Ethiopia-U.S. Diplomatic Ties in Post :2018 Diplomatic Rift and Efforts of Reengagement and Normalization

Abstract

In more than a century old diplomatic relations, Ethiopia and U.S have been through a number of historical trajectories whereby their bilateral diplomatic relations were bourgeoning at times and dwindling at other times. This article aimed to examine the longstanding Ethio-U.S diplomatic ties vis-à-vis the post-2018 diplomatic rifts and the subsequent reengagement and normalization efforts. To address the main objective, the study employed both primary and secondary data obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Desk Review. The results of the study showed that the core causes reside in the geopolitical interests of the U.S in the Horn of Africa region (HoA), and the emerging changes thereof that may do harm than good to the strategic interests of the U.S and its allies. The non-core causes, whereas, are related to the two years’ war (2020-2022) blasted between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF, in the country’s north and the subsequent humanitarian atrocities. Even though Ethiopia was able to reengage with the U.S following the Pretoria Peace deal, the U.S has outlined two additional preconditions if the reengagement and normalization efforts have to be realized successfully. First, Ethiopia should allow the UN investigation team to access the humanitarian atrocities committed by the warring parties, even beyond Tigray; second, it has to arrange for a mechanism of transitional justice for the war victims, and thereby to bring about accountability on those who are found to be guilty of committing war crimes. Whatever setbacks appear to challenge the reengagement and normalization efforts, the two nations need to resume their strategic partnership based on mutual interest, for the common good of both countries and the HoA region at large.