BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
There is no gainsaying the fact that the relation Ethiopia has with the United States of America traces back to over a century despite time and again the United States of America throws cold water on the warm relations of the two nations. On the basis thereof, there is little to restore and much to fix.
As things stand now, Ethiopia has been enjoying multifaceted foreign assistance such as donations, grants, and things of that sort. On top of that the trade relations between the two nations are sharply reaching new level of success.
In a similar vein, it is common knowledge that Ethiopia and the United States of America have been working in unison in multifarious development undertakings since time immemorial.
In the present climate, the relation between the two nations has been strengthening and stepping in the right direction for the most part after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to office in 2018.
Needless to say, Prime Minister Abiy’s swift political and economic reform attracted the West for more cooperation and to stand by his side almost immediately.
But as things stand now, some western countries have been exerting pressure on key agendas of the country such as the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the law enforcement operation, and more of the same.
When the terrorist Junta carried out an attack on the Northern command of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces positioned in the Tigray region for more than two decades, the United States of America condemned the junta’s evil deeds in a little while.
But over time, the United States of America and some European countries embarked on interfering in what do not concern them and making an effort to twist Ethiopia’s arm again and again. Worse even, they set in motion giving the cold shoulder to the existing reality on the ground and perplexing the international community by undermining the longstanding and significant bilateral relationship of the two countries.
Sad as it may sound, the pressure continued even after the unilateral ceasefire in many ways. Furthermore, quite a lot of international media outlets kick-started partaking in smear campaigns and tarnishing the good image of the nation.
The Ethiopian Herald approached Abera Wendosen, Communication Affairs Director at Ethiopian Media Authority. Taking the aforesaid issue into account, he said, “It seems that some western media
outlets would like to achieve some targets-hidden agendum perhaps. They have their own plan without a shred of a doubt. They have been making an effort to ink the good image of the country black in various ways from time to time.
“Western media have risked their reputation by collaborating with propaganda warfare of terrorist group TPLF. Their reports are inandated with unbalanced and fabricated lies.
“The foreign media has taken their own framing. They have been trying to inculcate false narrative and fictitious utterances in the minds of their folowers. Their reports target at backing the rebels group roaming in Tigray,” he added.
He stressed that there are sponsored group by some members of the diaspora and rival countries such as Egypt, Sudan, and others. I would venture to say, some international media outlets have been serving the interests of Egypt, Sudan, and others by bewildering and changing the international community’s positive attitude about Ethiopia.
He further stressed that Ethiopian people have been witnessing and criticizing the international media for fabricating lies now and then. To the surprise of everyone, their reports are much of a lie as they are reluctant to balance their report. They have continued disseminating their smear campaign.
He went on to say, “Our evaluation of the international media reporting over the past eight months is full of false narratives and empty propaganda.”
“There are also groups who have been endeavoring intending to destabilize the nation. If truth be told, this has affected Ethiopia’s image and diplomacy at large.
Ethiopia should do more in providing information quickly and adequately to foreign media.
He further elucidated that foreign media outlets should be abided by journalistic principles and professional code of ethics thereby maintaining integrity among the local audience. Despondently, some international media outlets have currently been overriding fundamental principles of journalism.
The making of news by omitting one say and popularizing the other is not even propaganda. In a similar vein, the United States and some European countries are bothering Ethiopia with partisan statements, even travel restrictions and withholding of donations.
Fasil Seleshi, a Lawyer, told The Ethiopian Herald regarding the actions of the United States and some European Countries that, “As enshrined in article 2(7) of the United Nations Charter of the principle of non-intervention, the US and some European countries should refrain from such kinds of intervention.”
“Ethiopia is undertaking law enforcement operation within its territory.
So, it is in Ethiopia’s best interest to stay in or withdraw its forces from Mekelle or elsewhere. The action of the United States and some European countries violates the principles of non-interference on domestic affairs and political independence.”
“The actions of some Western countries clearly show they are not happy about Ethiopia’s progress in becoming a regional power. The previous government was subservient of the west. But the current regime is relatively assertive. In addition, the country is getting stronger as it is constructing different mega projects and engaged in continental and international cooperation,” he opined.
Furthermore, Ethiopia has become a peacemaker in the region and is striving to make the region economically and politically united. This being the case, the United States and European Union do not seem to be happy about this. This economic and political coercion are interventions on the internal affairs of the country which is against the principle of noninterference.
“Humanitarian aid should not be given in a way that undermines the sovereignty and existence of the country. During the Derg regime, arms were smuggled for rebel groups on the pretext of humanitarian aid. This shouldn’t be repeated.”
“As Ethiopia has been performing poorly on counter diplomacy so far, it should give equal emphasis to propaganda warfare and familiarize the international community with the honest truth. In doing so, the world would understand and stand by our side,” he wrapped up.
The Ethiopian Herald July 24/2021
