Africa would have liked non-American at World Bank

By Daniel Wallis

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Many in Africa expressed disappointment at Wednesday's news former U.S. trade envoy Robert Zoellick was to replace Paul Wolfowitz at the World Bank, saying the job should have gone to a developing country.

But there was also hope that Zoellick's experience on African trade issues could bring benefits.

After decades of Americans heading the international lender, many on the world's poorest continent felt their time had come to play a key role -- and then been snatched away.

"Look at the United Nations. When Africans had one of their own leading it, they felt so much closer to the organisation," Kenyan political scientist Ludeki Chweya said, referring to Ghana's Kofi Annan, who was U.N. secretary-general for a decade.

"Such an appointment would give the impression that the Bank might just become a bit more sensitive to the needs and particularities of Africa."

The scandal surrounding Wolfowitz's departure especially irked many Africans who saw a clear case of double standards by a man seeking to crack down on corruption in their midst.

Wolfowitz -- already derided by many as a key architect of the Iraq war -- stepped down after it was revealed he had authorised a hefty pay rise for his companion.

"BANK OF AMERICA?"

Some acknowledged Zoellick, whom President George W. Bush nominated on Wednesday, would benefit from years of experience negotiating trade deals with developing nations.

"He is a great defender of free trade and in any case he will not be worse than Wolfowitz," Tunisian economics expert Rida el Kefi told Reuters. "He knows the subject. He is a man who is suited to the task, unlike his predecessor."

Others noted Zoellick's diplomatic experience in Africa. As deputy to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice he helped guide the Bush administration's strategy on Darfur.

"I think it's excellent," Senegal's Economy Minister Abdoulaye Diop told Reuters, saying he hoped it would erase the tensions caused by the controversial departure of Wolfowitz.

"We have a lot of hope in him. ... Zoellick is known as a great friend of Africa. He's worked a lot with Africa within the AGOA," he added, referring to the African Growth and Opportunity Act that enhances U.S. market access for 38 African nations.

But some were angered by what they saw as U.S. arrogance.

"Why should the chairman of the World Bank always be an American? It's called the World Bank not the Bank of America," said Moroccan entrepreneur Hassan Cherif. The White House appeared determined to retain political control, he charged.