American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) Calls for an Independent Investigation Following Deadly Violence in Southern Ethiopia. The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) expresses its deep concern over the reported loss of civilian lives during recent protests in southern Ethiopia following the arrests of local officials. According to the Associated Press, at least 17 people were killed, including children, during demonstrations that followed the weekend arrests of officials in the Wolaita Zone. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported that security forces responded to the protests with force and expressed "deep concern over persistent violence and the use of excessive force" against demonstrators. Local activists have reported that the death toll may be significantly higher, with at least 34 people killed and more than 100 people injured, the vast majority suffering gunshot wounds. AEPAC extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and to all those who were injured. The protection of innocent civilians is a fundamental responsibility of every government. Peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and the right of citizens to voice legitimate concerns are fundamental democratic principles that must be respected, while all parties should reject violence and actions that place civilian lives at risk. AEPAC calls for a prompt, transparent, independent, and impartial investigation into the reported deaths and injuries, with full accountability for any unlawful use of force. Establishing the facts and ensuring accountability are essential to restoring public confidence, upholding the rule of law, and preventing further violence. We further urge the Government of Ethiopia to exercise maximum restraint, protect the rights and safety of all civilians, and ensure that all security measures are carried out in accordance with Ethiopia's Constitution and its obligations under international human rights law. As part of its ongoing commitment to informed public policy, AEPAC will continue to actively engage the United States Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and leading Washington-based foreign policy institutions and think tanks—including the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), the Brookings Institution, the Hudson Institute, the Heritage Foundation, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Center for a New American Security (CNAS)—to help ensure that developments in Ethiopia receive sustained policy attention, objective analysis, and informed discussion. AEPAC also encourages these institutions, together with international human rights organizations, religious freedom advocates, diplomatic missions, academic institutions, and partner organizations, to continue assessing the evolving political, humanitarian, and human rights situation in Ethiopia. Through independent research, constructive dialogue, and evidence-based policy recommendations, these organizations can make an important contribution to informing U.S. policy and supporting efforts that advance peace, constitutional governance, accountability, religious freedom, the rule of law, and respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of all Ethiopians. As a nonpartisan public affairs organization, AEPAC remains committed to providing timely, factual, objective, and well-documented information to policymakers and the broader foreign policy community. We will continue working with Congress, executive branch agencies, policy institutes, think tanks, faith-based organisations, human rights advocates, and international partners to promote stronger U.S.–Ethiopia relations and policies that foster lasting peace, stability, democratic governance, and the protection of fundamental human rights. Given the Horn of Africa's profound strategic importance to regional and global security, international commerce, counter terrorism, maritime security, and geopolitical stability, the international community has both a moral responsibility and a compelling strategic interest in supporting lasting peace and stability in Ethiopia. Beyond the humanitarian imperative, a peaceful, democratic, and stable Ethiopia is essential to the security and prosperity of the broader Horn of Africa and serves the long-term interests of the United States and its international partners. AEPAC therefore urges the United States Government, the United States Congress, allied nations, regional partners, international organisations, and the broader foreign policy community to remain actively engaged in promoting accountability, encouraging peaceful dialogue, strengthening democratic institutions, protecting fundamental human rights and religious freedom, and advancing the rule of law. Sustained international engagement, principled diplomacy, and support for constitutional governance are indispensable to securing a peaceful future for Ethiopia and contributing to a more secure, stable, and prosperous Horn of Africa. The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee remains committed to serving as a constructive, nonpartisan voice that advances informed public policy, strengthens U.S.–Ethiopia relations, and advocates for democracy, human rights, religious freedom, constitutional governance, and lasting peace for all the people of Ethiopia. 👇🖇️ share.google/zqp9a5WOflD6NnE… @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @USEmbassyAddis,@indefchristians,@RepJohnJames,@housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean, @RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi, @jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @SecBlinken, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl, @michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP,@LaurenBinDC