December 9, 2025
Mr. Carter of Georgia (for himself and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Condemning the Government of Ethiopia for actions that threaten regional stability, violate fundamental human rights, and undermine the strategic interests of the United States in the Horn of Africa.
Whereas the United States has a strategic interest in promoting peace, security, and good governance in the Horn of Africa;
Whereas the Government of Ethiopia has waged war in the Amhara region, while violence continues to grip Oromia, Afar, Tigray, Ogaden, and other areas, resulting in the loss of life, widespread destruction of property, destabilization of the region, exacerbation of ethnic and religious tensions, and the escalation of conflict-driven famine and mass displacement;
Whereas reports from credible international and humanitarian organizations indicate that parties aligned with the Ethiopian Government have perpetrated gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including acts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide;
Whereas the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and other religious institutions have been targeted by violence, intimidation, and persecution, undermining religious freedom and the stability of Ethiopian civil society;
Whereas prolonged instability in Ethiopia has created a power vacuum that may be exploited by terrorist networks, authoritarian regimes, and other foreign adversaries hostile to United States interests; and
Whereas United States taxpayer dollars should not support regimes or entities engaged in systemic human rights abuses or religious persecution: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
condemns the Government of Ethiopia for perpetuating conditions that undermine peace, stability, and the rule of law in the Horn of Africa;
(2)
expresses grave concern over the documented atrocities and urges accountability for those responsible for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide;
(3)
opposes the use of United States taxpayer funds to support any government or entity engaged in such abuses;
(4)
calls upon the Secretary of State and relevant agencies to use all available diplomatic and economic tools, including sanctions and restrictions on foreign assistance, to hold accountable those responsible for atrocities and to incentivize democratic reforms and inclusive governance in Ethiopia;
(5)
supports international and independent investigations into alleged atrocities and urges cooperation by the Government of Ethiopia with such efforts;
(6)
affirms the commitment of the United States to promoting religious freedom and defending vulnerable religious communities, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Church;
(7)
reaffirms that United States foreign policy must be grounded in the defense of American interests, the promotion of human rights, and the preservation of stability in strategically vital regions; and
(8)
urges the Trump administration to, without delay—
(A)
initiate Global Magnitsky sanctions against Ethiopian Government officials credibly implicated in gross human rights violations;
(B)
suspend nonhumanitarian aid and security assistance to Ethiopia until verifiable progress is made toward ending hostilities, protecting religious institutions, and upholding international law;
(C)
direct the Secretary of State to prioritize support for civil society, human rights defenders, and religious communities at risk in Ethiopia;
(D)
submit to Congress a public determination, pursuant to section 5(a) of the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–441), on whether acts of genocide or crimes against humanity have occurred in Ethiopia; and
(E)
encourage coordination with international partners to pursue justice, accountability, and reconciliation through international mechanisms, including the United Nations and African Union.