Americafrique?

So which is it? Americafrica? Chinafrica? Francoafrique? France has been the old-school colonial influence over Africa's economy. China has poured billions into its Africa economic stake, with special avarice for its resources. Is America now in the game?

U.S. President Obama's recent visit to Ghana cemented widely held warm feelings toward America held by Africans. Many Africans have long seething resentments toward the French. New found resentments toward the Chinese are growing. Witness recently the backlash of the Mourides to the French television's prejudiced portrayal of Senegalese merchants as akin to black gypsies, worse (to the French), black gypsies with religious faith.

Obama's good will is but a further step in the vigorous march of American presidents to Africa. Clinton's drum performance at the Meridian in Dakar was followed by President Bush's successes against AIDS and malaria, as well as aggressive trade initiatives.

But for all that, America's trade with Africa still pales compared to that of France and China. The United State is making no strong plays for natural resources there. We send some Caterpillar tractors, maybe export a few cars, import some clothes. But that's it.

Nor was Obama's visit a foundation for deeper economic connections. Continued foreign aid perhaps. Continued good will for diplomatic partnership. But why, with all the good will, can't the U.S. turn the Africans into Chevy-driving, Ipod-listening Mac users? Lord knows the Africans would want to. Why can't American oil interests build a refinery in Dakar, or craft mining deals?

Post-election: Whither Wades' world view?

In America the saying is: "all politics are local." But Senegal's elections today, should early results bear out, could also alter the international connections fostered by the damaged President Abdoulaye Wade.

President Wade invested greatly in recent years to make Senegal a player on the world scene, fostering the image of Senegal as the Athens of West Africa, gateway to the region, and a favorite investment of international development. Vis the shine the president put to Dakar for the 2007 conference of the Organization of Islamic States, the port and coastal highway developments, the image of rational African governance as coups and assassinations toppled nearby African governments.

Were today's local election result--largely a drubbing for the Wade SOPI coalition--a repudiation of the president's international marketing efforts? Opposition criticisms focused more on Wade's heavy-handed political tactics, such as the impeachment of legislative leader Macky Sall. His intimidation of journalists could only bring backlash from that estate. (The administration's barely disguised election-day threat to shut down broadcast stations doesn't help there.) Graft, corruption and a bad economy are always a receipe for polling booth rejection.

But other than affront taken in some quarters over the austentious roads and statutes pressed by the Wade regime, the organized opposition hasn't made an issue of Wade's internationalism.

Let's hope that any changing of Senegal's poltiical guard doesn't reverse the world ties that Wade and the country have forged. Senegal's people will benefit through tourism, economic guidance (yes, the IMF does some good), promotion of exports and other international exchange.

In the end, today's election may have little impact on the country's growing world ties. Once again, Senegal's greatest natural resource was displayed by democratic elections with a decent turnout. A people and a government that handle change peaceably, fairly and openly will always find friends and partners around the world.