US Renews Calls For Dialogue Following Ambassadorial Visit To Shire

The United States has urged the federal government to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and called on armed factions, including Fano and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), to pursue peaceful dialogue.

In a statement issued on May 23, 2025, the US government underscored the importance of protecting civilians, facilitating the return of displaced families, and ensuring access to education and healthcare.

The statement emphasized the need for lasting solutions to Ethiopia’s internal conflicts.

“It is time to put people first by implementing lasting solutions to the country,” reads the statement.

The appeal calls for an end to lawlessness linked to armed conflict and reflects international concern over prolonged violence and human rights violations in Ethiopia.

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It also called on Fano to present realistic and peaceful objectives and urged the OLA to engage in negotiations to end fighting in Oromia.

“Come forward with realistic and peaceful objectives in [the] Amhara region,” it reads. “Move ahead with negotiations to end fighting in Oromia.”

It added that the focus should be on pursuing peace and stability in Ethiopia.

“Continue seeking peaceful resolutions without violence and priorities to safety and well-being of its citizens,” reads the statement.

The US wants to see an end to Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, enabling internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return home, ensuring children can attend school and access healthcare.

The statement concluded by highlighting the international attention to the ongoing conflicts and their impact on civilians.

Earlier this week, Ervin Jose Massinga, US Ambassador to Ethiopia, made an official visit to Shire in the Tigray Regional State, where he toured displacement camps and engaged with affected communities.

During his visit, Massinga held discussions with TPLF officials, the Interim Administration President, and military leaders. While acknowledging US government support, he emphasized prioritizing the needs of displaced people over political considerations to facilitate their safe return home.

“There are people who have been displaced for too long here in Tigray—they deserve to go home. Let’s put the people first, politics second, and let that guide our efforts,” said the Ambassador, urging swift action to enable displaced individuals to restart their lives.

Massinga stressed that the sustainable resolution lies in the safe return of displaced people rather than prolonged conflict.

“Aid is not sustainable; what’s sustainable is allowing people to go home,” he reiterated, underscoring the need for long-term stability through reintegration rather than dependency on relief assistance.

Earlier the same day, before issuing a revised statement, the US Embassy in Ethiopia had urged the Ethiopian federal government “to cease drone strikes against its own people and pursue conflict resolution.”