http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/10/263025.htm
On Ethiopia's Declared State of Emergency
Press Statement
John Kirby
Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs
Washington, DC
October 12, 2016
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The United States takes note of the Government of Ethiopia’s October 8
declaration of a State of Emergency in response to recent protests and
violence in the Oromia and Amhara regions. We are troubled by the
potential impact of the decision to authorize detention without a
warrant and to further limit freedom of expression, including by
blocking Internet access, prohibiting public gatherings, and imposing
curfews. This declaration, if implemented in these ways, would
further enshrine the type of response that has failed to ameliorate
the recent political crisis.
Political pluralism and respect for fundamental freedoms are essential
to addressing the legitimate grievances of protesters and other
Ethiopians. We reiterate our longstanding call for the Government of
Ethiopia to respect its citizens’ constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms
of expression and association, and to release those detained for
peacefully exercising those rights. Arresting and silencing
independent and critical voices is self-defeating and will lead to
greater polarization, and makes it harder to find a solution
acceptable to all Ethiopians.
We strongly encourage everyone to refrain from committing further acts
of violence in Ethiopia. Peaceful dialogue is the path to resolution
of Ethiopia’s need for reform. Too many innocent lives have already
been lost and too much destruction has already taken place.
We welcome President Mulatu’s October 10 address to Parliament
committing the government to addressing some of these grievances -
such as land rights, electoral reform, and recognition of the special
interest of the Oromia region in the city of Addis Ababa. We
encourage the government to act on these commitments decisively and
quickly, and urge it to undertake further comprehensive reforms with
the goal of opening political space and ensuring respect for
fundamental freedoms and the democratic rights enshrined in the
Constitution of Ethiopia. We also note the Prime Minister’s
commitment that the state of emergency will not breach human rights
protected by the Ethiopian constitution.
Received on Wed Oct 12 2016 - 14:08:19 EDT