Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia

Floor Speech

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Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 128, Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia, and I want to thank our committee chair, Mr. Smith, for his many years of effort in this direction.

The resolution calls on the government of Ethiopia to take clear, decisive steps towards becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and more respectful of the basic human rights of its citizens.

Ethiopia is an important partner of the U.S. in many arenas, including regional security, especially through its contributions to international peacekeeping.

Over the past few years, Ethiopia has made significant strides in addressing poverty and expanding economic development. The country has also addressed significant challenges in global health and food security. These are extremely important gains.

We are here today, however, because the country continues to have a way to go, especially in the arenas of inclusive governance and respect for human rights.

Since November 2015, there have been ongoing protests in Ethiopia's largest region of Oromia. These protests expanded to the Amhara region in August 2016. In response, security forces have used live ammunition to disperse largely peaceful protests, killing hundreds and arresting tens of thousands.

Activists, journalists, and others have also faced repeated arrests.

The Ethiopian Government has responded by imposing a state of emergency that included curfews and restrictions on the assembly, expression, and movement of its citizens. Meanwhile, earlier this year, the government began releasing prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists, and protesters. The government also focused on an infamous detention center. Of course, this is a step in the right direction.

We are also encouraged by the recent transfer of power. The new prime minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, recently delivered a speech where he highlighted that the government plans to address unity and national reconciliation as well as good governance based on the rule of law. It also seeks to crack down on corruption.

Again, this is encouraging and it could be an important turning point for the country that could provide an opportunity to widen the political space, but what remains concerning, however, is that Ethiopia is still under a state of emergency, and just last month, the defense minister announced the arrest of a number of individuals who they say were linked to protests.

We encourage the Government of Ethiopia to keep the positive momentum going by lifting the state of emergency, ensuring freedom of expression and assembly, and opening up democratic space.

The current challenges facing Ethiopia are best addressed through inclusive discourse and political processes rather than through the imposition of restrictions.

Mr. Speaker, I therefore encourage Members to vote in favor of this resolution that supports respect for human rights and encourages inclusive governance in Ethiopia.

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