Woldemariam in Bloomberg: Volatile Situation in Eritrea
An Ethiopian opposition leader’s presence in Eritrea, as that nation slides further into chaos, is only adding to the volatility of the region’s politics. That was the contention of Michael Woldemariam, Assistant Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University.
Woldemariam made his case in a July 24 article in Bloomberg Business entitled “Ethiopian Opposition Leader Travels to Eritrea to Lead Rebellion.”
From the text of the article:
President Isaias Afewerki rules a one-party state that’s banned private media and was accused of possible crimes against humanity by UN investigators last month. The government says wartime powers, including indefinite national service, are necessary because of the threat from Ethiopia, whose population of 96 million is about 15 times larger than Eritrea’s.
The report of clashes “strengthens the hand of securocrats in the government that have wanted to see a more robust military approach towards” Eritrea, said Michael Woldemariam, assistant professor of international relations and an expert on African politics at Boston University. “The situation is volatile, and the potential for heightened conflict is real.”
You can read the entire article here.
Michael Woldemariam’s teaching and research interests focus on African politics, particularly the dynamics of armed conflict, the behavior of rebel organizations and self-determination movements, and post-conflict institution building. Learn more about him here.