Atrocities in Ethiopia? No problem! Just close your eyes and send more money!
In July 2011, two Swedish journalists entered the Ethiopian province Ogaden embedded with the ONLF guerrilla movement. The trial against the journalists and other abuses seem to surprise donor agencies, politicians and others outside of Ethiopia. But in fact, it is nothing new. On the contrary, abuses and crimes against human rights have been ongoing [...]
In July 2011, two Swedish journalists entered the Ethiopian province Ogaden embedded with the ONLF guerrilla movement. The trial against the journalists and other abuses seem to surprise donor agencies, politicians and others outside of Ethiopia. But in fact, it is nothing new. On the contrary, abuses and crimes against human rights have been ongoing for many years in Ethiopia. Even so, Sweden and other countries have continued to fill the coffers in Addis Ababa with millions and millions of dollars in development aid.
Ethiopia is perhaps one of the most perverse examples of how a country continues to receive development money year after year, without any improvement in democracy and respect for human rights. But there are other countries that continue to receive development money from Sweden, without any questions asked. In fact, more than a half of the ten most important Swedish ’partner countries’ remain the same, year after year, without any having to justify their conduct. In spite of all the talk about human rights, efficiency and transparency, there are other, much more vague factors that determine the selection of a partner country.
Ethiopia has been one of the major recipients of international aid in recent times. Despite many years of human rights abuse, Sweden and other donors continue pumping aid into Ethiopia. Addis Ababa’s pleasant climate and the fact that we have an entwined history outweigh the murdered demonstrators and detained journalists.
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