Committee Hearing Opening Statements
Hearing on Ethiopia Set for March 9thDemocracy in Ethiopia Topic of House HearingEthiopia, Africa’s second most populous country and oldest independent state, plays a key leadership role in the region and on the continent. They are an important partner in the War on Terror, but also a source of growing concern over their human rights record. Recently, government forces have killed as many as 100 Oromo demonstrators. Thursday's hearing, announced by Chairman Chris Smith (NJ-04) and entitled “Democracy Under Threat in Ethiopia,” will allow for a discussion of the restrictions of freedom in Ethiopia and coincides with the reintroduction of House Resolution 128. “Ethiopia has long been an important ally, providing effective peacekeepers and collaborating in the War on Terror,” said Smith. “However, increasingly repressive policies have diminished political space and threaten to radicalize not only the political opposition but also civil society by frustrating their ability to exercise their rights under law. This hearing will examine the current situation in Ethiopia with an eye toward developing policies to help this nation to reverse an increasingly tense situation in the troubled Horn of Africa.” Who: Witness: Terrence Lyons, Ph.D. Mr. Felix Horne Ms. Seenaa Jimjimo Mr. Tewodrose Tirfe Mr. Guya Abaguya Deki Mr. Yoseph Tafari What: When: Where: ### |