nazret.com Merkato Blog

Ethiopia: Washington Update

By Mesfin Mekonen

Reports from Ethiopia from the All Ethiopia Unity Party indicate that suppression of independent political activity is becoming more severe. Opposition supporters are being jailed and beaten. The Electoral Board is meddling in the internal activities of opposition parties. Journalists have come under sustained attack, leading to self-censorship, and in some cases, to flight from Ethiopia. As reported by US State Department, the illegal searches; use of excessive force by security services in an internal conflict and counterinsurgency operations; restrictions on freedom of the press; arrest, detention, and harassment of journalists; restrictions on freedom of assembly and association; In addition to threats to human rights and democracy, the Meles regime's mismanagement of the economy is creating serious problems. Recent reports that the government will nationalize all land could destabilize the nation's banking system, causing a cascade of problems that will lead to massive bankruptcies and the likelihood of currency devaluation.

The U.S. State Department is well aware of the situation. It continues to receive reports about the deteriorating human rights situation in Ethiopia. While the State Department is certain to document these reports, and may make official statements condemning them, the U.S. government is unlikely to take strong action as long as the Meles regime is perceived to be actively cooperating in the "war on terror." The priorities of the U.S. government are spelled out in a congressional report on the Defense authorization act for 2012 that was passed this week. It gives the Pentagon authority to "enhance the capacity of the national military forces, security agencies serving a similar defense function, and border security forces of Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya to conduct counterterrorism operations against al-Qaeda, al-Qaeda affiliates, and al Shabaab."

Members of Congress and congressional staff have also received reports about the deteriorating human rights situation in Ethiopia. Hearings, and possibly legislation, are likely in 2012. In the final analysis, only Ethiopians can solve Ethiopia's problems. Attention from the U.S. Congress could, however, help to focus attention on Ethiopia, to send a message from the U.S. government about the Meles regime's mismanagement of assistance and the instability that its policies are creating.
It is most important that we keep up the constant contact with our members of Congress. We have a task that cannot end until the President signs an act voted by Congress clearly stating American support for Ethiopian democracy. We must persevere.