A Changing Ethiopia: Lessons from U.S. Diplomatic Engagement

With more than 100 million people, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most important and populous countries. Recent changes in political leadership have heralded widely welcomed political and economic reforms, at home and abroad. Yet amid the positivity, Ethiopia faces notable challenges: many reforms remain transitory, the country’s broader national stability is being tested, and its internal politics disputed. Given the historically strong bilateral relationship with Ethiopia, how the United States responds and supports the transition in Ethiopia will be hugely significant for the country’s future.
During this crucial period of reform and uncertainty in Ethiopia, join the U.S. Institute of Peace to hear from a distinguished panel who will reflect on their experiences as serving diplomats in Ethiopia, and identify what lessons are relevant to engagement with Ethiopia today.
For more information about this event, visit: www.usip.org/events/changing-...
Participants:
Ambassador Johnnie Carson, opening remarks
Senior Advisor to the President, U.S. Institute of Peace
Ambassador Marc Baas
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, 1992-1994
Ambassador David Shinn
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, 1996-1999; Adjunct Professor, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University
Ambassador Aurelia Brazeal
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, 2002-2005
Ambassador Donald Booth
U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, 2010-2013
Susan Stigant
Director, Africa Program, U.S. Institute of Peace
Aly Verjee, moderator
Senior Advisor, Africa Program, U.S. Institute of Peace
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The United States Institute of Peace is an independent national institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. USIP pursues this vision on the ground in conflict zones, working with local partners to prevent conflicts from turning to bloodshed and to end it when they do. The Institute provides training, analysis, and other resources to people, organizations, and governments working to build peace.

[@abebayehuamare568]

God bless you all!!!!!! thank you God we have the best leader our country Ethiopian Prime Minister abiy Ahmed

[@hopeb3837]

we thank you so much

[@shimelisdessalegn6102]

Donald Booth, thank you for your honest and respectful opinions, you really care for ethiopia and I think you had contributed your best share. The lady has no point and respect and the others don't care a bit. Thank you Donald, hope you help Ethiopians for peaceful transition, with all your experience, knowledge and positive thinking.

[@ethnews5778]

Excellent discussion & perspective.

[@MH-kr7rf]

thank you guys

[@fantahunmuhudin7979]

first i would like to apricate and thank government of America for its concern peace in Ethiopia . and I hope all this experienced diplomates will bring good situation to better strengthen Ethiopian and American bilateral diplomatic relation ship. thank you American government and the people of America .

[@melessaw5906]

Dear Ambassadors, Moderator and USIP, thank you so much for your timely and well-informed discussion. Ethiopia and we, Ethiopians, are known for squandering opportunities to democratize our nation in the past, because our politicians and the society at large are yet to learn compromises - give and take! It appears to me, it is NOW or NEVER to transition to democracy

[@tamaar4246]

I don't know how we became apart of what they call Ethiopia,European did by force,we want our independence as somali

[@yekolotemari]

On the ethnic/nations/nationality issue: EPRDF has used these differences as its basic strategy to control the populous at the expense of a national identity. As for the 2020 election, the question mark is how the ethnic dynamics will play out. We have a generation of middle aged men/women who have grown up listening to EPRDF's ethnic propaganda.

[@kiflayabadi7824]

thanks

[@esubalewgize160]

I THNXS TO

[@addiseabutemenchulo8379]

I like this panel discussion about Ethiopian political system, Dr Abiy Ahimed gave so much transformation on many sides of his government, but ethnic political ideology is not good for Ethiopian

[@damaeast3980]

Why does Ethiopia need outsider to manage its affairs?

[@ashu5958]

Personally I like that all you guys admitted America is still evolving democracy that is v humble!!

[@___AWFUL___]

It’s true that Ethiopia is not a country. The people only unite when they are being invaded by outside forces. Other than that ethnic groups have been fighting each other since the beginning. People say the last 27 years were darkness but was their any civil war? No. Now theres the risk of civil war again

[@tadeleyalem6237]

Thank you so much US Institute of peace we 8 regens need federal exept 1 that amhara need kingdem because they want abiuse and colaps to the other neation but we need federalism no more emperiar please all the world suport as yr vote has prise

[@benyama9818]

US is in no place to preach democracy when we have the highest number of people imprisoned. US has not said anything in the past and will not in the future to save Ethiopians. This is interesting, but i dont think they have any goal or action plan. Talk is cheap.

[@observerfromlondon7982]

Thank you all X ambassadors in Ethiopia. Thank you for organisers and moderator, you are all great. I have great respect for all of you. You are all career deplomats and I am sempathitic to you all, because you need to maintain deplomatic Norms for not to critical to Mr Zenawi. However, I have no doubt that you have all expressed your proffeional opinions that Mr Zenawi is a responsible person for what is happening today in Ethiopia and inconterrary Dr Abye is leading the country in the right direction despite dealing with the aftermath left behind by the TPLF distractive leadership. Professor David Shine, I have particularly a great deal of respect for you as you have been truthful about TPLF leadership over many years.

[@tadeleyalem6237]

Late p.m meles wos verey smart &he had perfermans to gaven the country also he wos very kind he don't want diy any insent people

[@eliasayele8587]

We long more such institutes to engage in the crucial matter of peace throughout the world. Here in our case, the time of assignation was too late because of the U.S.A. have access, accordingly, this institute for peace should participate the people in order to get a succesful result. Finally, I would like to suggest my free idea, that the U.S.A. should look through her foreign policy to succeed in the objectives of such an institute.