Canada Resumes Military Co-operation with Ethiopia Amid Controversies

Canada has resumed military co-operation with Ethiopia despite past genocide allegations during the Tigray war. This decision comes three years after the collaboration was suspended due to civilian casualties. The renewed partnership will focus on non-lethal cooperation but faces criticism from human rights advocates regarding accountability for atrocities. Experts call for caution, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and adhering to international humanitarian law.

Canada has announced the resumption of its military co-operation with Ethiopia, despite accusations of genocide and other crimes committed by the Ethiopian armed forces during the Tigray conflict. Three years prior, Canada’s federal government halted its defense collaboration due to widespread reports of civilian casualties caused by the Ethiopian military. The relaunched military relationship includes Ethiopia’s reinstatement in Canada’s Military Training and Co-operation Program (MTCP) but faces scrutiny from human rights experts.

The internal memo from a senior Canadian diplomat, which was obtained by The Globe and Mail, revealed that this renewed military collaboration was discussed in a recent meeting with Ethiopian Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed. The focus of the renewed relationship is intended to be on “non-lethal” support, as Canada acknowledges Ethiopia’s initial strides towards addressing human rights issues and pursuing peace initiatives.

While Canada aims to use this re-established partnership to address human rights concerns, there are ongoing fears regarding civilian casualties from Ethiopian airstrikes and artillery attacks in regions like Amhara and Oromia. Reports of recent drone strikes highlight this issue, as do investigations indicating the Ethiopian military’s indiscriminate use of artillery fire, which has affected civilian populations.

Further complicating matters is the potential for renewed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with military movements observed near the border. Andrée-Anne Poulin, a spokesperson for the Department of National Defence, clarified that Canada will initially engage in limited training activities, asserting this approach could foster progress within the Ethiopian Armed Forces rather than isolating them.

However, critics, including former Canadian justice minister Allan Rock, have voiced strong opposition to Canada’s renewed military endeavors without concrete accountability for past atrocities. Rock emphasized the need for assurance that military collaboration will not contribute to further abuses against the Tigrayan populace, questioning the ethics behind such a decision.

Experts, including international law attorneys and policy directors, have advised caution, suggesting that any training encompassed under Canada’s resumed program should emphasize adherence to international humanitarian law and civilian protection. Concerns remain regarding the Ethiopian military’s continuing pattern of human rights abuses, indicating that justice remains elusive for many affected individuals in the region.

Canada’s decision to resume military co-operation with Ethiopia has sparked considerable controversy given the allegations of genocide linked to the Ethiopian armed forces during the Tigray war. While the government seeks to promote human rights through this partnership, significant challenges remain regarding ongoing abuses and the need for accountability. Critics are urging caution, emphasizing the necessity for substantial reforms within the Ethiopian military before any further collaboration can be ethically justified.

Original Source: www.theglobeandmail.com