US President Barack Obama arrives in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa (AFP) – US President Barack Obama landed in Ethiopia on Sunday, beginning a two-day stay and becoming the first American leader to visit Africa’s second most populous nation.

Air Force One touched down at Bole international airport after a short flight north from the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

The president was greeted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn before the 25-car convoy left for the US embassy.

The visit will include talks with the Ethiopian government, a key strategic ally but criticised for its record on democracy and human rights.

Obama will also become the first US president to address the African Union at its gleaming Chinese-built headquarters, with remarks that may touch on Africa’s democracy deficit.

He will also hold talks with regional leaders on the civil war in South Sudan.