That would be unfortunate, for it would slow momentum and discourage African reformers who have championed democracy, human rights and good governance. It would also be a mistake to imply that the continent is not relevant to the three global themes that America has used to develop the agenda: freedom, security and prosperity. Africa figures importantly in all three.
This partnership is in its very early stages. Years of effort and much greater political commitment will be needed to make it bear fruit. Pushing it to the sidelines could damage it badly, losing momentum. As other issues crowd the headlines, it must not go down in history as but a passing focus.
