The South China Morning Post published on 17 December 2023 an article titled "China Tests Diplomatic Prowess in Ethiopia as It Rebuilds after Tigray War" by Jevans Nyabiage.
The war in Ethiopia's Tigray Region, where Chinese companies were involved in several large construction and manufacturing projects, was a setback for Chinese engagement in the country. Now that the war is over, China hopes to resume its projects in Tigray and expand its influence throughout the country.
Ethiopia Insight published on 29 March 2023 a commentary titled "Ethiopian Government and the Oromo Liberation Army Edge Towards Talks" by Ermias Tasfaye, Ethiopia Insight reporter based in Oromia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that a committee has been formed to negotiate with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which has been seeking autonomy for Oromia. The OLA left open the possibility of internationally-mediated peace talks.
The Associated Press published on 16 March 2023 an article titled "Blinken Says Ethiopia Must Do More on Tigray Peace Deal."
During his visit to Addis Ababa, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Ethiopia needs to make more progress implementing the peace agreement with Tigray Region before the United States is willing to restore eligibility for Africa Growth and Opportunity Act benefits. The issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was also discussed.
Reuters published on 15 March 2023 an article titled "Ethiopia, U.S. Agree to Strengthen Ties, Says Ethiopian PM Abiy" by Daphne Psaledakis.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Addis Ababa. The United States and Ethiopia have reportedly agreed to strengthen relations, although no details have been announced.
The US State Department held on 15 November 2022 a briefing on the peace process in Ethiopia.
Among the points made in this wide ranging briefing is that there was a clear understanding Eritrean Defense Forces and non-ENDF forces are to withdraw from Tigray Region. There was a commitment to human rights accountability. Unhindered and sustained humanitarian access must continue in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar Regions. The US will do everything possible to support both sides of the conflict to implement the African Union-led peace process.
Agence France Presse published on 31 July 2022 an article titled "US Envoy Urges Progress on Ethiopia Peace Talks, Aid."
US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa recently visited Ethiopia where he urged the central government and Tigrayans to move forward with the peace process. He also discussed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen.
The Voice of America published on 28 July 2022 an article titled "Lavrov Lashes Out at West on Africa Tour" by Fred Harter.
As Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov tried to shift blame for Africa's grain shortages to Western sanctions because of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the US announced a $488 million drought relief package for Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Insight published on 20 July 2022 a commentary titled "After Twenty Months of Devastation, the Time for Negotiation Has Come" by Kallu Messay.
The central government and the TPLF have an obligation to commit to peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ethiopia, which the author says is "ripe" for settlement. It is also essential to neutralize the spoilers on both sides.
The International Crisis Group published on 4 July 2022 a commentary titled "At Long Last, Ethiopia Prepares for Peace Talks" by William Davison.
Following 6 months of relative peace in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on 14 June plans for a peace process. Both the central government and the Tigrayans have apparently concluded that peace talks are preferable to continued conflict. The author surveys the obstacles to successful negotiations.
Xinhua published on 26 August 2021 an article titled "China to Strengthen Ties with Ethiopia, Further Vitalize China-Africa Cooperation: FM."
China and Ethiopia agreed to increase their strategic partnership in a phone call between Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They also opposed "Western interference in other countries' internal affairs under the excuse of human rights."
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.
