Tyler Beckelman, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Africa at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided insights into the current state of U.S. policy in Ethiopia.
Beckelman highlighted the historical success of USAID’s development partnership with Ethiopia, emphasizing the significant improvements in living conditions for millions of Ethiopians over the past two decades.
However, the devastating two-year war in northern Ethiopia has posed unprecedented challenges, leading to hundreds of thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions.
Beckelman acknowledged the impact of the conflict on the gains achieved in poverty reduction, increased life expectancy, and improved maternal and child health.
The signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) brought a momentary reprieve to the people of Tigray.
Beckelman detailed the positive outcomes, including the cessation of armed hostilities and the restoration of basic services such as power, cellular networks, and banking services.
However, challenges persist, especially in the implementation of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) efforts.
Beckelman emphasized the commitment of USAID to support reintegration, resilience, and early recovery efforts for conflict-affected communities.
This support includes psychosocial assistance, inter-communal dialogue activities, small-scale infrastructure projects, and initiatives to revitalize local livelihoods for demobilized soldiers.
The COHA also includes provisions for a comprehensive national transitional justice policy, a commitment that the Ethiopian government has publicly endorsed.
USAID continues to urge the Government of Ethiopia to demonstrate commitment to accountability through a transparent, victim-centered process that contributes to truth, justice, reconciliation, and non-recurrence.
Civil society and human rights play a crucial role in Ethiopia’s recovery process. USAID supports local civil society organizations that monitor and advocate for human rights and justice throughout the country.
The agency is actively engaged in working with international human rights monitors in northern Ethiopia, contributing to the national monitoring efforts led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Amidst the ongoing efforts, USAID remains committed to applying the principles of Women, Peace, and Security by promoting the meaningful participation of women leaders and women-led civil society organizations in achieving lasting peace.
The National Dialogue process, set to address deep-rooted political and societal divisions, is closely monitored by USAID. An inclusive, transparent, and broadly accepted National Dialogue process is seen as critical to long-term peace and stability. USAID continues to support civil society and other stakeholders to prepare for and meaningfully engage in the dialogue process.
The resumption of humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia after a temporary pause was also addressed in Beckelman’s testimony.
The pause was implemented due to a coordinated food aid diversion scheme, prompting USAID to make the difficult decision to suspend all food assistance. The resumption follows major changes in the food aid distribution process, with the Government of Ethiopia implementing reforms and additional safeguards to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable populations.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Beckelman emphasized USAID’s commitment to being a steadfast partner in helping all Ethiopians achieve peace, dignity, and prosperity.
The testimony provided a comprehensive overview of the agency’s ongoing initiatives and future plans in Ethiopia’s post-war landscape.
Ethiopia: U.S. Policy Post-War – USAID’s Ongoing Commitment
In a recent press release, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) outlined its extensive efforts and ongoing commitment to Ethiopia’s recovery post the devastating two-year war in northern Ethiopia. Tyler Beckelman, provided a comprehensive testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, shedding light on the current state of U.S. policy in Ethiopia.
Historical Success and Recent Challenges
USAID’s long-standing development partnership with Ethiopia has been instrumental in achieving historic improvements in living conditions for millions of Ethiopians. Between 2000 and 2020, Ethiopia witnessed a significant drop in its poverty rate, a 16-year increase in life expectancy, and substantial reductions in maternal and child mortality. However, the gains made during this period faced severe setbacks due to the brutal two-year war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) Milestones
The signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) marked a crucial turning point, providing much-needed relief to the people of Tigray. The agreement brought visible advances, including the cessation of armed hostilities and the restoration of essential services such as power, cellular networks, and banking services. Additionally, the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was de-listed as a terrorist organization, and an Interim Regional Administration was established in April to guide the region in the aftermath of the war.
Challenges in COHA Implementation
While the COHA brought positive developments, challenges persist in the implementation of crucial elements, including disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR). DDR is recognized globally as a lengthy and politically challenging process that necessitates sustained commitment from warring parties and international support. USAID is gearing up to support reintegration, resilience, and early recovery efforts, encompassing psychosocial support, inter-communal dialogue activities, small-scale infrastructure projects, and initiatives to revitalize local livelihoods for demobilized soldiers.
Transitional Justice and Human Rights
One of the COHA commitments is the development and implementation of a comprehensive national transitional justice policy by the Government of Ethiopia. While public commitments have been made, USAID emphasizes the importance of a transparent, victim-centered process contributing to truth, justice, reconciliation, and non-recurrence. The agency actively supports local civil society organizations advocating for human rights, justice, and accountability throughout Ethiopia.
Sustainable Peacebuilding and Regional Tensions
COHA’s ongoing work is set against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly in Amhara. USAID’s encouragement and support for COHA implementation have broader implications for other peace processes, such as the conflict in Oromia. The agency has backed locally-led initiatives contributing to de-escalating tensions between ethnic and religious communities in conflict hotspots.
National Dialogue and Humanitarian Assistance Resumption
A critical component of the post-war landscape is the National Dialogue process, poised to address deep-rooted political and societal divisions. USAID closely monitors this process, emphasizing its potential role in long-term peace and stability. Simultaneously, the agency resumes humanitarian assistance after a temporary pause, implementing reforms to safeguard aid integrity and ensure it reaches the most vulnerable populations.
Continuous Monitoring and Future Commitment
As the COHA brought a halt to a brutal conflict, USAID remains a committed partner, acknowledging the challenges ahead. The agency places a high priority on ensuring U.S. humanitarian assistance is used for its intended purpose and emphasizes continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Tyler Beckelman concluded the press release by expressing USAID’s unwavering commitment to helping all Ethiopians live in peace, dignity, and prosperity.
