“This trip is a reflection, a direct reflection, of his support and his interest and his view of the importance of Africa to the world and to the future of the world,” she said. “That’s why I’m here.”
Given that Barack Obama is America’s first black president and his father was from Kenya, many had hoped to see stepped-up U.S. involvement on the vast continent during his presidency. Africans also longed for Obama to visit so they could welcome home a U.S president they consider one of their sons.
First lady Michelle Obama watches as traditional dancers perform upon her arrival in Gaborone, Botswana, Friday, June 24, 2011. At left is her mother Marian Robinson. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, Pool)
He did visit, stopping in Ghana in 2009. But he stayed less than 24 hours and has not been back to Africa.
The first lady said people expect a lot from her overworked husband and that some won’t ever think what he does is enough.
“He would love to be here but there’s a lot of work to do on the domestic front,” she told four American reporters traveling with her. “And as president it’s hard to predict and plan internationally because you’ve got domestic stuff hitting you left and right.
“Africa’s absolutely important to him,” she added. “I understand why people feel like they want more. It’s a big continent, a lot of challenges. But I think his record and the number of senior officials who’ve spent so much time in Africa . . . that is a reflection of this administration’s commitment to this continent.”
White House officials previously have pointed to the president’s involvement in Libya, Sudan and Ivory Coast as examples of his commitment to Africa, along with repeat visits by such senior administration officials as Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Mrs. Obama said she is her husband’s “direct representative” and as such she was the one who met Friday with Botswanan President Ian Khama. The two emerged from his office after about 45 minutes and shook hands for the news media. They made no remarks. AP
(via Chicago Sun-Times)