By Ken Silverstein
Harper’s Magazine
July 25, 2007
There have been a series of accounts out of Ethiopia recently that describe a nasty situation there, including a Human Rights Watch report earlier this month that said the Ethiopian military had “forcibly displaced thousands of civilians in the country’s eastern Somali . . . while escalating its campaign against a separatist insurgency movement.” Government troops were “destroying villages and property, confiscating livestock, and forcing civilians to relocate,” according to Peter Takirambudde, Africa director of Human Rights Watch. “Whatever the military strategy behind them, these abuses violate the laws of war.” Eyewitness accounts offered to Human Rights Watch said Ethiopian troops had been “burning homes and property, including the recent harvest and other food stocks intended for the civilian population, confiscating livestock and, in a few cases, firing upon and killing fleeing civilians.”
Despite that record, the Bush Administration views Ethiopia as an important counterterrorism ally, especially given Ethiopia’s recent involvement in Somalia, and annually provides the regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi with hundreds of millions of dollars in aid. But some in Congress have grown weary of abuses committed by Zenawi’s government. Earlier this month a House subcommittee passed a bill that would limit American aid to Ethiopia and ban government officials linked to human rights abuses from coming to the United States. In the Senate, Patrick Leahy of Vermont is seeking passage of a measure that would review some of the military assistance that is being provided.
But two congressmen-turned-lobbyists — former House Majority Leaders Richard Armey, the Republican from Texas, and Missouri Democrat Richard Gephardt — are working hard to block full congressional action against the Zenawi regime. The duo work with the firm of DLA Piper, which federal disclosure records show is being paid at least $50,000 per month by the Ethiopian government for “strategic advice and counsel.”
In 2006, the House International Relations Committee approved the Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act, which criticized the government for its human rights record, called for it to free jailed opposition leaders and restricted security assistance. But the full House never voted on the bill. Two sources that follow the issue — one a former Hill staffer and the other a lobbyist on African affairs–tell me that Armey twisted the arm of then — House Speaker Denny Hastert to ensure that it didn’t come up for a vote. “Armey has a lot of influence over there,” the former Hill staffer said. “A lot of people in the GOP leadership owe their positions to him.”
Armey has no pull with the new Democratic leadership so now Gephardt has apparently been called on to block full passage of this year’s version of the bill. Gephardt, incidentally, also lobbies for the government of Turkey (another Piper client to the tune of $100,000 per month), as was recently detailed in a terrific New Republic piece in which author Michael Crowley wrote about Gephardt’s efforts to stop Congress from declaring as genocide the Turkish massacre of Armenians during the early twentieth century:
A few years ago, [Gephardt] was a working-class populist who cast himself as a tribune of the underdog–including the Armenians. Back in 1998, Gephardt attended a memorial event hosted by the Armenian National Committee of America at which, according to a spokeswoman for the group, “he spoke about the importance of recognizing the genocide.” Two years later, Gephardt was one of three House Democrats who co-signed a letter to then House Speaker Dennis Hastert urging Hastert to schedule an immediate vote on a genocide resolution. “We implore you,” the letter read, arguing that Armenian-Americans “have waited long enough for Congress to recognize the horrible genocide.” Today, few people are doing more than Gephardt to ensure that the genocide bill goes nowhere. It’s one thing to flip-flop on, say, tax cuts or asbestos reform. But, when it comes to genocide, you would hope for high principle to carry the day.
Piper’s lobbyists have been working the “war on terrorism” angle hard, arguing that even a hand-slap of Ethiopia for human rights abuses will jeopardize its support in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. (And we all know what a smashingly successful collaboration that’s been.)
I called Armey and Gephardt but never heard back from them. Piper did, however, send me a statement which said:
The U.S. first established diplomatic relations with Ethiopia more than a century ago and Ethiopia remains a close ally today, particularly in the global war against terrorism. It is crucial for the United States to have friends and allies in the strategically important Horn of Africa region who are committed to democracy, stability and moderation. The firm is assisting Ethiopia in strengthening bilateral relations with the U.S., including increasing humanitarian, economic and development assistance, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and enhancing relationships with financial, academic and public policy institutions.
I had heard that former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell of Maine, Chairman of the Global Board of Piper and Co-Chair of its Government Controversies Practice Group, was also working on the account. The firm’s statement said that Mitchell “has never lobbied or done legal work on behalf of Ethiopia in connection with DLA Piper’s representation.” However, Piper declined to say whether Mitchell had played a role in winning the Ethiopia deal or whether he was offering strategic advice or playing some other role in the contract.
21 thoughts on “Ex-U.S. Congressional Heavyweights Blocking Action Against Ethiopia”
I would not be surprised a republican stand side by side with dictators like Dick Armey(former Speaker of the house). Richard Gephardt, the congressman who stood for working class, for better environment, democarcy turned to become a corporate whore. I adored, respected Congressman Gephardt when he was in congress. I guess it is all about Benjamin. I always do believe that when it comes to foreign policy, both parties are the same(it does not matter whether republican or democrat). We at diaspora have to play with both parties to get what we want. That is the game of politics. We’ve come along so far we can not go backward. The bill has to be on the floor for vote. We shall prevail.
World Bank is using its sharp weapon (money) to play with the lives of millions of people from poor African countries.
Dictators like Melese Zenawi doesn’t care paying millions of dollars out to fat capitalists if it save them the day. After all it is not their money – the money they are burning is loaned to the Ethiopian people.
$50,000 per month from a poor country to a fat Capitalist – to play with life and freedom of poor people is heart breaking.
Is US looking the rest of they world to accept the type of democracy they are exercising including constituently allowing the lobbying system to hijack the democratic system to benefit the one with money at the expense of the other with less or not at all? The answer is No.
It is immoral and difficult to believe and understand high level US politicians, lawyers and the likes are engaging with this kind evil behaviour just for money coming from poor Africans. The one who is working for criminal and evil as meles and his groups with exchange of stolen money from poor people is himself a criminal and an evil. I wish the money he is getting this way to become his curse.
This kind of behaviour by some immoral individuals who are unable to compute and get their own money in legal ways instead lobbying for third world criminal so called leaders is affecting the US short and as well as long-term interest in the world. Money people love US. But the kind of behaviour we are reading here about some weak and defeated politicians, lawyers and the likes is giving the sense of disrespect and undermined the great nation, such as US.
I hope the administration would consider this kind behaviour as a crime against the poor people mainly the Africans (in this case Ethiopians) as criminal, dictatorial, brutal and incompetent Africans so called leaders are using the lobbying behaviour which is buying rights and freedom from the west with poor people money to affect the poor people back home for their luxury life.
Ok, guys now we know that we’re up against these powerful lobbysits. And they’re powerful, do not for one second underestimate these well paid lobbysits.
The question now is what do we do?
There are plenty of Ethiopians in the US that if informed and organized will contribute enough money to offset the difference. I know that there are some Ethiopians in Washington DC lobbying on our part and they need support. I for one pledge to do so. In this country, money will buy you just about everything.
We can also organize a wave of mass demonstrations until the bill passes. Demos have to be held infront of the US capitol(there is an August recess for Congress) as well as whereever this DL Piper lobbying company is located at. I am under no illusion that DL Piper might listen to our cry; I just want to embarrass them in the front pages of the major news papers. We need to expose Dick Armey and Richard Gephardt and show the country the hippocrats that they are.
This bill helped to have our leaders released. I can only imagine what more can be accomplished if it passes the House. Power to the People
It is shame to see’lobbysts’, from a country which is an IDOL OF DEMOCRACY, serve the interests of “leaders” that are unfavored by their own people and bad records. The concerted action of heroic Congressmen and Women together with genuine Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia will continue for the passage of H.R. 2003!
It is very hard to believe the news about the involvent R. Gephardt in to a criminal act dictators.Gephardt was always talking about his poor family and he stands for poors. If the news is true, then R.Gephardt is oposing him self by standing for criminal dictators. He was telling us that he always stragls for the better life of poors. But our dictator crminal is said to pay $50000 monthly for his defenders. The money is coming from the poorest of the world country men,Ethiopia. Does this show what Gephrdt tells. It is shameful!!
Thanks Alemmiss. I agree with you that we have to join forces and protest at the Capitol, and expose DLA Piper at every opportunity in its embrassing role of sucking the blood of millions of poor Ethiopians, at $50,000 a month. We recently have given lesson to Starbucks through a concerted effort and hard work, and they listened. I have no doubts we can do the same with DLA Piper, through startegic partners such as Human Rights Watch, and the US and global media. Let’s get on with it….
Though there is no convincing evidence of the $ 50,000 a month,but so what? It was not normal if Ethiopian govt was doing nothing when some irresponsible “ethiopians” are trying to boycott aid to poor Ethiopians.
The HR chief coordinator, Pro Al, blamed the mid-term election in the US and know he want to blame DLA Piper for not succeeding on his project. Looser.
I live in washington area and volunter to demonstrate infront of those lobysts office. Lets embarass them by showing their clients work to the world.
We have to act quick and in massive way.
Democracy for Ethiopian people.
Democracy is the right way to fight terrorism. Dictators are the main terrorist for their own people.
Again, act quick and hard
Those who are not deaf and blind have justified that Meles Zenawi regime or Woyanne in Ethiopia is cliché of terrorist. It is not only hatred against the population or regular massacre or general human rights abuse, but also a huge project of human agriculture has started a decade years ago by the coordinator and the furtive regime leader – Meles Zenawi.
It is not for fun or benefits that all concerned individuals and authority figures are denouncing this regime to step down, but fearing the worst scenario and its ultimate consequence to peaceful world population.
I am so surprised to read an article that informs the Ethiopian public like, either stop living or live under the evil and cursed Meles regime for we are collecting $50,000 a month from this regime to block the bill. I tell you, the plantation of future trouble or human agriculture, may not take time to farm lives of societies. That is why I started my statement with the word, “Deaf, and Blind”.
News Medias mostly expound the Meles effort against Somali Islamists as an ally to U.S.A in fighting terrorists. You know, deploring his troops to the front is a means to hide his evil motives until he gets the strength and defy officially. How do you trust an evil man, like Meles Zenawi?
Whether you like it or not this evil regime will leave or go for good. It is the will of His Almighty God and defiance of the Ethiopian population that will compel him to shut the drama and there by himself. God is great!
I wouldn’t worry too much about Dick Armey, since Republican aren’t the majority party in the House of Congress. However I am worried about Richard Gephardt. He was the one who picked congress woman Nancy Pelosi to replace him at a time when he was running for the presidential race in 2004. In the past the Republican leadership blocked the passage of the bill, due to Dick Armey’s interference. Who knows Congress woman Pelosi would do the same thing to this bill in order to pay back Gephart for elevating her to the highest position in the American politics.
It is a shame some former elected members of the U.S congress acted on behalf of dectetores.
Your irresponsible act is costing our country 50k per month. It is shame to see how some of my countrymen go so low to bring Ethiopia in to her knee at any costs.
Concerned says —
(On Jul 25th, 2007 at 3:15 pm)
Thanks Alemmiss. I agree with you that we have to join forces and protest at the Capitol, and expose DLA Piper at every opportunity in its embrassing role of sucking the blood of millions of poor Ethiopians, at $50,000 a month. We recently have given lesson to Starbucks through a concerted effort and hard work, and they listened. I have no doubts we can do the same with DLA Piper, through startegic partners such as Human Rights Watch, and the US and global media. Let’s get on with it….
_____________
Thank you consern!
It is great idea. We have to begi campaigning against the act of the
According to Ken Silverstein’s article in the Harper Magazine, DLA Piper (a lobbyist firm), Dick Gepherdt, and Dick Armey have joined Ethiopia’s enemies’ camp.
A sustained campaign (written, phone, peaceful demo’s, etc.) should be launched against these accomplices to the heinous crime being perpetrated against Ethiopia. DLA Piper has a website (www.dlapiper.com/)in which its addresses in various cities in USA as well as in other countries are provided. Effective, peaceful measures should be taken against them to demonstrate that the blood money they receive from the tax paid by poor Ethiopians will be worse than poison to them.
Wase
Those who wants to be against the interest of The Ethiopian people like Meles through greed lobysts
will never be succesfull. The Woyanes are cruel creatures.
Ethiopian ppl dont u know that USA go with the flow? come on ppl we accomodate usa with another torture-chamber in gambella just like guantanamo bay so u think Meles has no choice? he gots to BEND OVER like Beckham for America.Its all about UNITED SNAKES OF AMERICA
Don’t call me naive but …
Now we know that only money talks! So why don’t we collect and give these ex-congress guys what they ask –
-atleast a bit more that Woyane offers- so that they flip their sides. It has been always for money and not for moral high ground these lobbyists work. Remember Rand Corporation guys who sold Ethipia in 1991? Moral ethics etc are BSs that we hear when they talk in public other wise it is the amount of $$ that determines the safety of our people back home. Pls collect money and pay them off – thats how the system works. Othherwise Woyane can wipe 1/2 the population and what we will hear from State Department is that they are “…concerned about the situation.”
I want everyone to send an email or fax this letter to Richard Gephardt. Please feel free to correct /add/modify the gramatical error.
Richard A. Gephardt
Senior Counsel
http://www.dlapiper.com/dick_gephardt/
1200 Nineteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036-2412
United States
T: (202) 861-3900
F: (202) 223-2085
Is it all about the Money?
Dear Mr. Richard Gephardt:
After reading the article posted at http://harpers.org/archive/2007/07/hbc-90000631, I am deeply saddened and exasperated to see your name next to Richard Armey working on behalf of Meles Zenawi, the ruthless dictator who allowed 193 peaceful protesters to be gunned down in the street of Addis Ababa. I still can not comprehend why you choose to represent this despotic regime of Ethiopia. I’m pretty sure you are aware of $50,000.00 of monthly charge to DLP Piper comes from this impoverished nation by depriving its citizens of existence and to extend Meles Crime family in power.
The Amnesty international considers the current Ethiopian government as one of ruthless dictators in Africa which violates human rights. The bipartisan congressional group unanimously passed a bill, HR 2003 to promote democracy and a rule of law. The bill is not only the release of political prisoners. But it is about democratic reform, restoration of accountability and strengthening human right. The Bush administration considers Ethiopia a regional and strategic ally. The recent Ethiopian‘s army invasion of Somalia backed by the Bush Administration gives Meles a blank check to rule. This ill-conceived invasion will destabilize the horn of Africa and plunge into quagmire of problems. You may consider the Ethiopian regime as an ally with “the War on Terror”. But you are dead wrong. Those who terrorize their own people can not be reliable partner for the war on terrorism.
Eventually Meles Zenawi will be the next Sadam Hussien or Charles Taylor of Liberia. Then where do you want to be in history? The congressman Richard Gephardt of the great state of Missouri and former Majority Leader sided with the dictator of Ethiopia which massacred innocent civilians for $50,000/month.
I have always admired your courage, your fight for the rule of democracy, liberty and justice. Don’t you think Ethiopians also deserve democracy and liberty like the former Soviet satellite nations and the Balkan countries? Have you forgotten your fight for massacre of Armenian people by Turkey? Do we have to be fair skin and white (Caucasians) so in order for you to side with us?
I would like you to remember what you said. “Politics is a substitute for violence.” — at the 2004 Missouri Democratic Convention”.
Why don’t you practice what you preach? How could you support the regime which distances itself from politics, national reconciliation and chooses violence and carnage as means of survival?
Please come to our side, fight for democracy, equality and liberty. We may not afford to pay you much; at least you fight for a good cause and justice. Also please do not tarnish your legacy and name. You are too good for that.
Ethiopian-American
IF THE ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE WERE AS ACTIVE IN CONTACTING THEIR REP. OFFICE AND ESPECIALLY RICHARD GEPHARTS’…AS GOOD AS THEY ARE ABOUT POSTING ADS ON T HIS SITE, MAYBE IT WON’T BE BLOCKED!!!!
THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE!!!