Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. president to visit sub-Saharan Africa, a region he held dear. His efforts in aiding Zimbabwe’s transition from white rule to independence were regarded as a significant success. At the age of 100, when he passed away, his foundation’s endeavors in rural Africa had come close to eradicating a disease that had plagued millions, reminiscent of the global elimination of smallpox.
Carter’s influence on the African continent, a vibrant region with a population expected to double by 2050, remains profound. Prior to his presidency, American leaders had displayed little interest in Africa during the wave of independence movements in the 1960s and ’70s.
During his visit to Nigeria in 1978, Carter emphasized a new era in U.S.-Africa relations, moving away from past indifference. He humorously mentioned his plans with Nigerian President Obasanjo to venture into peanut farming together.
The Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union brought Africa into Carter’s focus. Inspired by his Baptist faith and his experiences with racial injustice in the U.S., Carter sought to correct America’s historic neglect of Africa.
Carter’s administration marked a shift as African leaders were welcomed to the White House, intrigued by the sudden interest from the world’s superpower. The mutual desire for autonomy and friendly relations with global powers was a recurring theme in Carter’s conversations with African leaders.
Unlike other global powers vying for influence in Africa, Carter prioritized human rights and self-determination. Post-presidency, he made numerous trips to Africa, championing Carter Center projects aimed at empowering Africans to shape their destinies.
Carter’s focus evolved from civil and political rights to encompass social and economic rights as pivotal to public health. His commitment to universal human rights earned him accolades worldwide for advancing this noble cause.
Reflecting on missed opportunities, Carter expressed a desire to champion black-majority rule in South Africa or Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. True to his vision, he celebrated Zimbabwe’s independence and echoed Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words on the global fight against injustice.
Carter’s dedication to Africa and his impactful legacy continue to inspire efforts towards a more just and equitable world.
“Historian and author Nancy Mitchell highlighted that there is indeed more to southern Africa than the Middle East. Relations between the United States and Zimbabwe under President Robert Mugabe’s government soured rapidly, marked by deadly repression. By 1986, President Jimmy Carter led a diplomatic walkout from the Zimbabwean capital. In 2008, Carter was banned from entering Zimbabwe, marking the first time such a restriction had been imposed on his travels. He openly criticized the country, labeling it as ‘a basket case’ and ‘an embarrassment to the region.’
Despite the strained relations, political analyst Eldred Masunungure noted that Zimbabweans, especially those who lived through the 1970s and ’80s, still view Carter as an icon and a strong advocate for democracy. Carter was also vocal in his criticism of South Africa’s apartheid regime, even as the country, according to current President Cyril Ramaphosa, sought to improve its global standing.
The Carter Center, established by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1982, played a crucial role in monitoring elections across Africa and negotiating ceasefires between conflicting factions. However, the Center’s work extended beyond politics, with a significant focus on combatting diseases. Carter’s personal commitment to eradicating the guinea worm disease, which once plagued millions, has seen remarkable progress, with only 14 cases reported in 2023 across a few African nations.
Reflecting on his encounters with African leaders, Carter recalled a tense moment with former South African President Thabo Mbeki over AIDS treatment. Carter’s dedication to humanitarian causes also shone through in his efforts to address the guinea worm crisis. In 1995, he orchestrated a four-month ceasefire in Sudan to allow The Carter Center to reach thousands of affected villages, showcasing his unwavering resolve to tackle health challenges at the grassroots level.
Makoy Samuel Yibi, overseeing South Sudan’s guinea worm eradication program, praised Carter for instilling hope and dignity in communities long resigned to their fate. Carter’s holistic approach to global health challenges earned admiration from health officials across Africa. Lia Tadesse, Ethiopia’s former health minister, lauded Carter for his inclusive and tireless efforts, noting Ethiopia’s achievement of zero guinea worm cases in 2023.
In a world often divided by politics and power dynamics, President Jimmy Carter’s legacy as a unifying force for humanity transcends borders and ideologies. His humanitarian spirit and unwavering dedication to fostering positive change will continue to inspire generations to come.”
___Associated Press reporters Farai Mutsaka in Harare, Zimbabwe, and Michael Warren in Atlanta contributed.
