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Washington Update – by Mesfin Mekonen
On behalf of the Coalition of Ethiopian-American Civic Organizations, we are pleased to invite all Ethiopians and Friends of Ethiopia to the Ethiopian Constitutional Conference and Forum on Human Rights Abuses and Attacks on Religious Freedom in Ethiopia, to be held as follows:
Date: Friday, December 19
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: U.S. House of Representatives, Rayburn Building, Conference Room 2168
This historic conference aims to amplify the voices of oppressed and marginalized Ethiopians, bringing urgent attention to widespread human rights violations—especially the systematic abuses targeting the Amhara community—and the growing assaults on Orthodox Christian religious freedom. The conference will also serve as a key platform to discuss the urgent need for constitutional reform and the worsening human rights crisis across Ethiopia.
Our 50-State Strategy: A Call to Action continues to gain momentum and will be expanded further in January 2026.
Why Congress?
Holding this conference in the U.S. Congress is intentional and strategic. Congress has long been engaged in Ethiopian affairs, and this venue provides a powerful platform to advocate for justice, accountability, constitutional reform, and protection of religious freedom.
Invited U.S. Officials and Dignitaries
- President Donald Trump
- Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
- Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)
- Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT)
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)
- Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)
- Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
- Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)
- Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)
- Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
Moderator: Mesfin Mekonen
Opening Remarks: Mesfin Mekonen
Conference Topics
- The Constitutional Conference: Exploring the urgent need for constitutional reform to unify Ethiopia’s diverse population and establish a stable, democratic future.
- Persecution of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians: Examining the rise in religiously motivated attacks, destruction of churches, and restrictions on Orthodox Christian communities.
- The Worsening Human Rights Situation in Ethiopia: Assessing widespread abuses, including targeted violence against the Amhara population, displacement, extrajudicial killings, and political repression.
Speakers and Topics
- Ambassador Helda, African Union Representative
- Dr. Derrin Smith, Former State Department Official – A New Social Contract: How Constitutional Reform Could Unite Ethiopia’s Diverse Peoples
- Councilor Bart Fisher – Congressional Engagement
- Ato Mekonnen Dyamo & Dr. Abera Mesesha – Draft Constitution and the National Dialogue
- Wzro Tsigereda Mulugeta – The Amhara Struggle and the Fano Movement
- Eng. Yelkal Getnet – The State of Ethiopia and the Amhara Struggle
- Dr. Taye Woldesemaite – Opposition and Civil Society: A Vision for Ethiopia
- Ms. Kayle Fisher – International Religious Freedom
- Sylvia S. – Global Human Rights
- Ato Abel Gashe – Persecution of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians
- Dr. Amsalu – The Fano Movement and Fano United Front
- Mr. Scott Morgan, Africa Working Group, IRF
- Ato Abebe Belaw – Press Freedom in Ethiopia
The program will conclude with a question-and-answer session with the audience.
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