By: Dibaba Regasa

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Recently, Ethiopians in the Diaspora and local opposition leaders have been engaged in interaction regarding the next US administration’s policy towards Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular. The opposition believes that unlike Bush who sees relations with Ethiopia solely on narrow security issue, Democrats will not be soft on Ethiopia because they will also give a priority for democracy, human rights and good governance. According to the opposition, the EPRDF is worried about its relations with the democrats given the two houses in the congress plus the executive are now in the hands of Democrats. They are certain that the EPRDF will have a tough time ahead. Some opposition members in the US who supported Obama during the campaign are now lobbying in the Obama camp to create wedge between the EPRDF and the incoming administration. This is normal but a futile attempt.

The opposition should understand that the fundamentals of US foreign policy do not usually change with the change in government. Look at history. During the 17 years of EPRDF’s rule, Bush senior, Clinton and Bush junior were in the White House. Eventhough the three Democrat and republican administrations use different approaches when dealing with the EPRDF, the fundamentals did not change. All you have to ask is “what is the national interest of the US?” The three administration’s common national interest was to have a stable Ethiopia, an aspiring democracy, a responsible government, and a peace anchor in the region (the Horn is a tough neighborhood). They strongly believe that the EPRDF with all its shortcomings is a party that have accomplished those and is a party they can deal with. According to the three US presidents and the US power establishment, EPRDF does not hurt the national interest of the US. Obama advisors know it very well. Period.

The exaggerations, lies and fabrications by extremist opposition in the US about the conduct of EPRDF can not change US foreign policy towards Ethiopia what so ever. The approach may change because various interest groups will day and night bombard the Obama administration with petitions and demonstrations. Nothing more. A giant country’s foreign policy can not be drastically changed because few extremists paint a bleak picture on Ethiopia. The good professors should know better. That is the ABC of US foreign policy.

The information I have is that the EPRDF is not worried about Obama’s foreign policy. It is in fact to the contrary. The reasons are clear for everyone to see. For the survival of Ethiopia (not for the sake of the US or others), the EPRDF is trying to democratize Ethiopia, even though it has a long way to go. Because of this, EPRDF and Obama will be happy to work together. Within the tough neighborhood, Ethiopia is an anchor of peace trying to resolve all issues peacefully to make the Horn a tranquil place. The democrats know it and are happy to work with the EPRDF. With a long history and large population, Ethiopia is considered by the US to be a vital country in the Horn. The EPRDF with all its shortcomings is considered to be a true partner in global issues.

By the way, Obama’s election is a historic one in all dimensions. The World is extremely upbeat. While all countries in the world are trying to work together with Obama, why should the extreme opposition go the other direction and work hard to create animosity between the new administration and EPRDF? So strange. The extremist diaspora should follow Obama’s motto of “Change”. While everyone is talking about change, the opposition is stagnant. Please do not spoil this historic election.

Infact, the opposition should be the one that should be worried about this tsunami change in the US. No more rooms for hatred, division, confrontation and racism. Obama’s era is for unity, forgiveness, reconciliation and engagement. Let all of us change for the better and be part of this monumental history. Let all of us work hard to strengthen the US-Ethiopia relations.

Dibaba Regasa