Barack Obama honours Nelson Mandela with worldwide plea for human rights

The former president spoke of ‘strange and uncertain’ times in what might be seen as a rebuke to his successor Donald Trump.

Former US president Barack Obama, left, delivers his speech at the 16th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture (Themba Hadebe/AP)

By Andrew Meldrum

Former US president Barack Obama urged people around the world to respect human rights and other values under threat in an address marking the 100th anniversary of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela’s birth.

In his highest-profile speech since leaving office, Mr Obama’s speech in South Africa countered many of Donald Trump’s policies, although he steered clear of direct criticism.