Many died in the protests and the economy neared collapse, leading to leadership change in 2018 and a wave of promising democratic reforms. From the Ethiopian perspective, the apparent weakening of political institutions in the US and its ramifications are matters for alarm. In the past, US Department of State officials played an important and often constructive role in Ethiopia’s domestic political development. While the US and European countries have provided substantial financial support over the past few years for economic reforms, the Ethiopian government’s reform efforts today are focused on renovating the prime minister’s Addis Ababa palace. More informed signalling from Washington at this precarious time for Ethiopia could help to reduce tensions within Ethiopia and between its neighbours.

Source: Ethiopian News September 03, 2020 07:30 UTC