20 March 2009
African Nationals Celebrate Inauguration Alongside Americans
Officials, civil society representatives share in inaugural observances
Washington — African government officials and civil society activists witnessed American history when they joined the crowd on Washington’s National Mall on January 20 for the historic inauguration of President Obama.
The 12 visitors were participants in a Department of State International Visitor Program focused on good governance and transparency. On January 19, as they participated in National Day of Service activities, some of the visitors shared their impressions and experiences with America.gov.
The service day, which represented a renewal of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “spirit of volunteerism,” was supported by the new president. (See “Americans Urged to Do Volunteer Work on Martin Luther King Day.”)
The African visitors worked alongside American volunteers at a Washington school, where they reorganized the school’s library by sorting books received from local schools that had recently closed. Four African visitors told America.gov that Obama’s election marked a new era in both American and international politics.
Volunteerism, similar to that promoted on the National Day of Service, is what is needed in Africa to cultivate national pride and ownership, according to Stefanus Oratang Mogotsi, a Namibian government official. “That [volunteerism] is the way to go. We were informed that volunteerism is a big thing in America. This is one thing that we should learn; you don’t have to get money for everything.”
Mogotsi said he believes the election of Obama will help spur change and persuade other governments, especially in Africa, to revamp their political process. “It’s said when America gets the flu, we cough in Africa. This [election] will really influence things in Africa: It will open up governments, create ways for us to discuss things openly and [inspire] people to think of being in the government and strive for bigger things.”
Ntombentle Cordelia Peter, a South African consultant and teacher, remarked on the opportunities presented by the new American administration. “Never before has an incoming president of any county received so much acceptance and endorsement both at home and abroad,” Peter told America.gov. “The world is in agreement with the American people on their choice of a president. This effectively translated into renewed hope for world peace and stability.”
Peter and the other program participants expressed their belief that Obama’s election marked a turning point for politics in the United States, Africa and worldwide. This translates into more inclusive politics, something that Ayode Samuel Longe, a Nigerian media rights activist, says is not always present in some countries on the continent.
“On my arrival here, I saw a lot of euphoria from virtually everybody. It sends a message that this election wasn’t an election of exclusion but one of inclusion, one in which everybody belongs. ... That was because people were involved,” Longe said.
For Peter Weah Simujla, the period after the Obama election marked the celebration of a new era. “The American people have spoken and have spoken very well,” he said. “You can see from the enthusiasm that covers [the nation].” Simujla, who is the director of student affairs at the Stella Maris Polytechnic Institute in Liberia, added, “I think that the Americans had been hoping for change. … Now is the time, and so they are all anxious, eager and happy.”
All participants said Africa is happy for the people of the United States. “The impression is great, there are people crying tears of joy, nobody believed [it could happen] but anything is possible in America,” Mogotsi told America.gov.
Lessons Learned
Peter and her counterparts agreed the Obama election signals a mark of maturity and an acceptance of change among the American people and the world at large.
The “level of maturity … in politics, a level of tolerance, the understanding of each other” across the political spectrum that was evident during the election, is what is needed worldwide, Peter said.
Longe added that President Obama’s election stands as an example that hope and hard work can create change, something which he hopes Africa will emulate. “We [Africa] should also work to achieve what has been achieved in America.”
Letting go of self-interest and tribalism to become united – as illustrated by the Obama election – is increasingly important in any country’s politics, according to Simulja. “If you must have a state that is ideal, it must come from the people,” he said, “holding together, striving, and struggling to bring the nation to what it should be.”
Peter said everyone is watching America. “As President Obama takes office, we stand with bated breath to welcome the dawn of a new epoch of international hope and solace.”
See also “Americans Heed Barack Obama’s Call to Service.”
