MWE Correspondent
Ethiopia is grappling with significant human rights concerns and escalating regional tensions, as highlighted in the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 report.
The report details widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and reports of torture, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions, despite the expiration of the state of emergency.
In the Amhara region, the Merawi massacre stands out as a tragic example. Between January 29 and 30, 2024, Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) troops reportedly killed between 50 and 100 civilians in retaliation for an attack by the Fano militia. Survivors described the incident as an act of revenge, with the ENDF determined to punish the town’s residents.
The report also highlights challenges faced by journalists and artists, who continue to experience harassment and intimidation. Families of the disappeared remain in limbo, awaiting answers about the fate of their loved ones.
Amid these internal challenges, Ethiopia’s foreign policy has stirred regional tensions. In January 2024, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to a 19-kilometer stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Aden. In return, Ethiopia was expected to recognize Somaliland’s independence, a move not internationally accepted.
Also Read; Trump Eases Rocket Launch Rules, Boosts Space Industry
This agreement led to a diplomatic rift with Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory. Somalia recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa and threatened to expel Ethiopian troops participating in peacekeeping efforts against the al-Shabaab militant group. Turkey mediated the situation, resulting in the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, where Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to restore diplomatic relations.
Simultaneously, Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), completed in 2023, has heightened tensions with Egypt. Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile River for its water supply, has expressed concerns over the dam’s potential impact on its water security. The U.S. Department of State report notes that Ethiopia’s unilateral actions regarding the GERD have contributed to regional instability.
