"Why Africa Matters"

Not even a speaker as eloquent, experienced and thoughtful as Ambassador Johnnie Carson could address all current Africa-related issues when he addressed the Global Issues Forum on September 26 at UNF. But, before a large audience including guests from several African countries and Council Board member Ambassador Nancy Soderberg’s political science class at UNF, Ambassador Carson did clearly set forth seven reasons “Why Africa Matters.”

To summarize: 1) There are large Muslim populations in countries such as Ethiopia and Nigeria who could be allies, or otherwise, in the War on Terror; 2) Africa is a source of minerals, LNG and 16% of U.S. oil imports; 3) The rule of law and democracy is generally on the ascendancy, but….4) Social and economic trends in the post-colonial era do not compare favorably with other areas; 5) Although U.S. efforts vs. AIDS are increasingly robust, this grim reaper continues to take a heavy toll, including on the most productive members of society; 6) Political conflict is widespread, requiring the U.N. to devote 65% of its resources to Africa; and 7) Regional integration, with positive results, is beginning to take hold. And Ambassador Carson’s eyes lit up when he discussed one of his career assignments, Botswana, a success story providing a model for other African nations to emulate. 

-Samuel F. Heffner, III

Board of Directors

World Affairs Council of Jacksonville

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