First Lady Michelle Obama has been greeted with criticism as she began her weeklong visit to Africa Monday.

Citing a report by Krissah Thompson of the Washington Post, the Associated Press emphasized that Michelle Obama’s African visit has aggravated the growing discontent among African advocates who noted that President Obama has visited the sub-Saharan Africa only once since she assumed office in January 2009.

The Post said that TransAfrica Forum Mwiza Munthali public outreach director argued that the U.S. officials "are not seeing Africa as a big priority. There has been some ambivalence."

President Obama’s absence in the First Lady’s tour has stirred criticism, drawing another blow in the Obama administration at the White House.

Joined by daughters Sasha and Malia and her mother Marian Robinson, the First Lady chose Africa to meet young girls and women who are experts in their fields in the academe and who are recognized for their civic leadership.

The First Lady already met with Graca Machel, the wife of icon figure Nelson Mandela as Obama stopped by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.

Also aimed at promoting awareness on health and wellness issues, Obama is scheduled to make a stop in South Africa and Botswana.

White House