By Scott Morgan
It is now apparent that the State Department is very cautious in its dealings with the Ethiopian Government. Sadly it appears that being timid and cautious are more important than addressing abuses and maintaining peace.
After the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the US Government found itself in the position of being the main arbiter. For several years both sides have fought a verbal battle over which enclaves will be turned over to whom. Now the enclave around Badme is the main sticking point right now.
Another area of concern is the increasing rate of the decline of respect for Human Rights. After the controversial elections last year there have been two separate outbreaks of violent protests. Dozens lost their lives countless others were detained. Opposition members of Parliament refused to take their duly elected seats. Journalists have been detained also. There appears to be no end in sight to this crisis.
Ethiopia is a crucial ally to the United States in the War against terror. One of the next fronts in that struggle may be the Horn of Africa. Especially as the battles in Somalia against the Islamic Fundamentalists intensifies. The region itself has a serious problem it is rife with poverty. That means that there is a chance for terrorists to use the region as a safe haven.
The question now becomes what can the US do? Ambassador Bolton has stated that the Government is violating international agreements regarding the border and has intensified efforts to find a compromise. US Undersecretary of State for Africa Frazier has called upon Addis Ababa to open up the jails and let those opposition supporters out or have them face trial in a free and fair manner.
These actions are being undertaken to show that Washington is paying attention. But it doesn’t want to alienate a crucial ally in a region that at the very least is a bomb waiting for someone to ignite the fuse. This is not a good position for anyone involved.
The author comments on US Policy in Africa and the struggle for Human Rights there. He can be contacted via the following address scott_morgan_23220@yahoo.com
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