Ethiopia and the United States: A Century of Diplomacy and Development
Ethiopia-US Relations: A Century-Long Journey and a Promising Future
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The relationship between Ethiopia and the United States, spanning over 120 years, has been a dynamic interplay shaped by evolving priorities and global shifts. From a nascent trade agreement in 1903 to a strengthened partnership in the current era, the two nations have navigated periods of close alliance, diplomatic strain, and renewed collaboration.
Early Foundations and Growing Ties
The formal bond between Ethiopia and the US was forged in 1903 when American representative Robert Skinner signed a trade agreement with Emperor Menelik II. This landmark agreement, aimed at “sustaining and strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries,” paved the way for the establishment of the American Legation in Addis Ababa in 1909.
During Italy’s five-year occupation of Ethiopia, the US, while not supporting the invasion, temporarily closed its legation. However, in a testament to the enduring nature of their ties, the legation reopened in 1943, the same year Ethiopia established its own legation in the US. By 1949, both legations were upgraded to embassies, signifying a deepening of diplomatic engagement.
Under the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopia-US relationship reached new heights. The US provided substantial military assistance to Ethiopia, and in return, Ethiopia granted the US access to the Kagnew Station in Asmara for military communications and security purposes. Reflecting the strong alliance, then-US President Richard Nixon famously described Ethiopia as “one of the United States’ most loyal and unwavering partners.” This era also saw the launch of the Peace Corps in Ethiopia, marking the first time the development-focused group deployed its members abroad, many of whom developed a deep affection for the country and chose to remain.
Shifting Tides and Renewed Engagement
The period from 1974 to 1991, marked by the Derg regime, witnessed a significant strain in the bilateral relationship. As the Derg turned towards the Soviet Union and embraced socialism, the US distanced itself. The Derg’s seizure of the Kagnew Station from the US is widely cited as a key factor that pushed the US to support the regime’s removal.
Following the fall of the Derg and the ascent of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) to power, relations improved. Learning from the Derg’s experience, the EPRDF declared its commitment to capitalism, fostering renewed engagement with the US. This period was characterized by joint efforts in combating Al-Shabaab and significant humanitarian aid from the US, with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) being a primary provider of assistance to Ethiopia.
The Current Landscape: A Period of Enhancement
According to Professor Alemayehu Gebremariam, a legal scholar who has lived in the US for 54 years and closely monitors Ethiopia-US relations, the current state of affairs between the two nations is notably improved. Professor Alemayehu, known for advocating for Ethiopia’s interests even engaging with senators on proposed legislation, notes that the relationship, which he felt had become “hijacked by individuals and groups and lacked principles” before the recent changes in Ethiopia, has seen remarkable progress, especially since the Trump administration took office.
Professor Alemayehu highlights several key indicators of this improvement:
- Ambassadorial Engagement: The meeting between Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the US, Binelf, and President Trump at the White House is cited as a significant example. While foreign ambassadors occasionally meet presidents upon presenting their credentials, Professor Alemayehu emphasizes that Ambassador Binelf’s meeting was “uncommon and highly significant,” indicating a positive and productive discussion based on photographs and official statements from both countries.
- High-Level Military Visits: The visit of US Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander of AFRICOM, to Ethiopia underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborative efforts on regional issues. Professor Alemayehu stresses Ethiopia’s crucial role in maintaining peace in the Horn of Africa and the wider continent.
- Ministerial Dialogues: Recent discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio further demonstrate the improved dynamic. Professor Alemayehu points to the US State Department’s statement, noting that the conversation, unlike previous “commander-subordinate” interactions over the past four years, focused on enhancing the bilateral relationship.
Professor Alemayehu asserts that the current Ethiopia-US relationship is “the best it has ever been in history” and urges careful stewardship of this positive momentum. He advocates for a partnership based on development cooperation rather than a donor-recipient dynamic, emphasizing his own efforts towards this goal.
Shared Interests and Future Prospects
Regarding President Trump’s statement about the US “helping” with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Professor Alemayehu suggests focusing on tangible policy changes on the ground rather than solely on the President’s remarks.
Ultimately, Professor Alemayehu believes that as Ethiopia grows stronger, its historical relationship with the US will continue to improve, fostering increased cooperation. He suggests that the US may seek to leverage Ethiopia as a strategic “gateway to Africa.” He also stresses the crucial role of the Ethiopian diaspora in the US in ensuring this positive momentum translates into a more advanced partnership.
Further reinforcing Professor Alemayehu’s observations, recent discussions between President Taye Atske Selassie and Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Official for the Africa Bureau, as well as Masad Boulos, President Trump’s Senior Advisor for Africa and the Middle East, signal a continued commitment to strengthening ties.
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