AU’s Muted Stance on Ethiopia
African leaders are gathering for the annual African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, where concerns about Ethiopia’s internal conflicts have prompted questions about the AU’s restrained approach. While AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted regional integration and peace issues, the irony of Ethiopia hosting the summit amid its involvement in various conflicts is evident.
Ethiopia’s Troubled Landscape and AU’s Silence
Ethiopia, the host of the AU summit, has been entangled in multiple conflicts, including the recently concluded civil war with Tigray and ongoing tensions with the Fano militia in Amhara. Surprisingly, the AU has been notably silent on Ethiopia’s internal issues, raising questions about its strategic stance and reluctance to address atrocities within its host nation.
AU’s Historical Leniency Towards Ethiopia
The AU, established in 2002 with roots in the Organisation for African Unity (OAU), has a history of refraining from scrutinizing Ethiopia. Despite a backdrop of domestic turmoil, such as the contested 2005 elections and 2016 protests, the AU has often given Ethiopia a pass. The reluctance to confront Ethiopia on human rights issues may be traced back to its strategic alignment with Western powers, particularly the United States, post-9/11.
Ethiopia’s Strategic Influence and AU’s Reticence
Ethiopia’s strategic partnership with the US and its role in counterinsurgency efforts contributed to a lenient international stance. Notably, Ethiopia’s support for the US invasion of Iraq and its military incursion into Somalia was met with minimal diplomatic repercussions. Proximity to China further enhanced Ethiopia’s standing, fostering infrastructural development and economic growth, ultimately solidifying its reputation as a trusted regional power.
AU’s Controversial Mediation in Tigray Conflict
Even amid the Tigray conflict, the AU’s mediation efforts have been controversial. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front initially rejected AU’s involvement, accusing it of bias. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed chief mediator, faced criticism for perceived partiality. The eventual peace agreement, the Pretoria pact, received praise, but the AU’s backtracking on accountability and justice initiatives for war crimes has raised concerns.
AU’s Selective Approach and Local Backlash
Local backlash in Ethiopia against the AU’s inquiry into war atrocities during the Tigray conflict led to its quiet termination. The Ethiopian government expressed displeasure, leading to the AU’s decision to end the inquiry. The AU’s selective approach, coupled with its failure to address ongoing conflicts in Oromia and Amhara, has sparked criticism, raising doubts about its commitment to promoting peace and security in the region.
As the AU summit unfolds in Addis Ababa, the muted stance on Ethiopia’s internal issues remains a focal point, prompting a reevaluation of the AU’s role in addressing conflicts within its member states.
