Clinton Out of Africa

DAKAR, Senegal: He didn’t apologize for slavery, but that wasn’t what Africa was looking for from President Clinton, says TIME correspondent Marguerite Michaels. “People in Africa are looking for foreign investment, and they feel that the President’s visit has put them on the radar screen of American business,” says Michaels.

Clinton reflected on slavery today in his farewell-to-Africa speech at Goree Island, the disembarkation point for millions of African slaves sent to the Americas. He spoke of it as “one of the most difficult chapters of American history,” but focused on celebrating the triumph of African-Americans over their enslavement. His hosts were most enthused, however, by his emphasis on a new partnership between Africa and America. “Africa really warmed to Clinton,” says Michaels. “They found him open and relaxed, and well-briefed. Now they’re hoping that he has long coattails in America’s business community.”