U.S. President Barack Obama is on his way to South Africa, continuing an Africa tour aimed at expanding U.S. engagement on the continent.

His visit comes amid concern about South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, who remains in critical condition in a Pretoria hospital.

Speaking to reporters aboard the presidential plane Air Force One on Friday, Obama played down expectations of a visit with the 94-year-old Mandela.

“I don’t need a photo op,” the president noted, adding that “the last thing I want to do is to be in any way obtrusive, at a time when the family is concerned with Nelson Mandela’s condition.”

White House officials said Thursday any such visit would be up to the Mandela family.

Obama departed Senegal Friday, after a two-day visit where he met with President Macky Sall and promoted democracy and rule of law.  The president also made an emotional visit to Goree Island, a symbol of the 18th century slave trade.

On Saturday, President Obama plans to visit Robben Island, the prison where  Mandela spent much of his 27 years behind bars.

President Obama paid tribute to the ailing former South African leader Thursday, calling him a “hero for the world.”

The president will also meet with his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma.  U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes told VOA that among other issues, Obama will likely raise the issue of Zimbabwe, which is facing a turbulent presidential election.

Rhodes said the U.S. wants to see a free, fair, and credible election in Zimbabwe, as well as space for an independent media and other elements of democracy in the country. 

The U.S. has accused President Robert Mugabe of using intimidation and fraud to win past elections, including the violent and disputed 2008 polls.

President Obama is on a week-long visit to Africa, saying he wants ties with the continent based on trade and partnership, instead of aid and assistance.  He will finish his tour next week in Tanzania before returning to Washington. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Economy and Finance