Obama Tells Africa "Yes You Can" During Historic Visit

US President Barack Obama made a historic visit to Ghana on the African continent. His choice to stop in Ghana reinforces his previous statements of praise for the nation that is trying to rebuild peacefully from the ground up towards a new future.

Obama began his impassioned speech by telling Africans to battle tyranny and to understand that history takes the side of the brave who fight for change.

"We must start from the simple premise that Africa's future is up to Africans. I say this knowing full well the tragic past that has sometimes haunted this part of the world," said Obama.

"I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family's own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story," he continued, after which he denounced corruption and laid out his vision of a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Africa.

"You have the power to hold your leaders accountable, and to build institutions that serve the people. You can serve in your communities," he continued. "You can conquer disease, end conflicts, and make change from the bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can. Because in this moment, history is on the move."

Obama praised numerous African nations for taking the initiative and "controlling their destiny" through peaceful means, saying that history will redeem such "brave Africans" for their suffering but would not forgive "those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power".

"Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions," he said

Although Obama focused on change and his view for a prosperous future for Africa, he also touched on militancy in Somalia and genocide in Sudan's Darfur region, describing the issues as "global security challenges" which need the attention of the international community.

Hopefully this will be the kick in the ass we all need to concentrate our international actions on a suffering Africa rather than oil fields in the Middle East. While people across cyberspace are protesting the post-election results in Iran, hundreds are dying of starvation, malnutrition, and lack of water throughout Africa. The situation is being further exasperated by governmental corruption and greed, as well as deteriorating environmental conditions.