“Meles Zenawi was a dictator. His rhetoric on development, democracy and combatting terrorism only convinced those in the EU and the USA who wanted to be fooled. His words were clearly at odds with the cruel repression of his people and his actions in banning human rights and development organisations and jailing opposition members and journalists – Ethiopian and foreign.
“Two Swedish journalists are today still languishing in Meles Zenawi’s prisons, together with hundreds of brave Ethiopians who dared to work for freedom and democracy for their people, including Pen Prize winner Eskinder Nega.
“The EU must immediately demand the Ethiopian caretaker authorities ensure their prompt release. It must call for an immediate and inclusive dialogue involving all opposition parties – including the armed groups – to ensure a peaceful transition until democratic elections can be organised to determine the future of governance in Ethiopia.”
President Barack Obama on post-Meles Ethiopia
US President Barak Obama and Acting Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn spoke today.
President Obama conveyed his condolences on behalf of the American people to the people of Ethiopia for the country’s loss.
President Obama also noted that Prime Minister Meles made significant contributions to Ethiopia’s development and to peace and security in the region.
President Obama underscored the commitment of the United States to continuing in our partnership with Ethiopia, and urged Acting Prime Minister Hailemariam to use his leadership to enhance the Ethiopian government’s support for development, democracy, human rights and regional security.
