U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Says Statement On Drone Strike Retracted Due to “Administrative Error”

It was an “administrative error” 

By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga held a press conference today addressing a wide range of issues, including the recent retraction of a controversial statement on drone strikes, the United States’ approach to humanitarian aid in Ethiopia, and the current political and security situation in the country.

One of the central questions raised was why Ambassador Massinga retracted his original May 23 statement, which had called on the Ethiopian federal government to “immediately cease the use of drone strikes against its own people and facilitate resolutions.” The statement was revised just hours later, replacing the phrase with a more measured call for the government to “continue seeking peaceful resolutions without violence and prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens.”

Speaking on this issue, Ambassador Massinga clarified: “That was a mistake—nothing more, nothing less. We took an earlier draft that I had never seen, never approved, and due to an administrative error, it was unfortunately posted. We quickly replaced it with a message that better reflects where we’re coming from. I’m pleased to say the intended audiences understood that and responded accordingly.”

The Ambassador emphasized that the core message was directed at all Ethiopians and their leaders. “I don’t think anybody disagrees with the idea that it’s time to put people first,” he said, highlighting the U.S.’s long standing partnership with Ethiopia, particularly in providing humanitarian aid. “We’re proud to do all that, but we recognize it’s not sustainable outside of a political resolution of this conflict. I think everyone understands that.”

When asked whether the U.S. government is actively facilitating peace talks between the Ethiopian government and armed groups such as Fano and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), Ambassador Massinga was cautious: “Our mission is public diplomacy. We’re engaging with the Ethiopian government at a government-to-government level. This is one of the areas we’re working on moving forward.”

On the May 23 call for Fano to adopt “realistic and peaceful objectives,” the Ambassador explained, “What those terms mean—being peaceful and realistic—that’s for Fano and the federal government to determine, just as long as there is a pathway forward. All stakeholders recognize that this is what the people want.”

Addressing questions about U.S. humanitarian assistance, especially after cuts to USAID, the Ambassador revealed that a substantial portion of preprogrammed aid is being restored. “Eighty-nine percent of the previously programmed humanitarian assistance will continue. About 77% of overall development and humanitarian aid is still available to us.”

He detailed continued support in sectors such as health—especially HIV and maternal health—agriculture, and assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs). “But aid is not sustainable for either the U.S. or Ethiopian governments. The IDPs must be able to return home safely and rebuild their lives.”

Ambassador Massinga also noted a shift in strategy toward private sector-led growth. “We’re focusing on a fundamental programming shift—from assistance to private sector engagement,” citing collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing, as well as support for infrastructure projects like the new airport in Bishoftu.

Responding to concerns about press freedom and media restrictions, the Ambassador said, “As someone who has spent ten years in Ethiopia, I understand the challenges. But just like the U.S. went through civil wars and difficult times before achieving its current civil and press freedoms, Ethiopia must also work toward that path. All stakeholders must act to restore constitutional order.”

Ambassador Massinga reaffirmed the U.S.’s strong support for Ethiopia’s economic reforms, saying, “Let’s be clear: It’s hard. But we applaud the government and the Ministry of Finance for accepting the challenge to shift toward a market economy.” He praised Ethiopia’s ambition to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) by next year and expressed U.S. support for improving regulatory conditions and expanding foreign market access.

Commenting on the ongoing conflicts in Amhara and Oromia, the Ambassador warned that continued instability poses a major barrier to Ethiopia’s future. “As long as conflict continues, it will be difficult for the country to achieve the stability it desires. All actors—especially the federal government—must lead Ethiopia forward, not backward. The full potential of the country depends on it.”

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