The Ethiopian Press Agency published on 19 June 2021 a statement titled "The Way Forward to Ethiopia-U.S. Relations: Collaboration or Confrontation?" by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen.
The statement concludes that "what Ethiopia needs from its traditional partners such as the U.S.A. is enhanced, expanded and robust financial, technical, diplomatic, and political supports."
Comment: While there is no argument on either side of the ocean that this is what Ethiopia needs from its partners, what is missing from the otherwise constructive statement is a stronger commitment to end the humanitarian emergency in Tigray Region and for the immediate departure of Eritrean troops from Ethiopian soil. If the United States is expected to expand "financial, technical, diplomatic and political" support, Ethiopia should not be offended when the Biden administration makes what it believes to be reasonable requests.
