Congressman Brad Sherman of the United States urges The Export-Import Bank of the United States [EXIM] to delay loan to Ethiopian Airlines, the fully state-owned aviation company of Ethiopia.
“The Export-Import Bank of the United States [EXIM] should delay next week’s proposed loan to Ethiopian Airlines until #Ethiopia fully implements its commitments under the peace deal,” he twitted today.
“I’m working with my colleagues on a letter to EXIM that urges them to delay action on this loan. The approval of this loan before the full implementation of #Ethiopia’s obligations under the peace agreement would be a mistake & out of line w/the stated positions of the Administration.”
During Committee hearing held today on assessing the Biden Administration’s U.S. strategy towards Sub-Saharan Africa, Molly Phee, US Department of State, Assistant Secretary of African Affairs, said: “We have made clear to leaders of Ethiopian Government that implementation- full implementation of the agreement reached in Pretoria and elaborated in Nairobi is essential to restoring the partnership that we previously enjoyed”.
Molly Phee made the comment in response to Congressman Brad Sherman’s question: “Assistant Secretary Phee will you commit to not restoring AGOA, and not supporting IMF, World Bank, et cetera, loan to Ethiopia until the Government of Ethiopia fulfills its obligations under the agreement, including humanitarian aid, protection for civilians human rights monitoring, and restoration of services including the internet”.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States [EXIM] should delay next week's proposed loan to Ethiopian Airlines until #Ethiopia fully implements its commitments under the peace deal. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/RtaqwjxGc9
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) December 15, 2022