McCollum Statement on Human Rights in Ethiopia

"In Congress, I have a long history of championing human rights around the world. This includes a longstanding effort to support human rights in Ethiopia. Ongoing violence in Ethiopia directly impacts Minnesota families with loved ones living in the East African country. I applaud the recent ‘Pretoria' peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and leaders from Tigray, ending the bloody and cruel violence that left thousands of dead. By agreeing to disarm and work within the Ethiopian federal system, the leadership of Tigray have made an important step toward peace.

"Unfortunately, the ongoing violence between Ethiopia's armed forces and the Oromo Liberation Army continues with countless civilian lives being lost. The Ethiopian government's use of armed drones to attack civilians must be condemned. The Oromo Liberation Army's (OLA) past massacres of villagers must also be condemned as brutal atrocities. Peace in Ethiopia will only be achieved when the government and Oromo leaders cease the violence and enter a political dialogue that will disarm the OLA and ensure the government will respect the right of all Ethiopian citizens to live in peace and free from political repression."

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