During an historic address to the African Union, President Barack Obama encouraged the nations of Africa to embrace democracy and recognize intrinsic freedoms, including freedom of speech, free and fair elections, and freedom of assembly as well as the right to a free press,
the Los Angeles Times reports.
"Africa’s progress will depend on democracy because Africans, like people everywhere, deserve the dignity of being in control of their own lives," Obama said. "I’m convinced that nations cannot realize the full promise of independence until they fully protect the rights of their people."
The president’s address marked the end of his five-day trip to the continent, where he visited Kenya — his father’s birthplace — and Ethiopia. He also spoke of equal rights for women and gays, and called for an end to female genital mutilation.
He spoke of the pressing need to create jobs in Africa, where the population is predicted to reach 2 billion people in the coming decades, according to
The Associated Press.
"The choices made today will shape the trajectory of Africa — and therefore the world — for decades to come," said Obama.
Obama lauded Africa for its progress in mitigating the HIV/AIDS infection rate and for lifting millions of its people out of poverty,
Voice of America reported.
He pointed out his unique perspective, telling the leaders that "I stand before you as a proud American. I also stand before you as the son of an African."
CNN reported that during a speech in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday, the president gave a nod to his heritage, something that drew a positive reaction from an excited crowd of 5,000 people.
"I'm the first Kenyan-American to be president of the United States. That goes without saying," Obama said.
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