Barack Obama is now the President – Elect of the United States. As I said in my earlier postings, it’s a victory for the peoples of the world and not the United States alone. But, there is a pertinent issue that comes to the fore with this victory. And a particular question leapt into my mind while thinking of it. And this is the question; what does the victory translate to for the African Continent?

The President of our nation, Alhaji Umar Yar’Adua congratulated the President Elect and said, “ I look forward to even more bilateral relations between Nigeria and the US and more productive partnership between Africa and the US in the quest for a more stable, secure, just and equitable world”. The President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe said, “African continent would look forward to a fruitful relationship with the US as part of the gains of the Obama Presidency. Africa today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship”

So what point am I trying to make,

• · How do the African people understand this?
• · Does it mean more liberal entrance into the US?
• · Does it mean more consideration of African issues on the International scene?
• · More aid? More funds?
• · Does it mean the Kenyan people become Africa Leaders?
• · Does it mean his family automatically qualifies as regular visitors to the White House?

Starting from his family in Kenya, they organized a press conference in their village on Wednesday, am sure to let the world know he is their blood. But we must not forget that they are his Step Sisters and Brothers and his Grandma. Do they have a robust relationship together? Have they ever attempted to reach out to him or him to them?

Will human trafficking stop with a black man in the white house? Will the US borders be more open to foreigners’ pouring in like water torrents? Especially blacks? Even, if possible, does that not translate to racism of some sort?

Kenya declared a public holiday for Obama; does that mean every year public holiday will be declared? Kenya is just recovering from a terrible nightmare of political upheaval, so does it mean a saner society? Or does it make them, the number one country in Africa?

The questions will keep pouring out and the answers………………

But the truth is, we should expect the best actually from the US for it’s a new era in world history. But we need to address ourselves and define what we want as a continent. Moreorless charting a new course for ourselves forgetting the past experience we have had and looking forward to a glorious future for the African Continent.