US President cautions African leaders against perpetuating themselves in power

US President Barack Obama has ended his visit to Africa cautioning the leaders against staying in power for too long.

He said this does not augur well for development.

He said democracy is more than just holding elections.

Mr Obama called on the AU to ensure that leaders respect their constitutions and step down when their term ends, citing Burundi, whose President Pierre Nkurunziza has controversially been re-elected for a third term.

He also called for an end to the "canker of corruption", saying it is the key to unlock Africa's economic potential because the money can be used to create jobs, build schools and hospitals.

Mr. Obama was speaking at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, the first time a sitting US President has addressed the body.

BBC