Star Tribune quotes Africa Center Director J. Peter Pham on President Obama’s upcoming trip to Ethiopia and Kenya and the need to address pressing issues in both countries, particularly human rights:

“Presidential visits aren’t patronizing pats on the head for good conduct,” said J. Peter Pham, director of the Africa Center at the Atlantic Council. Presidential visits are meant to engage countries that are strategically important, not just on economic, political and security issues, but on issues of values which are part of our foreign policy. But you can’t engage without talking to them.”

Read the full article here.

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