Is the US Africa's friend or foe?

Is America Africa's new colonial master?

US President George Bush was in Africa last week. Africa Live! asks what was the aim of the visit, and what is the future of US-Africa relations?

Bob Geldof, the man behind Live Aid, has said that Mr Bush has the most positive approach to Africa of any US president for decades.

Among other recent announcements, the US leader has pledged $15bn to fight the Aids pandemic, $10bn to fight corruption and "open up markets," and promised help with fighting the War On Terror within the continent.

But others see ulterior motives behind Mr Bush's visit.

Some of the Aids cash is dependent on deals with US pharmaceutical companies, while others saw America's thirst for oil as the key motivation behind the trip - 25% of the country's imports will come from Africa in 10 years' time.

Meanwhile the US has refused to commit help to Liberia during recent heavy conflict, even though the country is traditionally its closest partner in Africa - indeed, Liberia's own flag was inspired by America's.

What was the purpose of President Bush's visit? Does the US symbolise a dream Africans should aspire to or a new colonial master? Is the US leader giving Africans what they need - or what he wants them to have?

The BBC World Service programme Africa Live! debated these and others issues on Wednesday 16 July.

A selection of your comments are published below.

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If Bush delivers on his pledge to help against Aids he will be remembered as the first Western leader to do something of substance for Africans. However, if his idea of support for Africa is to prop up notorious dictators, then he will be just another westerner financing grave digging for a dying continent. Lets hope that his visit has at least given him some working knowledge of Africa.
Sagalee Bosonaa, USA

I do not think it matters if America is truly a friend or foe. If the USA limits its involvement in Africa, the world complains it ignores the suffering there. But if America makes any kind of pledge for financial, political, military or agricultural assistance, the world complains that it is only in it for corporate greed, oil or a better image.
Michael, USA

No country is perfect and every nation stands for its own interest. You can be a friend to America and you will be better off. You can be an enemy and you will taste its far-reaching hand. No donation is free.
Dan, Ethiopia

Africa is the last frontier for international attention. If the US has sincere intentions it would make regime-change a priority.. It would make substantial investments in industry instead of selling arms or giving hand-outs that ensure slavery through economic means.
Robert Shultz, USA

The current US administration is Africa's best friend! Why?! I would rather a 'foe' - as George Bush is supposed to be - who tells me the truth and helps me practically, than a 'friend' - as Bill Clinton was - who made us 'feel' good, but left us in a mess!
Godwin Mukoro, UK

The US is not the Red Cross. Of course our Aid comes with strings. All money has strings. But those strings not only help us, they also help the receiver. When the United States gave money to post World War 2 Germany to stabilize it, both parties benefited.
William, USA

George Bush may not be the most intelligent president America has ever had, but he is no fool either. Africa must learn to exploit good opportunities when they come. Bush could be a blessing to Africa if its leaders play the right chords.
Ade Richard, Nigeria/UK

Ignorance is a disease in my opinion. America doesn't care about Africa. It will never spend a dollar in Africa.
Jason, USA

Every relationship is composed of give and take. President Bush is a caring man and he is trying to give what he believes Africa needs and he will need to take some of what Africa can give. I think it is a win-win situation.
Dorothy, USA

The so-called aid is the bait to hook naive souls.
Joseph Twinamatsiko, USA

Remember, there are no permanent friends, only interests.
Ed Edet, USA/Nigeria

As an African living in the USA, I am pleased that this country wants to donate some of its affluence to the developing world. But having seen how former donations were misspent, I am no longer certain that Africa deserves this largesse.
Nicki K, Zimbabwe/USA

What Visit? A few hours here and a few hours there.
H Willis, Liberia

We should learn to trust President George Bush. I think he is an honest man. At last Africa has a friend in the White House and should do everything possible to solidify those links in time for President Bush's second term.
Nelson Muturi, Kenyan/Scotland

Put your open hands back in your pockets. The tax dollars of American citizens pay for the $15 billion aid packages.
Jason, USA

This visit was necessary for Mr Bush in two ways. A/ The US economy is now in trouble, so Bush has to increase US marketing Africa. B/ The 2004 presidential election is on the way. The African-American voter may help his chances of re-election.
Chuwkwudi Ajoku, USA

At the end of his presidency, it will be evident that George W. Bush did more for Africa's people than any former president, EU or African leader.
Rich, USA

I do not believe that the question should be one of friend or foe? It is a question of degree. There will be a closer relationship as long as America needs resources such as oil from Africa.
Olayemi, USA

To me America can be both friend and foe. You only ride on her back for personal gain.
Osabutey Anny, Ghana

For better or for worse, after 9/11 there was some sort of US rebirth devoted to complete anti-terrorism. The US government will help out certain nations of Africa. Now that there is no Cold War and no other superpower our new enemy is terrorism in its many forms.
Dan, US

Africa can progress faster with the help of Uncle Sam and African-Americans.
Mutiu Animashawun, USA/Nigeria

The US does not care about Africa. Bush's trip was a cover for what the US currently wants - military bases and oil.
Wanjugu Karuri, Canada

The visit was an election gimmick meant to lure the black vote that Bush stole during the last election.
Tendai, Zimbabwe

Mr. Bush is a wonderful individual who really believes in what he says, and has religion fueling his actions.
Dora Brown, United States

Of course the USA and Africa's relations are getting stronger thanks to President Bush. $15 billion dollars to fight AIDS.. WOW, think of how many people that would help!!
William,USA

If friendship can be defined by USA acts of ommission or commission, then the USA is Africa Enemy Number One. 75% subsides on American farmers to the detriment of African farmers who get none! What about devastating travel advisories to countries like Kenya? Why not offer cheap drugs for aids victims? The whys are so many!
Mwaura Mutrhinja, Kenya/Canada

Yet another scramble for Africa in the 21st century. First it was the French president touring the continent, now it is the US. Does the USA hope to call Ireland fatherland and Africa motherland?
Athena, Malta

Most Africans do not trust George Bush Jnr.
Goodwill Mbungwe, Namibia

Bush was simply taking a breather in our African bush from the heat building up on his fake war on Saddam's WMD - Weapons of Mass Disappearance.
William Katopola, Malawi

If the US used the IMF, World Bank and WTO to help African countries rather than bleed them dry then Bob Geldof might have a point.
Philip Trotter, South Africa

This trip was nothing more than a means for Bush to say, "Take me to your oil!" in a way that the average person wouldn't probably notice.
N. Jakobsen, Denmark

Africa does not need HELP. We want our farmers to sell fairly in an international market.
Biram Sow, Senegal

This visit will forever be remembered as the 15 billioin dollar visit. We thank the American government for their generousity and concern for Africa. But I challenge all government and non-governmental agencies to be honest in filtering this aid money to the sick and marginalized on the ground.
Joseph Archibong, Nigerian in Kenya

What most non-Americans seem to have trouble seeing clearly are the sometimes conflicting drives of the American dream or ethos. We are certainly the friends of individuals and peoples. But we are not the charitable donator for the world.
Mike, USA

Yes, the US is a friend to Africa. I remember my school days in the village. We had qualified teachers supplied by the Peace Corps, we had text books and furniture, sports equipment and food, supplied by an organisation called CARE. It is good that the USA pay some attention to Africa and not just oil-rich Arab countries.
LAUCY MCKAY, LIBERIA

The real purpose of President Bush's visit to Africa is nothing else but to learn Cambridge O-level geography. The whole world knows that he did not know where Afganistan was before the war.
Kamarudin, Malaysia

I remember having to respond to a question very similar to this during the Clinton years. Clinton, it will be recalled, was supposed to be Africa's saviour - a "black president"! For those who never stop gaping expectantly at America and the West generally, I say, dream on!
UE, UK/Nigeria

Is America a friend or foe to Africa? Why not compare what the U.S. government gave to the victims of the September 11 attacks, which were tax-free benefits of an average of $1.6 million each. This was despite the face that they were not responsible for the attacks. However in Kenya 5000 people lost their appeal for compensation because an American court said they had no grounds to sue. I ask you what you think?
Kwabena Amporful, USA/Ghana

G. Bush has nothing to offer Africa, all he wants is to scrabble where he can gain assets.
Olusegun Taiwo, Nigeria

The show was actually not too bad. It really looked like America would care for Africa. However, it may be more realistic to conclude America cares when they sniff oil or markets for the biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Africa is easy in that respect for Americans. You just pull out if you come across problems and the money we are talking about is relatively small. After its problems with European allies, Africa must feel like the good old days for Mr. Bush from Deep South.
Miklos Nomad, Hungary

The question should be the reverse. Is Africa US's friend or foe. Africa's dectators are primarily responsible for its current sorry state.
Ben Muza, United Kingdom

Mr George Bush's recent visit to Africa were viewed by some as canvassing for oil. But I say, the US still remains the only country with good intentions for Africans and its citizens.
King Anderson Emmy Snr, Ivory Coast.

There is no such thing as new colonial masters. We are now living in the 21st century. Relationships depend on mutual economic benefit. I have great respect to Mr Bush for remembering Africa.
Mulugeta Mandefro, Canada

I think africans are getting caught in internal US politics. Our opinions of George Bush are shaped by the American media. We should concentrate instead on what is important to us. What can we get out of this relationship? I personally think George Bush has the potential to do much more for Africa than any other American president. Clinton was loved but he brought out empty rhetoric. Bush says he means what he says. So let's wait and watch before we pass our judgement.
Jon Otieno, Kenya

The routine is the same. All that changes is the person and the dates. When they come we hear these wonderful speeches made in public. When they leave, nothing but shipments of arms, high-interest loans and exploitation of raw materials. Why bother to invest? Just take what is needed - like the oil - and move on.
Cajetan Kehla, Cameroon/Chicago,USA

I believe Mr Bush is looking for African-American votes in the coming election. He has to show his Government cares about us Africans.
Abioye, Nigeria

You keep saying that Liberia was founded by free slaves. That is not true. Liberia was founded by the American Colonization Society (ACS), an organization of slave-holding Southerners and moderate abolitionists who believed that blacks wandering free in America might cause trouble. Consequently, they decided to ship our people back to Liberia. Then the ACS decided that independence would be best, as the colony was exhausting the financial resources of the Society and revolt against the ACS's authority was rampant. A Declaration of Independence and a Constitution were written based on the U. S. model. The U.S. have always had a White Supremacy policy towards Liberia. For example, in 1885, when the pioneers were in a state of continuous war with interior tribes, the Liberian government asked for U.S. military intervention and a ship was sent to subdue the fighting. However, a British incursion in 1888, and a French attack in 1892, failed to trigger a similar reaction. Anyway, it is about time Africans think for themselves and try to solve their own problems. It does not matter if they are friend or foe. Just look for Africa's interest.
Clive Francis, USA

As much as I respected Bob's efforts on Live Aid, I think he's got it wrong about President Bush's intention for Africa. The trip to Africa is purely for US survival in terms of their war on terrorism and new markets for US products.
Ayodele, Saskatoon/Canada / Nigeria

To the rest of the ungrateful world, I'm a black American, who is proud of my country and the our president. I don't see rest of the world ponying up $15 billion dollars of thier tax payers money to help out Africa. I can think of a million ways to spend that money right here in the US on our own people.
T Williams, USA

Far from being a foe, America is Africa's good friend. The anti-American sentiment is being generated by mischevious Europeans who cannot stomach a peaceful and prosperous Africa cozying up to America instead of 'OLD' Europe.
Obi Ugochukwu, Nigeria/USA

When are we Africans going to take responsibility for our own failed and corrupt regimes since the decolonisation process began in Ghana in 1957? George Bush is NOT responsible for Africans slaughtering fellow Africans in Rwanda, the Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia...the list is ad infinitum. I am an African university professor in Tennessee, U.S.A. paraphrasing Cassius: The fault dear fellows is not with the U.S.A or the United Kingdom but with our incompetent self-rule for 40 years.
Musa Kamara, Ph.D., U. S. A.

The US President's visit was a symbolic President's visit. Nothing else. Bush went to Africa to give Africa what he thinks Africa needs.
Wroteh Sie Gedeh, USA

Why is it a scandal and sinister whenever Bush does something in America's best interest? Isn't that what any leader is supposed to do? It isn't considered sinister when Chirac does something to benefit France or Schroeder keeps Germany's best interest in mind.
Colin Keesee, USA

We have misruled ourselves & we blame the world. Our leaders are corrupt. America & the West can best help by opening their markets and ensuring that the masses benefit. No more aid please!! Trade trade!
Kevin , UK/Zimbabwean

Has there been any talk of wiping out the debts that we owe?
Jean Kwaasi, UK

Politicians have created a world of skeptics and cynics. President Bush, your reputation is on the line. Choose this day to be a man of integrity and respect.
Eddie Lee, Liberia

Currently, the US is the only superpower that has the potential to help Africa. France and the UK have tried and failed, and it's about time that someone else steps in and helps these people who are suffering - especially given our wealth and resources.
Eva, US

So far the comments are contradicting. Some people are implying USA shouldn't be in Africa, others wants us in DRC, Burundi and Liberia. Please, if you are going to be critical of the USA, focus on one stand-point, otherwise it sounds like idle complaining. Question: If the USA offers $15bn in aid with conditions, is that better than nothing?
Craig, USA

Having seen that most of Africa did not support the USA in the Iraqi invasion, President Bush is trying to gain that support again. The statement he made during the NLC strike in Nigeria can lend credence to this.
Ugwu Chijioke, Nigeria

When are we Africans going to appreciate something? Due to selfishiness and greed we have destroyed everything before us. We should be grateful to Mr Bush for coming to Africa.
George Torson, UK

Bush is doing a tremendous job in Africa! There is US involvement in resolving Sudan's conflict, continued US pressure in ensuring peace in the Horn of Africa, a pledge and commitment to fight AIDS, continued emphasis on AGOA's implementation, active engagement in ensuring that Terrorism doesn't get a hold in Africa, efforts at dealing with Mugabe, and leadership in bio-technology of foods, which would enable global food security.
Wenebz, Canada

I find it hard to believe that President Bush has the best intentions for Africa. The $15bn of "emergency aid" will not be delivered with haste. There is only $450mn of new aid money in the budget for next year. His pledge will doubtlessly be whittled down. With the election looming President Bush, in my mind, is trying to improve his international image and gain support of the African-American community.
Zach, USA

This gift is a Trojan horse - never to be trusted.
Mohansingh, India

I fear that oil is once more at the heart of the matter. As for opening up markets, one can only assume that means the ability of US corporations to move in and exploit Africa as a cheap source of labour. Two words that come to mind with regards to the US's recent foreign policy are neo-imperialism and neocolonialism.
Martin Coffee, USA

The question should be: Is Africa a friend or foe?
Allen Kennedy, USA

Is Bush in Africa to serve us or mock us?
Davidson, Zambia

For one to conclude whether the USA is Africa's friend would be untimely. Let's wait and see how Bush's promises translate into realities. It could still be interpreted that the young man just wanted to give his lovely wife a round of treats.
Patrick Okoye, Nigerian

The visit was designed by American spin doctors to improve the tarnished image of USA foreign policy. If it was intended to benefit Africa, what remedies did Mr. Bush come up with? Where were the offers on cheap HIV drugs? What will he do to stop the escalating wars in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia?.
Bernard Olwete Mbeva, United Kingdom

I have huge respect for Bob Geldof but I am not sure if he understands the man he is trying to recommend to poor Africans. As the tour of arm-twisting and bullying comes to its end, my message for Bob is that such colourful promises were delivered before from the likes of Clinton. Then what should we expect from Bush who cannot even deliver to his own people?
Adama Sanyang, Gambian in Glasgow

I am a Sudanese living in Zambia. The USA is of course Africa's friend. When other African leaders are turning a blind eye to the suffering of the people of Southern Sudan, the USA is doing its best to resolve Africa's longest conflict.
Tani Madi, Zambia

This visit was merely the official face of Corporate USA expanding their empire.
Colin, Netherlands

People have every right to distrust Bush. His trip was only 5 days. Bush does not realize that the world is delicate and complicated. The simplistic approach does not work.
Jim, US