US Urges Ethiopian Government to Commit Democratic Dialogue amid Elections

The US urged the Ethiopian government and people to commit to a democratic political dialogue amid elections, the Department of State stated on Friday. It asserted: "We urge the Government of Ethiopia and all Ethiopians to commit to an inclusive, post-election political dialogue to determine a path forward to strengthen the country’s democracy and national unity."

The statement highlighted: "These elections should not be seen as a singular event but rather as part of a democratic political process that involves dialogue, cooperation, and compromise."

Ned Price, the Spokesperson of the US Secretary, said: "The United States continues to urge Ethiopia’s leaders to support a free media and an active civil society. We urge the government to respect the right of citizens to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, and to reject the use of Internet shutdowns or network restrictions."

The statement hailed the efforts of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NBE) to facilitate the process of democratic elections for all Ethiopians.

However, the US expressed its concern regarding the environment of the elections due to the latest discriminations and oppositions the state witnesses nowadays.