Abyssinian's Ethiopian Visit
Black Star News, NY - October 5, 2007
... One wonders as to the level of openness accorded the group. The University is extremely divided ethnically, especially with Tigreans and Oromos. Police in the past have targeted and arrested students. The belief is that there some students who keep tabs on others on behalf of state security agents.
The university president, Indrias Eshete, is unpopular and students talk about deteriorating education conditions. Even though the trip was billed primarily as a spiritual, cultural and historical journey, prominent Americans can't come to Ethiopia and completely avoid the political minefields. Although Butts tried to stay clear of politics, there were many unanswered questions.
Despite some undeniable achievements in this country, like infrastructure and the industry sector growth, there is still a lot do as far as human rights are concerned. Independent groups such as Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) have done a brave job documenting conditions, including in Oromiya. Some staff were even detained for four months, then released.
An urbane and well informed pastor, he must be aware of the political situation here. One might wonder why, given the clear need for more outside pressure, the reverend would be against the Congressional Bill that calls for democratization, leveling the playing field for the opposition and even a visa ban for officials suspected of human rights abuse ...