Ethiopia has taken exception to what it calls unwarranted statements attributed to its external partners accused of interfering in its internal affairs, especially in relation to the ongoing unrest in the Amhara region.
The government’s concern came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement calling for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces and Amhara regional forces from Tigray region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement reminded its partners that Ethiopia is a sovereign nation, and therefore cannot accept any dictates on how to manage its own internal affairs from foreign partners.
The government said it was making it abundantly clear that deploying the necessary security structures and means available to ensure the rule of law within its borders is within its sole responsibility.
“While it is the desire of the Ethiopian government to remain always ready and open to engage with partners on issues of mutual interest and concern, it will be forced to reassess its relations if these attempts to interfere in its internal affairs continue unabated,” the ministry warned.
“It is indeed regrettable to note these days that there appears to be a concerted campaign to exert undue pressure against Ethiopia” it added.
According to the ministry, the Ethiopian government is being forced to question the motives of some of its foreign partners, particularly given the public pronouncements they made recently.
“They seem to be short of showing a genuine desire to understand and help Ethiopia overcome its current challenges, rather, they would only be counterproductive and exacerbating situations.” it added.
MG/abj/APA