Foreign Policy published on 10 November 2021 a commentary titled "Why Ethiopia Should Trust the West" by Seifudein Adem, Doshisha University in Japan.
The author concludes that it appears Ethiopia is reaching a stage where it cannot save itself and only the West has the willingness and capacity to rescue the Ethiopian state from devouring its own citizens--and eventually itself. US efforts to help Ethiopia have led to anti-Americanism in Ethiopia that is not ideological and is, therefore, a short-term phenomenon. It is connected with what the United States is perceived to be doing rather than what the United States is. At such a perilous moment, it is important for ordinary Ethiopians to understand why they should trust the West.
The underlying frame of reference of the conflict in Tigray region is the contrasting visions of two groups--Amhara and Tigrayan elites--about the future direction of Ethiopia. Tigrayan elites want to keep ethnic federalism while Amhara elites want to abolish ethnic federalism because it undermines Ethiopia's unity.
Ethiopia's Western friends can help the country as it tries to heal itself. If Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wants to keep Ethiopia together, he will be better off embracing Western efforts rather than shunning them.
Comment: A great deal of ink has been spilled in recent months on the humanitarian crisis and civil war in Ethiopia. The comments by Seifudein Adem are among the most rational and constructive that I have seen.
