Washington Update, August 6, 2008

 
Assistant Secretary of State David Kramer emphasized human rights,   freedom of the press and democracy in a recent two-day visit to Ethiopia. He expressed concern about the new press law, and about the overall erosion of civic society, media freedom and democratic institutions. Kramer said that the next U.S. administration, whether it is headed by McCain or Obama, will press Ethiopia on these topics. The recent arrest of Mesfin Negash, editor-in-chief of the current affairs weekly Addis Neger, because of his support for the pop singer Tewodros Kassahun, is only the most recent outrage. 
 
American and European news media are reporting on the worsening food shortages in Ethiopia, and on the Meles regime’s efforts to minimize the situation. USAID reports that it is sending over $300 million in food and agricultural assistance to Ethiopia, but infrastructure and transportation problems may prevent it from reaching many of the 10 million people at risk who need it most. 

In any case, this is at best a short-term solution. The Meles regime has squandered opportunities to improve Ethiopia’s food security, and has impoverished rural areas so many millions have no ability to buy food. These failed economic and agricultural policies must be replaced by policies that will help Ethiopia develop agricultural independence and food security for the long-term. For example, the Blue Nile and Awash River projects could provide sustainable irrigation. Allowing private ownership of agricultural land, distributing fertilizer and other agricultural inputs on an equitable basis – instead of using them as tools to reward the regime’s friends and punish others – are also essential steps. 
 
Efforts to have H.R. 2003 introduced in the U.S. Senate are ongoing, but time for enacting it in the current congressional session is running short. Fortunately, both presidential candidates have emphasized the need for the U.S. to promote and protect democracy and human rights, so it seems likely that the next administration will support it.

Mesfin Mekonen, Kinijit International Foreign Relations