Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a desperate attempt to staunch the flow of Ethiopian blood, the regime unveiled its long-awaited Transitional Justice policy last month. But whispers of international standards and lofty pronouncements of national healing can’t mask the gaping holes in this political ploy.
A recent “workshop,” more aptly described as a gathering of regime cheerleaders and confused foreigners, underscored the deep flaws in this so-called “policy.” At the plush confines of the Hilton, amidst clinking champagne flutes, experts painted a grim picture of a policy destined to fail.
Dr. John Ikubaje, a man who should know a thing or two about sweeping atrocities under the rug (being an official at the African Union), even dared to utter the dreaded phrase: “international standards.” Apparently, these pesky standards require pesky things like “independence” and “accountability.” Imagine that!
But fear not, loyal Ethiopians! Dr. Ikubaje assures us this policy is a “step in the right direction,” a direction that conveniently ignores the brutal Tigray conflict and the plight of Eritrean refugees. Perhaps these human rights violations can be addressed with a strongly worded letter and a fruit basket?
Samrawit Tassew, a voice of reason amidst the regime’s cacophony, dared to mention the forgotten victims. Apparently, their “safety” and “protection” are mere afterthoughts in this grand political play. How dare they expect not to be “re-traumatized” by a system designed to protect the powerful?
Lost in the self-congratulatory pronouncements was any mention of the environment or the economic devastation wrought by the regime. Apparently, these inconvenient truths have no place at the table when carving up a new narrative for Ethiopia’s future.
The UN, those notorious meddling bureaucrats, also dared to suggest that pesky “international human rights laws” be included in the policy. Shockingly, their pleas fell on deaf ears.
Ethiopia’s so-called Transitional Justice policy appears to be nothing more than a poorly stitched bandage on a nation hemorrhaging from years of abuse. The true road to healing will require a genuine commitment to justice, not a carefully crafted public relations campaign. Until then, the cries of the Ethiopian people will continue to drown out the regime’s self-serving pronouncements.
