September 7, 2025

Washington Update: Ethnic Federalism and the Crisis of Democracy

Ethnic Federalism and the Crisis of Democracy

The Ethiopian American community remains deeply concerned that Ethiopia’s focus on ethnicity has overshadowed democracy, human rights, and economic equality. Political elites have long exploited ethnic divisions for personal and political gain, fueling cycles of violence and instability.

Ethnic federalism has contributed directly to rising ethnic clashes, mass displacement, and widespread suffering. For Ethiopia to achieve peace and prosperity, the nation must move beyond ethnic-based governance and adopt a constitutional framework that ensures unity, democracy, equality, and the protection of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity.

Urgent Call to Action

On behalf of the Coalition of Ethiopian-American Civic Organizations, we invite all Ethiopians to join the Ethiopian Constitutional Conference and Forum on Human Rights Abuses and Attacks on Religious Freedom in Ethiopia:

Date: Wednesday, October 1

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: U.S. House of Representatives, Rayburn Building, Room 2168

This historic forum will amplify the voices of Ethiopians who cannot speak freely at home and shed light on ongoing atrocities—particularly systematic abuses against the Amhara people and attacks on religious freedom.

Please register via Eventbrite.

This conference is part of an ongoing Constitutional Conference Series addressing Ethiopia’s governance, human rights, and the increasing persecution of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, including attacks on the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Why Congress?

Hosting this conference in the U.S. Congress is a strategic move. Congress has a history of engagement on Ethiopian issues, and this venue provides a powerful platform for advocacy and action.

Invited U.S. Officials and Dignitaries

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)
Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT)
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)

Moderator: Mesfin Mekonen

Speakers and Topics

Counselor Bart Fisher – Legal and advocacy strategies for Congressional engagement
Wzro Tsigereda Nulugeta – The Amhara struggle and the Fano movement
Ato Abel Gashe – Persecution of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians
Mr. Scott Morgan – Africa Working Group, IRF
Eng. Yelkal Getnet – State of Ethiopia and Amhara struggle
Dr. Aklog Berera – Ethiopia’s economic and humanitarian crisis
Ato Abebe Belaw – Press freedom in Ethiopia
Ato Mekonnen Dyamo & Dr. Abera Mesesha – Draft Constitution and national dialogue
Ms. Kaylee Fisher – International Religious Freedom (IRF Global Director)
Ambassador Helda – Representative to the African Union
Dr. Derrin Smith – Former State Department official

GERD: From Conflict to Cooperation

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), now nearing completion, has the potential to transform Ethiopia’s future. While Egypt has raised concerns about the impact of the GERD on Nile waters, the project also presents a historic opportunity for regional cooperation.

Through dialogue and international engagement, the GERD could serve not only as a driver of Ethiopia’s development but also as a catalyst for broader collaboration in water management, energy sharing, and sustainable growth across the Nile Basin.

Despite providing over 85 percent of Nile waters, Ethiopians have received little benefit from this vital resource. Today:

83 percent of Ethiopians lack electricity
94 percent rely on wood for cooking and heating
Only three percent of hydropower potential has been developed

From Emperor Haile Selassie’s early modernization efforts to Meles Zenawi’s vision and nationwide fundraising campaign, Ethiopians across all walks of life have contributed to the construction of GERD. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues this national project, reinforcing its role as a symbol of self-reliance and collective sacrifice.

Human Rights and Security Concerns

Human Rights Watch reports that Ethiopia’s human rights situation remains dire. Both government forces and armed groups have committed serious abuses, particularly in conflict zones.

Amhara Region: Fighting between the military and militias has caused hundreds of civilian deaths and attacks on hospitals and refugee communities.
State of Emergency: Although declared for Amhara, its provisions were applied nationwide, resulting in mass arrests.
Press Freedom: Journalists and human rights defenders face harassment, surveillance, and detention.

Most recently, an armed terrorist group linked to the OLF massacred 17 Amhara Muslim Ethiopians in Wolega province. These atrocities raise urgent questions: What is the government doing to protect its citizens? Where is the rule of law?

Current Situation and Travel Advisory

The situation in Ethiopia remains volatile, with risks of sudden violence and armed conflict. International advisories, including from Travel.gc.ca, urge travelers to exercise extreme caution in Addis Ababa and beyond.

✦ This conference represents a vital opportunity for Ethiopians in the diaspora to unite, speak truth to power, and advocate for lasting change in Ethiopia

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