President Obama In East Africa: A News Round-up

Washington Post: In Ethiopia, Obama seeks progress on peace, security in East Africa

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia —President Obama convened a meeting with the leaders of several East African nations and the African Union on Monday in an effort to address the worsening situation in South Sudan, even as he met with Ethiopia’s prime minister to discuss how to strengthen human rights and democratic institutions here.

With no resolution in sight for the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, Obama brought together top officials from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and the A.U. to chart out a strategy in the event that the latest round of peace talks fail.

African nations, led by Ethiopia, have been trying to broker a peace in South Sudan through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional body, and are almost ready to present a possible compromise to the warring parties. The two sides will have until Aug. 17 to respond to the proposal, but administration officials have little expectation that they will accept it.

President Obama In East Africa: A News Round-up

Obama visit highlights Ethiopia's role in fighting Islamic terrorists -- USA Today
Obama praises Ethiopia over fight against al-Shabab -- BBC
Obama visit highlights Ethiopia's role in fighting Islamic terrorists -- USA Today
Obama Addresses Human Rights Concerns on Visit to Ethiopia -- WSJ
Obama says more political openness would strengthen Ethiopia -- Reuters
Obama Arrives in Ethiopia, a Favored Ally In Spite of Human Rights Abuses -- Time
US-Ethiopia Relationship Strong, But Complicated -- VOA

Obama Pushes for End to Crippling Crisis in South Sudan -- NYT/AP
Obama and leaders discuss possible sanctions, force for South Sudan -- Reuters
Obama Ready to Pursue New Sanctions If No Deal in South Sudan -- Bloomberg
South Sudan should face extra pressure if it misses August peace deadline -Obama -- Reuters
Obama Discusses Intervention Force for South Sudan With African Nations -- Sputnik

Obama Delivers Tough-Love Message to End Kenya Trip -- NYT
Obama Calls for Gay Equality in Africa, Kenyan President Says it’s a “Non-Issue” -- Slate