U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga’s recent statements on the Ethiopian crisis mischaracterize the severe threat to the Amhara people, presenting their situation as an internal conflict. This framing ignores the state-sponsored violence targeting the Amhara and misrepresents their resistance, particularly the Fano group. Critics argue that such rhetoric undermines the legitimacy of the Amhara’s struggle and fails to hold the Ethiopian government accountable for its actions.
The U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, recently shared a message on X/Twitter that, while meant to promote peace and humanitarian efforts, misses the mark regarding the plight of the Amhara people. Instead of accurately portraying the severe threat they face, his comments inadvertently bolster harmful narratives that justify state-backed aggression. This mischaracterization is especially apparent in how he discusses the Amhara and the Fano resistance.
First, regarding the nature of the violence, Massinga described the situation in Ethiopia as a series of “ongoing conflicts” and “internal conflicts”, which dangerously implies a balance between rival factions. This depiction is misleading at best. The reality is much grimmer: what we see in Ethiopia is a systematic campaign of violence heavily skewed against the Amhara population, not a civil war between equals. The Amhara are not engaged in political battles; instead, they are victims of a coordinated state attack rooted in an ideology that prioritizes Oromumma hegemony.
Next, Massinga’s comments on the humanitarian crisis further cloud the realities on the ground. He highlighted the struggles faced by internally displaced people and the collapse of essential services, but the language used suggests these stem from general instability. This couldn’t be more wrong. The despair experienced by the Amhara is a direct result of a state-enforced policy that aims to punish and displace them, not mere side effects of chaos or two-sided warfare.
Possibly the most alarming aspect of Massinga’s remarks is his apparent effort to delegitimize the Fano resistance. By urging Fano to formulate “realistic and peaceful objectives,” he portrays this group as a disorganized militia. This sentiment echoes previous instances where he referred dismissively to the Fano as “those that call themselves the Fano.” Such terminology strips away the dignity and historical significance of their identity, undermining their authentic struggle for survival.
The backlash was immediate, with responses, including an open letter from Borkena, condemning his comments as “condescending and outrageous.” Critics argue that by mischaracterizing the Fano and equating them with other armed factions, Massinga ignores the Ethiopian government’s role in the Amhara’s suffering. This perpetuates a problematic narrative that shifts the blame away from the aggressors and onto those defending themselves.
If the U.S. aspires to serve as a credible peace mediator in Ethiopia, its representatives must exhibit moral clarity. Achieving peace doesn’t stem from vague neutrality or oversimplified statements; it demands an acknowledgment of the power imbalances and a respectful understanding of the grievances faced by the Amhara people. The U.S. should stop equating victims of state violence with their aggressors and refrain from shielding the Ethiopian government from necessary accountability.
To facilitate genuine progress, Massinga and the U.S. embassy should adjust their public diplomacy to align more closely with the complex realities on the ground. True peace cannot thrive on euphemisms or misrepresentation. Instead, it must start with clear acknowledgment of the Ethiopian government’s actions against the Amhara, paving the way for justice-oriented diplomacy.
In sum, the U.S. ambassador’s recent messages about Ethiopia mischaracterize the violent reality faced by the Amhara people. By calling their situation a mere internal conflict and downplaying systematic state aggression, a false narrative emerges that endangers the prospects for honest diplomacy. Moving forward, a clear acknowledgment of the issues and the power dynamics involved is essential if peace efforts are to be taken seriously. Only through this lens can a true path to justice and reconciliation begin to unfold.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
