Nobody should be president for life, Barack Obama tells Africa's 'Big Men'

President Barack Obama speaks during a joint news conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn [PHOTO:AP]

ADDIS ABABA/NAIROBI: Judging by the applause at the African Union headquarters, Barack Obama hit a chord when he took aim at the continent's 'Big Men', telling them they should quit when their time was up - especially since most have the cash to retire comfortably.

In joining African reformists who demand term limits be observed, the U.S. president was lining up squarely against entrenched leaders from Congo Republic to Rwanda and Burundi who are intent on extending their years in power.