ETHIOPIA: US Ambassador to Ethiopia Asks Armed Actors To Learn From the Rampaging Fascist Massacre
Habtamu Abrdew Beture
“In 1937, rampaging fascists massacred nearly 20,000 Ethiopians over three horrible days, in a tragic event known as the “Yekatit 12 Massacre”, the US ambassador to Ethiopia has said.
On the occasion held inside the former American legation building located in Addis Ababa, the Capital city of Ethiopia, Ambassador Ervin Massinga also called attention to the fear the nation is currently facing saying, “Regrettably, many people across Ethiopia and the globe continue to face the same fear that Ethiopians had 87 years ago here. Bandits, armed groups, and at times, government security forces, act with impunity in carrying out violations of these very same rights to life, dignity, and respect, reflecting a disregard for due process and the rule of law.”
Today, “Civilians across this country have been subject to extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, conflict-related sexual violence, and other abuses at the hands of a range of actors, we are deeply distressed and those issues must be addressed with urgency and accountability, such as through a genuine, transparent transitional justice process,” the Ambassador said.
He also emphasized the need for a nationwide ceasefire saying, “All armed actors are playing a role in driving human suffering, including new population displacements across the country. This must end. I call for an end to targeting schools, health facilities, and water infrastructure, and for full and unfettered humanitarian access, which could include as a starting point a temporary nationwide ceasefire.”
“All sides should take advantage of the opportunity the National Dialogue mechanism offers, imperfect though it may be. They are open to having all voices heard, including armed actors. This is a place to start the road to bringing all sides together for the betterment of Ethiopia” Ambassador Ervin Massinga added.
The ambassador also remembered the actions of Charge’ d’Affaires Van Engert in 1937 and hoped to carry forward his respect for the human right to life, dignity, and respect.
“U.S. Charge’ d’Affaires Cornelius Van Engert, bravely sheltered behind these walls nearly seven hundred and fifty Ethiopians from almost certain death” Ambassador Massinga has said.
