June 12, 2025
By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga explained the recent retraction of statement on drone strikes against civilians in Amhara region. During a press briefing at the embassy in Addis Ababa, he stated that the original version was a result of “an administrative error” and reiterating America’s commitment to supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in the country.
Responding to pointed questions about the May 23 statement that was swiftly retracted and edited, Ambassador Massinga said, “That was a mistake—nothing more, nothing less. We took an earlier draft that I had never seen, never approved, and due to an administrative error, it was unfortunately posted.” He stressed that the corrected version better reflected U.S. policy, replacing a direct call for an end to drone strikes with a broader appeal to avoid violence and prioritize citizen safety.
“The intended audiences understood that and responded accordingly,” the Ambassador added, indicating that the diplomatic channels remained intact despite the confusion.
Massinga emphasized that the United States’ core message remains unchanged: a call for peace, accountability, and the protection of civilians. “It’s time to put people first,” he said. “We’re proud of our long partnership with Ethiopia, particularly our work in humanitarian sectors—but we recognize it’s not sustainable unless there’s a political resolution.”
Addressing whether the U.S. is mediating peace talks between the federal government and armed groups like Fano and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), the Ambassador was measured. “Our mission is public diplomacy. We’re engaging at the government-to-government level. That’s one of the areas we’re continuing to work on.”
On the contentious call for Fano to adopt “realistic and peaceful objectives,” Massinga clarified that interpretation rests with the parties involved. “What those terms mean—that’s for Fano and the federal government to determine, as long as there is a pathway forward. The people want peace.”
Turning to U.S. humanitarian aid—especially in light of prior cuts to USAID programs—the Ambassador revealed that the majority of assistance is being reinstated. “Eighty-nine percent of the previously programmed humanitarian aid will continue. Seventy-seven percent of total aid is still available to us,” he said, highlighting continued U.S. support in healthcare, agriculture, and for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
However, he cautioned that aid cannot be indefinite. “IDPs must be able to return home and rebuild. That’s the only sustainable path.”
Ambassador Massinga also spoke about a strategic shift in U.S. engagement—focusing more on private sector development. “We’re moving from assistance to private sector engagement,” he said, citing partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines, Boeing, and infrastructure projects like the new Bishoftu airport.
In response to concerns over press freedoms and civil liberties, Massinga acknowledged Ethiopia’s complex history. “Just like the U.S. went through civil wars and difficult times before securing civil and press freedoms, Ethiopia must also walk that path. All stakeholders must work to restore constitutional order.”
He expressed U.S. support for Ethiopia’s economic reforms and bid to join the World Trade Organization by 2026. “It’s hard, but the government has accepted the challenge to move toward a market economy. We support that ambition.”
The Ambassador warned about the persistent unrest in Amhara and Oromia, emphasizing that, “As long as instability continues, Ethiopia cannot reach its full potential. It is imperative that all stakeholders—particularly the federal government—work to move the country forward, not in reverse.”