U.S. Congress slaps Ethiopian govt with H. Res. 128, activists celebrate

The United States Congress on Tuesday passed a human rights-centered resolution against the Ethiopian government amongst others calling for the respect of human rights and inclusive governance.

Despite a late pushback led by one Senator Inhofe – a known ally of the government, to get Congress to reject the resolution, the motion according to Congress records did not even need to be voted upon as it adopted by voice vote.

H. Res. 128 was adopted by voice

— Republican Cloakroom (@RepCloakroom) April 10, 2018

Congressmen and women took turns to give brief comments about the importance of the resolution with each touching on the political crisis that has rocked the country. Others also pointed to the cost in terms of human lives and loss of properties as a result of government highhandedness and an ever-shrinking democratic space.

A Summary of the resolution by Congress policy website stated as follows:

“H. Res. 128 recognizes Ethiopia’s efforts to promote regional peace and security, and its partnership with the U.S. to combat terrorism, promote economic growth, and address health challenges. In addition, the resolution expresses concern about human rights abuses and contracting democratic space, and condemns excessive use of force by Ethiopian security forces.

“The resolution calls on the Government of Ethiopia to lift the state of emergency, end the use of excessive force, release wrongfully imprisoned protesters, and improve transparency, while at the same time urging protesters and opposition groups to use peaceful discussion and avoid incitement.

“The resolution calls on the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development to cooperate and strengthen ties with Ethiopia, condemn human rights abuses, and promote accountability.”

Below are some reactions of activists on social media

Great News: US Congress passed #HR128

— Jawar Mohammed (@Jawar_Mohammed) April 10, 2018

ALERT! House Resolution 128 passed. #Ethiopia #HRes128 https://t.co/SBJKuM9uFV

— EHRP (@EHRProj) April 10, 2018

Thank you Congressman Smith, Coffman, Bacon and all your colleagues who supported #HRes128
Ethiopians are greatful to have you as an ally.RepMikeCoffman RepChrisSmith RepDonBacon EA_CivicCouncil CohenOnAfrica AmsaluKassaw ras_araya LulitMesfin1 NeaminZeleke hrw

— Fasika (@Fasikini) April 10, 2018

Breaking: Despite a last minute push by Sen. JimInhofe RepGaramendi and #Ethiopia lobby, House Resolution 128 passed without objections. Congrats to QabbaneeDC Seenaoromia OromoAdvocates and all other diaspora groups and allies— oak_institute hrw—who worked so hard on it. https://t.co/LjnooTy9e5

— Mohammed Ademo (OPride) April 10, 2018

BREAKING
Congress passed H. Res. 128, a resolution for the respect of human rights and inclusive governance in #Ethiopia #HRes128 pic.twitter.com/b2ECS9zL2n

— Engidu Woldie (@EngiduWoldie) April 10, 2018