SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

Peace in Palestine = Peace in the World

ADVERTISEMENT

SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT

OBAMA DISCUSSES SECURITY, HUMAN RIGHTS IN ETHIOPIA

kurnia - Tuesday, 28 July 2015 - 19:59 WIB

Tuesday, 28 July 2015 - 19:59 WIB

325 Views ㅤ

Obama discusses security, human rights in Ethiopia (Photo: Memo)

ethiopia-democracy_1-300x161.jpg" alt="Obama discusses security, human rights in Ethiopia (Photo: Memo)" width="300" height="161" /> Obama discusses security, human rights in Ethiopia (Photo: Memo)

Addis Ababa, 12 Shawwal 1436/28 July 2015 (MINA) – President Barack Obama arrived in Ethiopia Monday morning to hold talks with African country’s leaders. The main topics to be covered in talks were counterterrorism, human rights and regional security issues.

Obama and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn were holding a bilateral meeting, followed by a joint news conference. Obama was then to convene a meeting of African leaders on the crisis in neighboring South Sudan.

President Barack Obama urged Ethiopia’s leaders Monday to curb crackdowns on press freedom and political openness as he opened a trip that human rights groups say legitimizes an oppressive government, World Bulletin quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

“When all voices are being heard, when people know they are being included in the political process, that makes a country more successful,” Obama said during a joint news conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

Also Read: US Imposes Sanctions on Four ICC Officials Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrants

Despite Ethiopia’s progress, there are deep concerns about political freedoms on the heels of May elections in which the ruling party won every seat in parliament.

Obama said he was frank in his discussions with Ethiopian leaders about the need to allow political opponents to operate freely. He also defended his decision to travel to the East African nation, comparing it to U.S. engagement with China, another nation with a poor human rights record.

“Nobody questions our need to engage with large countries where we may have differences on these issues,” he said. “That’s true with Africa as well.”

The president has faced criticism from human rights groups and others for visiting Ethiopia.

Also Read: Uruguay Suspends Cooperation with Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Critics say his trip lends legitimacy to a government that uses national security concerns as a pretext to stifle opposition and curtail basic freedoms.

President Obama is the first US president in office to come to East African nation with an official visit. (T/P002/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)  

 

Also Read: Thousands in New York Protest Israel’s Starvation of Gaza

Recommendation for you

Pro-Palestine Protesters at Columbia University, New York (photo: special)
America
Indonesia
Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri at the commemoration of Youm-e-Istehsal at the Pakistani Embassy in Jakarta, Tuesday (August 5, 2025). (Photo: Sidiq/MINA)
Indonesia
Palestine
The dead body of 11-month-old baby Zeyneb Abu Halib, who died due to malnutrition, is seen at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on July 25, 2025. (Photo: Anadolu Agency)
Palestine
Victims of Israeli Aggression on Gaza (photo: PIC)
Palestine
Palestine
Indonesia
Palestine
Israeli Forces Aid Seekers in Gaza (photo: Anadolu Agency)
Palestine
Palestine
Palestine