EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you very very much, Obama!
By Peter Heinlein | VOA
The Obama administration is signaling its intention to keep Ethiopia as a key strategic partner, despite concerns about the country’s slide toward authoritarianism. The United States is seeking to expand development assistance to the Ethiopian government.
Deputy Secretary of State Jacob Lew is making his first trip to East Africa at a time of increasing regional instability.
The United States last week announced it had sent a $10-million shipment of weapons to help shore up the besieged government of Somalia, while accusing neighboring Eritrea of being behind violence aimed at undermining the Somali peace process.
Regional power Ethiopia sent troops in 2006 to prop up the fragile government in Mogadishu, but pulled them out earlier this year, and has expressed a reluctance to return without strong backing from the international community.
Secretary Lew’s stop in Addis Ababa included an hour-long talk with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. Afterward, he told reporters the United States sees Ethiopia as an important strategic ally.
“The deep relationship between the United States and Ethiopia is based on a number of shared values, shared concerns,” said Lew. “The strategic relationship remains a very important one, and we value it. I think it is mutually valued by the government of Ethiopia and the government of the United States.”
“So I think we look to a future where we will be able to continue to work together not on just fighting common forces in the world that we think are a threat to each of us, but on a broader agenda where we can make a lasting difference in the quality of life in the life of the Ethiopian people, and by analogy people in many other countries to which we provide foreign assistance,” he added.
The United States last year gave more than $1 billion in aid to Ethiopia, most of it in emergency food assistance, and practically all the rest in programs to fight HIV/AIDS and Malaria. Lew says the Obama administration is looking to broaden the program to include development aid.
“The form assistance that has become the predominant form of assistance is provision of emergency food supplies,” he said. “We think there need to be increased resources available and an increased share of resources going into sustainable development.”
While maintaining the deep bilateral relationship, Secretary Lew says the Obama administration is worried about what is seen as a “closing of political space” in Ethiopia since the controversial 2005 elections. During his talk with Prime Minister Meles, Lew says he made a point of raising the issue of imprisoned Ethiopian opposition leader Birtukan Mideksa.
“I reinforced our concern that the matter be resolved quickly and finally,” he said.
Lew says he also expressed concern about two laws recently passed by Ethiopia’s parliament, one restricting activities of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations, the other limiting press freedom.
“The concerns we raised were the issues of openness that relate to NGOs and freedom of expression remain concerns to us,” he said. “We made that point clear again.”
Lew said his discussions with Prime Minister Meles also touched on a proposed new anti-terrorism law. The group Human Rights Watch issued a statement Tuesday saying the draft law could define criticism of the government as a “terrorist act” and be used to crack down on the opposition.
21 thoughts on “US looks to expand development aid to Ethiopia’s dictatorship”
what do u expect i regret voting for Obama now i hope the US government listen to the misery of our people by this tribal junta woyane so lets not ask any one to free Ethiopia except on power on determination and sacrifice.God bless Ethiopia and EPPF
It looks like Clinton has a lot to do with this; if I am not mistaken I remember reading about woyanes twenty million dollar contribution to Clinton’s presidential campaign.
How can Obama be against the killer of innocent Iranian—Dictator Ahmadinejad and then be on the side of the killer of innocent Ethiopians—Dictator Meles? Does it mean Obama administration see Ethiopian citizens are worthless than Iranian citizens? I am very disappointed and upset, unless Obama recognizes the sufferings of our poor Ethiopians under Meles’s regime; he will not get my vote in 2012. I guess, I will be voting for a republican for the first time in the next election.
I would like to say something for fellow ethiopians.
Everebody must know that america is not a friend of ethiopia at any time because USA always stands against ethiopian read history there is no time they honestly help us. In ethiopia more than 200 students killed by woyane and blessed by us and the so called western countries. when 18 people killed in Iran they start to cry and talking about Democracy what a fake.
So,why the so called ethiopian diasepora beging our biggest enemy for our problem to be solved.Don’t be fool,rather unite and try to find the way to avoid melese.
i hope we will kill him by any meanse.
Well, if truth be told, ER helped Obama win presidency, so may be we should say “thank you very very much, Ethiopian Review”! You should have known better given the history of America. Both Obama and Mccain are defenders of the interests of US imperialism. Do you really think Obama cares about democracy in Ethiopia? Do you really think Obama has plans to help the Ethiopian people overthrow the leading puppet regime of U.S. imperialism in the Horn of Africa? I mean, what planet do you live on??? If Ethiopian-Americans want to free Ethiopia from the shackles of imperialism and neolonialism, then they should vote for people like Ron Paul or Nader.
I have no problem if the Obama administration provides aid that will be put to use in developing the country. Eisenhower gave substantial aid to Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. Go back and try to find out the conditions of those countries both economically and politically. They were all destitute and run by dictators. I mean brutal dictators. In Taiwan for example, the Chiang Kai-shek regime was so brutal that he even outlawed the language of the indigenous Taiwanese. If someone is caught speaking the indigenous Taiwanese language, he/she will be forced to wear a neckwear that said ‘I am a dog’, or something to that effect. If you mutter a complaint about the regime, you are gone in a heart beat. But USA was pressing the regimes to develop their countries despite of all the tyrants there. And decades later, look at these countries now. The despots are almost gone and the standard of living in countries like Taiwan and Singapore do even excel those in most European countries. That is why I support any economic aid going to Ethiopia. Sooner or later the Diablo’s will be gone. They may go away richer. Well that was what happened when Chiang Kai-shek’s family left Taiwan. It was told that when his wife and his main cohorts left Taiwan, it took at least 20 forty foot container to bring her belonging alone to New York. But it became good riddance for the people left behind. They have left well developed nation behind when they left. Hold backs and sanctions to countries such as ours is not beneficial. Please don’t vilify me for believing in this and don’t you dare call me pro-Diablo. I will be very, very upset.
I really do not believe Obama is running this United States on his own power. It seems to me the old “Cut and paste” crowds that surrond him seem to be in full control of this dangerous sole Superpower. It is scary!
What do we expect from America, they have never doing good politics towards third world… and to Ethiopia? I am sad that i had big expectation from Obama administration to see through the Ethiopians political misery and help the ethiopian people.
the outside of obama might be covered by choclate, but once the choclate is licked, u can see the true color of obama, which is plain white, just like bush.
he is rolling the same policies of bush and america. america has always considered ethiopia important to their interest, because of her location, geography, and resources. now america is always going to need a puppet in ethiopia who will serve her interest, for example the so called”war on terror” where weyane sent ethiopian sons into somalia to please its master U.S. weyane is the number1 recipient of U.S.A.I.D., but nothing has changed 4 the ethiopian people, because all the money is going into there pockets. i conclude by saying, there is no point waiting for america or the west to save us, we need to do this on our own, we need to bring all oppositions together and form one united ethiopian force that, will make the demise of this tribal junta very quick.
We are against tyranny but not development. Economic development lays the foundation of “Democracy”. Development assistance targeted for genuine objective must be encouraged.
all Ethiopians should take this matter in their hands instead of expecting the US to sort out woyane dictatorship problem . by supporting Eppf and G7 we can free our people from this apartaide system.
I do not know how the Ethiopians think. How in GOD’s name do you expect USA will help you overthrow the Woyane regime? Whether you vote for Obama or Osama won’t bring any changes in Ethiopia. You have to give your vote and support (morally and if possible personally) to any freedom fighters inside your country. That’s the only solution you have. Period.
Elias,
Well educated smart Ethiopians from different ethnic groups need to come up with a well written letter that includes pictures of dead Ethiopians and let all Ethiopians sign it and send it to Obama directly. I read sometime ago that Meles has been telling the world leaders that all the people protesting against him around the world are only angry Amharas who ruled Ethiopia for generation and it seems that he has influenced them. Let Obama see how many votes he is going to loose if he supports Meles. It is disheartening to see the killer of many Ethiopians-Meles is spending Ethiopian tax payers’ money to buy all kinds of lobbyists to influence Obama administration. I wonder if those Ethiopians who work at the white house for Obama are Woyanes—I pray to God they are not!!
You—the well educated elite Ethiopians from all over the world have a moral responsibility not to put things behind you. You have the expertise, the knowledge the wisdom to use your pen to fight the killer of our people till the end.
It is no wonder that USA needs a partner in the region. They do not want to loose Ethiopia no matter how the government unfavorable for its citizen wouLd be. Some of have not read the foreign policy of America. It is anchored in its constitution. State department can not violate its own constitution. We want a change of government. But we are not agreed about how all those different parties and political groups come together. Group A is against Group, Group B is against Group C, and Group A is automatically against Group D. So is the going of Ethiopian politics. It is a pity. In principle I do not agree if a foreign nation interferes in the internal affair of another nation. It is its people that should determine the kind of government to setup. We have to refrain from “Ashker mentality”. That is; we should not let others to decide over our destiny. The inability of Ethiopian “opposition forces” to unite and let Woyane 18 years of domination is by itself a sign of weakness. Genuine Opposition forces love their own people and fight for a common cause. But today’s generation wants blessing from foreign country in order to build its nation. This shows how we are sunk deep into a ditch. Under such circumstances no body will cooperate with the so called “Opposition forces” since they are incapable of presenting concrete philosophy of running the country. Until now there has been no single political party that declares and shows its readiness to lead the country. So are we in a hurry to point our finger to foreign country? Is it Ethiopianism? Is it the whole pride of Ethiopian talking 3000 years of patriotism and anti-colonialism. Shame on us!
People of the thrid world, specially Ethiopians should not expect any thing from countris like us. They have always told us they are after their interst. Their propaganda machinery always preaches democracy but when it comes to their advantage democray will have numerous definitions that also include dictators and fascists. In Iran the death of a dozen people brought right out condemnation and barrage of propagana where as the death of hundres of people by Zenawi and his clique did not mean much as long as Zenawi is yes man to us he can kill as many Ethiopians as he could. The misguided policy of Madam Clinton, smeared with elction favouratism is and will play a big roll in shaping us policy to Ethiopia. We should be ready to challenge her every way of the step and appeal to the people of us rather than the double mouthed adminstration in
the white house.
Ethiopians shouldn’t be surprised by the Obama administration helping Woyanne, what did you expect? The US has permanent interests, not permanent friends or enemies. The US foreign policy establishment is run by entrenched interest groups who set US foreign policy in the long run.
The best way to respond to this action is to organize and support the genuine forces of change in Ethiopia and then force the hands of foreign powers to deal with an opposition who has real power inside Ethiopia. Foreign powers only respect those who have power in a given country. Now the only political force inside Ethiopia with real power is Woyanne and they are a perfect tool for foreign influence because they don’t have popular support. Foreign powers need and want unpopular regimes who will let them advance their foreign policy objectives.
The Ethiopian opposition forces should take this as a learning experience and strengthen their unity to fight this regime, then they can deal with foreign powers from the stand point of power. Trust me my Ethiopian brothers and sisters, the only way to realize true freedom is through your own sweat and blood, true freedom doesn’t come from the negotiating table but by organizing and uniting your people for a noble cause. This phase will pass but it will require hard work, patience and above all knowing who your true friends and enemies are.
if you need to get rid of woyane you must fight the real fight.
I contributed, voted, excited, prayed, took a day off and drove to DC in that cold memorable day, I stood among the millions cheering, trying to decipher every word uttered by Obama, “Know that, those who rule by deceit and corruption, your days are over. If you unclench your fist the US will extend an open hand.” That was what every one in all the corners of the world wanted to hear. Hope, Change, Democracy, was it a hot air coming out of the capitol in that 20 degree weather?
My fellow compatriots,
In the name of the God father almighty peace be upon all Ethiopians in the name of Jesus, giver of life and destroyer of death & In the name of our mother Zion who is also called Ethiopia.
why are we relying on mortal beings rather than giving everything to God to help us and make our effort with faith.
do we know that to rely on human beings is a general curse which has its own consequence.If anybody has to rely, he must count on the most high God who is a warrior king.
God is giving us a very good message here my dear countrymen, he is saying stop relying on human beings but come to me to your father & whatever your burden I will bear it and set you free.
Now it has become apparent morethan ever that we must come together and prepare ourselves spiritually then start the exodus. the only solution is the exodus towards the promised land.
just Imagine everybody morethan a million people making exodus from all over the world towards Zion? the Israelites were 600,000 but now we are I think close to 2 million. It will have a big consequence in the world political as well as economical situation.
we need to rely on the almighty lord God of Sabaoth, the protector and the redeemer, the giver & comfortor, the fashionor & the all loving, the light & the truth.
With God only we can do great things! we rely only on God! it is his fight, we are not supposed to hold any weapon, we will sing while he make our foes come to under our feet.
Arise! Al Al Al! Arise El-shaddi of truth! Arise Adonai of light! the all merciful Jesus Christ the giver of life & the destroyer of death, you are our protector, you are our shield, your name is our sword by which we will smash our enemies.
Arise! your the merciful messaih! for how long does our enemies say that, there is no help for them, show them you are the warrior king.
Ethiopia have faith and get united with Love, its when we love eachother that God will help us.we need to start the preparation for the exodus.
God bless Ethiopia & its beloved people.
In the absence of effectiveness and lack of unity among oppositions the US can gain nothing by ignoring Woyane. It doesn’t make sense to criticise US, while we have failed to do our homework. US can only stand with us if we are able to stand together first. We should be able to present ourselves as effective alternatives for what ever objective US wants to achieve in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
God Bless Ethiopia
Supporting the brutal dictatorhip in Ethiopia will only prolong the suffering of the Ethiopian, Somali and Eritrean peoples. In the end, however, the Ethiopian people will get rid of the Woyanes!and will not forgive those that contributed to the regime.
America is/will never be your friend unless you decide to kick out American Embassy by any means from Addis. If you do that, you are human being and Obama can recognize you as a nation other than that, Beggar can not be recognized. Remember we are begging them not only bread but freedom too. We have to change this and stand for our selves.