Madam, - Congratulations to John O Shea of Goal, for bringing to light the dreadful state of affairs in Ethiopia after the killing of over 80 demonstrators and the arrest of thousands in the aftermath of the elections of May 2005 (The Irish Times, April 10th). It is indeed extraordinary that the Irish Government continues to give direct aid to Ethiopia. Anyone who suggests that the aid - provided to local government structures - is not given directly to the government is misleading the public or simply does not understand how aid works.
The Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa - a fine, five-storey structure - is well situated to enable Irish diplomats to witness the abuses of power by the Ethiopian government. Not only is the structure supporting the government, but it continues to provide taxpayers' money to the northern province of Tigray, the heartland of support for the present regime. It is strange to have a situation where, on one hand, the Irish aid programme is supporting efforts to strengthen democracy while, on the other, it supports a government which is actively undermining the democratic process.
I appeal to the Irish Government to provide support to Irish NGOs working in the country and withhold funds from government structures until we have a solution to this crisis.
Please do not publish my address or telephone number as I am living in Addis Ababa. - Yours, etc,
TESFAYE BOGALE, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.