Your moral indignation at those who threaten “those who are seeking to advance Ethiopian democracy” is encouraging. Speaking with moral clarity and impartiality is the foundation that strengthens your relationship with Ethiopia and Ethiopians. However the moral standard you use should be the same for the weak and for the victor.

As you know close to a hundred have been killed and thousands have been arrested. Innocent opposition leaders, civic society leaders and journalist are in prison. You know most of those opposition leaders in person. You also know the court system is controlled by the party of the Prime Minster.

Yet you call for their “speedy, transparent and fair” trial. The verdict was given sometime in August. It is an open secret that the Prime Minster has already informed some of you that they will be found guilty. Some of you are hoping for pardon or amnesty. Do you really believe that?

Your position on the issue of the prisoners seems to betray the moral clarity that you established in your statement. The issue of the prisoners is the single most important issue that requires your principled attention. You should do what is morally acceptable: Demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the prisoners. Blaming and pressuring those in prison to accept the dictates of the powerful and turning a blind eye to injustice undermines your standing among the Ethiopian people.

The political space has shrunk appreciably. Ethiopians have not heard you calling for the respect of the constitution and an open political system. Some of you have publicly questioned the exercise of rights guaranteed by the constitution. Some have even questioned whether Ethiopia is ready for democracy in spite of a peaceful and large turn out. Appeasement is not morally acceptable and politically viable. Stability and prosperity are not the byproducts of a repressive regime. Your tolerance of the brutality of the government and the imprisonment of the elected leaders are taken as consent by the government and abandonment by the Ethiopian people.

Governments come and go. Ethiopia and your countries will outlast the current government. You should be friends of Ethiopia and the people of Ethiopia. As representatives of your governments we ask you to see beyond the temporary interest of some and support the aspirations of Ethiopians. We are confident you agree with me that freedom is universal. The freedom you supported in Georgia and Ukraine is what Ethiopians aspire.

Sincerely,

* Engida Fanta can be reached by writing to Engida.fanta@yahoo.com