Sarkozy Visits Sub-Saharan Africa

An article from today's CNN.com World section discusses French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to Sub-Saharan Africa. Amidst remarks about bringing "democracy, liberty, justice and law" to Africa, Sarkozy was criticized for making empty statements, the content of which Africans already know would be beneficial to the continent.

In addition to Sarkozy's wishes for democracy in Africa, he also announced his support of the Senegalese effort to hold former Chadian President Hissene Habre accountable for political killings and torture. While some welcomed his support, others are skeptical, as France has historically stood behind dictators in Africa.

While broad statements expressing how France wants to see Africa move forward, have a bigger role in the UN, or hold dictators accountable for crimes, are all welcomed theoretically, they ring empty in the face of both France's historical role in Africa and also its merit based immigration policy. If Sarkozy truly wants to see progress in Africa he must back up his words with action, and the immigration policy would be a solid place to begin.

To read the full CNN article, click here.
Cat Zweig
ADA Legislative Intern