(NYASATIMES) Malawians react to Obama’s speech

Malawians react to Obama’s speech
By Nyasa Times
Published: June 4, 2009

Malawians who watched the US President Barrack Obama’s speech in the north African country of Egypt have welcomed it as “landmark.”

Obama who received a standing ovation and round of applauses from the audience at Cairo University called for “a new beginning” between the US and the world’s one billion Muslims to end what he said is a cycle of “suspicion and discord.”

In his speech, quoting from the Quran, the Talmud and the Bible, Obama also touched on democracy, violence and women rights.

Views solicited from Malawians through social networking site Facebook and micro blogging site Twitter, Obama’s speech was welcomed as “impressive”.

Evason Sambala a doctorate-trainee at University of Nottingham in UK praised Obama for the long-heralded speech.

“This was a great speech. Most important that Obama showed to the people of the Islamic world about something they cherish while candidly citing the Quran and speaking some words of Arabic was quite fascinating which I think added significance to reverence.”

“I think Obama reads minds. The United States has always had a history of asking the Arab world to take action but failing to keep its own part. This is true throughout the Israeli - Palestinian negotiations for peace. His speech in Cairo is a representation to change this attitude but can he live to his expectation. I think this is the same question people in the Arab world are asking themselves after listening to Obama’s speech,” he said.

“Generally, the speech gives great hope especially to big applause lines in his speech were he mentions democracy, human rights and women’s rights and on the quotation of the Qur’an about truth-speaking and to the effect that if someone kills a single person it is as though s/he killed the whole world. On the negative side obviously noted by long periods of silence in the audience tell us something. More noticeably there was fear and uncertainty.”

Hassan Chilumpha said he watched the speech with keen interest and pointed out that he was greatly impressed.

“Its true what the student said after Obama speech that now America is becoming clean with new vision to Islam because before when everything goes wrong it was the Muslim taking the blame. The speech demonstrates a tangible change on the part of America,” said Chilumpha a Malawian Moslem youth doing studies in London.

Mellisa Kanthu-Moyo said Obama’s speech was significant. He said on Israel and Palestine, Obama sent a message of hope for peace.

“I only hope Israel and Palestine can live together. I have never imagined there would be peace in Israel and Palestine, the conflicts sources are deep-rooted. Obama is too small. If there will be peace then that is the second coming of Jesus is nigh,” said Moyo.

In the speech, Obama pointed out: “The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth.”

University of Malawi lecture who is studying in the US, Jessie Kabwila Kapasula wrote on her Facebook profile: “I’m not sure I agree with Obama that violence does not pay, it seems to have paid imperial USA and UK handsomely. I’m not certain Africa would have the flag independence it has without shooting some racist hoodlums.

“And, what do you mean Mr. Obama when you say African Americans ‘had’ to fight for freedom in the US? They still do. Otherwise, pleasure listening to your speech and you did deliver a few pleasant surprises.”

Chikondi Kadzombe, Malawi football player plying his trade at Molesye football club based in West Molesey, Surrey, England said the US president spoke frankly.

“It was a moving speech. It had style and full of substance covering everyone around the globe,” said Kadzombe.

Gloria Hiwa Zulu a Malawian in British Army said she admired the way the speech was tailored.

“It was well delivered. Obama has bridged the gap between Muslim and Americans which is important aspect for maintaining peace,” she said.

The first sitting head of state to make the Forbes Celebrity 100 Power List stressed education for women, governments loyal to their people rather than parties or causes, and essential freedoms, including religion.

“Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election,” Obama said.

“But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed, confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice, government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people, the freedom to live as you choose,” US president said.

“These are not just American ideas. They are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.”

Obama said suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away pointing out that America welcome all elected, peaceful governments, provided they govern with respect for all their people.

“This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they’re out of power. Once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others,” he said without making any reference.

“So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power. You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion,” he said.

“You must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party,” Obama said.

He said elections alone do not make true democracy.