Former U.S. envoy alarmed by violence and hate speech in Ethiopia

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Four former U.S. ambassadors to Ethiopia have written a joint letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressing concern about conflict in the country’s northern Tigray region, rising ethnic tensions and the presence of Eritrean troops.

The letter, published in Ethiopia’s The Reporter newspaper, echoes points made by U.S. officials in the past. But the ambassadors struck a more blunt tone than Washington’s public approach to its ally Ethiopia during the administration of former President Donald Trump.

“We have watched the conflict in Tigray with deep concern,” wrote diplomats David Shinn, Aurelia Brazier, Vicki Huddleston and Patricia Haslach.

“We are also concerned about the reported presence of Eritrean troops in Tigray, which could jeopardize Ethiopia’s territorial integrity… We are concerned about festering ethnic tensions across the country, reflected in the proliferation of hate speech and increasing ethnic and religious violence.”Abiy’s federal forces drove the former local ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), out of the regional capital of Mekelle in November, but skirmishing continues and humanitarian needs are dire.

Thousands have died, hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes, and more than 5 million people in the region face shortages of food, water and medicine. Aid agencies are having a hard time getting help.

Abiy’s spokesman, Biren Seyoum, did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment on the ambassador’s letter. Abiy and other officials have from the outset accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front of attacking military bases in Tigray and provoking the conflict, denying any ethnic motivation and saying they are rushing aid to the region as quickly as possible.

Both Ethiopia and Eritrea deny Eritrean troops are involved in the conflict, despite dozens of witnesses, diplomats and an Ethiopian general reporting their involvement.

The letter added: “Mr Prime Minister, we hope that your government will ensure the protection of civilians, independent investigations into human rights violations and unrestricted access to the disaster areas for the United Nations and other relief agencies.”

Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen met with EU envoys on Wednesday to tell them that supplies were being delivered to Tigrayans in 92 centers and that human rights violations would be investigated, his office said.