As democracy and strong civic institutions take root throughout the continent, the security of our political system will be enhanced by forging links with new partners who share our values. And as conflict is checked and peace spreads, we will find more stable and effective allies in combating transnational security threats. Yet clearly for all its promise, Africa still faces tremendous challenges. Today, too many of its nations are embroiled in civil or regional wars taking a drastic toil on hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. A few pariah states still export terror.
Humanitarian crises persist in Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Somalia.
But the President also realizes that throughout Africa, the vast majority of people confront every day with an open hand, rather than a clenched fist. Though there are countries at war, there are many more countries at peace. There are those that respect individual rights and still some that abuse them. There are healthy economies and thriving cities, and there are desolate villages, wretched slums, and treacherous armies. There are a handful of dictators, but there are many more leaders who place a premium on their people's welfare, rather than warfare.