“Such a Brutal Crackdown”

The US Senate introduced a non-binding resolution on April 20, 2016 that condemned the
Ethiopian government over the “killings of peaceful protesters” and “arrest and detention
of journalists, students, activists and political leaders who exercise their constitutional
rights to freedom of assembly and expression through peaceful protests.” It called on the
Ethiopian government to halt the use of excessive force and conduct a credible, full, and
transparent investigation,” called on the Secretary of State to “conduct a review of security
assistance to Ethiopia” and called on USAID, the US aid agency, to “to improve oversight
and accountability of United States assistance to Ethiopia.” 139
At time of writing the resolution had not yet been passed. The US State Department has
made three statements urging consultation prior to the implementation of development
plans. On December 18, the US State Department issued a statement that expressed regret
for the deaths, and urged the government “to permit peaceful protest and commit to a
constructive dialogue to address legitimate grievances.” It also urged protesters “to refrain
from violence and to be open to dialogue.” 140 On January 14, 2016, the State Department
called on the government to “refrain from silencing dissent” and called “for the release of
those imprisoned for exercising their rights, such as political party leaders and
journalists.” 141 On April 29, they issued a third statement condemning the terrorism
charges against Bekele Gerba and others. 142 The US government has not publicly
condemned the use of excessive force by security forces.
UN human rights special procedures and experts have also consistently provided rare
condemnation of Ethiopia’s growing repression. On January 21, 2016, a group of four UN
special rapporteurs made a strong joint statement condemning the government’s response
139 See “S.Res.432 - A resolution supporting respect for human rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia”
available at, https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-resolution/432/text (accessed May 16, 2016); there
have also been a variety of other statements from Congress and Senate officials including,
http://www.foreign.senate.gov/press/ranking/release/cardin-rubio-colleagues-condemn-ethiopias-crackdown-on-civilsociety-http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0ef69e42-7157-430d-90b7-86a9baa28c55.
140 See Press Statement from the US Department of State, “The United States Concerned By Clashes in Oromia, Ethiopia
December 18, 2015 http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/12/250778.htm (accessed May 16, 2016).
141 See Press Statement from the US Department of State, “The United States Calls for Meaningful Dialogue About Oromo
Community Concerns,” January 14 2016, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/01/251256.htm (accessed May 16, 2016).
142 See Press Statement from the US Department of State, “On Ethiopia's Charges of Terrorism Against Political Leaders,”
April 29, 2016, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/04/256745.htm (accessed May 16, 2016).
59 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | JUNE 2016