EU chief tasks Ethiopian PM to initiate inclusive political dialogue quickly

1 min read

By Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban with European Union External Action

The High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, has tasked the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to respect democratic principles and civil rights in the country.

Mogherini, who is also Vice-President of the European Commission said there was the need to initiate an inclusive political dialogue within the shortest possible time. The dialogue ‘‘will require space, not restriction,” an EU statement said.

She further underlined the need for transparency and determined engagement by the government to respond to the grievances of the population. The EU said it expected the opening up of the democratic space, and respect of fundamental freedoms.

The two leaders, spoke in a phone call, where they discussed developments in the country – particularly the recently imposed six-month state of emergency.

The EU chief expressed concern over the curfew imposed on October 9 and its possible effect on democratic principles and civil rights of citizens. The Prime Minister on his part assured that the state of emergency will not breach human rights protected by the Ethiopian constitution.

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The PM had earlier this week assured that plans were underway for electoral reforms and the EU further urged that necessary political reforms are conducted to achieve this goal.

Mogherini also emphasized that talks between the government and opposition if done expeditiously will provide an inclusive economy with benefits for all, notably the youth.


  1. EU need to also withdraw from its traitor (TPLF) empowering crimes, namely UK and Germany.

    Why EU does support terrorist gang (TPLF) if it is after human rights. Or is there difference between Ethiopian humanity and others in the eye of those European politicians.

    EU correct your disguised and otherwise actions/plans against Ethiopia and Ethiopians?

    We are at the verge of scrutinizing the real stances of Western states towards Ethiopia and Ethiopians, specifically in the last 2,5 decades. USA and UK lead anti Ethiopia operation has made us landlocked and enemy to each other.

    Enough is enough! It is time for us Ethiopians to initiate counteract no matter how we may seem divided and weak!

  2. I wish she Ordered the real Power holders of Ethiopia,TPLFites not their servant The “PM” with zero decision making power

  3. The European Union knows that ato Hailemariam Desalegn is the puppet prime minister of the TPLF regime. Many common Tigres do not hide the fact that he is a puppet. Follwing the death of the strong man of the TPLF Meles Zenawi, the Tigre elites have opted for proxy rule through their puppets such as ato Hailemariam Desalegn. The TPLF regime is on the verge of collapsing and it is expected that ato Hailemariam will plead not guilty for the heinous crimes the TPLF regime has been committing. Then he will confess and admit that he was a simple puppet.

  4. “Federica Mogherini, has tasked the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to respect democratic principles and civil rights in the country.”

    Very very week statement by Ms. Mogherini. It is like telling a murderer to please stop killing people; a thief to please stop stealing and a brutal oppressor to please stop oppressing people. The rational and just thing is to jail the killers, thiefs and oppressors.
    The more appropriate, genuine and serious statement is as follows. “Prime Minister Hailemariam, we will punish you for your crimes against humanity. After receiving your punishment, you will either leave power voluntarily or hold an immediate election w/in 3-6 month. All democratic opposition forces should be allowed to participate in the election. The election will be very closely monitored by EU, USA and other model democratic countries every step of the way. If you refuse to hold immediate election you will be severely punished and all democratic opposition forces will be supported by EU and we will make sure that your government will be overthrown and replaced by a free and democratic government that believes in free enterprise capitalism and private ownership of properties.” PERIOD.

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