Everyone agrees that conducting business at any particular place or country is subject to rules and limitations that are fundamentally embedded into the very nature of the place, the people in that place, and to the availing situation and circumstances.   Accordingly, it should be clear that doing business in Africa is not subject to the same rules that apply in the Western world or Japan for example, and doing business in Europe is different than what it is in the Middle East, etc. 

In Africa most countries are fairly young and developing under severe limitations, and in most cases these countries are ruled by individuals rather than by democratic establishments.  Therefore, it is no secret that in order for a person to do business in such environment, it is mandatory for such person to maintain good rapport with, and gain the approval of the ruling power regardless of how that power was viewed by others, and this statement is applicable everywhere.  Take the case of the relations between the United States and China for example.

Despite China being ruled by a communist and totalitarian regime that oppresses people and limits their freedom, the US government constantly gives China the most-favorable-nation treatment.  It is a matter of interest rather than policy, and it is unfortunate to see governments asking the individuals to do what the government itself is unwilling to do.

It is rather hypocrisy to question why Victor Bout maintained relations with a particular African leader that may have been considered a "dictator" by the West, or with a government that may have been considered an "enemy" by the US.  The records of Aircess flights clearly indicate that the airline only flew to official airports, on official routs and properly filed flight plans carrying cargo that was inspected and cleared by the authorities and customs at the airport.  

Victor is not a politician nor did he ever wanted to be, he was a businessman conducting business in countries ruled by individuals rather than democratic establishments. As such, he was to maintain good rapport and relations with these rulers in order to acquire the right to do business.