Article:
President Bush honors five African leaders at White House
President Bush has actually done more for Africa than any other America President – including Clinton!

President Bush African aid