By Ambassador Media
As Ethiopia grapples with yet another year marked by violence and instability, the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, has issued a powerful statement highlighting the urgent need for peace, accountability, and people-first governance. His remarks, though diplomatic, underscore a deepening international concern over the Ethiopian government’s continued failure to resolve internal conflicts that have left millions displaced and lawlessness unchecked.
“The time has come to put people first,” said Ambassador Massinga, calling for long-term solutions that allow internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their homes, ensure children have access to education and health care, and restore rule of law throughout the country.
While he urged all armed actors—including Fano and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)—to seek peaceful and realistic resolutions, the weight of his message was unmistakably aimed at the federal government. Ambassador Massinga called on the government “to continue seeking peaceful resolutions without violence and prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens.” The appeal reflects growing frustration over the state’s inability—or unwillingness—to address the root causes of unrest or protect its people from violence, displacement, and systemic breakdowns.
Observers note that the federal government has not only failed to neutralize the crisis but has also been accused of inflaming tensions through military operations and repressive policies. Peace talks with the OLA remain uncertain, while security operations in Amhara and Oromia have been widely criticized for human rights abuses.
Despite pledges of reform and peace, the Ethiopian state remains mired in conflict, with many now viewing its actions as part of the problem, not the solution.
Ambassador Massinga’s statement is a clear signal: international patience is wearing thin, and the Ethiopian government must now act decisively to halt the suffering of its people and chart a peaceful, inclusive path forward.
“It is time,” the ambassador concluded, “to pursue peace and stability.”
