Responding to journalists questions on the historic election of Senator Barak Obama, as the first African-American President, at Urugwiro Village, yesterday, President Paul Kagame, implored Africans to rise to the challenge in solving their litany of problems, "rather than expecting him to come and solve our problems.” 

For sure Africans now wait eagerly for Obama, to prioritise their many afflictions, prove his patriotism and be on the next flight to the continent. The first part for us is to acknowledge that most of these problems are man-made.

President Kagame, cautioned Africans to derive inspiration from Obama’s election and if there are lessons to be learnt so be it. A clear challenge for the African continent, that is  synonymous with war, poverty and disease.

The latest eyesore being the humanitarian catastrophe in the Eastern DR Congo, as thousands flee the conflict, many with stories to tell of pillaging, rape and killings.

Kagame’s message to the Congolese was for them to resolve their problems and end the peoples suffering.

A call that resonates with Obama’s acceptance speech: "To those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We will support you through the enduring power of our ideals.”

Discussions on finding peace in the DR CONGO and another human tragedy Zimbabwe, over the next few days, will certainly serve as proof, if the leadership in the two countries is willing to accept the Obama challenge, change their ways and give their citizens a break.

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