International Relations Professor Charles Stith, director of the African Presidential Archives and Research Center (APARC) and former U.S. ambassador to Tanzania, says African leaders tell him they are hopeful about the enhanced role the U.S. may play on their continent.

“Having just returned from a trip to eight African countries and meeting with six heads of state, there is a great deal of anticipation and expectation regarding a more enlightened policy from the new Obama administration.  Clearly there is a role for the U.S. to play in issues like Zimbabwe, Darfur, Congo, and Somalia.  Leadership in governments on the continent are interested in working with the United States to come up with some positive and proactive solutions to some of these pressing challenges.”