Cameroonians are disappointed with the African policy of Barack Obama, two years after he was elected as President of the United States.

By Anne Mireille Nzouankeu

In 2008, many thought Africa and the US would grow closer. " But we did not feel that the African policy of the United States has changed. Americans have always been concerned with the security of the Gulf of Guinea because of the oil wealth there. Yet when the US should have intervened to end the dictatorships of African leaders, the United States remained passive, "says Anicet Ekane, a Cameroonian politician.

The United States Embassy in Yaounde organised an election during the midterm elections in the United States. The poll sought to renew the 435-seat House of Representatives, 50 governors and 36 of the third US Senate. In Cameroon, it was an opportunity for politicians, academics and others invited to evaluate the legislation of Barack Obama.
Liberate people
Upon his election, Barack Obama has repeatedly called for Africans to take charge and not wait for the Americans to act on their behalf. In Cameroon, some think it's because the US do not have an economic interest in aiding Africa. "In other countries, the US got involved to supposedly free people. This was the case in Iraq where the Americans made people believe they invaded only to get rid of a dictator. Why did they not ask the Iraqis to take charge?", asks Ekane Anicet.

However, some Cameroonians prefer to see Barack Obama as a source of hope. "His election has inspired many Africans and other minorities who felt marginalised. As the first black president of the United States, he said and proved that everything is possible", says Fabien Numfor who works for an NGO.

The reform of the US health system by Barack Obama has also inspired many African leaders. In Africa, many poor people are refused at hospitals. Making health insurance more accessible for poor people may be the solution to this problem.

Economist Mindjock Max concludes: "Africans must not be waiting for t he help of Barack Obama. He is the president of the United States and he must satisfy his constituents, not Africans. Africa is not a priority for Barack Obama "