Ethiopia dismisses US claims on northern conflict

NAIROBI, Kenya

Ethiopia pushed back Tuesday against the US State Department's recent statement that determined certain grave crimes were committed during the conflict in the north.

The statement does not contain new findings and unfairly apportions blame among different parties in the conflict, according to the Foreign Ministry said.

It said the statement is untimely because it comes when Ethiopia is implementing a peace agreement and is engaging in consultations on transitional justice.

The ministry also said the statement is inflammatory and divisive as it will be used to advance highly polarized campaigns pitting one community against others.

“This partisan and divisive approach from the US is ill-advised. As Ethiopia is implementing the Peace Agreement, such apportioning of blame is unwarranted and undercuts the support of the US for an inclusive peace process in Ethiopia,” it said.

Ethiopia reiterated its commitment to implementing all measures of accountability, including finalizing the nationwide consultation on transitional justice and ensuring justice is done for all victims.

The statement comes days after a March 15 visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ethiopia where he announced $331 million in humanitarian aid.

Ethiopia said it hopes the visit will help restore strategic relations between Ethiopia and the US.