WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — President Barack Obama should call for much needed human rights reforms in Kenya and Ethiopia in discussions with officials of the two countries during his trip there this week, fourteen nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and individual experts said in a letter to the President on Wednesday.
"We urge you to clearly articulate that the United States expects its partners to support an environment where independent organizations and media outlets can thrive, and security forces undertake operations that protect — rather than abuse-their citizens,” the letter read.
Obama will be the first US head of state and government to visit Ethiopia where he will hold meetings with government representatives as well as with leaders of the African Union.
The President's trip to Ethiopia will follow a visit to Kenya, where Obama will attend the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, according to the White House.
The trip to Kenya will be Obama’s fourth visit to sub-Saharan Africa during his presidency.
