NAIROBI, Kenya — Jimmy Carter holds the distinction of being the first U.S. president to undertake a state visit to sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant shift in American engagement with the continent. He famously viewed the effort to support Zimbabwe’s journey to independence from white rule as “our greatest single success.” At the age of 100, his philanthropic organization’s endeavors in rural Africa were on the cusp of eradicating a disease that had plagued millions, achieving a milestone reminiscent of the smallpox eradication.
Carter’s influence remains most pronounced in Africa, a continent teeming with potential and a population that is on track to match that of China by 2050. Prior to his administration, U.S. leaders largely overlooked Africa, despite the continent’s wave of independence movements during the 1960s and 1970s. During a cordial visit to Nigeria in 1978, Carter remarked, “I think the day of the so-called ugly American is over,” reflecting a new chapter in U.S.-Africa relations by challenging the previous indifference.
The geopolitical rivalry of the Cold War catalyzed Carter’s focus on Africa, as the U.S. and Soviet Union vied for dominance. However, he was also influenced by his Baptist faith and the racial injustices he encountered in the segregated South of the United States. He expressed his thoughts early in his presidency, stating, “For too long our country ignored Africa.”
As a result of Carter’s outreach, African leaders found their way to the White House, curious about the American government’s newfound interest and the possible benefits that could ensue. Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda noted the invigorating atmosphere that this new relationship cultivated.
In reflecting on his trip to Africa, Carter highlighted a recurrent message from African leaders: the desire to manage their own affairs and remain friendly with both superpowers, without feeling pressured to take sides. This sentiment resonates today as nations such as China and Russia vie for influence and resources on the continent. Carter stood out as a human rights advocate, infusing this critical issue into U.S. foreign policy, and continued his support for Africa by making 43 trips to the continent post-presidency through initiatives by the Carter Center that aimed to empower African nations.
Carter began with a focus on civil and political rights during his presidency, later understanding that social and economic rights were equally crucial for public health. A noted legal scholar, Abdullahi Ahmed An-Naim, affirmed that Carter has been a significant catalyst for advancing human rights worldwide.
Even before his presidency, Carter expressed his commitment to social justice, considering a candidacy to support black-majority governance in South Africa or Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Following Zimbabwe’s independence four years into his presidency, he hosted Prime Minister Robert Mugabe at the White House, underscoring his belief in the universal nature of justice.
As tensions rose within Mugabe’s administration, relations deteriorated, and by 1986, Carter led a diplomatic boycott against the regime’s violent oppression. Though he was later barred from entering Zimbabwe in 2008, many in the nation viewed him as a champion for democracy during a critical time.
Carter also vocalized his disapproval of apartheid in South Africa, spotlighting the treatment of Black citizens during a period when the country was seeking favor with global powers, a point echoed by current President Cyril Ramaphosa following Carter’s passing.
The Carter Center, founded in 1982, became instrumental in overseeing African elections and mediating conflicts. Additionally, combating diseases marked a core component of its mission. In a candid moment, Carter reflected on pushing back against South African President Thabo Mbeki over the treatment of AIDS, acknowledging his frustration in advocating for health rights.
Carter was determined to outlast the guinea worm disease, which, once a significant public health issue affecting countless individuals, has been substantially reduced, with only 14 cases reported in 2023.
His mission included orchestrating a four-month cease-fire in Sudan in 1995 to facilitate the reach of the Carter Center’s initiatives to approximately 2,000 villages affected by the disease. Health officials like Makoy Samuel Yibi, who leads guinea worm eradication efforts in South Sudan, noted the profound impact of having a global leader pay attention to their plight.
Carter’s unwavering dedication to public health garnered deep respect from African health authorities, including Ethiopia’s former health minister, Lia Tadesse, who remarked on his commitment to improving the lives of all people, regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status, highlighting Ethiopia’s triumph in reporting zero guinea worm cases in 2023.
