Ethiopia’s Fragile Peace: A Looming Crisis of Impunity and the Search for Genuine Solidarity
The international order is fraying, and nowhere is this more starkly apparent than in Ethiopia. While the world grapples with conflicts from Ukraine to Sudan, the cyclical outbreaks of violence in Ethiopia – from Tigray to Amhara and beyond – reveal a disturbing pattern: a revolving door of impunity where atrocities are met not with accountability, but with stalled peace processes and renewed conflict. This isn’t simply an Ethiopian problem; it’s a bellwether for the future of conflict resolution and the diminishing power of international law.
The Erosion of Accountability in Ethiopia
For over a decade, Ethiopia held a unique position as a beacon of stability in a volatile region. But beneath the surface, simmering tensions, particularly in the Oromia region, began to boil over in 2014. The promise of change with Abiy Ahmed’s ascent in 2018 quickly dissolved, culminating in the devastating war in Tigray in 2020. This conflict, characterized by mass killings, sexual violence, and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid, exposed a brutal reality and a dangerous disregard for civilian life.
Amnesty International, along with Human Rights Watch, documented evidence of ethnic cleansing in Western Tigray, yet initial responses were muted. Ethiopian authorities skillfully deployed the narrative of “African solutions to African problems,” effectively shielding themselves from international scrutiny and dismissing concerns as external interference. This tactic, while resonating with some, served to silence victims and delay justice.
The Limits of “African Solutions”
The invocation of “African solutions” isn’t inherently flawed. However, in Ethiopia’s case, it became a shield for impunity, allowing the government to block access for independent investigators – from the UN and the African Commission – while simultaneously denying the scale of the atrocities. This created a vacuum where accountability was sacrificed for the sake of perceived sovereignty. The result? A cycle of violence that continues to this day, with the recent conflict in the Amhara region serving as a grim reminder.
A Failing International System
Ethiopia’s crisis isn’t isolated. It’s symptomatic of a broader failure of the international legal order. The UN Charter, designed to prevent atrocities, is increasingly undermined by geopolitical maneuvering and a lack of political will. The response to Ethiopia highlighted the limitations of international institutions, particularly when faced with a determined government willing to exploit divisions and deflect criticism. The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), despite repeated pleas from Amnesty and others, struggled to enact meaningful action, often placated by promises of transitional justice processes that remain largely unrealized.
This pattern extends beyond Ethiopia. From the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, civilians are consistently caught in the crossfire, and perpetrators often escape accountability. The international community’s inability to consistently uphold its commitments is eroding trust and fueling a sense of desperation.
The Power of Solidarity and Local Agency
Despite the bleak outlook, there is reason for hope. As Deprose Muchena, former Senior Director of Regional Human Rights Impact at Amnesty International, emphasizes, genuine solidarity is the most valuable currency for the oppressed. The story of Magai Matiop Ngong, a South Sudanese teenager whose death sentence was commuted thanks to international campaigning, demonstrates the tangible impact of collective action.
However, lasting change won’t come from external pressure alone. True and sustainable peace in Ethiopia requires empowering Ethiopian communities to demand accountability and build a society founded on the rule of law. This necessitates a free press, a vibrant civil society, and a commitment to education that fosters a culture of justice. It means recognizing that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.”
The path forward is not simply about imposing solutions from outside. It’s about supporting Ethiopian voices, strengthening local institutions, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for building a more just and equitable future. The recent implicit acceptance by Ethiopian officials of the findings of ethnic cleansing campaigns, with talk of returning displaced populations, is a small but significant step – a tacit acknowledgement of past wrongs. But acknowledgement alone is insufficient; it must be followed by concrete action.
As speculation of further regional conflict looms, the question isn’t just whether Ethiopia will descend into further violence, but whether the international community will finally learn from its failures and prioritize the protection of civilians above political expediency. The fate of Ethiopia, and perhaps the future of international justice, hangs in the balance.
What steps can be taken to strengthen the role of civil society in promoting accountability in conflict zones like Ethiopia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
