A Challenge from Senegal

Byline: J. Peter Pham, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

To millions of Africans, last month's electoral victory by Barack Obama carried with it the promise of renewed commitment from and enhanced engagement with America. The 44th president of the United States will build on the foundations laid by his predecessor who, to the surprise of many, elevated relations with the countries of the continent to a level unprecedented in American diplomatic history.

One of the most significant legacies George W. Bush bequeaths the new president is the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC), an initiative that has revolutionized U.S. foreign assistance. The MCC targets a select group of countries based on their demonstrated commitment to good governance, free markets and investments in people. Targeted countries are provided with sums of money large enough and with flexible enough terms to make a real difference. Half of the 39 countries worldwide currently eligible for some MCC funding are in Africa and more than two-thirds of the funding committed so far has been …

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Publication information: Article title: A Challenge from Senegal. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Washington Times (Washington, DC). Publication date: January 4, 2009. Page number: B05. © 2009 The Washington Times LLC. COPYRIGHT 2009 Gale Group.

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