U.S. Embassy Statement on the Ethiopian Government’s
Declared State of Emergency
We strongly disagree with the Ethiopian government’s
decision to impose a state of emergency that includes restrictions on
fundamental rights such as assembly and expression.
We recognize and share concerns expressed by the government
about incidents of violence and loss of life, but firmly believe that the
answer is greater freedom, not less.
The challenges facing Ethiopia, whether to democratic
reform, economic growth, or lasting stability, are best addressed through
inclusive discourse and political processes, rather than through the imposition
of restrictions.
The declaration of a state of emergency undermines recent
positive steps toward creating a more inclusive political space, including the
release of thousands of prisoners. Restrictions on the ability of the Ethiopian
people to express themselves peacefully sends a message that they are not being
heard.
We strongly urge the government to rethink this approach and
identify other means to protect lives and property while preserving, and indeed
expanding, the space for meaningful dialogue and political participation that
can pave the way to a lasting democracy.