Chance for Peace in Ethiopia

Finally, some good news out of Ethiopia. The resignation of President Mengistu Haile Mariam provides an opportunity for relief after years of war, tyranny, drought and famine.

Peace talks, sponsored by the United States, are scheduled on Monday in London, with representatives from the major rebel groups and the current government invited to attend. An accord could pave the way for some measure of peace in that poor East African nation.

But Mengistu’s decision to flee has not stopped the fighting. The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front and the separatist Eritrean People’s Liberation Front have ignored the government’s request for a cease-fire. After years of fighting, their reluctance to throw down their arms is understandable, but continued fighting only means more bloodshed.

The fighting also disrupts international relief efforts intended to stave off the latest round of drought and famine. The United States is providing nearly $175 million in food supplies, one-third of the effort. But fierce battles halted convoys of food shipments over the weekend. Reviving the distribution would help millions, and demonstrate that Ethiopia is no longer run by tyrants who put politics ahead of starving people.

Mengistu ignored the deadly 1984 famine. He spent half of the budget on military spending, and also financed a lavish celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the end of Emperor Haile Selassie’s rule. When the world came to the rescue of starving Ethiopians, Mengistu’s government blocked relief efforts, and stole food intended for dying children.

Death marked Mengistu’s cruel rule. He personally shot opponents. He purged, according to Amnesty International, as many as 10,000 intellectuals, professionals and other critics.

He also embraced communism and imitated the Soviet Union. The Soviets rewarded Mengistu with substantial military and technical aid, until the end of the Cold War eliminated the need for a strategic ally.

The loss of Soviet support crippled Mengistu’s ability to fight the rebels. His defeat must be Ethiopia’s victory.