The ambassadors of leading donor nations in Ethiopia are urging the government and demonstrators to restore calm after four days of confrontations that have killed dozens of people.
The ambassadors of the United States, European and other major donor nations urged government forces and demonstrators to end the violence. They also renewed their appeal for the Ethiopian government to investigate deadly clashes between the police and demonstrators this week and earlier this year.
The statement says the Coalition for Unity and Democracy should urge its supporters to avoid conflicts. The Ethiopian government blames the opposition party for inciting this week’s violence.
Text of statement from the donor nations:
The Ambassadors’ Donor Group expresses its deep concern at the unrest in Addis Ababa since 1 November, which resulted in tragic deaths and injuries. We would like to extend condolences and sympathies to the families of the dead and injured. We deplore all types of violence whether by security forces or demonstrators, particularly the use of lethal means. These incidents, like those of 8 June, need to be urgently and independently investigated, as undertaken by the Government. Given the need for constructive partnership between political leaders within a multi-party democratic system, the Ambassadors’ Donor Group also express serious concern that CUD party leaders and some members of civil society have been arrested. All political detainees should be released. The Ambassadors' Donors Group call for the due legal process and protection under the Constitution to be made available to all those detained and if not charged they should be released immediately. In accordance with international standards, medicines and other humanitarian assistance should be provided to detainees and access given for their families. Equally the CUD should encourage people to avoid violence and confrontation and should respect the law and Constitution. The ADG call for full participation of all political groups in the Parliamentary and Municipal democratic process and encourages a renewed dialogue aimed at strengthening Ethiopia's democratic institutions. While the ability to protest peacefully is a legitimate right in a democracy, violent demonstrations pose a substantial threat to public safety and do nothing to advance democracy. The Ambassadors’ Donor Group urge maximum restraint on both sides and a return to calm and to peaceful dialogue.
