We are pleased that the situation has remained calm in Addis today and will resume operations tomorrow, September 20. Closing the Embassy was not an easy decision.
When we received credible information about likely protests we reviewed it in the context of recent events in Addis – the demonstrations on September 17 blocked off large parts of the city, hindered, Embassy operations and put our staff’s safety at risk. Taking many factors into account, we made our decision to close today in the interest of safety and were required by U.S. law to announce closure and the reason for it publicly. We stand by that decision and hope that Addis will remain calm as the country works toward implementing its political and economic reforms.
As progress continues there will need to be space for peaceful expression and both the people and government of Ethiopia will need to remain committed to upholding and respecting the rule of law. We remain a strong supporter and partner in that process.
