Friend of Africa

Certainly, I am one of those who believe that man, generally, is innocent unless proven otherwise. Similarly, I also believe that no members of a group, society or nation may "all" be bad. Further, I've seen this indisputable fact within the framework of U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa friendly relationship.

I won't go into detail, but I know that of all the U.S. presidents in recent history, only one ever made a visit to black Africa. Would you like to know his name? Mr. Jimmy Carter who, while in power, was graciously able to visit my country, the federal republic of Nigeria in April 1978. The same gentleman was recently in the West African nation of Liberia to supervise its just concluded democratic election. Prior to this, he was in the neighboring territory of Sierra Leone.

In recent years he has occasionally visited sub-Saharan Africa for a number of reasons. What an excellent friend! Could sub- Saharan Africa have a truer friend than Carter? He loves this part of the world so much that at one time he criticized Clinton for paying insufficient attention to Africa.

Carter, the 39th U.S. president, runs an international center for peace. The center is tremendously beneficial to Africa. Here are a few examples: in Ethiopia there are programs on new farm technologies; while in Nigeria the same center runs what is known as "Carter's global 2000", a kind of health project involving guinea worm treatment. In other African countries, the Carter center is mainly interested in resolving conflict.

Mr. Jimmy Carter, if you ever come across this letter from Mr. Buhari Abdu, an African of Nigerian origin, I would just like to say may the Lord reward you for your love of Africa.

BUHARI ABDU

Jakarta