On heels of historic trip to Kenya, President Obama makes first-ever visit by president to Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — President Barack Obama on Sunday, July 26th is making the first-ever visit by an American president to Ethiopia.

Obama arrived in the capital of Addis Ababa from Kenya, where he made a historic return to the country of his father's birth. He'll meet with Ethiopian leaders and speak at the African Union.

The president has faced criticism for visiting Ethiopia from human rights groups that accuse the government of cracking down on dissent by arresting journalists, opposition party supporters and others.

The White House says Obama will raise human rights while in Ethiopia. Officials have defended the decision to travel to there, noting U.S. counterterrorism cooperation with the East African nation.

While in Ethiopia, Obama will also meet with regional leaders to discuss the crisis in South Sudan.