Obama talks about security and human rights

President Obama kicked off his second half of his historic trip in Ethiopia. Obama arrived at the national palace Monday morning where he was greeted by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

The Potus touched on key issues among them human rights concerns. He pressured the government of Hailemariam Desalegn to improve Ethiopia’s record on human rights and good governance.

“I don’t bite my tongue too much when it comes to issues,’ he said at a joint press conference at the national palace in the capital Addis Ababa.

During his trip to Ethiopia President Obama held talks with east African leaders on the crisis in South Sudan where he launched a personal push for peace in the nation. On Monday he convened urgent talks aimed at keeping the world’s newest nation from collapsing amid civil war.

 "The possibilities of renewed conflict in a region that has been torn by conflict for so long, and has resulted in so many deaths, is something that requires urgent attention from all of us," Obama said. "We don't have a lot of time to wait."

Mr. Obama threatened new economic sanctions against South Sudan if the two warring factions do not agree to a peace deal by mid-august the deadline set by the African mediators.

In his speech the Potus noted that Africa’s population is predicted to double in the coming decade and will include many people below 18 years. President Obama in his speech to the African union said that creating jobs and opportunity for the next generation is Africa’s most urgent task.

He also praised Mr. Hailemariam for the country’s significant addition to peacekeeping efforts in the region. Addis Ababa has undergone an impressive boom thanks in part to the substantial Chinese investment.

President Obama also condemned African leaders who refuse to give up power or manipulate laws and constitutions in order to hold on to extend their stay in power.

The scolding came while addressing the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

“The law is the law, and no one is above the law, not even the president,” Obama said, drawing roars of approval from audience at the AU.

The speech was Obama’s first to the African Union and marked the end of his historic two-nation tour to Africa.