Barack Obama has criticised Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe and warned Africa if could betray the hopes of an 'independence generation', which included his own father.
The U.S. President invited 115 young Africans, selected as the region's future leaders, to take part in a three-day forum marking the 50th anniversary of independence of many African countries.
He urged African authorities to allow greater press freedom, said corruption sapped support for foreign aid and aimed harsh criticism at Zimbabwe's long-serving president.
Influence: U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with one of 115 potential young African leaders at a White House meeting
He said: 'I'll be honest with you. I am heartbroken when I see what has happened in Zimbabwe.'
The U.S. and the EU imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe nearly a decade ago and Mr Mugabe has demanded that they are lifted.
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Mr Mugabe was forced into a power-sharing deal last year with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai that has stabilised the economy after a decade of decline.
But his policies are still deterring foreign aid and investment.
Critical: Mr Obama slammed Robert Mugabe and said Africa risked betraying its 'independence generation' if it did not tackle corruption
Power-sharing: The policies of Robert Mugabe, pictured with wife Grace at his sister Sabina's funeral, are still deterring foreign investment in Zimbabwe
Mr Obama said: 'In order to do that (lift the sanctions) we've got to see some signal it will not simply entrench the same past abuses, but will rather move us in a new direction that will help the people.
'Mr Tsvangirai has tried to work - despite the fact that he himself has been beaten, and imprisoned - he has now tried to work to see if there is a gradual transition that might take place.
'But so far the results have not been what we would have hoped.'
As America's first black president Mr Obama, whose father was Kenyan, has special authority in Africa.
He said he had deliberately reached beyond the current generation of African leaders to talk to young people who will shape the region's future and urged they understand corruption was the continent's enemy.
'If at a time of great constraint, we are coming up with aid, those aid dollars need to go to countries using them effectively.'
And he urged Africa not to miss out on 'huge opportunities' to improve social conditions and GDP.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/wor...es-independence-generation.html#ixzz2OwdIVOm9
The U.S. President invited 115 young Africans, selected as the region's future leaders, to take part in a three-day forum marking the 50th anniversary of independence of many African countries.
He urged African authorities to allow greater press freedom, said corruption sapped support for foreign aid and aimed harsh criticism at Zimbabwe's long-serving president.
Influence: U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with one of 115 potential young African leaders at a White House meeting
He said: 'I'll be honest with you. I am heartbroken when I see what has happened in Zimbabwe.'
The U.S. and the EU imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe nearly a decade ago and Mr Mugabe has demanded that they are lifted.
More...
U.S. State Department lifts warning to African Americans about 'racist' Spaniards... just as Michelle Obama jets into Marbella
Mr Mugabe was forced into a power-sharing deal last year with opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai that has stabilised the economy after a decade of decline.
But his policies are still deterring foreign aid and investment.
Critical: Mr Obama slammed Robert Mugabe and said Africa risked betraying its 'independence generation' if it did not tackle corruption
Power-sharing: The policies of Robert Mugabe, pictured with wife Grace at his sister Sabina's funeral, are still deterring foreign investment in Zimbabwe
Mr Obama said: 'In order to do that (lift the sanctions) we've got to see some signal it will not simply entrench the same past abuses, but will rather move us in a new direction that will help the people.
'Mr Tsvangirai has tried to work - despite the fact that he himself has been beaten, and imprisoned - he has now tried to work to see if there is a gradual transition that might take place.
'But so far the results have not been what we would have hoped.'
As America's first black president Mr Obama, whose father was Kenyan, has special authority in Africa.
He said he had deliberately reached beyond the current generation of African leaders to talk to young people who will shape the region's future and urged they understand corruption was the continent's enemy.
'If at a time of great constraint, we are coming up with aid, those aid dollars need to go to countries using them effectively.'
And he urged Africa not to miss out on 'huge opportunities' to improve social conditions and GDP.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/wor...es-independence-generation.html#ixzz2OwdIVOm9
