Jeffrey Feltman's briefing on November 23rd was remarkably upbeat about the possibility of a negotiated ceasefire and TPLF withdrawal to Tigray, which would be enormously beneficial in moving towards a resolution of this conflict. c-span.org/video/?516313-…
Unfortunately since then as we know there have been significant developments which have been less positive. And the Princeton call has clearly thrown a spanner in the works, given the framing of the discussion from TPLF. But that behind the scenes mediation may have continued.
It's in the interests of peace to end the active conflict ASAP. There will be a lot more to do after that first step is achieved. But this is how peace is made. Feltman's remarks are crystal clear wrt to opposition to TPLF marching on Addis and attacking Djibouti corridor.
The transcript of the call is here >> state.gov/briefing-with-…
And presumably can be translated into Amharic.
And presumably can be translated into Amharic.
This passage is particularly revealing, and in the audio it is clear that Envoy Feltman is speaking frankly here, which has not always been the case.
His rejection of the idea that the US is "nostalgic for" and supports a return of the TPLF is very clear.
His rejection of the idea that the US is "nostalgic for" and supports a return of the TPLF is very clear.
My assessment of this briefing is that it reflects a change in U.S. Policy with respect to the outcome of this conflict, a recent one, and one in which Feltman has a mandate to place pressure on the TPLF to achieve peace.
However it is equally clear that TPLF ignored this pressure both in its recent efforts in the Princeton Call, and in its renewed offensive to the east towards Mille. An offensive which has, based on my understanding, failed.
An updated briefing of a similar kind would be helpful. And in that briefing Feltman would be wise to explicitly address the Princeton Call, and reiterate his clear statements with respect to U.S. no longer having "nostalgia" for a return of the TPLF.
A follow up briefing would be helpful in supporting the position of @AbiyAhmedAli politically, by repeating the new U.S. position which appears to be now explicitly focussed on ending this conflict rather than providing cover for ongoing TPLF attempts to destabilise Ethiopia.
Such a briefing could also be used to make it crystal clear to other international actors in this drama, particularly the Egyptians and the other members of the "U.S. Security Architecture in the Middle East" i.e. Israel, Saudi and the UAE. That U.S. is opposed to their meddling.
/ends
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