Owing to its proper decision, the Government of Ethiopia has rejected U.S State Department’s accusations stating it as, “This partisan and divisive approach from the US is ill-advised.” In yesterday’s statement, the Ethiopian Foreign Minister said, “The Government of Ethiopia does not accept the blanket condemnations contained in the statement and does not see any value in such a unilateral and adversarial approach.”
Indeed, Ethiopia’s immediate response to the accusations is not only right but also very logical and based on sound reasoning. It is so unfortunate to hear such an untimely statement from the U.S as it totally lacks any significance. Considering the current situation of Ethiopia, it is an irrelevant statement that certain grave crimes were committed during the conflict in northern Ethiopia. These days, Ethiopians are pursuing peace and forgiveness that make the accusations baseless.
The other thing that proves the statement’s irrelevance is its lacking anything new. Months ago, following the report of the Joint Investigation by Human Rights Commission and the High Commission for Human Rights, the government of Ethiopia decided to continue implementing all measures of accountability including finalizing the nationwide consultation on transitional justice ensuring the justice is served. Here, Ethiopia needs development partners that can support this process, not statements aimed to disrupt this peace process.
Moreover, as Ethiopia has managed its internal affairs on its own and established sustainable peace across the nation, the statement that pretends to have concern for human rights is irrelevant. Nowadays, Ethiopians, from north to south and from south to east, are working towards sustaining sustainable peaceful coexistence. As the Government of Ethiopia demonstrated strong determination to end conflict and pursue peace, Ethiopians in every corner of the nation are enjoying harmonious and peaceful relations.
More importantly, Ethiopians are preparing for the national dialogue that is hoped to bring an end to all irregularities the nation has been struggling with for years. This is the clearest indication that the nation is on the right path towards development and peace. Ethiopians and the government do not have a room to entertain any statement that is inconsistent with their reality. Wisely, Ethiopia continues implementing the Pretoria Peace Agreement realizing the role of peace for its people and development. Hence, what is the significance of this untimely statement from the U.S State Department?
Though the department released a provocative statement soon after the visit of its top diplomat to Ethiopia, the Government of Ethiopia has taken a wise stance considering the value of the historic bilateral relations of the two countries. It still wants to pursue peaceful negotiations as it states, “The Government of Ethiopia hopes that despite the U.S State’s statement, the frank discussions held and understanding reached during the State Secretary’s visit to Ethiopia help restore the strategic relations between Ethiopia and the U.S.”
During his recent visit, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Ethiopia for its commendable progress in implementing a peace deal to end the northern conflict. He also praised steps the Ethiopian government has taken towards transitional justice besides discussing ongoing efforts to solidify peace, restore basic services and address humanitarian needs. Blinken ought to be consistent with this peaceful communication that enables all parties to win. In short, the statement released by the State Department is untimely and lacks any significance; hence, it is proper measure for the Government of Ethiopia to reject it.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH 2023
