9 African Dictators Obama MUST Stop Dealing With

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 27, 2009 -- In his eloquent inauguration speech, President Obama has made it a point to call-out dictators that lead their nations and its people with an iron-clad fist. This message of ‘no-more-autocracy’ has resonated among many people around the world, particularly among those who experience first hand what it means to be led by such strong men.

However, the message from Obama is yet to be backed by a serious action. Africa, more than any other continent, houses some of the most feared and dictatorial leaders. One must then ask if Obama and his administration were serious in getting rid off tyrannical leaders, even if that means some of these poor nations have nothing to give back to the U.S. in form of benefits (both strategically and in raw materials).

Here’s the list:-

1 – Isayas Afewerki

Eritrea

In power since: 1991

Afewerki announced in May 2008 that elections would be postponed for "three or four decades" or longer because they "polarize society." All forms of media are controlled by the government.

At least 10 local journalists remain in prison since their arrests in 2001.

2- Meles Zenawi

Ethiopia

In power since: 1995

A former guerrilla leader, Meles shows no signs of sharing power with anyone. In January, his government passed a law forbidding any NGO that receives more than 10% of its budget from abroad from doing human rights work in Ethiopia

Despite Meles’ excesses, the U.S. considers him an important regional ally and continues to train his military.

3- Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe

In power since: 1980

Inflation in Zimbabwe is so bad that in January the government released a $50 billion note — enough to buy two loaves of bread. The unemployment rate has risen to more than 85%. In 2008, Mugabe agreed to hold an election, but it became clear that he would accept the result only if he won. His supporters launched attacks on the opposition, killing 163 and torturing or beating 5000. He ultimately signed a power-sharing agreement with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, but since then Mugabe has broken its terms and installed his own people at the head of every ministry. Meanwhile, health conditions have reached crisis levels. More than 3800 Zimbabweans have died from cholera since August.

4- Omar al-Bashir

Sudan

In power since: 1989

The ICC charged him with " murdering, exterminating, raping, torturing, and forcibly transferring large numbers of civilians, and pillaging their property." Bashir’s military campaign has been accused of driving 2.7 million people from their homes since 2003.

U.S. link: Both former President Bush and President Obama have spoken out strongly against Bashir’s actions. Although we’ve imposed trade sanctions against Sudan, the U.S. still supplies the country with substantial amounts of sorghum and other food products. The U.S. also purchases from Sudan millions of dollars worth of gum Arabic, used in soft drinks, candy, and shoe polish. In 2008, U.S. trade with Sudan actually increased to $148 million.

5- King Mswati III

Swaziland

In power since: 1986

Africa’s last remaining absolute monarch, Mswati has at least 13 wives. He controls all branches of the government, including the judiciary.

According to a government report released in February, 42% of pregnant Swazi women are HIV-positive.

6- Idriss Deby

Chad

In power since: 1990

The United States imported more than $3 billion worth of crude oil from Chad in 2008. However, according to the U.S. State Department, the human rights record of Déby’s government actually deteriorated during the year, as rebels, backed by Sudan tried to overthrow Déby.

His military has been accused of using child soldiers, yet the U.S. continues to train Chadian commandos.

7- Paul Biya

Cameroon

In power since: 1982

Although Cameroon technically has a multiparty system, Biya controls all legislation and is allowed to rule by decree. In April 2008, he amended the constitution to allow himself to run for president again in 2011.

The U.S. imported $544 million worth of crude and fuel oil from Cameroon in 2008 and exported $59 million worth of drilling and oilfield equipment.

8- Hosni Mubarak

Egypt

In power since: 1981

The use of torture in Egypt has been widely documented. In response to international pressure, Mubarak allowed local elections in 2008, but in 80% of the contests, his party’s candidates ran unopposed.

He made it so difficult to register or campaign that turnout was estimated at only 3%.

The U.S. gives Egypt $1.3 billion in military aid each year. In 2008, U.S. trade with Egypt hit $8.4 billion.

9- Teodoro Obiang Nguema

Equatorial Guinea

In power since: 1979

Obiang seized power 30 years ago by overthrowing (and executing) his uncle. In 2008, the U.S. imported more than $3 billion in petroleum products from Equatorial Guinea.

In February, an armed attack on the presidential palace was defeated by security forces trained by the U.S. firm of MPRI

More information can be found online at http://www.AbeshaBunnaBet.com/

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