The framing of what the USG has done today as "imposing sanctions" is not really what it is. I far better framing to interpret this is as a "framework to achieve and end to the war in North Ethiopia".
As a great imperial power the USG, struggles to say this in as many words. But it is clear when you read between the lines that the U.S. is finally willing to engage with the Ethiopian Govt. in a sincere manner. That said there is still a lot of water to travel under the bridge,
The framing of this initiative is carrot and stick. The stick is of course the bit that Ethiopia should not accept.

But the carrot is significant. The President of the United States is offering to restore Ethiopia's to its rightful place as friend and ally of the US.
^^ this passage comes from the end of the Fact Sheet on this. And it is a subtle signal to domestic political realities that underlie the very significant decision by @JoeBiden to elevate this African issue to the top of US foreign policy issues.
whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
The way I read this, the Biden Administration wants to also heal the rifts in the divided diaspora communities. Which as those of us with an Ethiopian perspective on this are well aware will be very very difficult.
But is a worthwhile objective for Ethiopia.

And perhaps most importantly, it is also a very important political objective for the Democratic Party, especially considering the upcoming November Senate election in Georgia.
[Thread will continue later, looking more at the detail of this @JoeBiden's "A different path is possible" peace initiative proposal.

This is a remarkable moment in international relations.]

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More from @althecat

17 Sep
This letter is fantastic. And a great way to respond to the @JoeBiden peace Initiative. Very very Abiy in its construction, strong, and heartfelt. The final paragraph is crucial.
The U.S. initiative - I just spent a couple of hours getting into the weeds on it - is on one level disrespectful, and on another (more important level) clearly a practical response to try to end this war and crisis.
The final paragraph of @AbiyAhmedAli's letter reads:

"It is essential to point out here that Ethiopia will not succumb to consequences of pressure engineered by disgruntled individuals for whom consolidating power is more important than the well-being of millions.
Read 6 tweets
17 Sep
BREAKING NEWS: We have the US Sanctions announcement. Here reported by CNN. edition.cnn.com/2021/09/17/pol…
There are four statements on this issued by the White House. Here posted in the order they appear chronologically.

1. Executive Order >> whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
2. Statement by @POTUS @JoeBiden on the Executive Order. whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
Read 8 tweets
17 Sep
So this #TPLFStrategyLeak appears to be a significant event. An 86 page document leaked, allegedly written/presented to TPLF leadership a couple of weeks before the Northern Command attack.

The document appears to have been leaked online. A full version is not yet available.
The second #TPLFStrategyLeak tweet, tweeted earlier contains a summary and description of the full document. And I now have a full translation of that.
The document is in Amharic, which raises questions about its authenticity. However, it's not quite that simple, as it also raises questions about any attempt to fake it. I would also note that faking an 86 page doc. would itself be extraordinary.
Read 8 tweets
16 Sep
The Ethiopian-Tigray Crisis-War has reached what looks like a turning point. The rumours, which are everywhere, that @POTUS @JoeBiden is about to sanction Ethiopia and Eritrea are clearly being telegraphed for a reason.
@POTUS @JoeBiden E.G. this is one of the most recent ones. And this one is weirdly specific. "18 Hours". sounds like there will be a press conference or something.
Apparently the announcement of the sanctions has been approved. On the day that @KarenBassTweets was due to depart for Ethiopia on CODEL (Congressional Delegation) visit. However this seems to have been postponed, now till 27th-29th September. Which is odd.
Read 24 tweets
16 Sep
Translation into English of Somalia President Farmaajo’s statement suspending Somalia PM Roble @MohamedHRoble (aka Rooble)’s powers. [ Translation by @Mohamud_M_A ]
And some speculation on possible immediate reasons for Roble’s removal by President Farmaajo @M_Farmaajo.
Read 6 tweets
15 Sep
Ministry of Peace Statement released today on Facebook. Thread...

"Humanitarian assistance is a service that should be provided to any victim in need without any preconditions." Minister of Peace HE Muferihat Kamil.
"An estimated 4.5 million people have been affected due to the attacks in Amhara and Afar regions by the terrorist group TPLF following the Ethiopian government's decision for a unilateral ceasefire.
"More than 550 thousand people have recently been displaced from their homes, in addition to those already in the camps as a result of TPLF's desire to expand its attacks on innocent civilians.
Read 19 tweets

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