US envoy to Ethiopia under pressure over 'controversial' speech

ADDIS ABABA - The United States envoy to Ethiopia has been criticized over a speech targeting the internal affairs of the country, with Addis Ababa accusing him of trying to 'infringe' its domestic issues contrary to international laws.

In a letter, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs termed Ambassador Ervin Massinga as “ill-advised” and containing “uninformed assertions.” The US has been following up security struggles within the Horn of Africa region.

According to Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, the groups 'defended' by the ambassador “bent on overthrowing the elected Government by force.” Ethiopia has been battling internal conflicts, leading to the death of several people in recent months.

The Ministry further said it will work with the embassy of the US in Addis Ababa to “correct factual errors and inconsistencies in the statement” made by the Ambassador. The US is a major security and development partner of Ethiopia.

US Ambassador Ervin J. Massinga called for dialogue to resolve the conflict between the Ethiopian government and Amhara Fano rebels. “There will be no quick wins in the battlefield on any side in Ethiopia,” he said.

“Dragging out the conflict in hopes of achieving one only brings more hurt and suffering to the Ethiopian people with no real result. This is why the time for dialogue is now.”

“To those fighting in Amhara, to those that call themselves the Fano, please know that your rejection of dialogue does not serve you well,” he added.

Meanwhile, Massinga appealed to the Oromo rebels to continue efforts to have talks with the government, the Voice of America reports.

“Let me be direct. To those in Oromia, the OLA, you made a genuine effort to reach a deal at the negotiating table in Dar es Salaam. Don’t give up,” he said in his controversial speech, which comes at a time when Ethiopia is struggling with domestic affairs.

GAROWE ONLINE