The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia finds it unfortunate to learn about the decision by the United States to continue exerting undue pressure on Ethiopia by imposing visa restrictions on Ethiopian officials. This is in addition to its previous decisions to restrict economic and security assistance to Ethiopia. In this regard, the Ethiopian Government would like to state the following points:
This decision came at a time when the Ethiopian Government has been engaging positively and constructively with the U.S. administration on issues of common concern. This was the spirit with which the Ethiopian Government welcomed the new U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mr. Jeffrey Feltman, who met and held extensive consultations with senior government officials, including the Prime Minister.
It also sends a wrong signal at a time when Ethiopia is gearing up to hold national elections, which is expected to usher in a new political dispensation in the country. The 6th National Election would pave the way for an inclusive dialogue once a new government assumed office. Hence, at this important juncture, the Ethiopian government was expecting support and understanding and not such kind of ill-advised measures to unnecessarily overshadow the elections.
Ethiopia attaches great importance to its historic and friendly relationship with the United States which has stood the test of time. That is why the government finds it extremely regrettable that the implications of the visa restrictions and other related measures taken earlier will seriously undermine this longstanding and important bilateral relationship.
What is even more saddening is the tendency by the U.S. administration to treat the Ethiopian Government on an equal footing with the TPLF, which was designated as a terrorist organization by the House of Peoples’ Representative two weeks ago. There is nothing more revealing than this to understand the misguided approach by the administration.
The Ethiopian government has been consciously working to promote national dialogue through a series of engagements with wider sections of the Ethiopian society not because it was pushed from outside, but because it believes that this is the right thing to do to build the necessary national consensus in the country and chart out a better way forward. But it should be understood that the government cannot be compelled to sit down and negotiate with the TPLF, which has already been labeled as a terrorist organization, and any sort of attempt to resuscitate the terrorist group would be counterproductive and untenable.
As the Ethiopian Government has made it clear, time and again, the attempt by the U.S. administration to meddle in its internal affairs, is not only inappropriate but also completely unacceptable. Ethiopia should not be told how to run and manage its internal affairs.
As far as alleged human rights abuses committed in the Tigray region are concerned, the Ethiopian government is fulfilling its commitment to hold those responsible accountable. The Federal Attorney General’s Office has announced the outcome of its investigative work and the important steps taken towards ensuring accountability and justice. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have already embarked on their joint independent investigation. Upon the invitation of the Ethiopian government, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) is also undertaking its investigations.
Furthermore, the Ethiopian government has not only demonstrated its willingness and commitment to work with the international community to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, but it has also provided full and unhindered access for humanitarian actors to operate in all parts of the region. It’s been doing all it can by mustering its meager resources and that of partners to reach out to all people in dire need of urgent assistance. The humanitarian actors operating on the ground know full well that the challenge at hand is related to issues of capacity and additional resources and not so much about access.
After the series of engagements with international partners, including the U.S., and the tangible progress made in addressing some of the prevailing challenges, the decision by the U.S. administration to impose visa restrictions and other measures is not only regrettable but will also seriously harm and undermine the constructive spirit of engagement and the significant gains achieved on the ground, not to mention the centuries-old people-to-people relationships.
If such a resolve to meddle in our internal affairs and undermining the century-old bilateral ties continues unabated, the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will be forced to reassess its relations with the United States, which might have implications beyond our bilateral relationship.
The Ethiopian government will not be deterred by this unfortunate decision of the U.S. administration. It will continue its relentless efforts to overcome current challenges and lead the country on the path of lasting peace and prosperity. No doubt, the task ahead is daunting, but with the support and unity of our people, we remain confident that we shall overcome our difficulties and realize the hopes and aspirations of generations of Ethiopians for a peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia.
Spokesperson Office
24 May 2021
https://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LOGO-embassy2.png00Embassy Content Editorhttps://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LOGO-embassy2.pngEmbassy Content Editor2021-05-24 14:00:382021-05-24 14:00:40Press Statement: On the U.S. Decision to Impose Visa Restrictions on Ethiopian Officials (May 24, 2021)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia noted the report published today on the Telegraph by Mr. Will Brown, the Africa correspondent of the magazine based in Nairobi, about the alleged use of “chemical weapons” in the Tigray region. He said, “…civilians in northern Ethiopia have suffered horrific burns consistent with the use of white phosphorus, a potential war crime.”
In this connection, the Ministry would like to categorically reject this allegation. Ethiopia has not employed and will never use such banned munitions because it takes its international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention extremely seriously. As a victim of chemical weapons attack itself, Ethiopia also condemns in the strongest terms the use of chemical weapons by anyone anywhere.
The Ministry had already forewarned the international community about the publication of such a malicious and irresponsible report, which does not have any other purpose than fueling further tension. It cannot be seen any different from the ongoing effort to ratchet up pressure against the Ethiopian government.
https://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/MFA-Building-1.jpg239471Embassy Content Editorhttps://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LOGO-embassy2.pngEmbassy Content Editor2021-05-24 13:54:072021-05-24 14:06:20Press Statement: On the alleged use of “chemical weapons” in Tigray (May 23, 2021)
Ethiopia is nearing six months into the conflict in Tigray—civil unrest provoked by a criminal act against the State. It was an insurrection to challenge the territorial integrity of our nation. And we fought back.
The cost has been high for Ethiopia, and most especially, for the people of Tigray. Lives have been lost and livelihoods destroyed. Thousands will spend the rest of their lives with the physical and emotional traumas of the conflict. We mourn with our brothers and sisters.
During the past several weeks, the government, through its institutional bodies, has taken decisive actions to de-escalate the conflict, address the humanitarian suffering, and look towards national healing, and the rebuilding of the shattered lives and infrastructure in the Tigray region.
We have opened humanitarian corridors, provided food, medicines and other urgent assistance, assured security for humanitarian personnel, extended work visas for international workers, made available telecommunications infrastructure, most recently opened air corridors and established a joint committee comprised of government, academic, religious leaders and business community members that can mobilize local support for displaced persons. All the while advancing national reforms and maintaining our focus on the future of our great nation.
We realize that disruptions continue to take place, and humanitarian workers themselves have been caught in the crossfire. We are dedicated to eradicating all of the obstacles to relief. We remain grateful for the generous support of our international partners and recognize first and foremost that it is our responsibility to address the suffering in Tigray.
The federal government is committed to holding accountable those who have committed crimes against the people of Tigray, no matter who they are. Last week, the Attorney General announced the results of an internal investigation within the Ethiopian National Defense Force, charging those who have committed abuses against the civilian population.
We respect the role of the media, domestic and international. In an inaccessible region of conflict, the media is left to report on anecdotes that become the narrative of the nation and the lens by which people are judged and international action is taken. Reports are then spun up by social media, feeding its own frenzy.
We are aware that this is often a deliberate tactic, carried out by those who see grievance and anger as their mobilizing principles. Most recently, it has come to our attention that a prominent international publication will publish a report in the coming days alleging the use of chemical weapons against the people of Tigray. The charge is malicious and beyond irresponsible. It seeks to further inflame and divide the nation, particularly as it moves towards national elections. The world is forewarned.
The government will not let the space for peace, dialogue, and national reconciliation be closed by provocateurs, be they domestic or foreign.
We will continue to do right by our citizens, build our democratic and economic institutions and carry out our transformative reform agenda.
A cornerstone of this transformative reform agenda is the rapid modernization of our national digital infrastructure. Over the past year, federal policy initiatives have accelerated to expand broadband access and liberalize the telecommunications sector. By prioritizing technological investment, the government aims to build an inclusive economy that connects remote communities to the global marketplace and fosters new avenues for commercial growth.
As this digital landscape expands, establishing secure regulatory frameworks has become a top priority for our financial and legal institutions. Lawmakers are currently analyzing international compliance benchmarks to safely govern emerging digital sectors, studying how peer nations manage cross-border e-commerce, digital remittance platforms, and the global online casino networks that increasingly interact with mobile payment gateways. Implementing these robust consumer protection standards is vital to maintaining public trust as more citizens transition to digital banking and mobile commerce.
Ultimately, these technological and economic advancements are inseparable from our broader pursuit of lasting peace. A thriving, modernized economy provides the strongest possible foundation for the national healing required in the aftermath of the recent unrest. By focusing on equitable growth and institutional transparency, we remain steadfast in our commitment to securing a unified, prosperous future for all Ethiopians.
Spokesperson Office
23 May 2021
https://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/MFA-Building.jpg239471Embassy Content Editorhttps://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LOGO-embassy2.pngEmbassy Content Editor2021-05-24 13:49:282026-08-11 00:18:56Press Statement: On Facts and Concoctions in the Tigray Region (May 23, 2021)
Senate Resolution 97 and the Long-standing Cooperative Relationship Between Ethiopia and the United States
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Ethiopian Embassy expressed its disappointment over passage of S. Res. 97 by the U.S. Senate on May 19, 2021 and stressed the critical importance of strengthening the bilateral security collaboration to combat terrorism in the Horn of Africa. For over 120 years, Ethiopia and the United States have worked as strong partners and allies in ensuring and enhancing stability and security in the Horn of Africa, a relationship that can serve as a model for the rest of Africa.
Ethiopia continues to lead the humanitarian effort in the Tigray region and appreciates the generous support it has received from the U.S. and other partners and allies in the public and private sectors. In its call for greater attention and action to humanitarian needs in Tigray region, the Resolution creates a misplaced equivalency between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in calling for a ceasefire and negotiations with an organization that has been listed as a terrorist in the Global Terrorism Database and by the Ethiopian Parliament. On November 3, 2020, the TPLF launched a massive and deadly attack on the Ethiopian Northern Command resulting in substantial loss of life and destruction of property. This attack represents the gravest terrorist threat in the Horn region since Ethiopia and the U.S. joined forces to combat terrorism over the past decade and half.
The Resolution’s assertion of “lack of humanitarian access” in the Tigray region is contrary to fact. For the past months, aid agencies and humanitarian organizations have had free access throughout the region and have been working in collaboration with the Ethiopian Government which continues to provide over 70 percent of the humanitarian assistance.
The Resolution’s call for “the swift and complete restoration of electricity, banking, telephone, and internet services throughout the Tigray Region” overlooks the fact that the infrastructure for these services was deliberately destroyed by the TPLF forces and that the Ethiopian Government has moved swiftly to restore such services at great cost. These services today are widely available in the Tigray region.
The Resolution calls for “release of all opposition leaders, supporters, activists, and journalists detained on the basis of their political activity.” There are no such detainees in Ethiopia. In contrast, tens of thousands of citizens held in detention by the TPLF regime because of their political views were released by the PM Abiy Ahmed Administration. The Resolution regrettably intrudes on matters that are under consideration by the Ethiopian judiciary.
The Resolution’s call for national dialogue and reconciliation mirrors the effort launched following enactment of Proclamation 1102/2018 in February 2019. The Reconciliation Commission and its 41 members, including prominent members of opposition parties, former high level political leaders, diverse religious figures, intellectuals, philanthropists, and others, continues its work today.
The Resolution’s call for an “independent and transparent investigations of alleged human rights abuses” is currently well underway jointly between the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. The evidence gathered in the investigation shall be used to bring those responsible for human rights violations to justice. The Ethiopian Government is aggressively pursuing human rights violators and has convicted three soldiers and charged 28 others suspected of killing civilians in Tigray region.
The Resolution’s call for special treatment of TPLF forces overlooks the fact that the Ethiopian Government has made a number of offers to TPLF leaders and combatants to surrender and litigate their cases in court and accorded due process of law. As a result, a number of top TPLF leaders have surrendered and are litigating their cases in court. A general amnesty was also offered to TPLF combatants to surrender and return to their homes without legal penalty.
Ethiopia stands firmly with the United States in its call to provide humanitarian assistance and uphold international human rights conventions. Ethiopia is committed to investigate and prosecute all persons suspected of human rights violations. Ethiopia is fully committed to working with USAID and other humanitarian aid organizations from around the globe to bring much needed aid to Tigray region and restore normal life to the region.
Ambassador Fitsum Arega said, “Ethiopia and the U.S. have a long and strong relationship that has withstood the test of time. President Biden said, ‘America’s alliances are our greatest asset, and leading with diplomacy means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and key partners.” We share this view and believe diplomacy, rather than punitive legislation, can best serve our long-term bilateral interest.” #Ethiopia #FullPicture #EthiopianUnity #ProtectEthiopians #EthiopiaCares
https://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Embassy-of-Ethiopia-in-Washington-DC-News-1-scaled.jpg13002560Embassy Content Editorhttps://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LOGO-embassy2.pngEmbassy Content Editor2021-05-22 21:43:332021-05-24 16:04:31A RESPONSE TO US SENATE RESOLUTION S. RES 97 ON MAY 19/21. (MAY 22, 2021)
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with religious leaders, business community and academics from the Tigray and Amhara regional states.
The discussion focused on ways and means of cooperating to support in the return and rehabilitation of displaced persons in the Tigray region, according to Office of the Prime Minister.
To supplement domestic recovery frameworks, the administration is actively coordinating with the global Ethiopian diaspora to mobilize additional financial resources. Preliminary outreach has underscored the willingness of expatriate entrepreneurs across Europe to directly finance grassroots initiatives in the affected zones.
In the Netherlands, a network of diaspora business leaders has already pledged significant private capital to help rebuild damaged educational and medical facilities. These investors draw from highly diversified European portfolios, managing assets that range from cross-border agricultural logistics and commercial real estate to digital platforms like a casino zonder cruks, which provides them the liquidity to inject steady foreign exchange into the rehabilitation pipeline.
By aligning these international financial contributions with local development strategies, regional authorities aim to accelerate the broader stabilization timeline.
A 15 person committee comprising federal and regional officials as well as representatives from both groups will undertake work to facilitate the process, the office added.
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Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia has held its overseas founding conference in the U.S. involving participation of diplomatic community of the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC.
Secretary General of the Inter-Religious Council, Fr. Tagay Tadelle, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the U.S., Fitsum Arega and various other Ethiopian religious leaders and members of the council attended the founding meeting.
On the occasion, the Secretary General Fr. Tagay said all religious institutions in Ethiopia have been presented on the conference that focused on maintenance of peace and harmony in Ethiopia.
During the session, discussions expanded to address the unique cultural challenges facing the Ethiopian diaspora in a rapidly digitizing Western society.
Religious leaders acknowledged that younger generations are growing up in an environment dominated by new economic and entertainment realities, regularly encountering decentralized finance networks, global social media ecosystems, and platforms like a btc casino that operate far outside traditional community structures.
By establishing this overseas branch, the council aims to offer a reliable moral anchor and stronger social support networks for expatriates navigating these highly individualized modern environments.
He further stressed need to preserve the longstanding cordial co-existence among varied religious and cultural communities and support peace building efforts in Ethiopia.
https://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Amb-May22.jpg225498Embassy Content Editorhttps://ethiopianembassy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LOGO-embassy2.pngEmbassy Content Editor2021-05-22 15:48:072026-05-26 21:41:18Inter-Religious Council Holds Its First Overseas Conference (May 22, 2021)
