Canada is renewing military cooperation with Ethiopia, suspended due to past genocide allegations. Critics question the ethics of this decision, noting ongoing human rights violations by the Ethiopian military. While Canada cites progress in peace and accountability, concerns about continuing civilian casualties dominate discussions about the renewed partnership. Former officials emphasize the necessity of ensuring that military reinforcement does not exacerbate violence against civilians, particularly Tigrayans.
Canada is reinstating military cooperation with Ethiopia, approximately three years after suspending defense collaboration due to serious allegations of genocide and other crimes against civilians during the Tigray conflict. The reinvigoration of this partnership falls under Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP), which comprises over 60 participating nations intending to bolster the defenses of non-NATO countries. Critics have raised concerns regarding the rationale behind reinstituting ties with the Ethiopian military, which continues to face allegations of civilian casualties through drone strikes and artillery bombardments in various regions.
The Canadian government perceives that Ethiopia has shown initial progress in terms of peace initiatives, human rights accountability, and addressing atrocities stemming from conflicts in Tigray and the Amhara and Oromia regions. A recent internal memo from a senior official indicated that Canada intends to focus on “non-lethal” cooperation, striving for a potential opening to engage with Ethiopia on human rights issues while enhancing its geopolitical footprint in the area. However, Canadian concerns regarding ongoing civilian harm from air strikes remain paramount.
Within the memo, governmental apprehensions about Ethiopian air strikes continued to be underscored, which notably resulted in civilian casualties. Civilians in Amhara have endured fatalities and injuries from indiscriminate artillery fire as recorded by recent investigations. Additionally, there are warnings regarding an escalating conflict on the horizon between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with military movements implying heightened tensions along their shared border.
Andrée-Anne Poulin, spokesperson for the Department of National Defence, remarked that Canada would initially conduct small-scale training activities. She expressed belief that re-engagement in the MTCP might foster accountability and improvement within the Ethiopian Armed Forces, as opposed to solely maintaining exclusion from the program. The Canadian government maintains the prerogative to discontinue collaboration should Ethiopia lapse in meeting program criteria.
Critics of this renewed cooperation include former Canadian Justice Minister Allan Rock. He articulated that it is unacceptable for Canada to resume defense engagements without prerequisites for accountability concerning past atrocities. Mr. Rock also underscored concerns regarding the potential for violence against Tigrayans if strengthened through Canadian collaboration. He suggested seeking formal legal redress through the International Court of Justice to address Ethiopia’s obligations regarding genocide prevention.
Legal experts specializing in international human rights law, such as Sarah Teich, voiced serious objections to the continuity of military relations with Ethiopia, citing prevalent human rights abuses that persist unaddressed. Furthermore, Kyle Matthews from the Montreal Institute for Global Security urged caution, stressing that any training provided should prioritize adherence to international humanitarian law.
Given the troubling background and ongoing concerns surrounding human rights violations, Canada’s decision to re-establish military links with Ethiopia poses significant ethical considerations and calls for a careful examination of its implications in fostering accountability and protecting civilian lives within ongoing conflicts.
The resumption of military cooperation between Canada and Ethiopia raises urgent concerns regarding the implications for human rights in a country accused of continuing violations. Despite claims of initial progress in accountability and justice for past atrocities, critics argue that the decision to reinstate defense collaborations lacks sufficient safeguards for civilian protection. The situation necessitates vigilant oversight, with calls for training to focus on international humanitarian law and accountability standards. Ultimately, Canada must balance its geopolitical interests against ethical responsibilities.
Original Source: www.theglobeandmail.com
