People around the world are waiting for President-elect Barack Obama's
inauguration.
In Senegal, the Obama inauguration led the
morning news on Dakar's Convergence FM, kicking off a day of analysis and
expectations for America's new president. There have been several rebroadcasts
of his victory speech in Chicago with a running translation in French and many
playings of the will.i.am song set to the campaign slogan "Yes we
can."
Obama souvenirs are on the streets downtown. Two of the biggest
nightclubs in the oceanside village of Ngor are hosting Obama inauguration
parties around large-screen televisions broadcasting the ceremonies from
Washington.
Student Mamadou Sarr says it is an opportunity for all
Africans. He hopes America's first black president will begin closer relations
with Africa and help in efforts to bring peace.
But Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade says
Africans should not expect too much from Mr. Obama.
President Wade told
French television that he is not like those Africans who think that Barack Obama
coming to power will dramatically change relations with Africa. Barack Obama was
not elected by Africans but by Americans, he said, and the new president's first
priority will be lifting America out of its financial crisis.