Obama blames western rights groups of hypocrisy

Lemele Assefa July 27, 2015 - United States President Barack Obama made a historic first visit on Sunday to Ethiopia, the second biggest nation in Africa and the fastest growing economy. On Monday morning, Obama joined Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn at the National Palace in Addis Ababa.

During a joint press conference, Obama praised Ethiopia's progress but said more needs to be done. "We are very mindful of Ethiopia's history and it was recently that there has been a democratically elected government," Obama stated. 

PM Hailemariam said "Our commitment to democracy is real not skin deep" and he said his country will seek American advise and assistance on democratization. 

Western rights groups like Human Rights Watch, CPJ and Amnesty has criticized Obama's visit to Ethiopia. But the US President fired back and implied there is double standards against Ethiopia and Africa. Obama said western rights groups do not oppose US presidential visits to countries like China where human rights conditions are worse. 

By Obama accusing western rights groups of hypocrisy, some Africans felt justified since western rights groups are often silent when their leaders visit the likes of oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where even women rights don't exist and where western leaders don't mention about basic rights let alone gay rights. 

On the topic of media and journalism, the Ethiopian PM said "it is very important to be criticized because it helps us improve." PM Hailemariam admitted, "We have limitations but democracy is growing."

Meanwhile, Obama gave thanks to Ethiopia for hosting millions of South Sudan refugees and praised the Ethiopian government's commitment to fighting terrorism in Somalia. Obama said AU needs to "keep pressure on alshabaab."

In a light hearted moment, Obama joked about lions in Ethiopia, by saying he is considering getting one for the White house but feared for his dogs. 

Also, When Obama's plane arrived Sunday, there was a rainbow on the sky in Addis Ababa and Ethiopian religious leaders said it was a reminder of God's promise to people. Some Ethiopian religious leaders warned that the US is gradually losing its moral authority on the world stage since the natural institution of marriage is being violated and the welfare of children is losing protection in America.

On Tuesday, Obama will become the first sitting US president to address the African Union. Critics say it was decades overdue as China has already dominated relations and investment with Africa.