US Foreign Policy in The Horn of Africa by Donna Rose Jackson

Author:Donna Rose Jackson [Jackson, Donna Rose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History, Africa, East, Political Science, Colonialism & Post-Colonialism, United States, General, International Relations, Diplomacy, Terrorism, Imperialism, World, African, Americas (North; Central; South; West Indies), Civil Rights, Public Policy, Regional Planning
ISBN: 9781317215998
Google: e8g3DwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2017-09-29T05:01:12+00:00

Trouble flares in Eritrea

The political upheaval in Addis Ababa had a profound impact on hopes for a peaceful resolution to the Eritrean insurgency. Eritrean-born General Aman had supported a negotiated settlement, and there were feelings within the administration that this disagreement had been a factor in Aman’s execution. In December, a briefing paper prepared for Ford reported on the increased number of government forces that were being dispatched to Eritrea and noted that “General Aman’s opposition to the dispatch of additional troops to the area, a step which the more militant elements in the PMAC had been demanding, may have contributed to his death.”72

Fears that the more militant approach by the PMAC would lead to increased hostilities in Eritrea became reality towards the end of 1974. The first reports came on December 24 when Ottaway reported on renewed fighting around Asmara, adding that “it appears that the long-feared resumption of war between the central government and the Front, which is seeking the independence of Ethiopia’s strategically located northern province of Eritrea, may have begun.”73 Shortly after Ottaway’s report, the ELF issued a statement confirming that insurgent activity was being stepped up because Ethiopia refused to negotiate on Eritrean independence, declaring that “as long as Ethiopia refuses our olive branch, there will be more bullets and grenades,” and asserting that the Eritreans “will not lay down their arms until Eritrea’s aspirations are fulfilled and its independence achieved.”74

The intensifying conflict in Eritrea brought forth a rather ironic comparison with the deteriorating situation in Southeast Asia. On January 20, 1975, Wynne telegraphed Kissinger asking that “in view of increasing indications that major hostilities may soon break out in Eritrea, would appreciate earliest forwarding of administrative instructions to facilitate the departure of dependents who wish to leave Asmara.”75 The seriousness of the situation in Asmara was summed up by Jim Hackett, one of the employees at Kagnew, who told reporters that “it’s a bloodbath out there.”76 As a result, Kissinger telegraphed Wynne with instructions that, while Kagnew would remain open, all “nonessential personnel can be temporarily withdrawn to Addis.”77 Shortly afterwards, Kissinger informed Ford that the “evacuation of all US government dependents and those private Americans who chose to leave Asmara for Addis Ababa was completed February 4.”78 Kissinger acknowledged, though, that the situation for those Americans who remained in Asmara was grave, adding that “our consulate in Asmara reports a continuing lack of electricity, shortage of water, and developing shortage of food.”79

By February 7, the insurgency was being described as “full-scale war” that involved “thousands of Eritrean guerrillas and government troops” and casualties “running into the hundreds.”80 On February 16, Ottaway reported that the new regime in Ethiopia was “in serious trouble, battling not only for the mountain kingdom’s unity but also for its own life.”81 From the PMAC’s perspective, the loss of Eritrea would be catastrophic as it contained Ethiopia’s only oil refinery and provided Ethiopia’s only access to the sea, in addition to fears that successful secession might create a precedent that could lead to the complete disintegration of the Ethiopian Empire.

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