Obama: African protests show betrayal







US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, met with family members of ailing former South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. But some protests against US policies continued across the country.

President Obama met two of Mandela's daughters and six of his grandchildren at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Johannesburg. After the visit, Obama hailed Mandela "as one of the greatest leaders of our time." He urged leaders around the world to follow Mandela's example.

Obama's visit to South Africa was overshadowed by concerns about Mandela's health, although the American president had already said on the flight to South Africa that he did not need a snapshot with the former president. "I do not want to be obtrusive at a time when the family is concerned with Nelson Mandela's health," he told reporters aboard his Air Force One jet.

'No, you can't'

Many lobby groups in the country that form the "NObama" campaign doubt such statements. While Air Force One landed on Waterkloof air force base near the capital Pretoria, hundreds of demonstrators protested against the visit.

Protesters hold placards denouncing Obama. Photo:REUTERS/Mujahid Safodien Protesters held placards to denounce the arrival of President Obama in South Africa

A large banner that showed Obama behind bars stated: "Here comes the biggest killer in the world." Another one, alluding to Obama's campaign slogan "Yes we can," read "No, YOU cannot."

Read more: http://www.dw.de/obama-is-met-with-protests-in-south-africa/a-16915764


Comments

There are 0 comments on this post

Leave A Comment