Written question asked by Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Labour) on Thursday, 15 April 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 April 2021. It was answered by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Monday, 26 April 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Ethiopia: Politics and Government

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help ensure peace in Ethiopia following recent violence between the Ethiopian Government and protestors.

Answer: We are concerned by the ongoing ethnic violence and protests in Ethiopia including in the Oromia and Amhara regions. I [Minister Duddridge] raised growing ethnic tensions and the need for political dialogue as long ago as July 2020 when I last visited, including with the President of the Oromo region. The Foreign Secretary raised the importance of respect for human rights and credible elections to maintain peace and security when he met with Prime Minister Abiy during his visit to Ethiopia on 22 January. We will continue to champion open and free political expression for all Ethiopians.

Secondary information