Obama: Africa must look within to end corruption

President Barrack Obama of the United States (US) says corruption is affecting the economic potentials of Africa, urging continental leaders to look within to end the vice.

Obama noted that graft is not peculiar to the continent alone, saying issues of corruption arise in the US and other parts of the world.

Describing his father’s continent as one of the best in the world, Obama, pledged to assist Africa actaulise its potentials.

He was speaking at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, at the end of his five days trip to Africa.

“Nothing will unlock Africa’s economic potential more than ending the cancer of corruption,” he said.

“And it is not just a problem of Africa, it is a problem of those who do business with Africa. It is not unique to Africa — corruption exists all over the world, including in the United States. But here in Africa, corruption drains billions of dollars from economies that can’t afford to lose billions of dollars — that’s money that could be used to create jobs and build hospitals and schools. And when someone has to pay a bribe just to start a business or go to school, or get an official to do the job they’re supposed to be doing anyway — that’s not the African way. It undermines the dignity of the people you represent.

“Only Africans can end corruption in their countries. As African governments commit to taking action, the United States will work with you to combat illicit financing, and promote good governance and transparency and rule of law. And we already have strong laws in place that say to U.S. companies, you can’t engage in bribery to try to get business — which not all countries have. And we actually enforce it and police it.”

Commenting on the sit tight syndrome of some African leaders, Obama advised continental leaders to respect the constitution.

He criticised President Pierre Nkurunziza, of Burundi, who just won another third term, for not obeying the constitution of his country.

“When a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay in office, it risks instability and strife — as we’ve seen in Burundi,” he said

“And this is often just a first step down a perilous path. And sometimes you’ll hear leaders say, well, I’m the only person who can hold this nation together. If that’s true, then that leader has failed to truly build their nation.

“You look at Nelson Mandela — Madiba, like George Washington, forged a lasting legacy not only because of what they did in office, but because they were willing to leave office and transfer power peacefully. And just as the African Union has condemned coups and illegitimate transfers of power, the AU’s authority and strong voice can also help the people of Africa ensure that their leaders abide by term limits and their constitutions. Nobody should be president for life.

“Let me be honest with you — I do not understand this. I am in my second term. It has been an extraordinary privilege for me to serve as president of the United States. I cannot imagine a greater honour or a more interesting job. I love my work. But under our constitution, I cannot run again. I can’t run again. I actually think I’m a pretty good President — I think if I ran I could win. But I can’t. The point is, I don’t understand why people want to stay so long, especially when they’ve got a lot of money.”

Obama is the first American president to address the AU. He arrived Kenya on Friday and is currently on his way back to the US.