The Ethiopian government has taken a drastic step by ordering the expulsion of several Irish diplomats, escalating tensions amid an already turbulent civil war in the Tigray region. Four of Ireland's six diplomats stationed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, were given an ultimatum to leave the country within a week. This sudden move has left officials in Dublin scrambling and prioritizing the safety of Irish citizens still residing in Ethiopia. It's a move that Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has deeply regretted, hinting at the strained relations between the two nations.
Ireland has been vocal about the human rights abuses in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which undoubtedly piqued the ire of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration. In early November, Ireland spearheaded a United Nations Security Council statement calling for a ceasefire. This wasn't a lone stance, as they echoed sentiments shared by both the European Union and the United Nations Secretary-General. However, diplomacy is a delicate dance, and in a region as conflict-ridden as the Horn of Africa, the balance is easily disrupted.
To give a bit of background, Ethiopia's conflict with the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) began in November 2020 when Abiy sent federal troops into the Tigray region. The goal was swift: to quash the power of the TPLF, a party that had a significant sway in Ethiopian politics for nearly three decades but had fallen out of favor. Abiy’s promise of a quick victory was short-lived. By June 2021, Tigrayan forces had regained control of most of the region, including its capital, Mekelle. Since then, they've advanced into neighboring regions and threatened to march towards Addis Ababa.
The consequences of this conflict have been devastating. Thousands have died, and the region has seen widespread atrocities, including gang rapes and mass expulsions. Medical centers have not been spared amidst the devastation. The fear that the country could fragment has alarmed many Ethiopians and international observers, wary of the broader implications for regional stability. As Western nations, including the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany, urge their citizens to evacuate Ethiopia while flights remain available, Ireland has done the same, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The recent expulsion of Irish diplomats is not an isolated incident. Just two months prior, Ethiopia expelled seven senior U.N. officials, including members from UNICEF and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, labeling them 'persona non grata' for allegedly meddling in the country's internal affairs. This fight to control the narrative and maintain sovereignty is a common thread through Ethiopia's recent engagements with international bodies and nations.
Simon Coveney, expressing hope for a temporary resolution to the diplomatic fallout, underscored Ireland’s commitment to Ethiopia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, he didn’t shy away from highlighting the abuses by government forces, a message that likely further strained diplomatic ties. Coveney had also planned a visit to Addis Ababa in early December, intending to appeal directly to Abiy Ahmed but cited that this plan was blocked by Ethiopian authorities.
The fear and urgency in Coveney's statements were palpable. The Irish government had already planned protocols for the swift evacuation of its remaining diplomats if the situation deteriorated further. Vicky Ford, the U.K.'s Minister for Africa, echoed similar concerns, warning of the rapid deterioration of security in Ethiopia. With the Addis Ababa airport potentially at risk of closure, the situation on the ground appears to be becoming increasingly dangerous.
Humanitarian access remains a critical issue. The Irish government has been adamant about the need for unhindered access to provide aid, a stance they share with many international bodies. Ireland has had a diplomatic presence in Ethiopia since 1994 and has poured $185 million in government aid funding into the country over the past five years. Despite the current exodus, Irish Aid will still disburse an additional $18 million through its partners, including various U.N. humanitarian organizations, to support emergency efforts in Ethiopia.
Abiy Ahmed’s direct involvement in the frontline, a move announced with patriotic fervor on his Twitter account, underscores the dire stakes. 'The time has come to lead the country with sacrifice,' he declared, calling his countrymen to rise for the nation. This rallying cry might resonate with many Ethiopians, but also speaks volumes about the lengths his administration is willing to go in this escalating conflict.
In reflecting on the gravity of the situation, it’s crucial to consider the blend of diplomacy, humanitarian needs, and the harsh realities of conflict. Ireland’s principled stance on human rights, mirrored by other Western nations, has put it at odds with the Ethiopian government. However, it also highlights the broader international effort to address and resolve the crisis in Tigray. The diplomatic rift signifies the challenging road ahead, both for Ethiopia and the international community striving to instill peace in one of Africa’s most tumultuous regions.
