MagazineWith Debt Lifted, Africa Can Rebuild David C. RuffinOctober 1, 2005December 2, 2008 0 of its oil. “Assisting Africa is not only in the economic interest of the United States, it’s the right thing to do,” says Payne. “American esteem has declined around the world as a result of its failure to take the lead in helping poor countries.” 1 2