News US official fears conflict, narrowing civic space barrier to transitional justice
By Sisay Sahlu
December 21, 2024
US Global Criminal Justice Ambassador, Beth Van Schaack, indicated that the ongoing atrocities in the Amhara and Oromia regions, combined with the narrowing of civic space, may hinder or even pause the transitional justice process in Ethiopia.
The Ambassador made the comments this week while speaking to the media during her visit to Ethiopia as part of a tour of East Africa aimed at advocating for transitional justice.
“We’re really encouraged by the process so far in Ethiopia, but we’re also cognizant of the closing civic space and ongoing reports of atrocities, particularly in Amhara and Oromia. This, of course, will make comprehensive transitional justice difficult, if not, frankly, impossible,” said Van Schaak.
“We know that people cannot participate in justice processes if they do not feel free to speak out and tell their truth. The ongoing conflicts in these regions must be resolved through political dialogue,” she said.
The Ambassador indicated that Washingto is awaiting updates from the Ethiopian government regarding actions being taken to lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive transitional justice process. Van Schaak believes this process would address both the long history of atrocities and the ongoing conflicts.
The Ambassador urged the Ethiopian government to take key measures, including removing those implicated in abuses from positions of power and putting members of the military accused of crimes on administrative leave pending further investigation.
She also called for a public acknowledgment from the federal government of the abuses that have occurred.
“We stand ready to be a partner if these processes are transparent, inclusive, and victim-centered going forward,” she added. “Throughout Ethiopia’s history, there has never been a fully comprehensive or credible transitional justice process. As a result, cycles of impunity continue to fuel ongoing insecurity.”
She mentioned her meetings with various governmental actors, civil society groups, individuals, and members of the diplomatic community, all of whom are eager to promote and contribute to the ongoing transitional justice process in Ethiopia.
Van Schaak added that the involvement of external experts from around the world would strengthen the process, build trust among the population as many of whom remain understandably skeptical of state institutions, and validate the effortsby the Ministry of Justice and other institutions.
The transitional justice process in Colombia, which includes components like truth-telling, accountability, reconciliation, and reparation, is viewed as a relevant model for Ethiopia given the country’s size and the multiple conflicts that have unfolded there, the Ambassador pointed out.
The Ministry of Justice recently announced the completion of a draft roadmap for implementing the transitional justice policy. The roadmap outlines the establishment of independent institutions, coordination of various approaches, and the development of mechanisms to ensure inclusivity and sustainability.