G-7 Statement on Ethiopia's Tigray Region; Ethiopia Tries to Pre-empt Statement

 The G-7 Summit Communique issued on 13 June 2021 contains a paragraph (no. 54) that deals with Tigray Region of Ethiopia.  It condemns ongoing atrocities, including sexual violence, calls for an immediate cease fire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces. 

Politico posted on 12 June 2021 an article titled "Ethiopia Tires to Pre-empt G7 Criticism over Tigray" by David M. Herszenhorn.

Ethiopia's deputy prime minister tried to pre-empt the G-7 statement before it was agreed upon by demanding that the G-7 "desist from these unhelpful activities."  He added "what the country needs at this critical moment is the support of friends and partners."

Sudan on the Cusp of Democratic Change

The American Interest posted on 17 May 2019 a commentary titled "Sudan on the Cusp of Democratic Change" by Larry Diamond, Stanford University, Anne Pence, African Middle Eastern Leadership Project, and Mohammed Abubaker, African Middle Eastern Leadership Project.

The authors conclude that Sudan is on a knife's edge. What happens in the coming days and weeks could shape the future of its 40 million people for years to come. It is important that the G7 countries take steps to encourage Sudan to achieve a democratic outcome.