Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia 1984-1986
MSF SPEAKS OUT In the same collection, “MSF Speaking Out”:
- “Salvadoran refugee camps in Honduras 1988” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [October 2003 - April 2004]
- “Genocide of Rwandan Tutsis 1994” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [October 2003 - April 2004]
- “Rwandan refugee camps Zaire and Tanzania 1994-1995” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [October 2003 - April 2004]
- “The violence of the new Rwandan regime 1994-1995” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [October 2003 - April 2004]
- “Hunting and killings of Rwandan Refugee in Zaire-Congo 1996-1997” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [August 2004]
- ‘’Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia 1984-1986” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [January 2005]
- “Violence against Kosovar Albanians, NATO’s Intervention 1998-1999” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [September 2006]
- “MSF and North Korea 1995-1998” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [January 2008]
- “War Crimes and Politics of Terror in Chechnya 1994-2004” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [June 2010]
- “Somalia 1991-1993: Civil War, Famine Alert and UN “Humanitarian-Military” Intervention” Laurence Binet - Médecins Sans Frontières [October 2013]
Editorial Committee: Laurence Binet, Françoise Bouchet-Saulnier, Marine Buissonnière, Rebecca Golden, Michiel Hofman, Simone Rocha, Jacqui Tong, Rafa Vilasanjuan - Director of Studies (project coordination - research - interviews - editing): Laurence Binet - Transcription of interviews: Laurence Binet, Françoise Courteville, Pascale Donati, Jonathan Hull, Mary Sexton - Typing: Cristelle Cabioch - Translation French into English: Leah Brumer, Roger Leverdier, Sally Heargraves, Thomas Armstrong - Proof reading: Rebecca Golden, Jacqui Tong - Design/layout: - Video research: Céline Zigo - Website designer: Sean Brokenshire.
Thanks to Rony Brauman for his advice.
Produced by the Médecins Sans Frontières International Movement MSF Australia is in charge of the design, running, update, and promotion strategy of the website http://speakingout.msf.org
2 © Médecins Sans Frontières. January 2005 / November 2013 FOREWORD
This publication is part of the “Médecins Sans Frontières Speaking Out” case studies series prepared in response to the MSF International Council’s wish to provide the movement with literature on MSF témoignage (advocacy). Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 1986 The idea was to create a reference document that would be straightforward and accessible to all and help volunteers understand and adopt the organization’s culture of speaking out.
It was not to be an ideological manual or a set of guidelines. Témoignage cannot be reduced to a mechanical applica- tion of rules and procedures as it involves an understanding of the dilemmas inherent in every instance of humanitarian action.
The International Council assigned the project to a director of studies, who in turn works with an editorial committee composed of MSF representatives chosen by the International Board for their experience and expertise. They serve in their capacity as individuals and do not represent their national sections.
Faced with the difficulty of defining the term témoignage, the editorial committee decided to focus the series on case studies in which speaking out posed a dilemma for MSF and thus meant taking a risk.
Key information sources -MSF volunteers’ written and oral recollections — are reconstructed by highlighting docu- ments from the period concerned and interviewing the main actors.
The individuals interviewed are chosen from lists prepared by the operational sections involved in each case. Speaking in the language they choose, these individuals offer both their account of events and their assessment of MSF’s re- sponse. The interviews are recorded and transcribed.
Document searches are conducted in the operational sections’ archives and, as far as possible, press archives.
The research is constrained by practical and financial issues, including locating interviewees and securing their agree- ment and determining the existence, quality and quantity of archived materials.
The methodology aims at establishing the facts and setting out a chronological presentation of the positions adopted at the time. It enables the reconstruction of debates and dilemmas without pre-judging the quality of the decisions made.
The main text describes events in chronological order. It includes excerpts from documents and interviews, linked by brief introductions and transitional passages. We rely on document extracts to establish the facts as MSF described and perceived them at the time. When documentation is missing, interviews sometimes fill the gaps. These accounts also provide a human perspective on the events and insight into the key players’ analyses.
Preceding the main texts collected, the reader will find a map, a list of abbreviations and an introduction that lays out the context of MSF’s public statements and the key dilemmas they sought to address.
In addition, a detailed chronology reconstructs MSF’s actions and public statements in regional and international news reports of the period.
3 MSF Speaks Out
Each case study was written in French and translated into English and is available in both languages.1
These case studies were essentially designed as an educational tool for associative members of the organisation. With the hope of broadening their educational scope the studies are now being made available to the public for free, on the website www.speakingout.msf.org, the various English and French-language websites of individual sections of Médecins Sans Frontières, and on Google Book.
We hope you find them useful.
The Editorial Committee.
April 2013
4 1. Document excerpts and interviews have been translated into both languages. CONTENTS
Abbreviations ...... page 6
Map ...... page 7 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 1986
Introduction ...... page 8
People interviewed and their position at the time of the events ...... page 10
Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984-1986...... page 11
Chronology of events (1973 - 1986) ...... page 114
5 MSF Speaks Out
ABBREVIATIONS
AICF Action Internationale Contre la Faim LSF Liberté Sans Frontières (Action Against Hunger) MDM Médecins du Monde AP Associated press (Doctors of the World) AFP Agence France Presse MOH Ministry of Health BBC British Broadcasting Corporation NGO Non-Governmental Organisation CA Conseil d’administration OPD Out-Patient Department (Board of Directors) OAU Organisation of African Unity CDC Comité de direction collégiale PFLE Popular Front For the Liberation (Collegial Board of Directors) of Erithrea CIEL Comité des intellectuels pour l’Europe PTE Parti des travailleurs éthiopiens des Libertés (Intellectuals for Freedoms (Ethiopian Workers Party) in Europe) RAF Royal Air Force CRCA Compte-rendu du Conseil d’administration (Minutes of the Board RFI Radio France International of Director’s meeting) RRC Relief and Rehabilitation Commission CRDA Christian Relief and Development SCF Save the Children Fund agency UN United Nations DERG Provisional Military Administrative Council UNDP United Nations Development Programme EEC European Economic Community UNICEF United Nations Children Fund FAO Food and Agriculture Organisation URI Upper Respiratory Infection FPLE Front Populaire de Libération de l’Erythrée URTI Upper Respiratory Track Infection FLPT Front de libération du Peuple du Tigré USAID United States Agency for International Development ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross WFP World Food Programme IRC International Rescue Committee
Extract from MSF archives or press clippings. Extract from interviews conducted with people who participated and/or witnessed the events.
Click to access the reference material list. Then click on the refering number to access the video. 6 MSF programme
Refugee flow
Transfer of population Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 1986
Resettlement area
7 MSF Speaks Out
INTRODUCTION
In 1983, a famine began in Ethiopia’s northern provinces that would affect millions of people. It resulted from the combined effects of a two-year long drought throughout the Sahel, the Eritrean war, and the for- ced agricultural collectivisation policy pursued for years by the pro-Soviet regime in Ethiopia led by Colonel Mengistu.
Tens of thousands of farmers fled with their families to food distribution centres set up by the authorities. Yet, the government waited until after the September 1984 celebration of the revolution’s anniversary to officially acknowledge the famine’s existence. The spirit of solidarity aroused by media coverage of the catastrophe made it possible to raise an unprecedented amount of international aid from institutional donors and individuals in the West.
However, the Ethiopian regime diverted a portion of that aid, to carry out forced population transfers from rebel areas of the arid, high altitude, northern plateaus to the more fertile and plains in the south of the country where the population could be more easily controlled.The famine prompted the rural population to head to distribution centres, where they were loaded onto trucks, often requisitioned from aid organisations, and transported like livestock. This further hampered delivery of aid to the south. Conditions en route were appalling and no preparations were made to resettle the families when they arrived in the malaria-infested regions. At least 100,000 people were estimated to have died in 1985 during resettlement operations.
From April 1984, MSF France teams opened medical programmes in the northern Wollo region, near the Korem distribution centre. Programmes in Kobo (September 1984), Kelala and Sekota (June 1985) followed. The authorities pressed for transfers to the south, regularly impeding the teams’ work. On several occasions, the teams were forbidden to treat certain individuals or to distribute blankets. MSF teams also witnessed round-ups carried out by the Ethiopian army among the camp populations. Periods of accelerated population transfers alternated with periods when transfers were suspended.
On several occasions, the authorities refused to authorise MSF’s request to open a therapeutic feeding centre in Kelala, which could have prevented the deaths of several thousands of children. In October 1985, MSF France publicly denounced the government’s refusal to open a therapeutic feeding centre, along with its misuse of international aid for forced population transfers, and the shocking conditions under which transfers were being carried out. In the days that followed, the Ethiopian government expelled MSF France from the country.
The majority of the other aid organisations working in Ethiopia, some of which agreed with MSF’s analysis, did not take a public position on the forced resettlements. Others criticised MSF’s position, which they des- cribed as ‘political’. Bob Geldof, founder and spokesperson for Band Aid and the organiser of the ‘concert of the century’ for Ethiopia, agreed with them. In 1986, following its expulsion, MSF France conducted a campaign in Europe and the United States to explain its actions, which received considerable media cove- rage. The Ethiopian authorities suspended the transfer operations temporarily.
8 MSF Belgium’s teams had been working in Idaga Hamus in the Tigre since March 1985 and in Zambalessa since the summer of 1985. Team members did not witness forced transfers, and thus did not take a public position. They continued to develop their programmes with the agreement of Ethiopian authorities.
Similarly, MSF Holland, created in September 1984, which was working with Ethiopian refugees in Somalia, Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 1986 did not take a public position either.
During the same period, the Belgian and French sections broke off relations over a disagreement regarding Liberté Sans Frontières (LSF), a think tank created by MSF France. MSF Belgium attributed political motives to LSF, linked to MSF France’s analysis of the Ethiopian situation.
These events occurred within the context of an unprecedented humanitarian mobilisation and media atten- tion and confronted MSF with a series of new dilemmas:
- What should be done if it appears that aid is being used against the populations for whom it is intended? - Could MSF’s denunciation endanger international aid operations in Ethiopia? - By taking such positions, could MSF put its own existence and, thus, its other activities at risk?
9 MSF Speaks Out
PEOPLE INTERVIEWED AND THEIR POSITION AT THE TIME OF THE EVENTS
Rony Brauman MSF France President (in French), interviewed in 2000
Georges Dallemagne MSF Belgium Director of Operations (in French), interviewed in 2000
Pierre Harzé MSF Belgium Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French), interviewed in 2000
Philippe Laurent MSF Belgium Executive Director (in French), interviewed in 2000
Claude Malhuret MSF France Executive Director (in French), interviewed in 2000
Brigitte Vasset MSF France Medical Coordinator in Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985, then MSF France Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French), interviewed in 2000
10 donors responded with suspicion. suspicion. with responded donors International appeal. aid an 1984, launched RRC the In March regions. affected most inthe centres bution distri grain open to victims) famine to aid coordinate in 1974 created to agency agovernment Commission, Rehabilitation and Relief (the RRC the authorise did However, regime this anniversary. tenth revolution’s the celebrate to preparing and party, political a labor creating effort, war the on concentrated they Instead, it. ignored regime Mengistu’s authoritarian regions. Illubabor) the and Wollega the of areas (certain western and (Hararghe) eastern Tigre), and (Wollo northern country’s in the In 1983, reappeared famine drought. to vulnerability their increasing and margin no them leaving steadily, fall production farm watched they unmotivated, and Discouraged regime. the by controlled closely groups into organised were Peasants requisitioned. even and taxed was production tural - agricul ownership, collective under placed was Land government. national the and army, the residents, city of interests the to subject thus was population rural the of fate The region. Tigre inthe autonomy seeking groups by uprising the and years twenty than more lasted had that secession of war Eritrea’s province, Ogaden over Somalia with conflict growing the on resources their all concentrated rulers military The p.114] chronology year. [see that made he ally an USSR, communist the of image in the society Ethiopian reshape to out set Council), Administrative Military (Provisional DERG the of leader Mariam, Haile 1977 Mengistu Colonel terror, spring the as known became in what ended that lence turbu years several of After years. ‘revolutionary’ two in subjects his of 200,000 killed that famine country’s the ignored had he because largely overthrown, was 1974, In September Selassie, Emperor, Ethiopia’s Haile 1984-1986 FAMINE AND FORCED RELOCATIONS IN ETHIOPIA - - not have enough grain. There is still not enough inter enough not is still There grain. enough have not do “We repeatedly, said me with traveling Ethiopians The in anemergency. see to expect would one convoy out-of-the-ordinary of kind the weren’t they But Nations. United the of logo blue the bearing often grain, with loaded trucks were road northern the on passed we cles only vehi The trailers. on capital the [...] from Aid comes daily. Today, arrive 2,000 in day Korem. every arriving were victims 5,000 new ago, month one of As them. covered longer no clothes ragged Their seeds. more no and seeds purchase to sell to left animals more no had They everything. lost had they once village their left They rain. for in vain waiting of up hope given having out, set they authorities, local from permission receiving After revolution. the following immediately reform agrarian under created association, peasants’ their by registered were people these all But 25,531 Dahana, and 5,382 from Wofia. Sagota, from from come 8, have under 26,000 children including people, 60,576 statistics: precise provides official RRC local The centre. distribution this 160 away, reach km as to far as from some foot, on come have They road. by sible inacces are villages Their from? come they have Where hot. too are they and is sun out the Now clothes. tattered in their shivering cold, the and mud in the night the spent refugees These sets. sun the when drastically drops temperature the metres, 2,000 is above altitude the where country, mountainous In this yesterday. ned It rai 21 kilos. -around grain of a month’s allocation receive to months, three for some village, the outside just waiting been have 10,000hunger. than people More from refugees for acamp as it described [...] have People drought. the by affected people for up there set been has centre distribution border. Afood Tigre the to close region Wollo the of north far in the ted loca Ababa, Addis 630 from Korem, km for We headed are Extract: April 1984 (in 1984 French). April Croix La Tigre,’ the of Edge the at Victims Famine for -In aCamp Famine’s Path the Following ‘Ethiopia: Colson, Bernadette
(France) 16 (France) - - - - -
11 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
national aid for our people.” So while ‘Marxist-Leninist’ Corporation’s warehouses. An expert mission of the UN’s Ethiopia may be arming itself by going to the east, it is FAO also cited that inventory in its February 1984 assess- looking to the west for aid. ment placing the need at only 125,000 tonnes, a figure that accounted for tonnage already committed by donors Indeed, FAO [Food and Agriculture Organisation] mission and logistical problems. staff in Addis Ababa says the country has grain, but only 150,000 tonnes could be distributed in the affected areas [...] It would appear that the regime was not particularly for lack of logistical resources. There is a severe shortage concerned about supporting the RRC’s efforts to inform of fuel and truck engine parts and the road system is western countries that the situation was worsening inadequate. Before the revolution, Ethiopia had only drastically in the northern part of the country. However, 8,000 km of roads over its landmass of 1.25 million square the June 1984 meeting of the 10th Ministerial Session km. The system has since expanded, but the terrain is so of the World Food Council in Addis Ababa provided an uneven that only one road reaches into Wollo and Tigre ideal forum for doing so. After Colonel Mengistu began as far as Eritrea in the country’s far north. his opening speech with a fragmented discussion of the archaic nature of African agriculture, the deterioration of People in Korem are suffering the consequences. The the terms of trade, and the refusal of developed countries distribution centre has no grain stocks. When a truck to reach an agreement on the price of agricultural pro- arrives, the cereal bags are heaped on the ground. ducts, he underscored Ethiopia’s efforts to move out of Soldiers and armed militia guard them and use their clubs ”feudalism and backwardness”. However, the country’s to keep order. When a distribution begins, the crowd situation was hardly mentioned in a lengthy discussion rushes in wildly. An elderly man falls to the ground to of agrarian reform and the 10-year plan. Mengistu did beg for grain. He holds onto my legs as I pass by. Another say that: ”Ethiopia is currently suffering from the serious gathers the individual grains of corn that have fallen out drought affecting most African countries. The situation of a bag. A group of peasants who have just come to the is continuing to worsen. The revolutionary government centre remain removed and dignified, but when their has taken concrete and immediate measures to rehabi- patience is exhausted, they too will behave like animals. litate the victims of a drought resulting from abnormal global climate conditions.” The Korem distribution centre is well organised, but how can its administrators be effective without resources? That was the colonel’s only public reference to the There is a health station, but no medications and no doc- drought prior to his report to the party’s inaugural tors (only two nurses). There are not enough blankets to congress on 6 September 1984. cover people ill with pneumonia, or washcloths to clean the newborns. In Korem, several children are born every day but eight people die.
In the early 1980s, the MSF France section began organising clandestine surgical missions in Eritrea and François Jean ‘Making Good Use of the Famine,’ Tigre as well as surgical and physical therapy activities Report, Médecins Sans Frontières, October for Tigrean refugees in camps in the Sudan. In February 1986 (in French). 1984, after waiting two years for authorisation, the organisation was finally able to conduct evaluation mis- Extract: sions in several drought-stricken regions of the country. [...] With the situation worsening, on March 30, 1984 the RRC launched an urgent appeal to Western donors for In April 1984, a team of five MSF volunteers opened 450,000 tonnes of food aid. a programme in the Korem camp, located in Wollo province, one of the hardest-hit regions in northern But neither that appeal nor RRC official Dawitt Wolde Ethiopia. Built around a food distribution centre Giorgis’ tour of most of the western nations produced the organised by the RRC, the camp then housed tens of hoped for effects. From March to August 1984, the inter- thousands of people driven from their lands by war national community’s new commitments reached only and hunger. The camp was located some 600 km north 87,000 tonnes of grain. Beyond the US hostility towards of Addis Ababa, on an arid plateau at an elevation of Colonel Mengistu’s regime and donors’ unwillingness to almost 3,000 metres. It took one-and-a-half hours to increase their contributions, this less- than stellar result get there via a dirt path heading off from the large reflects the skepticism of Western countries towards the road linking the Ethiopian capital to Mekele, capital RRC’s repeated requests. The contradictory evaluations of the Eritrean province seeking to secede. The nea- of the situation in Ethiopia they are receiving only rest airstrip, Alamata, was some 20 km away but was strengthen their skepticism. In early 1984, for example, closed regularly because of the conflict. The camp was the EEC delegation in Addis Ababa notified Brussels that located in an area controlled by the Tigrean Liberation no immediate shortages were anticipated, citing a stock Front, in rebellion against the central government. 12 of 200,000 tonnes of grain in Agricultural Marketing At night, aid teams were quartered several kilometre population. starving the offer to medicine only had team The hospitalised. were children 50 and 150 adults people; 200-250 between with consultations medical held colleagues Cross Red Ethiopian their and day, volunteers MSF Every quate. inade were arrived that supplies food The activities. nutritional of incharge were (SCF), Fund Children the Save groups, British the Teams from activities. medical only conducting still was MSF time, At that surveillance. army under inacompound camp the from hunger. from suffering refugees these to tance assis complicating are difficulties logistical major too, There there. intensity drought’s the of because gathered have people of thousands of tens where province, Wollo in site is on now team first The country. in the locations several reach to managed mission the help, government With mission. an evaluation conducted we context, difficult this of year, midst this in the Early food. of in search interior the into people of numbers huge ced for drought the while Tigre, in the struggle armed new a faced also Ethiopia movements, minority and nalist natio Eritrean and Somalian confronting [...] Already Extract: nued. It will be one of our priorities. our of one be It will nued. conti be to has program delousing the fever: - Relapsing treatment; penicillin the to resistant be to seem Infections], Respiratory [Upper URI the of - Some ved; impro be to has hygiene individual and latrines, pit of supply, use water on concentrated education health The . added. be to have will ones new but finished are latrines pit new low. The is very hygiene individual The river. asmall from water their get still people of alot but is sufficient, ply sup water the cases: dysentery of number high the - On 50%; is rate death the and late very arrive they time the of Most in atent. them isolate we cases: hepatitis the - On high; is too malnutrition of degree their because them save to unable are we time the of most patients: old-aged the for especially and, cases, starvation of rate high - The insist: We to have Comments: Extract: Extract: (in 1984 May French). Assembly, General Report Moral [this document has been edited] edited] been has document [this 14 14 to (in 1984 1984 May June English). Team MSF of inKorem Report Medical , 1983-1984, 1984 France MSF , from , from ------
health assistant is needed urgently. is needed assistant health Another bed. per 2 patients with full is always ward - The time; on treat to difficult is very and critical most the is population old-aged The old. 45 over years patients are cases expired the of 50% than More acute. remain will problem the outside, remain who those For shelters. in day the each patients the follow will who youth the of work the to number, this thanks decrease to hope We late. too is already it ward, in the arrive they When 24 hours. before died cases expired the of 50% - Almost ward; inpatients the to later referred were them of Most atent. into shelters the from patients the of some isolated we increasing; cases dysentery of number - The ters; shel in the working volunteers youth the of work the to due increased admissions the 2weeks, last the - During Comments: b) 10 days. referred: or discharged 239 2,387 patients for days stay: admission of Average
URTI causes) additional be might (there death of Causes
patients who died after 3 days has increased. has 3days after died who patients of number the side, opposite the On shelters. in the vided pro services medical better the to related be could This decreased. 24 hours within dying patients of number The recover. not do and malnutrition, of course long a with associated a disease have them of Most one. cal criti most is the people old-aged of population the Still Comments: [...] Extract: patients: of Age 3days after - 27 expired 3days within - 27 expired 24 hours within - 41 expired 95 cases [Deaths]: cases Expired Extract: edited] been has ment docu [This (in 1984 30 July English). to 1 July from Team MSF of inKorem, Report Medical edited] been has document [this (in English). 84 7July to 1984 7 June from Team MSF of inKorem, Report Medical Injury Neurological Origin] Unknown [Pirexia PUO Track Infection] Respiratory [Upper dysentery malnutrition > 45 years 16-45 years 10-15 years years 6-9 0-5 years years 0-5
2
48 38 54 20 22 12 2 3 8 8
- - - -
13 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
The ward is really overcrowded now with 2 to 3 patients Médecins Sans Frontières has decided to provide the in each bed. We need to open a new admission ward as centre with the necessary start-up resources. Its cor- a result. porate status and public identity shall be separate from this organisation. The centre shall, as soon as possible, assemble the support, specifically from the humani- tarian, university, and financial worlds, necessary to conduct and distribute its studies. In the beginning, MSF did not have any nutrition activities underway. At the time we weren’t familiar with nutrition programmes. It was in 1986, working in Ethiopia and with Ethiopian refugees in Sudan, that we learned how important nutrition and water were. We crea- ted jobs for ‘Madame Nutrition’, ‘Madame Vaccination’ and In July, the displaced persons in the Korem camp ‘Monsieur Water’. We weren’t previously familiar with these returned home, hoping to cultivate their lands in activities. We just did medicine. Then we saw the SCF nutri- expectation of the rainy season. But the rains didn’t tion activities and realised that they were doing good work, come. A World Food Programme representative visited so we learned about the programmes. At the end of the the Korem site and reported the catastrophic mortali- mission, we started providing nutrition services ourselves in ty rates, provided by MSF, on the BBC. The authorities, Kelala. who were planning the 10th anniversary celebration of the revolution, demanded that MSF not use the word Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in ‘famine’. Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French).
Medical Report of MSF Team in Korem, from 1 July to 30 July 1984 (in English). [This document has been edited] In May, the MSF France General Assembly adopted a resolution creating “a research centre on development, Extract: (conclusion) human rights, and minority rights issues.” Presented The decrease of the OPD [Out-patient Department] in a deliberately innocuous fashion, the project was in consultations must be related to the decrease of the fact, controversial. Its goal was to challenge theories population in the surroundings. In June, there was a big of tiers-mondisme [third worldism] a political analysis distribution and the rains incited the farmers to go back that some would describe as holding (former) colo- to their villages. nial powers primarily responsible for problems in the But we must remain ready for another increase: already in developing world. In 1985-86; This proposal occupied the beginning of August new-comers were arriving, espe- a central role in MSF’s internal debate, particularly cially children in very bad condition. [...] To conclude, we because of the link that some claimed existed between have to remain vigilant. The general situation improved it and MSF’s analysis of the Ethiopian situation. during the month of July. However, the lack of rainfall as well as the decreased grain distribution will create difficulties; for the next months, we must be ready for a massive influx of newly displaced. General Assembly Newsflash, MSF France, May 1984 (in French).
Extract: With respect to the deliberation on problems of deve- In July, we were expecting rain but it didn’t come. lopment, the General Assembly has, by a wide majority, We knew that if it didn’t rain, things could get adopted the following resolution: serious. Along with SCF, we were asking a lot of questions. We had gotten into the habit of looking at the - Given Médecins Sans Frontières’ collective experience, fields and we knew that things were not going well. But we gained from a wide range of situations offering a host didn’t imagine just how bad they were. Food was still not of lessons;, arriving. Very few outside visitors came, but a WFP repre- - Given the intention expressed beginning more than two sentative did stop at Korem. I used the word ‘famine’ when years ago to think more seriously about the context of I was talking to him and two or three weeks later, Tamrate, humanitarian interventions the RRC representative, said to me, “the head man wants to talk to you because you said ‘famine.” I went to Addis and [Therefore] The General Assembly has decided to create saw the RRC commissioner. He said, “You must not talk a Research Centre to address these problems, specifically about famine. There are only some problems of shortages 14 around issues of development and human rights. and malnutrition. But there is no famine here.” Remember, went outside. Those whose smaller, were arms went outside. went they …they thumbher and went middle outside they finger); than this with whose (she larger were arms a circle forms around, ones the whose Icouldn’t arms my fingers get of people’s circumference the adults The measuring arms. whose ones we job Iremember the it were was that. to do those who doing for were to And makekorkoros room worse. out of the whowe to had people doing move were the better something Since to eat. arriving, always were people there had they there sheet metal) least at ofmade corrugated into (shelters korkoros the When admitted were people Dominique, like and executioners. food. Ifelt nurse, the was no because there of our eyes in front dying were They came. and they frames window ortheir tohouses their door away. wooden the sold even end. They the waited until They 3, came 5, They from walk there. and 9 days to get energy their all up died. Ithink used they they and then arrived up, People over and over again! clinic The filled just there. 100 day. per In morning, we the didn’t want really to go to 17, 20, 25 of end and bythe September, to up were there dered to be 2/10,000 be to day). dered per consi is generally threshold emergency (the day per 25/10,000 reached rate mortality The grew. arrivals new of flow the if situation the control not could it that authorities the warned team MSF the September, In early inKorem. arrived persons displaced ving, star of numbers summer, increasing the During of revolution. the sary 10th the for anniver preparing were they time, that at that with the RRC representatives and the local authorities. authorities. local the and representatives RRC the with it solve to trying are we and main problem is our That control. under situation the keep to able be not will we and critical become will situation the distribution, grain large important is no there if in September, weeks, few a After people. old-aged and children specially status, nutritional bad in avery them of in most Korem, arriving are newcomers of number ahuge August, of end Since the Extract: Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte In September, the numbers rose every day; from 15, from In September, day; rose every numbers the many as 15. day, as 5 or10 sometimes every deaths If in 1984, August correctly, Iremember were there edited] been has document [This 8 from Team MSF of inKorem, Report Medical August to8 Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). (in French). Ethiopia Manager Programme 1984 (in English). (inSeptember 1984 English). - - - authorisation from Ethiopian authorities. Ethiopian from authorities. authorisation awaiting in Addis blocked remained team Korem the support and there work to assigned doctors and nurses four the September, of half first the during But Korem. from km 50 some inKobo, clinic apaediatric open to authorised was MSF In September, work. and circulate could they that so authorities administrative with continually compromise to forced were teams MSF The couldn’t They us. believe such imagine asituation. couldn’t it, people about to Addis back andwe talked got would die of and they hunger. pills people would give When It We was unbearable! like flies. dying were and people Finally, measles. Then began. was some there of everything -typhus was That diarrhea). when hellish areally illness of (bloody was an explosion there inside. At same the time, from the areas affected by the famine. They gathe They famine. the by affected areas the from away kept were but celebrations, the to invited were Reporters production. agricultural of means the sing reorgani of view, inhis necessity, the emphasising drought” “the up brought quickly state of head Ethiopian the speech, In his event. the during formed was Party Workers’ Ethiopian .The 12on September began revolution the of celebration anniversary The Korem. one from it’s and ahalf though even hours door. the at hours in three Kobo, to Ihad sleep for purpose wait, me made on in Dessié agents when security the 16h.Kobo at closed several were times there Iremember to up Korem. to from travel to obtain road The permission in Dessié to stop but inwe morning required were the early Addis to Korem. back We from very km to had 600 leave once when amonth Iwentexcept to Addis. It’s than more Paris, with We of revolution. contact no had the anniversary the before ortwo aday permits obtained the They permits. Kobo 2-3 and travel Korem their waited for before weeks teams for additional The malnourished. them, were there Among and afterwards. would leave who food came to get people it was mostly in Kobo; Peopletion. not staying were Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte tions and offered us a medical centre for malnutri for centre usamedical and offered tions small distribu afew conducting were priests The in a medical centre Kobo. open We to proposed also Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). (in French). Ethiopia Manager Programme Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). (in French). Ethiopia Manager Programme - - - -
15 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
red information from diplomats and the staff of aid the end of the year, with up to another 5 million at risk. organizations, who shared their questions regarding The celebrations follow the $226 million Ethiopian the Ethiopian government’s neglect of the famine and Airlines has just spend purchasing two new Boeing 767 expenses incurred for the war and the celebrations. 200-ER passenger jets and associate repair facilities. Relief workers have complained that, although Ethiopia faced extensive logistical problems in transporting grain to isolated areas where people were known to be star- François Jean, ‘Making Good Use of the Famine,’ ving, neither the army nor its trucks had been mobilised Report, Médecins Sans Frontières, - October to help distribute food aid. 1986 (in French). [...] Most private relief agencies and diplomats have recently asserted that Ethiopia had failed to place a Extract: sufficiently high priority on feeding its hungry people. [...] There was no information in the Ethiopian press Relief experts also attributed the crisis to developed throughout 1984 about the famine. Addis Ababa resi- countries’ failure to provide enough food aid fast enough. dents did not learn about the breadth of the tragedy until The relief experts agreed that whatever its cause, the after the festivities celebrating the 10th anniversary of death toll related to the famine probably would be even the revolution. Likewise, Western journalists, alerted by higher next year than this year, because the harvest this information filtering out about the situation in the north year is likely to be 20 percent to 30 percent below last despite the silence the regime imposed on humanitarian year’s. organisations on site, were systematically refused access In recent weeks the government has declined to discuss to the affected provinces. This was particularly the case the drought. Despite repeated requests, the government for BBC and AFP correspondents in Nairobi, who throu- refused to permit journalists to visit drought-affected ghout the summer tried, in vain to reach the Wollo. It areas during or after the anniversary celebrations. Travel was also the case for journalists in Addis Ababa during permits, even for relief workers, were denied ostensibly the 10th anniversary celebrations. Their only option was for security reasons. to interview officials of humanitarian groups, also bloc- ked in the capital for several weeks under vague security auspices.
[...] However, a close reading of the deluge of words In October 1984, a group of Dutch doctors who had delivered during the opening session of the congress worked with MSF Belgium in Chad created the Dutch did uncover a few allusions to the ”drought,” one that section of Médecins Sans Frontières with support from must be fought with ”revolutionary determination.” the Belgian and French sections. “Thousands of our fellow citizens have lost their lives as a result of recurring droughts… Our slogan: ‘bring nature under our control,’ must be implemented. We must unite to liberate agriculture from the threatening forces of Minutes of the meeting of the MSF France nature.” Those three little sentences appeared in a five Board of Directors, expanded to include other hour-long speech in which the drought provided, at sections, Geneva, 6 and 7 October (in French). most, one opportunity among many to emphasise the need to change the means and relationships of agricultu- Extract: ral production. This was to be accomplished by applying MSF Holland: Jacques de Milliano introduced the new ”modern and scientific“ methods, strengthening the MSF Holland section, which was founded by a group of summer farm sector, organising peasants into production doctors, many of whom have worked with us, particularly cooperatives and speeding the transfer of populations in Chad. to ”virgin, vast and fertile” lands. In short, the agenda was not the famine but achievement of the 10-year plan objectives.
The government didn’t want to stain the anniver- sary of the revolution with the famine. But once the ‘Ethiopia’s $150 Million Celebration…While celebration was over, on 3 October, they officially Millions Starve,’ News Weekly (USA), 3 October recognized the famine and gave journalists access to 1984 (in English). the displaced persons’ camps. A BBC team interviewed MSF’s medical coordinator. Extract: On 25 October, the report from the BBC team in Korem The regime of Colonel Mengistu in Ethiopia has just was broadcast on the 6 o’clock news programme, one spent between $150 and $200 million on celebrating his of the British network’s most-watched broadcasts. Marxist government’s tenth anniversary, while the death MSF’s testimony provided ‘medical’ confirmation of 16 toll from starvation is expected to reach 200,000 before the images of famine. 425 television networks around Disasters and Rehabilitation composed of individuals individuals of composed Rehabilitation and Disasters Natural for Committee aNational 26On October, in again me face the Addis, it would hit to Korem Icame from back time Every didn’t came, they comfortable… feel when journalists the but Madelin. It time, wasn’t especially our first fortable, com them. not very were They with blankets We distributed Queyranne. Michel Longuet, SapinGérard and Jean-Jacques - Alain Madelin, left the from and two right the from two French four deputies, France’s came with Director) executive some Ethiopiancame with VIPs. (MSF …Claude Malhuret minister also ABritish she that wore highremember heels. I his wife. came with time, that at UN Secretary-General and show what them Waldheim, was happening. Kurt the coming were people there Iwould so be that important whenme told - butused I did it willingly. The RRC agents where That’s Iwas journalists. ornewspaper of television day, was ateam there every Then landed. BBC journalists wasn’t that The and that any help he wasn’t right. getting was afamine there four-hour and that that speech, saying 10th the a gave Mengistu anniversary, after Several days demonstrations. large the for to Kobo orKorem We of invited revolution. all were the sary of anniver day the the was in field the So everyone tions. celebra the before days which one ortwo got they risation, autho receiving before weeks to three team to had wait two this is happening. is this in Wollo, and Wollo is only not the place in Ethiopia where in Korem, what’scare about going on. a witness I am just Idon’t Iam not apolitician. is completely ridiculous. food if don’t to people they have and tablets injections, drugs, is nonsense.If treatment medical is Giving food, there no “ Extract: worldwide. opinion public mobilising segment, the broadcast world the If nothing happens, Idon’t what know we doing are here. Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte Korem. Korem Kobo The teams additional and the to to go authorisation but could not get arrived Around September 10, anumber of journalists English). English). (in 1984 o’clock news’,BBC ‘Six 25 October on in broadcast Korem, Coordinator Medical Interview Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). (in French). Ethiopia Manager Programme ” V1 of Brigitte Vasset, MSF France France MSF Vasset, Brigitte of
V2 - - - - over aid administration from the RRC. RRC. the from administration aid over took It quickly established. was regime, the to close was relieved to receive food supplies. However, the supplies. food receive to relieved was in Korem team MSF the 2 weeks, terrible another After diversion. aid and areas, in certain insecurity limitations, transportation with problems against up came distribution its but resulted aid of a surge mobilised, was generosity international As displacements. forced the with agree it was probably because he did not fully aid. Unofficially, I think it was because he misappropriated had Officially, in prison. spent some time was. RRC The representative program. resettlement anew of context in the rehabilitated be aid emergency receive who citizens fellow our that ensure to taken be will measures aresult, As drought. the eliminating permanently for foundation the lay to and farms, summer the on and peasants among productivity increase to intended measures for provides plan the term, short the “in outlined: then was program [...] action The country.” the throughout out carried is it that ensure and program, party’s the implement rain, of lack repeated the by caused problems “overcome the to was role their communiqué, DERG’s the official to According committees. district and provincial regional, of founding the with levels, all at known made was primacy party’s The support. technical to reduced was role its programmes; rehabilitation and aid organising of area the in influence of loss recent RRC’s the to spoke also sition compo This region. northern country’s in the situation the of importance new the underscored himself, who Mengistu Colonel including politburo, the of members important most the included which composition, mittee’s com the was aspect significant most The Rehabilitation. and Disasters Natural for Committee a National of creation the announced Derg [...] the 26 On October, Extract: Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte ger responsible for handling the famine - the party handling for famine the responsible party -the ger and January, RRC the was lon no October between But RRC the representative. We with alot worked 1986 (in French). 1986 (in French). Report Famine’ the of Use Good Jean, ‘Making François Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). (in French). Ethiopia Manager Programme , Médecins Sans Frontières, October October Frontières, Sans , Médecins - - -
17 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
situation remained extremely serious and working carried out with respect for principles of voluntary conditions were subject to the authorities’ dictates. participation, maintaining unification, and healthy physical conditions for participants.
We thought it was finished, that we were going to Jacques de Barrin, ”We Will Never Negotiate be able to practice medicine normally now that With Terrorists,” President Mengistu Says in there was food and that people would stop dying; Speech to PFLE,’ Le Monde (France), 19 most of the time in the camp was spent chasing food. November 1984 (in French). Dominique (the nurse) and I weren’t practicing medicine. I remember one night when there were some biscuits left. We Extract: wanted to distribute them to the people in the tents. There Addis Ababa. “We will never negotiate with terrorists,” was a riot. We never did that again. confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Haile Marian, Ethiopian Head of State, during a press conference on So it was like a big sigh of relief, “whew” we said to our- Friday, 16 November in Addis Ababa during the 20th selves, “OK, it’s over!” We knew that Mengistu had given a summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). big speech saying that the people who wanted to would go This refusal was addressed to the Popular Front for the south where there was room for them because in the north, Liberation of Eritrea (PFLE) which, in late October, had the land was completely eroded and could no longer provide proposed a ceasefire to “allow food aid to be distributed” enough food for that population. In any event, we weren’t to all those suffering from hunger, whether in ”liberated facing that problem. Food was arriving. All we did was work, zones” or not. sleep and eat. That’s it. There were more of us so things ran a little better. That was what I would call the ‘positive [...] However, if Ethiopia is to combat the drought, it period’. We thought everything was going to go well. will need foreign aid that extends beyond the specific circumstances because, according to Lieutenant Colonel It started getting cold. It freezes in October and November. Mengistu, “radical environmental change” requires radical We dug holes 50 cm deep so that people would at least be solutions. He estimated that in the short term, 100,000 protected from the wind and cold. The lucky ones had a bit heads of household, or some 500,000 people, must be of green or black plastic sheeting on top of the hole. We resettled in more hospitable regions than the Wollo, Tigre began to get things set up. There were journalists around or Eritrea. If we are to take him at his word, in the long and supplies began to get through. We ordered tents and term this will require displacing “several million people.” blankets, but we were not authorised to set up the tents. We went to see the party leader, Mr Nurtata, a very nice guy (the people we didn’t like were the security forces). So this Mr Nurtata said to us “yes, the tents are here but no, you cannot set them up because we have orders from Addis Because not enough ‘volunteers’ came forward, the Ababa - the camps cannot be comfortable so that people effort did not meet its quotas and forced transfers will go back home or go south.” He didn’t really explain were organised. Peasants were rounded up early in what he meant by “go south.” So with the exception of the morning in their villages, in markets, during food three or four tents, no more, we were not permitted to set distributions, or animal vaccination operations fabri- them up. And those tents weren’t to shelter people but to cated for this purpose. Families were separated. The do the delousing. Since there was typhus, there was a huge displaced persons from the furthest provinces were amount of delousing to do. We were not authorized to dis- crammed into planes and helicopters provided by the tribute blankets in general, but only to people who really Soviet Union. The others were transferred in buses and needed them. trucks requisitioned from the public transit system, as well as vehicles seized from NGOs that were originally Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in intended to transport food aid. Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French).
‘Ethiopia Forced Resettlement: The Evidence,’ summarised presentation of Cultural Survival investigation for the meeting held at Survival On 16 November, Colonel Mengistu announced that International on 29 March 1985 (in English). the national priority was to transfer 1.5 million resi- dents from the northern provinces to fertile lands in Extract: the south and west. The operation was presented as […]The Airlift to Addis “a technical solution that will bring the population The flights from Axum and Adwa were by helicopter down 18 back into balance” and “a more rational use of land” to Mak’ale. The pilots were white. These flights took vided for well, fruit, meat...etc. But when they arrived arrived they when But meat...etc. fruit, well, for vided pro be would they south in the arrived they when that stories... the all heard nevertheless had they south taken be to wanted not had they Though conditions. the by disappointed bitterly were Asosa at arriving Those hand. by buried be to had died had who people the arrival, On Centres Reception The bread. of piece one with provided and space open a big at left were they At evening anything. or urination food, water, for not eat, to stopped drivers the when even south way the on buses the of out allowed not were people The sit. might standing those that so over swap to made were people the time some 74 After ther standing. afur and capacity) (the 74 sitting people with loaded were buses The journey. bus the on died miscarried had Two who women the south. of off taken and buses onto soldiers of rows between out marched were others the while stretchers on removed were dead the arrival On South Journey The experienced. rally gene was that sickness the to contributed planes in the pressurisation of lack the that It be may crushed. being from killed were children miscarried, women four flight, In one died. people many and hour one lasted flights The plane. the into up people the crushing force, by closed then were doors The resisted. they if astick with belaboured were There landing. and off take of force the by crushed being avoid to heads adults’ the above held be to had way. Children in, in this people more and more packing by filled then was plane The sides. the along running bars from selves them suspend to had plane the of edges the on those and cockpit the of back the up against lined were People flight. each into people 350 400 and between get to able were they how reveals investigation Niggle’s Peter Ababa. Addis to jets in Antonov taken were they Mak’ale From anyway. area resettlement the to sent were they then and blanket the returned person single every So back. blankets their give to have would they areas resettlement the to go to want not did they if that told were they protested people the When areas. resettlement in the food the receive to going actually were they that told then were They troops. by encircled were they where area other the to taken were and trucks into put were and area in another given be would food the that told then were They pictures. took woman and man awhite while apiece, one blankets, received they north, the from down flown been having Mak’ale, ched rea they once that reported Illubabor from refugees The defecate. or urinate to even out allowed not were They area. in anopen ground the on sleep to had they but facilities no were There twice. only water and day per bread of piece only one with days three or two for captive kept been had they after place - - - - - go there in morning, orafter,night. the at there go to we authorised were before when either we weren’t there; them hand in worked hand to find soldiers and the vices in war.” the fight to go volunteers Cross ser security The and they’ve centre young taken the Red feeding the from and some children byforce “They’ve mothers taken the me: came to tell one day ofsouth Korem… adoctor Iremember to the people was doing nothingsystem but transferring would not be repeated. be not would and amistake was it that responded authorities local vigorously, protested MSF When camp. Korem in the place 1984, took up around inDecember morning One area. in the were who bandits against themselves protect to arms with provided be eventually would they that told were They militia. local the by surrounded was area The them. for organisation no was There scrounge. could they metal scrap what from fashioned be to had pots Cooking month. per person 15 kg per provided, was grain Food themselves. of care take and houses their build to told and only axes given were They nothing. was there become of their parents. their of become had what idea no had They doctors. the by field open the in out wandering found were children days following the During caught. were away get to unable ones The cold). of die sick the of Many in December. night at freezes it and 7,500 than more is at [2,300(Korem metres], feet taken. being escape to side country the into fled had inhabitants of Thousands resettlement. for ‘volunteers’ find to morning the of hours early very in the come had army The empty. half camp the found team MSF the month, the of end the at for. morning One cared family the of amember have to and/or food seeking come dy alrea had peasants of thousands of tens Several months. for there working been had Frontières sans Médecins and Fund Children’s the Save from 1984, teams December By province. in Wollo up in Korem set was [...] centre Arelief Extract: Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte saw the people packed in there. The Ethiopian The in there. packed saw people the bus going.we prohibited We were byand passed from was camp atransit inThere Korem where, obviously, 1985, p.15 (in English). Ethiopia,’ in Deportations ‘Mass Malhuret, Claude Dr Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). French). Ethiopia(in Manager Programme Report , MSF Confidential, December December Confidential, , MSF - -
19 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
In December, despite an improvement, the situation Jacques de Barrin, ‘Ethiopia: The Famine of the remained very grave. However, Ethiopia was the focus Century - Disaster Has Already Claimed Millions of a huge media mobilisation. The famine was on front of Victims,’ Le Monde, 10 December 1984 (in pages around the world. The British organisation War French). on Want accused the Ethiopian government of diver- ting aid to starve the population in the rebel zones. Extract: Ethiopian planes bombed refugees from Tigre province […] In those areas where food aid is arriving and medical fleeing to Sudan for fear of being forcibly transferred aid is being organised, there is hope that the situation to the resettlement areas. MSF treated the survivors can be stabilised. “Mortality has fallen by half in Korem and spoke out in the press. Donor nations, aid orga- since food distribution began one month ago,” said nisations and reporters began to ask questions about the local Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) official. “But the ‘voluntary’ nature of the transfers. V3 people are still dying there from malnutrition and cold. At night, at an altitude of 2,500 meters, the temperature is between 2 and 5°C. We need 30,000 blankets.”
Thomson Prentice, ‘Ethiopia Accused of Misusing Famine Aid,’ The Times (UK), 3 December 1984 (in English). Jay Ross, ‘Ethiopian Planes Said to Bomb Refugees Heading for Sudan,’ The Herald Extract: Tribune (Paris), 18 December 1984 (in English). War on Want’s General Secretary, Mr George Galloway, has returned from three weeks in Ethiopia convinced Extract: that the emergency efforts by Western countries are Paris : Ethiopian Air Force jets have bombed refugees being misused by Addis Ababa in its war against rebels in from the northern province of Tigre who were trying Eritrea. “The case that Colonel Mengistu (the Ethiopian to reach Sudan, relief officials say, compounding the leader) is using British taxpayers’ money to starve out miseries of thousands of people trapped between star- rebel areas, indirectly to bomb innocent civilian targets vation and war…The bombing of a group of about 1,500 in pursuit of his war aims and directly to oil the wheels refugees on December 3 killed 18 persons, many of them of this bankrupt economy by selling food aid is overwhel- children, and wounded more than 50. Asfaha Hagos, an ming”, Mr Galloway said yesterday. The ”ruthless military official of the Tigrean People’s Liberation Front, said in Government” of Ethiopia is “deliberately starving out a telephone interview from London. An official at the whole areas of its country, paying its militia 120 kilos of Ethiopian Embassy in Paris denied the allegation, but it Western grain in a month and stepping up its bombing was independently confirmed by Western diplomats and raids against civilians at a cost of £30,000 a sortie - relief officials, most of whom asked that they not be enough to feed 3,000 people for a year”, he said. identified. Mr Galloway said he and War on Want had been criticized by other charities for “rocking the boat”, but he went on Dr Alain Moren of the French relief organization Doctors “I think there comes a time when to pretend that the Without Frontiers [MSF] said he treated a number of famine relief effort is going well is to render a disser- the survivors for shrapnel wounds at a relief camp at vice to those people in Ethiopia who are most in need.” Tekalubab, 10 miles [16 km] east of Kassala, near the Although he believed that aid by non-governmental orga- border, before he returned to Paris last week… Relief nizations was reaching famine victims as intended, Mr officials say private organizations are managing to distri- Galloway said he was ”deeply worried” that the massive bute only about 1,000 tons of grain a month in the guer- programmes launched by the EEC and the United States rilla-controlled areas. Much more donated food is being were being misused by the Ethiopian Government. ”I distributed in the government-controlled areas. Relief think it is strange that Western governments, including organizations with personnel in Ethiopia have noted a our own, seem so reluctant to state what they privately decline recently in the number of Tigreans coming to the feel, that the Ethiopian Government is making a hash of camps and suspect that the people are afraid that they the whole thing”, he said. “More and more people are will be forced to join the government’s program for mass coming back from Ethiopia with eye-witness accounts of resettlement in the south. The officials say that could what is going wrong, but it is odd that no criticism is increase the numbers going to Sudan. coming forth from the West. Mr Galloway and War on Want are campaigning for the Dr Moren said there were already about 210,000 refugees setting up of an international commission to supervise in Sudan along the eastern border and 85 percent had to and control the famine relief operations. rely on relief rations amounting to 400 grams of grain a day, plus small amounts of oil and beans.
20 south. trip five-day the for north in the buses onto loaded are they when weak and rished malnou are whom of most settlers, the to care medical and food housing, adequate provide to fast too moving is program government the whether question also They tains. main government the as is ‘voluntary’, weeks, four past in the 100,000 peasants moved has which resettlement, the whether question countries donor [...] Western Extract: supposed to be resettled in the south and west of the the of west and south in the resettled be to supposed are refugees the elsewhere, as in Korem [...] In theory, abullwhip. with crowd the disperses guards camp the of one Soon, me. tells official in RRC order, not are the papers their and else somewhere from come have They desperation. companions’ her tens only heigh which biscuits, of apacket her Igive me. of in front sobs Awoman shelter. no have They eat. to grass only have They weeks. in two anything received haven’t him. They man, RRC begging the to hands their out reach They us. surround people is over, desperate of dozens distribution the When out. left ones the are there then away…And them take to us asking are They hungry. are They orphans. are They pleading. and on me, hanging at themselves throw children clinic, health the of In front pain. human of sites altitude highest the of is one 3,000 metres, at plateau avast on camp, located Korem in the aid, increase slight the despite But valley. the in in Alamata, occasionally land planes Air Force] Royal [British RAF people.” only 400 accept can we but food, more receive will they where hospital, the to admitted being of dreams day. Everyone per calories hundred four or pancake, aninjera of “get only aquarter people most Inès, and is Serge hunger. to According denominator common real The atheme. on only variations are malaria and diseases infectious tuberculosis, bronchitis, the But ago,” says. Serge weeks 100 afew to day, compared every die 10 30 people and “Between boards. than more no are that ‘beds’ share patients four or three ‘hospital,’ metal sheet corrugated In their 10 up of is made people. team MSF The in Korem. months four for Frontières Sans Médecins with working been have Belgian, both Huberti, Inès and Béchet days.” Serge in five eaten haven’t they In general, point? the what’s but aninjection, given are They hypoglycemia. simply, from quite suffering, are They unconscious. us to brought are they Often, kilos. 35 45 and between weigh camp in the people […] “The Extract: 19 December 1984 (in English). (in 1984 English). 19 December Food’, of Post Washington The Instead Cash Get Ethiopians Harden, ‘Some Blaine (Belgium), 25 December 1984 (in French). (in 1984 French). 25 December (Belgium), Soir Le Children,’ Shivering and Stockings Empty in Korem: ‘Christmas Braeckman, Colette (USA), (USA), - - -
V5 borders] without [singers Frontières’ Sans ‘Chanteurs Frontières 1986. 1. Source: François Jean, “Putting the Famine toGoodUse,” p.41,Médecins Sans delivered to Ethiopia. 1985, were aid food of 1,200,000 tonnes Throughout to send 50 percent of US food aid to Africa. This year, This Africa. to aid US food of percent 50 send to Senate the asked Ted Kennedy nurses. volunteer just were US visitors the if as them for caring in Ethiopia, dying were who children fed members family Kennedy three The prevent.” to nothing do we that disasters preventable the are most the me shocks what But wards. cancer visited have “I Committee. aUS Senate told Kennedy younger the life,” whole my for death with shoulders rubbed have “I cancer. to aleg 23, lost who son, Ted, his and Jr., daughter, his Kara, by accompanied was Kennedy gathered. are victims famine where camps the visiting Ethiopia, to came he Mandela, Nelson leader black for freedom for calling and apartheid condemning by government the angered he where Africa, in South astay After Africa. criss-crossed just has Kennedy Edward Extract: V4 inEthiopia. famine the fighting organisations tarian humani to distributed were profits whose recording charity ayear-end make to groups rock of ahost bling Aid’, ‘Band assem created Geldof Bob singer British country. the of south inthe located in centres led’ Gondar and Wollo had provinces already been ‘resett Tigre, from originally 1984, people 200,000 late By camps. the and houses their from km one than further travel cannot teams MSF the And conversation. the of any miss doesn’t he that so doctors French and Belgian the with English Ispeak that insists He is nervous. rity, secu of in charge also is obviously who official, RRC the In addition, known. presence its made has military the and is palpable tension The force. by taken being avoid to fled have 50,000 of out 15,000 people days, a few Over case. the be to seems longer no that volunteers, were beginning in the left who those while But country. to Ethiopia at a rate of 100,000 of tonnes/month. arate at Ethiopia to flowed aid Food mobilised. Europe and US in the ners entertai and leaders Political in Ethiopia. missions MSF for drive afundraising organised also newspaper, daily regional MSF.to largest France’s ‘Ouest-France’, to rise gave operation a similar In France, and ‘Tam Tam for Ethiopia,’ with revenues going going revenues with Tam ‘Tam Ethiopia,’ and for 1985 (in French). 7 January ‘The Kennedys’ Sorrow and Pity,’ Pity,’ and Sorrow Kennedys’ ‘The VSD (France), (France), - - - - - 1
21 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
the continent will require $750 million to address its million francs ($600,000) were raised. That money has food deficit. already made it possible to purchase a seven-tonne Toyota dump truck (generously sold at cost by a Djibouti garage owner), which is part of the Médecins Sans Frontières team’s transport operation leaving Addis Ababa for the English Rockers Unite to Sing Against Hunger,’ Korem and Kobo camps. Elle (France), 7 January 1985 (in French). Based on experience and caution, we have also obtained Extract: spare parts because the vehicles are subject to heavy wear A Chorus of English Rockers Sings Against Hunger and break down quickly on the rocky roads to the camps. The world’s largest rock group assembled to record a 45 rpm. Culture Club, The Police, Paul Young, Phil Collins, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and many others parti- cipated in ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ to aid the struggle against the famine in Ethiopia. David Bowie, At that time, two records were recorded to benefit Paul McCartney and FGTH [Franky goes to Hollywood] also MSF, one by Manu di Bango and the other by contributed. Earnings from the recording and performers’ Chanteurs Sans Frontières. With the money that rights will be turned over to a charitable fund that will West France raised, we paid for the first 747 cargo that send medications and food to Ethiopia. arrived in Addis Ababa with a truck and milk. We gave the milk to the SCF and kept the truck. It was a yellow truck.
Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in ‘Ethiopia, The Hope,’ Magazine for MSF France Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France donors, first quarter 1985 (in French). Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French).
Extract: African Solidarity Symbolising African solidarity with Ethiopia, some 40 musicians have come together to make a record and In January 1985, the international press continued to musical video clip whose earnings will go to Médecins publish extensive reports on the famine in Ethiopia. Sans Frontières to help battle the famine there. In late Much of this reporting came from Korem, where the December, all of Paris’ best-known African musicians MSF team spoke out on the situation. (Manu Dibango, Touré Kounda, Salif Keita, Mory Kanté, While the journalists described the famine and the Ghetto Blasters, les Malopoets and many others) gathe- need to continue providing aid, they continued to red in a studio to record ‘Tam Tam for Ethiopia.’ question the Ethiopian government’s management. V6 V7 [...] François Régis Hutin, CEO of West France (the country’s largest daily newspaper), spent his New Year’s holiday with Médecins Sans Frontières in Ethiopia. Moved by one of the great tragedies of our time, he Tony Walker, ‘The Delicate Balancing Act of Col devoted many pages in his newspaper to it. But telling Mengistu’ The Financial Times (UK), 3 January the story of Ethiopian peasants’ despair, the genero- 1985 (in English). sity of European doctors and the daily struggle against hardship wasn’t enough for him. He wanted to bring West Extract: France’s readers closer to his emotions and bring new […] At the same time its short-term response to the hope to those who had lost everything. The greatest food shortages in the north may have as much to do with generosity is required to confront the greatest hardships. military strategy as humanitarian relief. The government That’s how ‘Operation West France: Aid for the Ethiopians’ plans to resettle thousands of northern families in the succeeded. less drought-prone southwest. Critics allege that it is an attempt to thin out the population in the troublesome The newspaper issued an urgent appeal to all its readers. northern provinces, and Western countries have refused If every West France family contributed even the cost of a the service of their aircraft for the move. blanket, around 50 francs ($10), they would reduce hun- [...] It is more likely, observers believe, that colonel ger and cold in the Korem camp. Médecins Sans Frontières Mengistu will embark on a balancing act. Assistance and pledged to oversee delivery of supplies, medication and expertise of the order desperately needed is not available specialised food, and to distribute it with its doctors from the Eastern bloc. Recognition of this may be lea- monitoring the activities. ding to a slight softening in the regime’s anti-American stance, while also allowing some of the reforms which are The sense of solidarity was admirable and thanks to the conditional on Western donor support. 22 remarkable generosity of West France readers, nearly 3 But the bottom line, as one Western observer in Addis- persists, the Soviet foothold in Ethiopia appears secure. appears in Ethiopia foothold Soviet the persists, that as long As threat. security is the it, put Ababa last throughout 1985. How can the focus be maintained maintained be 1985. focus the How throughout can last will emergency of state the But March. until guaranteed be to appear reserves food in and theory, community nal internatio the of focus key the [...] is currently Ethiopia condition. her improve not will which flour, of made bread pancake-like aflat injira, local is the swallow will she only thing The nurse. Frontières Sans Médecins young a Bénédicte, explains something,” ingest to her get to day every a half-hour takes ago. “It long smile to how got for woman’s old face crumpled, Her space. into vacantly stares girl her, little hold the arms too-thin whose sister, her to close Pressed 9kilos. 5, about weighs Fatouma, chickenpox. and measles get children The fevers. rent recur and pneumonia malaria, dysentery, camps, death other of reminder a distant provides entrance, the at arrivals new welcome up to set centre delousing the with along which typhus, disease: every for prey easy are organisms weakened Their kilos. 34 about weighs adult average The bed. same the share people four or Three middle. up in the piled been has Dirt in squares. out laid wood of rounds small shelter; 60-bed in this patients “hospitalised” 200 some are There alive. cases serious most the keep to try nurses the morning, [...] Every nothing. than better it’s enough.” We have don’t Still, impossible. that’s ”But suggests. Brigitte ablanket,” -received out give to is something there -when distribution food a monthly for eligible as registered person every if be would thing best “The destitution? such of face in the done be can morning.” What another back come to have “We’ll says. now,” late Pierre too up. “It’s folded were distributed been not had that blankets The rioting. to close were people mountain, the reached sun’s the rays time the By donors. powerless the of legs the grabbing tures, ges their or eyes their with pleading tents, the of out dashed children emaciated and in rags women hope, by Driven tense. becomes quickly situation the but smoothly goes everything beginning, In the majority. is, the - that naked nearly are who those of shoulders the over one lays and blankets of astack takes person Each says. Brigitte greatest,” are needs whose see to is easier it and then tents in the still are “People sunrise. before just site on is team The minimal resources. the and needs enormous the given procedure, adelicate It’s destitute. most the to blankets distribute to decided team Frontières Sans Médecins The here? holiday in the believe still could who -although morning Monday Day Christmas This Extract: January 1985 (in French). January Monde Le Depths,’ Hunger’s Françoise Chipaux, ‘Ethiopia: A Voyage to to AVoyage ‘Ethiopia: Chipaux, Françoise , (France), 7 , (France), - - - - Those countries whose development efforts were success were efforts development whose countries Those reality. contradicted that conclusions to observers many too led assumptions these experience, on based lessons draw to time came it when But progress. to paths of arange explore to them for reasonable quite ago, was it 30 years emerged countries new When development. and rights human over debate the obscure today assumptions Ideological Objectives Research --- Operations - Administrative Objectives Extract: 23-24 for January. scheduled was Worldism] [Third Mondisme’ Tiers ‘Challenging titled Acolloquium Assembly. 1984 May France’s General MSF during made was foundation the establish to sion deci The issues. development World Third and rights human on focused centre a research (LSF), Frontières Sans Liberté of founding the announced France MSF 10 January, inParis conference apress During tary.’ a problem. being volun Recently, have stopped transfers the matter of shared responsibility? responsibility? shared of matter a this isn’t but unfounded, is not rably.” accusation The conside down things slows That help. will they before bodies dead the see to waiting are manager. “Some plies Tamrat, sup Dr RRC says suspicion,” great with us regard many that and abroad microscope the under are we that well very know “We aid. of delivery the affected has context that that question is no There ones. apolitical to limited not are concerns Its administration. Ethiopian the for true necessarily is not same the well, laborating col are organisations humanitarian that agrees everyone while because pressing more the It is all Ababa. Addis in question painful that asking are international, and Ethiopian Aid managers, time? that all for famine the on Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte wrong. Don’t quote MSF, but should you there’s know came Korem. through I said to her, ‘Something’s In January, Françoise Monde Le Chipaux, from Materials Introductory Development,’ and Human Rights on -Information Frontières Sans ‘Liberté Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). French). Ethiopia(in Manager Programme , January 1985 (in French). , January ------,
23 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
ful stood condemned because their growth model did not collaboration with similar institutes or organisations in match the tenets of ideological Third World advocates. France or abroad. However, in countries that adopted programs based on such prescriptions, the subsequent disasters were presented as models long after the facts should have dashed their hopes. Others followed; China’s great leap Liberté Sans Frontières Invitation to the 23 forward, including Vietnam, with its new economic zones, and 24 January symposium, from Dr Claude Ujamaa’s Tanzania, N’Krumah’s Ghana, Cuba’s Castroism Malhuret, Executive Director, Médecins Sans and, most recently, Sandinista Nicaragua. This blindness Frontières, 11 January 1985 (in French). in the face of reality is based on complex factors that cannot be summarized in a few lines. However, Liberté Extract: Sans Frontières foundation’s objectives are to allow I hesitate somewhat to invite you to the symposium we debate on the issues, free from preconceived notions; are organising for 23 and 24 January. The event will be produce pragmatic research free from the idea that a widely repudiated because its goal is to challenge an idea single model exists and must be followed; analyse deve- shared by nearly all our contemporaries. The topic, tiers- lopment and human rights problems unrestrained by the mondisme, is one that promotes simple notions: the West notion of a (non-existent) unified third world; and last, has looted third world resources, terms of trade have draw lessons for action from this research. deteriorated, and multinational corporations engage in evil actions. A considerable amount of work, free from conformism and ideology, has already been conducted and many experts Susceptible to the media’s repeated hammering; the are already working in that direction. However, their general public has adopted these notions. Today, many efforts are dispersed and their projects are uncoordina- people take for granted notions like, ‘the developed ted. The response to their efforts is all too often, met by world’s cows get fat off the developing world’s grain,’ a complete lack of interest and virulent criticism. Their or that ‘a new international economic order’ is the only influence is still weak and, in the vast majority of cases, solution to under-development. they are preaching to the choir. However, despite the general consensus spanning left to We propose to increase their audience and bring back into right, we are not sure that they are correct. We believe the fold those who have moved away, suspecting these further that where these notions have been applied, the experts of seeking only to defend their own interests. impacts have hardly been uniformly positive. It is more The objective is not to strengthen existing convictions, important than ever to reconsider the field of deve- but to bring together around these ideas, people whose lopment and to do so pragmatically, unencumbered by generosity has been used to serve a cause that negates ideological presuppositions. We should not be afraid to those same ideas. We have thus set ourselves a dual task: challenge certain taboos. to coordinate and produce research on countries dealing with issues of development (economics, human rights, I am writing to you because I believe that you are among strategy, etc.) and to distribute this research to key opi- those who believe that development issues are funda- nion makers (media, the political community, groups and mental and must be addressed with complete freedom organizations). of thought. I would be delighted if you would join us, participate in the deliberations and enlarge our unders- [...] With help from the scientific council, the board of tanding. directors will establish the foundation’s long-term objec- tives and define new interest areas based on changes in the movement and the world. At the outset, the board will be comprised of two groups of people: ‘Médecins Sans Frontières’ Officials Issue an - well-known intellectuals, recognized for their work and Indictment, Calling Tiers-Mondisme A Sham, activity in the areas of human rights and democracy, Patrick Forestier interviews Rony Brauman, development studies, and the struggle against totalita- President of MSF France, Paris-Match (France), rianism 23 January 1985 (in French). - official members of Médecins Sans Frontières [...] Research Extract: Research is the foundation’s basic activity and is divided We knew that tiers mondisme - a doctrine based on the into several areas: notion that the west’s riches were accumulated at the - topics related to current developments (for example: the expense of poor countries - was vulnerable and in bad war in Afghanistan, Central America, Southern Africa, etc.) shape. But no one expected the final blow to come - general topics (economics, health, human rights, infor- from Médecins Sans Frontières, the universally respected mation, etc.) aid organisation whose officials, Dr Rony Brauman and Claude Malhuret, are thought to occupy the left wing of 24 Some activities on specific issues will be conducted in the political spectrum. They have established a new orga- but aid democratic forces in the Third World. Third in the forces democratic aid but totalitarianism, Vietnamese a new or Pot Pol anew port sup not We must regimes. authoritarian and despotic to support irrational or blind offer not do we that ensure to work also We must cooperation. international for strategy anew build to in order makers decision with projects and ideas shares that arepository become to We want RB: Frontières? Sans Liberté for see you do role future what terms, In concrete PM: conclusions… different very to them leads World Third in the seen have they What living. of standard our about guilty feel us make to seeks that and destitution World’s Third the for responsible west the holding wisdom current mondisme tiers of theoreticians Parisian over anadvantage them gives famine, and war of midst in the field, in the experience Their strategies. and doctrines aid World Third to reason “ nisation, and avoiding an “inward-turning response.” an “inward-turning avoiding and nations Southern to open remaining while thinking,” of mode rigid and dangerous this with “break to both seeks foundation the In short, society.” “a against weapon being of and countries” in our feelings guilt “encouraging mondisme tiers accuses and deliberation,” serious to “an and obstacle ready-to-wear” “ideologically as tions posi those describe charges The socialism. Christian and Marxism from emerged which mondisme, tiers on attack its of essence the focuses foundation ideas.” The false and caricatured often and “simplistic, implies it because mondisme tiers reject particularly they but generosity,” in believe who those with “(1) stands MSF because here disme mon tiers of temptations the between “halfway as ties activi their of framework the described Malhuret Claude Dr MSF’s phrase, of choice In anunfortunate Thursday. on Sans Frontières Liberté Revel. Jean-François and Sauvy Alfred Etienne, Gilbert Bruckner, Pascal Brauman, challenging in Paris 24 23 and on January a conference hold to be will activity first Its foundation. new the of auspices the under experts of arange and sociologists logists, anthropo historians, To is assembling MSF end, that mondiste tiers on -taking acrusade like look to is starting that venture anew on embarked have officials MSF lefront, batt World Third every on experience varied of years 12 With credentials. impeccable with agroup (MSF), Sans Frontières Médecins by promoted foundation anew to Sans Frontières Libertés Extract: and Cartiérism .” Clearly, Cartiérism has no place place no has .” Cartiérism Clearly, Cartiérism and ideas. Mondisme,’ Tiers Against Crusade Frontières’ Sans ‘Médecins Haski, Pierre 12 and 13 January 1985 (in12 French). 13 January and Libertés Sans Frontières Libertés tiers mondisme tiers . They are disgusted by the fashionable fashionable the by disgusted are . They ’ directors held a press conference conference apress held ’ directors is the very seductive name given given name seductive very is the . Participants include Rony Rony include . Participants ” to restore a sense of of a sense restore ” to Libération (France), (France), of of ------
transfers. population forced the and aid international of ment manage its on attacks UN authorities’ against itself defended government Ethiopian the In mid-January, Africa)]. in region is a (Zambèze poor Africa’s help to attempting before addressed be should region) is aFrench (Corrèze areas rural France’s of needs [the Zambèze” le avant Corrèze “la expression, famous his with notion this to name his gave Cartier (1) Raymond 1950s, journalist In the awaited. anxiously are actions its where skepticism acertain with also but, interest with welcomed was Frontières Sans Liberté tone. in anironic said Brauman Rony revolution,” democratic second the of crusaders not are “We price? any at west the rehabilitate to in, eager themselves draped pants partici the flag ‘free-market’ fashionable the also it Was teeth. their gnash to speakers the gap caused That Revel? Jean-François and Ladurie Roy Le Emmanuel of remarks ideological more much the and Etienne, Gilbert professor like Geneva experience, field considerable with those by as well as practitioners MSF by comments between discrepancy the it Was launch? foundation’s the announcing conference press the after felt people certain that malaise the explains what exercise, is ahealthy dom wis common the If re-examining activities. its support will publications of a collection and journal A quarterly McPherson’s assessment has drawn a stinging rebuff from from rebuff astinging drawn has assessment McPherson’s location.” in anew starve just will they where point, another to point one from people starving moving of asituation be well may it though as us to looks “it he Says Development. International for Agency the for administrator House’s White the McPherson, Mr Peter by “unwise” as criticized been has program resettlement The dysentery. amoebic and malaria like south lying low- the of diseases to susceptible also are highlands, arid the of residents newcomers, The food. scant and medicine or shelter little areas, reception few discover reportedly refugees the south, in the arrive they When families. their from away ripped often are resettlement to taken those spokesman, aguerrilla to According moved. been ,have and Tigre from mostly 70,000 people, far, to 60,000 So decade. next the over southwest the of areas government-controlled to northerners million 2.5 up to sending envisions that scheme relocation acontroversial launched also has regime Ethiopian The Extract: (USA), 21 January 1985 (in 21 English). January (USA), Time War’ a Civil Win to aStrategy of Outlines Grim Famine, The the Behind Fear: from ‘Flight - - -
25 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
the Ethiopians. In Washington, Chargé d’Affaires Tamene On 20 January, the MSF Belgium Board of Directors Eshete accused resettlement critics of attempting to noted LSF’s founding and expressed its reservations. “perpetuate starvation” in his country. The northern pro- vinces, Eshete said, are “totally barren”, and there is no point in keeping those people there.” There may be some truth in that, but at the same time, Eshete claimed that Minutes of the 20 January 1985 Meeting of the no more than “100 or 50” Ethiopians had fled to eastern MSF Belgium Board of Directors (in French). Sudan. He also denied that bombing attacks against refugees had taken place. Nonetheless, the Ethiopian Extract: government last week ferried two plane-loads of U.S., The Board of Directors acknowledges the founding of a Canadian and west European diplomats to the south on new organization, Liberté Sans Frontières, in France. The an inspection tour of resettlement areas, in an effort to relationship between this organisation and MSF France counter the skepticism of aid donors. was defined at the 1984 MSF France General Assembly. The Board of Directors wishes to emphasise that it is not associated with this organisation, which clearly takes a position on the political debate over the Third World. The board is not debating the soundness of the ideas but in On 17 January, the Ethiopian government seized the keeping with its role, seeks to ensure strict observance contents of a cargo plane carrying food from Australia of one of Médecins Sans Frontières’ founding principles: for the population of Eritrea, a province in armed to remain non-political. rebellion and seeking to secede. The Board also wishes to emphasise its position, given the confusion and difficulty of distinguishing clearly between Médecins Sans Frontières France and Libertés Clifford D. May, ‘Ethiopia Seizes Food Headed Sans Frontières (identical leaders, similar name, MSF for Rebels,’ The New York Times (USA),17 funding for LSF, LSF’s introduction by MSF, etc).The ine- January 1985 (in English). vitable confusion between the two organisations cannot have positive consequences for Médecins Sans Frontières. Extract: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Jan. 16 - The Ethiopian Government has impounded a 6,000-ton food shipment from Australia that was intended for famine victims in rebel-held areas. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said late tonight that Things were already getting tense during the the Australians had made “an unacceptable challenge Ethiopian period. Those events corresponded preci- to Ethiopia’s authority.“ He said the Australian chargé sely with the launching of Liberté Sans Frontières. d’affaires had been called to the Foreign Ministry and told One day at La Closerie des Lilas [a Paris café], a somewhat to tell his government that the Australian action consti- symbolic, romantic spot, Malhuret gave me a document tuted “an infringement of Ethiopia’s sovereignty” and was and said “ that’s it, I’ve had it with communism, things “tantamount to interference in our internal affairs.” are out of whack, the communist monster is tearing eve- rything down,” and so on. “We’re going to create a foun- [...] People working in the relief effort here said the dation.” He was talking about a war machine like those Australian food was on a ship that docked last wee- that existed perhaps on the left, around the idea of tiers kend at the Red Sea port of Assab. The vessel was also mondisme, and he was going to use it to fight for neoli- carrying 3,500 tons of food for a relief agency here in beral ideas. It was all there in the document. You could Ethiopia. After the 3,500-ton shipment was removed, the see all of Malhuret’s firepower in it. It was really well Liberian-registered ship, the Golden Venture, left the conceived. I’ll read you some of the passages, like this dock and anchored in the harbor to await clearance to one: “Furthermore, provide the machinery of ideological proceed to its next port of call, in the Sudan, Ethiopia’s production with the resources it lacks today. The starting western neighbor. There, it was to deliver 6,000 tons of point is clear, since liberalism has proven itself and the food provided by Australians private voluntary agencies objective is to defend it, why not apply the same approach to the Eritrean Relief Association and the Relief Society to intellectual production - the production of ideas - that of Tigre. The Australian food was worth at least $1.2 mil- made free enterprise a success in the material realm?” lion. Those organizations were to send the food to famine Not bad, eh? He was riding the neo-liberal wave of the victims in areas under the control of the Eritrean Peoples early 1980s. Then he referred to “an organisation like Liberation Front and the Tigre Peoples Liberation Front. some of the American foundations, the Heritage Foundation, for example.” The Heritage Foundation - that’s really the American right wing. It’s how Reagan beat Carter. Malhuret went to visit the Heritage Foundation… MSF France delivered its “Liberté Sans 26 Frontières’ speech and created an extraordinary stir. It Opinions on the operation remained divided. divided. remained operation the on Opinions officials. organisation aid and diplomats European ral seve for areas resettlement the to organised was visit a Simultaneously, south. inthe resettlement farmer organising for responsible cadres administration’s the mobilised state of head Ethiopian the 21On January, economy) market free Jean-François (philosopherRevel of and advocate a strict of it, including who people part were the about especially and Sans Frontières, Liberté about argued They white truck. Frenchthe in community Ethiopia, who usa bought had Even in people agreed. so, with he of had a lot arguments everyone and so he that thought speech, one no reacted group. abig He gave large we afairly were At time, that idea. it. Weus why nothing it had was agood with to do and he came to Sans tell Frontières Liberté dealing with 1985. in January wasRony That arrived when we were colloquium could cause big that astir. a that to imagine ones We last the were reaction. dous 1985 January late atremen up symposium. It kicked really on the Iworked involved wouldone get in fight. that the but didn’tMalhuret project, aneutral intend to really create everything, in favor of a free-market right. in of favor afree-market everything, in spite that, and all of left, the against was an attack see that the responsibilities given to cadres in ensuring in ensuring cadres to given responsibilities the that see to difficult is not it respect in. In this live they area the developing of responsibility the on take will force, work acoordinated through who settlers, the of activity strengthened is the factor decisive the But in future. so do to continue will and work this all of implementation successful the ensure to can it all is doing party Our Extract: Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte Third World. It in fashion. aneutral was presented in and development the of issues human rights with dealing centre was aresearch Sans Frontières Liberté Rony Brauman, MSF FrancePresident (in French). Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director Clnl Mengistu’s ‘Colonel 1985 (in 21 English). January Officers,’ Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). French). Ethiopia(in Manager Programme Speech to the Resettlement Resettlement the to (in French). - -
implementation of the programme. the of implementation the for ability and knowledge your rally to willingness your and programme resettlement in the faith strong is your thing important The se. per crucial is not but problems limited about bring might experience sufficient of Lack people. organising and indistinct) (word of task huge in this experienced not are who you of a number be could There [applause]. is expected weakness or excuse no in Africa, time first the for communists of dership lea the under victorious emerged and nature against struggled people in which work exemplary as recognised be and movement, revolutionary world’s the to tion contribu aspecial make should it because and party, our of deployment work first is the programme this As problems. to succumbing without sacrifices make to ability and awillingness and one’s own before interests people’s the putting demands this victorious, emerge to In order challenge. historical is adifficult compatriots, of thousands resettling and transporting houses, ding buil forests, clearing night, and day relentlessly working by productive sufficiently and self-reliant compatriots our making of task The patience. and approach of form adifferent demand may activities day-to-day their and resettled being those of characters the studying by him from learn and peasant the teach to Your efforts circumstances. difficult under work to ability your test will that those are deployed be will you where areas the Hence established. been not have services social where and forests by covered still areas are programme ment resettle the for selected areas the [...] comrades, Dear [applause]. precept is acommunist This die. not does that ideal the of continuance the away, guarantee to pass you when yourselves, than better afighter creating of] task in [the believe who fighters You be you. should of one each from expected are sacrifices great life, a new and being, human of] [kind anew create and party, our of role leadership the for, increase struggling are we which system political new the organise will you in which one in is deployed be will you work of field the as In general, [applause] area their of work political and social judicial, trative, adminis in the peasant other any like just participate, to them in getting and live they area the of security the defend talk, anti-people and anti-resettlement propagate who elements] anti-people ‘hidden [meaning mud in the thorns uproot morale, settlers’ the build to in order work organisational mature more and stronger and work ganda propa and motivation relentless requires this all, Above rest. amoment’s them afford not will work, the out carry to force their coordinate they that ensure to settlers the organising and agitating in implemented correctly are directives party’s our that ------
27 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
Paul Vallely, ‘Ethiopia Allows West into resett- Greater reservations were expressed by an agricultu- lement Areas’ The London Times (UK), 22 ral economist who maintained that the operation was January 1985 (in English). precipitate and ill-thought out. “Colonel Mengistu (the Ethiopian leader) says these people will be self-sufficient Extract: within one year. There is no chance of that and there A party of European diplomats and senior relief workers is no prospect of that happening for several years, for has, for the first time, been allowed into the remote pro- they will need enormous back-up on a scale the govern- vinces of Ethiopia which are the centre of Addis Ababa’s ment cannot afford. Furthermore, they are moving from controversial resettlement policy. Under the plans, the highlands to lowlands, from non-malaria areas to malaria Government intends to move one and a half million areas, to areas with other diseases to which they have people from the famine-stricken provinces of Tigre and no immunity.” Wollo. The programme has been under way for just over two months, and already it is estimated that 160,000 Brother Augustine O’Keefe, the Head of the Christian men, women and children have been resettled. Relief and Development Association, which co-ordinates the work of all the voluntary agencies in Addis Ababa, Until now the conduct of the scheme has been kept feels that the correct response by Western donors ought a guarded secret. Western aid agencies and even the to be to involve themselves in the resettlement and help Ethiopians’ own Relief and Rehabilitation Commission find solutions to these problems. ”When you have seen (RRC) have not been involved. The refugees have been how desperate things are getting in Wollo and Tigre you flown out of the desiccated Northern provinces in Soviet realize there is no other option,” he said. Whatever the transport aircraft and then taken by lorry to the west response of the Western nations the resettlement will and south of the country, where cadres of the Marxist continue. Workers’ Party have been establishing centres with the help of local peasant collectives.
In its early phase, the policy was regarded with great sus- picion by the Western donor countries but, the situation At the 23 and 24 January, LSF launched a public in Wollo and Tigre has become steadily worse over the debate and challenged theories of development, past two months. The relief workers realized that problems taking a somewhat iconoclastic position in the world in 1985 would be even graver than last year and their of humanitarian action and development aid. V8 attitudes towards resettlement have softened. “It’s not an ideal thing but it is one of the harsh realities of Ethiopian life,” Father Jack Finnucane, the Field of the Irish charity Concern, said after an inspection of the new settlements. Pierre Lefèvre, ‘Questions Asked About Médecins Sans Frontières,’ Le Soir, (Belgium), Mr Cliff Benzel, Vice-President of the American agency, 25 January 1985 (in French). Worldvision, the biggest charity working in Ethiopia, said the original opposition was based upon three factors. Extract: “When the Government first initiated it, the project had What’s gotten into MSF? That’s the question on the mind an ideological base - the new settlements were collecti- of more than one observer. Is it a matter of fashionable vist not individual: it split up families - only healthy men provocative views, the influence of the New Right, or the aged between 18 and 35 were resettled; and there was trial-and-error deliberation of men faced with cruel and some question about whether it was voluntary or not. All inexplicable realities? We’ve demolished lots of illusions of these things have changed. People are moving volun- that no one believes in anymore, says one Third World tarily. The government is moving whole families. Each expert, and without the classic thinkers on development. family is being allocated a holding of about two hectares But tiers mondisme is still very much alive, responds Dr (five acres).” Claude Malhuret, Director of MSF France, and there were more people at its post-mortem than could fit in the The diplomats and relief workers were taken to Mekele senate chambers. We are neither neo-liberal crusaders nor in Tigre, and allowed to inspect the resettlement regis- agents of a Mitterrandist move towards the center [refer- tration books, and then they were flown to the western ring to French president François Mitterrand], he says, provinces of Illubabor and Kaffa for a tour of the new defending himself. His Belgian counterpart, Philippe settlements. ”Admittedly we only saw a very small selec- Laurent, quoting Jean-Pierre Cot, former French Minister tion but there seemed no attempt to steer us away from of Cooperation, sees the undertaking as just a Parisian any particular settlement”, one aid worker said. ”We were critique of tiers-mondisme, provoked by a few MSF offi- favourably impressed. Families in groups of between 15 cials and one he hopes will quickly disappear. Before and 50 were settled in between existing villages. The the symposium, he said that “Médecins Sans Frontières people seemed pleased with their new homes. But some cannot become involved in political debates or endorse of the larger settlements - we saw one of about 1,200 one model against another. The key is to remain true to 28 people - seemed a much more dicey business.” the group’s apolitical character, as set out in its charter. of “a political campaign by the new right.” right.” new the by campaign “aof political spoke Start] aBad to is off Africa [Black Mal Partie,’ est ‘L’Afrique of Noire author Dumont, René ideas. mondiste tiers on delivered others that criticism the contested AFP. the told participants Some Malhuret Claude director foundation countries,” World in Third problems political and economic raised and field in the cases specific on reported ideologies, mondiste tiers assessed “We participated. experts and intellectuals Many Frontières. Sans Médecins tion, organisa humanitarian French the by founded was LSF foundation. Frontières Sans Liberté new the by organised Senate, in the symposium Thursday and Wednesday the during in Paris attack harsh under came mondisme Tiers Extract: the status of the eternal victim.” victim.” eternal the of status the to South the of residents the confines which salvation], brings suffering that notion [the “dolorism and event,” every to basis aneconomic attributes which analysis, economic “narrow its for mondisme tiers criticized They presuppositions.” ideological of free process, reflective in a co-exist can thinking critical and generosity where Cartièrisme, and mondisme tiers between somewhere a space, create must “We stated: officials foundation’s The basis. acase-by-case on pragmatically, addressed be should countries developing of problems the that believe participants Malhuret, to According operation.” apolitically-motivated mount to seeking not were we that demonstrate will future The view. of point our express to want we because criticised being of risk the We accept generosity. on monopoly the have they that assume distes mon tiers “The split. left-right apronounced of context French the given ‘hijacking,’ political of risks the sized empha He neo-Cartièrism. proposing not However, are we in Africa.” century the of famine largest the including in failure, ended have mondistes tiers the of slogans “The Malhuret. Claude emphasized countries,” developing help to done be should what examine is to goal “Our challenge. to out set it positions ideological the unsettled has it than more sponsor up its shaken have symposium its and tion founda now, For young this pan? in the flash ‘Parisian’ a just is or this sown been discord ideological Has leave.” to have will positions nisation’s orga the support not do who “those and,” concludes, he clarified be must situation The internally. resolve to have will France MSF that problem aninternal represents Foundation’ Frontières Sans ‘Liberté This abstention. of ahint without -- itself distanced also organisation, ter sis French its as strong as is nearly which Belgium, MSF 1985 (in French). ‘Challenging Tiers Mondisme Tiers ,’ ,’ AFP , 24 January , 24 January ------accused international aid organisations of embezz aid organisations international accused publicly it 9February, On revolution.” socialist the “enemies of by aplot of part as criticism western denounced government Ethiopian the In February, MSF at Belgium. orientation technical amore So find you society. acivil from Belgium and MSF society MSF apolitical from France emerged in non-profits. abackground came but instead from history who people did not have political that brought together When MSF we established generation. another Belgium, we we close from were in age, Even we pretty were though MSF at analysis. Things completely Belgium. were different bya‘communism enterprise’ free versus characterized still of-power was of and East-West world the Their vision terms. in balance- things; at of way looking maintained apolitical 1968 May they after setting, in humanitarian to the work world that left had they if, and purposes, intents all for Even analyses. and political drive political with people were was a Maoist. So MSF the I would say that France leaders and Rony Brauman wasClaude Malhuret aradical socialist MSF Founder member, MSF then France Vice-President]. Emmanuelli [one too of activist, he wasinvolved; apolitical [the French communist group]. youth He was politically Communistes of Jeunesses beginning, Kouchner was part In background. the say, political let’s came from, acertain MSFThe France was composed of leadership who people to take usover. trying didn’t to him speak -nothing. obviously were But they Ididn’t shakeso Iwent direction. in other the his hand, I closely right far the recognized his because Ifollowed face Luckily, me. towards I and he me headed wanted to greet in European the Parliament. He party] French political right-wing French the [extreme ‘Front National’ representing positions. positions. extremist more considerably with others attracted but discussion, inhonest interested individuals together brought symposium LSF the at presented ideas The difference between MSF and MSF between Belgium France.difference MSF at France… occurred shift was ahuge There political a serious year-period, to three a two Over Solidarity, of Christian Romain as Marie, known ter Antony.in Strasbourg byBernard he is bet In fact, European the at Parliament being greeted I remember Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director Director Executive Belgium MSF Laurent, Philippe Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). President France MSF Brauman, Rony (in French). (in - -
29 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
ling aid. In a confidential report, it nonetheless to denounce the major plot cooked up by enemies of the acknowledged that more than three-quarters of Tigre ‘socialist revolution’ under cover of the tragedy of the province residents were not receiving food aid. famine. This has forced the country to open up to the outside to aid. Head of State, Colonel Mengistu Hailé Mariam is assessing the limits and dangers of this foreign assistance. He has concluded that it is necessary to “‘Government Accuses International recapture the initiative or in other words, to banish the Organisations of ”Embezzling” Aid Meant for illusions of those who hoped the regime would soften, Famine Victims,’ Le Monde/AFP/Reuters, 12 to silence those tempted to impose conditions and offer February 1985 (in French). advice, and to put critics of his government’s approach to aid distribution and famine control, on the defensive. Extract: [...] In addition, Ethiopian minister of Foreign Affairs, “Our enemies thought they could achieve their goals Goshu Wolde, accused ‘irresponsible’ international aid today by using the situation created [by the drought] to organisations of embezzling funds raised on behalf of their advantage,” Colonel Mengistu said in mid-February, famine victims. Individuals and humanitarian groups during a public gathering in Addis Ababa. While western have raised “very large amounts” of cash, particularly response to his aid appeal, even from the US, has been in Europe and in the US, Goshu Wolde noted, adding largely positive, he does not view that support as disin- that most of the contributions “did not reach Ethiopia.” terested. The Ethiopian leader could not prevent donor According to the Ethiopian Minister, the aid was either nations and organisations from offering their opinions on diverted or squandered. “We have even learned that cer- the Ethiopian situation from showing equal concern for tain NGOs have used aid money to rebuild their offices,” aiding all famine victims regardless of their relationship he added. Last December, Ethiopian aid official Dawid with the central authorities, from denouncing all obs- Wolde Giorgis accused a US religious organization of tacles - political and administrative - to transporting keeping several millions dollars intended for famine foodstuffs, and, from questioning the rationale of a victims in Ethiopia for its own use. The organisation, massive population transfer to areas not yet suffering International Christian Aid, responded that the $20 mil- from drought. lion it collected in the US had been sent to the French group, Médecins Sans Frontières. Médecins San Frontières On the defensive for the last several months, Marxist states that it did not receive any such funds. Ethiopia has found itself in the spotlight. Western media provided extensive coverage of the famine’s tragedy, and its support was essential in mobilising aid. News outlets took advantage of the Ethiopian case study to make ‘Addis Ababa Acknowledges That Three- judgments about a regime accustomed to operating in Quarters of Tigre’s Inhabitants Receive No secrecy. In the end, the regime’s leaders realized that Food Aid,’ Le Monde (France), 26 February their country’s image in the outside world was not par- 1985 (in French). ticularly flattering. That led them to toss the ball back into their adversaries’ camp and accuse them of every sin Extract: in the book, which explains Colonel Mengistu’s decision On 25 February, the Times reported that it had learned of to return tit for tat. He is moving to and blaming “those a confidential Ethiopian government report confirming, who harshly criticise our on-going efforts to resettle our for the first time, that more than three-quarters of the fellow countrymen affected by the drought.” In his view, inhabitants of Tigre province affected by the famine this is because “some are displeased to see us becoming are not receiving food aid. According to this report, the self-sufficient” and would be happy if “we were to remain population is receiving only 22% of western aid, primarily destitute so that they could dominate us.” in the Makele region (west of the port of Assab on the Red Sea). In the rest of Tigre province, 1.2 million inhabi- [...] Ethiopian officials are now positioning themselves tants are receiving 4,000 tonnes of food per month, while as redressers of wrongs and as irreproachable revolutio- need is estimated at 18,000 tons. naries who have no lessons to learn from anyone. This is no longer a question of managing international aid on the basis of non-political criteria; these criteria which are poorly suited to the requirements of the revolution Jacques de Barrin, ‘The Ethiopian Government underway. The Marxist orthodoxy has returned. The Relief and the Famine: Politics First,’ Le Monde and Rehabilitation Commission (RCC), which previously (France), 4 March 1985 (in French). played a leading role in organising the distribution of supplies, has been demoted. The Ethiopian Labour Party, Extract: created last September, has been assigned the task and Nairobi - Over the last month, an avalanche of sen- will handle it in its own way. sational statements has been streaming out of Addis 30 Ababa. Ethiopian leaders are competing in their efforts Every cloud - even the revolution - has a silver lining. The expressing their opposition to Liberté Sans Frontières. Frontières. Sans Liberté to opposition their expressing members and management MSF’s to letter open an sent inChad members team MSF 10On February, opportunity? this of people the deprive why socialism,’ enemies’, of ‘advance ‘internal its for difficult life makes If this transfer. population amassive requires eyes, leaders’ in and, the reordering aneconomic take under to country the forced has drought the of tragedy became strained. organisations, andrepresentatives ofdonornations the country.Relationships among theauthorities,aid cases of cholera, denying that the illness existed in The authoritiesrefusedto analyse thefirstsuspected sitioning vehiclestotransferpeopletheSouth. provision fortransportation,authoritieswererequi - were inadequate.Whiledonorshadmadeadequate the campsincreasedbecausearrivingfoodsupplies yet again in Ethiopia. As a result, mortality rates in darity movement,thenutritionalsituationworsened Despite massiveaidprovidedbytheinternationalsoli - in Chad. Holland and France Belgium, MSF of members the by: Signed action. that of press the notifying and foundation this and MSF between tion separa complete is, maintain that charter; the of terms the observe to responsibility their honor members all and management MSF’s that demand we reasons, these For missions. on teams MSF of work the harms identification Such foundation. the with identified being is clearly MSF press, international in the reactions by demonstrated As foundation. this and MSF for headquarters - shared a springboard as reputation MSF’s of - use funds MSF of - use functions - multiple following: the to respect with charter, MSF’s of violation this condemn we aresult, As realm. political the into is lapsing foundation this that It is obvious creation. tion’s founda Frontières Sans Liberté of circumstances the of learning on indignation our express to wish mission Chad the MSF, of with members working undersigned We, the February 1985 (in French). February 10 in Chad, Holland and France, Belgium, MSF of MSF,” of members Membership the from Letter “Open to the Management and Management the to - - - epidemic. the spread have to thought are Djibouti, with frontier the near Cross Red Ethiopian the by run camp a huge Assaita, from nomads Afar disease. the from died people 50 18 On January cases. cholera confirmed 300 report Dessie, of south miles afew in Arbo, camps transit from recently returning Doctors case. the be longer no may now, that and until -- avoided been have epidemics that miraculous It is virtually camps. in in the set has panic of asense days, few last the Over is permanent. nothing But 10. below to 100. Today, reached had fallen has toll it death daily in the Korem, August Last fruit. bearing already is work painstaking Their first. issues pressing most the with dealing are in Ethiopia working NGOs other and MSF camps. the threaten Epidemics famine. the by affected most areas the are which Eritrea, and Tigre, Wollo, of those than areas fertile more to north the from people moved has government the where farms, and villages western in the better appears situation The irregularly. there arrives Food country. up in the set been have centres 195 distribution RRC centres, feeding 40 and 20 camps the to In addition is insignificant. diverted being aid food of amount the that believe generally organizations international of officials regime, Ethiopian the of opponents certain by claims Despite can. it what is aid, doing food basic of distribution over poly mono the holds that agency official the Commission), Rehabilitation and [...] now, (Relief RRC For the Extract: Extract: off-the-record conversations with foreign reporters. But But reporters. foreign with conversations off-the-record in or government the to directly either discreetly, tion dissatisfac their conveyed generally have Aid officials country.” this run who ones the not are they that learned agencies the time it’s “Maybe said, official Ethiopian An help.” to difficult very and obstructive very been has government “This said. servant civil flowing,”an international bile of a lot is “There in and private. in public another, both one at charges serious leveled have groups two the days recent In autumn. last country this into pour to began aid of amounts huge since point lowest their reached have to appear here effort relief famine in the involved nizations orga and nations Western the and Government Ethiopian the between 17 Feb. -Relations Ethiopia, Ababa, Addis Extract: January 1985 (in French). January Libération Plateaus,’ Ethiopia’s on Impossible Dufour, ‘Mission Jean-Paul (USA),17 February 1985York (in (USA),17 English). Times February New The Donors,’ Food Western and Ethiopia Between Sour D. May, ‘Relations Clifford (France), 24 (France), - - -
31 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
an increasing number of complaints are now being voiced struck in several camps and regions. Officials in the openly. Ministry of Health had pledged to provide such results to Mr. Jansson several weeks ago. Instead, they have […] informed him that they have found no cholera in the Last week, for example, representatives of the country, and they have indicated they did not expect him International Committee of the Red Cross complained to request further information or evidence. that famine refugees in the northern region of Tigre had been forced - either by the withholding of food or, on at least one occasion, at gunpoint - to enlist in the government’s resettlement program. As many as 1.5 mil- lion famine victims are to be moved this year from the On 22 February in Korem, authorities prohibited the northern regions, where rebels groups are active, to the MSF team from distributing tents and blankets des- south and southwest of the country. pite severe cold temperatures at night on the high plateaus. In early March, another round-up occurred Government spokesmen angrily deny that force is being in the Korem camp. MSF complained to the UN Special used to recruit and that families are being separated, Mission in Ethiopia but received no response. In mid- as the Red Cross and other relief workers have charged. March, the distribution of food supplies to people The spokesmen said Red Cross officials had evidently under 45 was forbidden to encourage them to leave witnessed soldiers trying to quell a disturbance and ‘voluntarily’ for the South. misunderstood what was taking place. Relief officials and international civil servants have also accused the govern- ment of making little effort to deliver food, blankets, medicines and other supplies to famine victims in Eritrea, Dr Claude Malhuret, ‘Mass deportations in Tigre and other areas where rebel groups are active. Ethiopia’ Report MSF (Confidential) December 1985 p.15 (in English). […] A plan proposed by Kurt Jansson, United Nations Extract: Assistant Secretary General for Relief Operations in Despite protests, despite promises by authorities that Ethiopia, to lead unarmed convoys under Red Cross flags it wouldn’t happen again (‘it was all a mistake...’), the into contested areas of the country was recently turned exact same thing happened again at the same place down by the Ethiopian Head of State, Lieut. Col. Mengistu at the beginning of March, 1985. The army even came Haile Mariam. As many as 3,000 starving Ethiopians a looking for ‘candidates’ in the hospitals where some of day are reported to be crossing from Tigre and Eritrea the people had taken refuge. Médecins sans Frontières into neighboring Sudan. In an address to the country directors complained to the UN representative, who in last weekend, Colonel Mengistu said “traitorous bandits” turn contacted Kurt Jansen, Head of the UN’s Special who had been “forcing the people from their homes at Mission in Ethiopia. Jansen phoned the President of the gunpoint” were to blame for the exodus. RRC (the Ethiopian organisation that coordinates aid), Dawit Wolde Giorgis, who promised to investigate. The Other spokesmen for the Ethiopian Government affair was hushed up, and Médecins sans Frontières has have accused the office of the United Nations High never received the results of the inquiry. Commissioner for Refugees of “enticing” Ethiopians to [...] On February 22nd, 1985 the directors of the Médecins cross the border by providing the relief services for them sans Frontières team at Korem were convened in a mee- in the Sudan. Aid officials have also been concerned that ting attended by a regional representative of the RRC grain that should be reaching famine victims has been and a representative of the department of health, who piling up in warehouses or going to resettlement areas. forbade MSF to distribute either blankets and clothing or tents, despite severe freezing conditions. And the night- […] time curfew, which was lifted at 6 a.m., was extended to According to one senior relief official who asked not to 7:30 a.m. be identified, only about one-third of the food arriving in Ethiopia is getting to the camps for famine victims. The In mid-March, the RRC’s representative in Korem declared Ethiopian Government has asserted that Western donors there would no longer be food distribution to those less have not provided enough trucks and spare parts. Aid than 45 years-old. (They seek to recruit above all young officials say that more military and government-owned people to colonize [populate]the southern lands.) This trucks should be used for relief and that almost half the restriction lasted for several weeks. donated trucks in the country are in disrepair because of mismanagement and misuse.
Another frustration cited by aid officials has been the government’s refusal to release the results of laboratory 32 tests that would show whether a cholera epidemic has lement in the south were rebels are not a threat, he said. said. he athreat, not are rebels were south in the lement resett for volunteer to instead, them, It wanted fortable. com too get to victims famine want not did it him that told government the that said He time. the at there was who official a relief to according Korem, at in warehouses 20,000 blankets nearly were there cold, highland the to exposure of dying were people as time, Atin the Korem. blankets distributing from organization, voluntary French the Borders, Without Doctors from workers relief stopped year, government this of the February and In January Extract: MSF to help the Ethiopians. Ethiopians. the help to MSF to over turned were Revenues aconcert. gave singers 15 French some 4March, On multiplied. in Ethiopia work MSF’s fund to concerts and recordings of sale The south. the for if left they only food got They didn’t was if even food. they to eat, there anything get association, spot. didn’t Because they to afarmers’ belong on the right dying were people inhe charge, was longer no something them. But for when to find RRCthe guy, we tried didn’tthey nothing. had to one and they belong Along with and Maichew but Tigre from arriving people were There tion. plateau. the on of grass stalks afew were There it. cold, underneath with his children, two and trembling naked with ding afather Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte sentative distributed food to each farmers’ associa farmers’ to each food distributed sentative RRC The repre associations. farmers’ as known were In town, a ‘kébélé.’ it was called In they country, the and fin abag up picking Iremember themselves. Korem to plateau. cover bags People only had flour zero on the was to temperature The below falling Washington Post Washington Ethiopia?’ Saving is Not Alone Food - Why Starvation With Games Harden, ‘Playing Blaine Jacques Pinel, MSF France Logistics Director Director Logistics France MSF Pinel, Jacques Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). (in French). Ethiopia Manager Programme , 6 June 1985, 6June (in English). (in French). (in The The - - - - -
their concerns. Liberté SansFrontières,alongwithaletterexpressing tors ofMSFBelgiumsentitsmembersadocumenton On 12March,themanagementandboardofdirec- responses. positive 200 of a total We expect it. used have papers an offset to insert in their papers. As of now, of As 150 papers. in their insert to an offset with Ethiopia on 1,500 to newspapers kit a press sent MSF television. MSF. on shown be It will benefit to aconcert planning are Mathieu Mireille and Macias Enrico MSF. to go will sales those from revenues and arecording make to preparing are musicians rock French of agroup approach, same the Following [385,000 euros]. francs 2.5 million raise should sales record estimates, to ding [77,000 accor francs and 500,000 euros] raised appeal postbox The sold. Tam 100,000 records Tam Ethiopia: for Media Extract: and as a rallying point for those who cannot accept the the accept cannot who those for point a rallying as and Frontières Sans Médecins throughout discussion for basis a as serve will it We hope created. been recently has that problem the oppose is to objective Its situation. the of analysis our reflects you sent have we packet detailed The crumble. to foundation the cause would it removing that and stone corner its remains character apolitical organisation’s the that We believe consensus. a broad establish to event, in and, any clear it make to enough be should sense good simple but principle, this about length at on go could One non-political. remain to principle: fundamental charter’s the dicts contra that in aposition ourselves We find Frontières. Sans Médecins with completely identified is being and organisation is a political Frontières” Sans “Liberté situation. irreversible and anew towards steps decisive takes tion organisa the before concern our share to important was it felt we and Frontières Sans Médecins of history in the moment is acritical this because you We contacting are Extract: (in French). Directors of Board France MSF Summary French). French). 12 1985 March (in Belgium, MSF of Members the to Directors of Board and President Director, the by Analysis,’ the of Summary A -- Incompatible Frontières: Sans Liberté and +document Letter of the 24 March 1995 meeting of the the of 24 1995 March the of meeting , ‘Médecins Sans Frontières Frontières Sans , ‘Médecins news - - - - -
33 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
current ambiguity, which is why we are distributing it level in the camps (1,200 people for 450 heads of family) widely within the organisation. or at the general regional level (227,641 people for 9,276 heads of family) - there are no families with more than We refuse to see the debate that is about to take place three people. This reinforces the impression that families as a sign of confrontation between MSF France and MSF have been dispersed, based either on what men told us Belgium. The problem posed by LSF transcends the issue in Kishe or what we saw in Korem. Saw only one man over of a legally autonomous entity existing within MSF. 50 on the entire visit. Furthermore, we would like to restate our desire to main- - Farming: few resources put to use to clear the land tain the cooperative relationship with MSF France that although the soil appears fertile: several head of cattle existed prior to LSF’s founding and we renew our proposal in Kishe; major supply effort if they want to be prepared to create an MSF Europe based on the Charter. for the heavy July/August rainy season.
We look forward to hearing from you. With best wishes, Unknowns - The two camps were opened in October and November SUMMARY OF THE ANALYSIS 1984: that period corresponds to the first wave of - The Liberté Sans Frontières foundation is a political resettlement that appeared to be relatively voluntary in organisation. Korem. One installation dates back about 4 months, with - The foundation is being associated with Médecins Sans structures set up. Frontières. - Population has received adequate food over 4 months. - This confusion creates an unhealthy and ambiguous - The two camps are very close to Jima, so easy access for situation, putting MSF completely at odds with respect food, supplies, etc. to the basic principle of remaining apolitical. - No idea what is happening in the camps where people - This threatens MSF’s continued existence. did not come voluntarily and where they arrived recently. - To protect our organization, we must clarify the situa- tion immediately and take measures to separate two entities that should never have been brought together, Médecins Sans Frontières and Liberté Sans Frontières. Paul Vallely, ‘How Mengistu Hammers the Peasants,’ The Times (UK), 1 March 1985 (in English).
Extract: Ethiopian farmers were transferred to unhealthy and It would be a mistake to aggrandize Mengistu’s military malaria-stricken regions, quite unlike those portrayed regime with the suggestion that there was much any in the propaganda distributed during film screenings government could have done to prevent a natural catas- organised by the authorities. There, they were forced trophe on such a scale. But, it would be equally mistaken to adopt a collectivised life combining forced work, to pretend that the Dergue’s sense of priorities in its inadequate food, and strict political supervision. management of the country’s resources would find accep- tance in many of the donor countries, which the Colonel criticized this week for sending insufficient aid. Perhaps the most offensive example to western sensibi- Dr Brigitte Vasset, ‘Visit to Two Resettlement lities of these distorted priorities is the amount which Camps in the Kaffa Region, Report MSF the military regime spends on arms as its people starve. Ethiopia, 17 March 1985, (in French). International observers estimate that 46 per cent of the country’s gross national product goes on the armed Extract: forces. Certainly the regime is brazen in its demonstra- IMPRESSIONS tion that military hardware is more important than food Positives: aid. - No overpopulation [...] It is difficult to escape the conclusion that political - Administrative teams to take care of camps, relatively factors also override humanitarian considerations in the well-motivated government’s policy to resettle 1.5 million peasants from - Small-scale sanitary infrastructure: the drought-affected regions of Tigre and Wollo in the water points (under construction) north and Sidamo in the south. latrines (inadequate in Kishe) It is not that settlement is a bad thing in itself - these dispensaries (with staff but without adequate resources) areas are overpopulated and agriculturally exhausted, and - Nutritional status of population is good (all those who a carefully prepared voluntary migration makes sense to were going to die are dead? as in Korem in September) many of the relief organizations. But the way the military - Housing, mostly individual, but temporary regime is going about its current programme lends cre- dence to suggestions from the Tigre People’s Liberation Negatives Front that the government is taking advantage of the 34 - According to official statistics - provided at the local famine to rob the rebellion of its natural supporters. hours there. hours than24 reason. Icould only spend good less it was for nothing. had They centre. health If there, one no was living was no There roots. to had out pull bythe them and they everywhere trees were There to build houses. their hoes was to had use nothing so There their they rated. there, [in south]. the infected Many sepabecame were families is not aproblem. only weighed They 32 when they kilos where malaria north, the came from people These malaria. had It already was and they lowlands being transferred. [French People’s place to the wherewere Rescue] people […] Populaire discreetly, Secours Français with Iwent, very cows. The film was fullof thatkind of thing. were pictures of the Blue Nile, with waterfalls and big, fat look atthepicturesandpeople’s reactions. Movies!There seen waterfor twoyearscame. Iwenttowatch,both cause few qualms to Colonel Mengistu’s politburo. Mengistu’s Colonel to qualms few cause will policy] [This peasants. recalcitrant politically over control asserting of in terms success aresounding was but results economic positive few produced stratagem Stalin’s agriculture. Soviet of Stalin’s collectivization under did peasants Russian the as much manipulation, collective to amenable more become will they where west in the cooperatives farmers’ of in anarea them replant and Sidamo plateau, the and highlands northern in the holdings individual in their established well farmers, independent-minded these uproot will resettlement But, stage. first the even at participate to volunteered had Wade, in Sidamo, area’s 5,000 farmers the only 240 of Damot Ivisited, district In one incentives. financial increasing offering plan, in athree-stage operatives co- in producer together band to associations peasant induce to attempts which agriculture, of reorganization latest government’s join in the to reluctance a marked shown have peasants many now Until planners. socialist the to advantages obvious has scheme the Certainly adequate. from is far destination their at resettlement their for provision though even planes, and lorries into gunpoint at ordered men the up and split are families fails, this away, amile when half camps transit resettlement at aday meals cooked two provides but end on weeks for camps refugee from grain withholds it example, For Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte and allthesefarmers fromthenorthwhohadn’t footage of theSouth.Therewasanopen-airscreen A smallpick-uptruckarrivedupinKorem toshow Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). French). Ethiopia(in Manager Programme - tative use of the famine. famine. the of use tative exploi government’s Ethiopian the denounce to nued conti press international the while aid, international for call a new issued official RRC the 13On March, centre managed by the ICRC. the by managed centre feeding inthe children affected most the for care over took It also Tigre. inthe Adigrat to close Hamous, Idaga near ahospital opened Belgium MSF In March, insecurity. experiencing is which Ethiopia, in northern victims famine all reach to food of failure the criticized had Chernyenko, Constantin leader, Soviet of funeral the for Moscow to heading UN before the of US delegation the led who Bush, George President US Vice said. Dawit context,” political West East- in the Ethiopia US is placing the “Unfortunately, foodstuffs.” parachuting extend and transport road and aerial improve us help to them want We also victims. drought reaching is not aid food them, to according where, areas the cify spe to Americans the asked “We Thursday. on resume would representatives American and Ethiopian between in Geneva Sunday on initiated contact that stated also He further. million,” noted he $300 at estimated grammes pro rehabilitation emergency through problem hunger the all, for and once resolve, us help to community nal internatio the want we and continue to aid want “We 150,000 tonnes.” around received already have we and promised was 700,000 tonnes, around that, of “Half says. grain,” Dawit of 1.5 of tonnes million atotal need we affected, people 7.9 “With systems. water and transportation to vements impro as such projects, emergency out carry and deficit food its address to million $380 some needs Ethiopia 1986.” beyond extend could catastrophe The situation. anidentical face we rainfall, seasonal of lack Today, the 8million. to million with 6.4 from increased has affected people of number “The noted. he alarm,” the [...] 1984, sounded March we “In community. international the to appeal anew issued Georgis Wolde three. of out Ethiopian one or people, 10 than million more threatens drought nued conti from resulting famine that stated Georgis Wolde Dawit official Commission Rehabilitation and Relief Extract: Geneva (France), 13 March 1985 13 March (in French). (France), Geneva AFP Threatened‘ 10,000 Than People More Ethiopia: from Cry ‘Warning Joannidis, Marie ------,
35 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
’Quarterly Publication for MSF Belgium Donors,’ remember that we went for a drink at the Hilton, the place July/August/ September 1985, (in French). where you met everyone. I don’t know if they were living at the Hilton or somewhere else. I don’t think I liked them very Extract: much. I told them what was happening, just like I told all In early 1985, with the situation in Tigre province the NGOs that were interested. I think I was annoyed that worsening dramatically, MSF Belgium was able to launch they stole our doctor. I think that’s it... It was between a preliminary evaluation mission in that area thanks to January and May. It wasn’t so cold. I didn’t know that MSF increased public awareness and contributions. The Idaga Belgium even existed. All the others arrived after the fight. Hamous region was chosen as the first programme site They asked us to help them and I didn’t really want to… De and the first five-person team arrived in late March. MSF Milliano, from MSF Holland, came through. He was pretty has set up a temporary 70-bed hospital and is also pro- nice, a funny guy. He’s pretty funny, that guy. He arrived viding intensive feeding for the most seriously affected without a visa and he got into a mess at the airport. children. Dominique Leguillier, the administrator, managed to get him out of the airport without a visa. He was only passing through. He opened a mission later. But at that point, MSF Holland didn’t have a presence in Ethiopia. When they arrived, things had already improved. I conducted the evaluation mission and then I directed the mission from the desk, going into the Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in field once a month. On the map, the next big town Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France past Korem is Adigrat. We went into the Tigre and afte- Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). rwards to Eritrea. It was sort of a geographic progression. But the heart of the problem was further north in Wollo province, which Korem is a part of. MSF France was really in the very centre of things… In the field, we had good rela- tionships with the French section. They put us up - until the In late March, the MSF Board of Directors discussed clash. how to respond to the hardening of the policy regar- ding resettlement of Ethiopian farmers. MSF Holland Pierre Harzé, MSF Belgium Programme Manager initiated an evaluation mission in Somalia, where a Ethiopia (in French). cholera epidemic had broken out among the Ethiopian refugee population. Beginning in April, a team com- posed of members of the Belgian, French and Dutch sections began working with 300,000 Ethiopian refu- gees near Hargeisha. Pierre Harzé conducted a preliminary evaluation mission in Ethiopia in early 1985. He met Brigitte Vasset, who was very irritated and put out by the idea that we were coming to Ethiopia. I think that was Summary of the 24 March 1985 Meeting of the because of existing internal conflicts between the two sec- MSF France Board of Directors, (in French). tions. It was during the Liberté Sans Frontières period. There was a lot of tension and, in fact, real antipathy, lack Extract: of communication, and contacts among the MSF sections. Given the context, MSF can respond in a variety of ways: So, the analysis of each other’s initiatives was hugely - Criticise the conduct of the resettlement publicly in the skewed. media, which would involve withdrawing the teams. - Given that it’s more important to continue to aid these Georges Dallemagne, MSF Belgium populations, we could take a more pragmatic approach. Director of Operations (in French). At the same time, we would have to try to see other transfer areas. While working in the resettlement areas would imply that we supported this policy, it would also allow us to continue our aid and presence as witnesses to events. We had a Belgian doctor on our team in Korem. He In the meantime, a policy of discreet pressure, through was quite good. Réginald Moreels showed up with, I the UN representative in Addis, appeared to be the think, Jean-Pierre Luxen [it was Pierre Harzé]. They most effective and was adopted by all NGOs present. In came to do an evaluation mission and told me, ”We’re going general, we should note that the media is refocusing its to see what MSF is doing.” I didn’t know them; I didn’t find coverage on Sudan, the Tigre and Eritrea. them all that pleasant. They told me they were going to open a programme with the Belgian doctor who had Naturally, launching a press campaign to force Ethiopia finished his mission with us. They went to Adigrat, in the to accept direct aid in Tigre and Eritrea would not change 36 Tigre. We weren’t friendly. They didn’t live in our house. I Ethiopian policy. It would be more effective to work to rate going up from 189 to 399 in the medical wards. medical 399 189 to in the up from going rate death the saw we epidemic, measles this camp, plus the of population total the of increase this with Unfortunately, involvement. MSF for need the evaluate to Somalia for soon leave will mission evaluation Holland an MSF in France, embassy Somali the from arequest following […] Somalia: soon. Office Foreign French the from officials with meet to is expected Director] Operations France [MSF Charhon To Sudan. Francis end, that from provinces two these aid to organisations international and governments convince during a meeting with donors. donors. with a meeting during issued team’s alert, MSF the carried reports Press ent. pres was cholera that deny to continued government Ethiopian The adults. only treat to authorised were teams MSF the In Kobo, population. camp’s weakened the within rapidly spread epidemic The weeks. few ina cholera of died 1,500 people inKorem, In April people. 60,000 around involving camps, organised new, to better- refugees transfer to centre a screening up set will and centre treatment the for responsible now is study, epidemiological the for members France MSF two by joined team, Belgian-Dutch The died. had people 500 and diagnosed been already had cases 3,000 cholera than More 7April. on arrived team anMSF and fectants) Ivs, disin (antibiotics, supplies carrying plane A cargo Hargeisha. of town the near gathered conditions, unsatisfactory in very living gees, refu Ethiopian 300,000 approximately of agroup among out broke epidemic 27 on March, acholera Somalia: Extract: 1,000 ( total number :3,165). number (total 1,000 than more by increased admissions of number total The dysentery. of number anincreasing as well as cases 401 children: the among arose measles of an epidemic lation, popu new in this that, to Added difficulties. transport of because them among distributed be to grain enough not was There status. nutritional camp, in apoor in the arrive to began comers new reasons: different for deterioration the see to began we In gradually.… March deteriorating been has situation general the months, 3last the For Extract: (in French). Directors, of Board France MSF Summary been edited] edited] been has document 1985 7May to [This (in English). ’ Medical Report Medical of the 3 May 1985 Meeting of the the of 1985 3May the of Meeting of MSF Team MSF of in Korem,’ 8April - - - - number of dysentery cases. cases. dysentery of number the as well as down was epidemic measles The (588). March to compared double almost was rate death the So children. among cially espe deteriorating, was status nutritional the began; diarrhoea acute of anepidemic month, the of beginning At 41,000 the around was people. camp the of lation popu total The worse. even was situation the In April ”It is cholera, and we should call it cholera so we can can we so cholera it call should we and is cholera, ”It disease. the of source the down track to Ethiopia into brought investigators medical and quarantined be could camp the that so cholera called be Korem at disease the that vital was it that interview in an said Leguillier here, agencies relief major other two from officials of remarks off-the-record Echoing replied. quickly,” more much Leguillier drugs the get Ican is cholera, it that suppliers tell Ican ”If cholera. or diarrhoea acute is called disease the whether made it difference what official relief French the asked then Dawit said. Leguillier disease,” the of name the about lie to Ihave and medicines, Iamimporting name. cannot we that adisease of because aday 20 deaths have “I Commission. Rehabilitation and Relief government’s the of head Giorgis, Wolde Dawit addressed Leguillier when here ting mee donors’ the at open the into broke semantics medical over bickering behind-the-scenes of [...] months Five such cholera. as diseases gastrointestinal infectious treat to used normally are that kind the of items” medical needed “urgently of airlift anemergency for today donors asked government the distinction, that on insisting diarrhoea”.“acute While with but cholera with not infected are camps feeding the that maintain here officials government Instead, feces. human by primarily is spread and vomiting and diarrhoea severe causes which cholera, of in Ethiopia existence the acknowledge to refused has government Ethiopian The centers. Ethiopia’s famine-relief of several in out broken has disease bacterial highly infectious the that here, officials relief from reports distribution not-for- and rumors of months five climaxed world, the around from donors aid and government Ethiopian the between here ameeting of day the on made statement, His on-the-record Leguillier. Dominique said a disaster,” avoid to able be Iwon’t days, few next in the quickly very aday, act Idon’t if and now, cases new ”Right 50 Ihave camp. the runs that organization voluntary French the Borders, Without Doctors of administrator a day, the said 20 persons killing highlands, Ethiopian in the center ding fee Korem in the out broken has cholera of epidemic An Extract: English). English). Post Washington The Epidemic,’ Camps’ of Report Aid Official’s Disputes -Government Cholera of Dying be to Said are Harden, ‘Ethiopians Blaine , (USA), Addis Ababa 20 April 1985 (in 20 April Ababa Addis , (USA), - - - -
37 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
isolate people at Korem. If we cannot call it cholera, want to use those methods. We didn’t like that at all and these people can go where they want and will spread the we fought it to the end. You couldn’t say there was cholera disease,” Leguillier said. He said cholera was first dia- in Ethiopia. Even though they had halted the resettlement, gnosed at Korem 13 days ago, based on expert knowledge it wasn’t official because of the cholera. It was out of the of the disease’s symptoms and not on a laboratory test. question to talk about it. The entire export sector risked The Ethiopian government says that many diseases are being compromised so no one said there was cholera. But similar to cholera and that, lacking laboratory proof, during a meeting in Addis, Dominique, our administrator, there is not reason to declare a cholera emergency. used the word. Jean and I were furious because we were Without quick action, Leguillier said, the disease will already fighting for prophylaxis. It was agreed that we could increase by hundreds of cases daily among the 25,000 say it was acute gastroenteritis, and in the end, there goes famine victims at Korem. Emergency quarantines also are Dominique saying ‘cholera’ Nothing serious happened but in needed at two feeding centers near Korem - Alamata and November when we saw Priestly, the US Representative, he Kobo - to head off an outbreak of cholera that threatens told us, “You know, I’ve already saved MSF from the about 45,000 persons there, Leguillier said. He said that Ethiopian government. If I hadn’t been there, you would’ve Kobo had 40 new cases of the disease daily, according been expelled. During the cholera period, it was very, very to a week-old report, and Alamata had 1,000 cases, with tense.” 100 deaths. Diplomats and relief officials here speculate that the Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Ethiopian government has been unwilling to use the word Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France ‘cholera’ because of fear that news of the disease will Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). scare off buyers of Ethiopian coffee and meat, which are major sources of hard currency for the financially strap- ped government. Doctors here, however, say that fear is largely groundless. They say the disease is carried primarily by the water On 28 April, the Ethiopian authorities evacuated supply in places such as the feeding camps, where large 50,000 people from the Ibnet camp by force. The camp groups of people lack adequate sanitation facilities. was burned to prevent them from returning. Reports “You will make medical history if you manage to acquire were published in the international press and interna- cholera through your coffee,” said one doctor here, who tional reaction was very strong, particularly from the spoke on the condition that he not be identified. Many US, Ethiopia’s principal funder. Early on, the Ethiopian relief officials here said this week that they fear their government denied the reports, later confirming that organizations would be expelled if they were to speak people had left the camp, “freely, in good health and publicly about cholera. supplied with seeds and farming tools”. In the end, There is speculation here too, that the government is they admitted that these events were the result of an“ unwilling to declare a cholera outbreak because resulting ‘abuse” resulting from ‘excessive zeal’ on the part of quarantines could interrupt its resettlement program, local bureaucrats. which has moved more than 330,000 people in the past five months from the northern highlands to lowland areas of the southwest. Blaine Harden, ‘Forced Evacuation in Ethiopia Confirmed by Relief Workers,’ - The Washington Post (USA), 2 May 1985 (in English).
Cholera appeared in March-April and many NGOs set Extract: up along the major Addis-Korem road. Oxfam built a Relief workers at Ibnet, which until last weekend was huge camp. The cholera began to spread in the Ethiopia’s largest famine relief camp, confirmed to two lowlands, to Bati and Korem. Despite that, the authorities reporters visiting the camp today, that Ethiopian soldiers moved people with cholera. But things calmed down and forced more than 50,000 people to evacuate the center there was no more talk about resettlement. The situation and that while the people were leaving, the camp was worsened because people were dying like flies of cholera, set afire. but people weren’t being taken away by force to resettle Two relief workers told one of the reporters that during them. It was the cholera period and we were authorised to the three days the camp was being cleared out, they saw stay [in the camps] through the night. The cholera was two camp residents killed. Another relief worker, Danny horrible. We had two or three metal sheds full of hospita- Hawley, an American nurse for World Vision, told both lised patients. The average adult weight was 33 kilos. Along reporters that she saw two pregnant women miscarry with Jean Rigal, we fought hard. Maybe we were wrong, but their babies while being chased by soldiers. World Vision we didn’t know it. We thought we were right. We had the is one of four private relief agencies working at Ibnet. support of Alain Moren and all of MSF’s scientific expertise. Jim Kinsella of Concern, an Irish relief agency, said he We treated people and recommended prophylaxis for the saw soldiers setting fire to the grass huts in which resi- 38 entire camp. That put us at odds with the RRC, which didn’t dents of Ibnet had been living. Concern relief workers about the evacuation. But under questioning from repor from questioning under But evacuation. the about talk to not authorities local by told been had Vision World from workers relief that learned camp, reporters At the is in now jail. who person misguided one of act the was it said athird and measure asanitation it called asecond anaccident, as burning the described version One soldiers. of involvement denied versions All burned. was Ibnet how of versions three with reporters provided officials day, party the of Ethiopian course the During is based… story this which on information provided reporters Both flight. the on allowed then BBC were the of Woolridge Michael and magazine, Stone Rolling and Observer London the for reporting Shawcross, William helicopter. in relief aPolish Ibnet to flying party the accompany to request correspondents Post Washington The denied today, Dawit noon before airport Ababa Addis At the employers. his please to trying a “cubby reporter” a“fabrication” was story the that agency news Reuters the told here, relief famine for is responsible which Commission, Rehabilitation and Relief government’s Ethiopian the of Commissioner Giorgis, Wolde Dawit identified. be to not asked Tuesday who and Ibnet visited who officials relief western senior two with interviews on based was which evacuation, the of account Post’s Washington the denied government today, the […] Early reporters. way…,” the on die the would told she they that us to expressed they that belief their It was home. awalk vive sur to chance no had they that felt out forced people the of “several that said Hawley nurse relief […] At Ibnet, hastiness.” the of a result as suffering be will and been has there that clear is also It preparation. inadequate with and haste much too with “done was evacuation the said in Ethiopia, Operations Emergency for General Secretary Assistant Nations United the Jansson, Kurt Ibnet, from tonight here Returning Post. Washington of tions edi in Wednesday’s first appeared that evacuation the of anaccount confirm also statements The conducted. was evacuation the how about today officials Ethiopian by given explanations official of aseries contradicted statements Their Ibnet. to Ababa Addis from today ter helicop by flew that delegation government Ethiopian and Nations aUnited of members other and reporters British two to made were statements worker’s relief The said. “Hawley here, still were they time the at burned being were that hut the from coming people Isaw But flames. the of out come least at and out possessions their bring to decided they them around burning were things When hesitated. had who people still were there on going were flames the while and leave, wouldn’t they so is nothing.” know we “And what to back go than here die rather would “We said, patients the see, “You evacuation. the of part witnessed she said who Hawley, with view aninter to according afire, set were huts the until huts in their staying by evacuation the resisted Ethiopia, of highlands central in the Ibnet, of residents of Hundreds camp. the outside road the on 17 bodies counted they evacuation, forced the of day second Monday, on the that confirmed - - - - - fighting rebels in the area. in the rebels fighting were who authorities, military Ethiopian bothered had weekend, last before 60,000 about to in January persons 2,000 from mushroomed camp, which giant the of vince pro in Gondar presence the that today said unidentified, remain to Tuesday, on asked have who and Ibnet of tion evacua the reported first who officials relief […]The two assistance. medical or water food, given be to was Gondar and Wollo from one no said officials party time which after afternoon, Saturday on Ibnet evacuate to decision party’s the of informed been first had they said They weekend. last before camp the from departures mass no been had there that said Concern and Vision World from workers relief The episode. the discussed they others, among Dawit, from and ters the huts, made of branches and grasses, were burned to to burned were grasses, and branches of made huts, the But groups. small with began evacuation the morning, Sunday “On offer. the down turned had who those for arrived order evacuation the Saturday, On said. priest the helicopter,” army by Gondar western to taken were days a few within and offer the accepted “Around people 4,000 1.5 Ethiopians. million affecting programme controversial and amassive of part as centres development in new resettled be refugees the that proposed authorities when week, last 60,000 to close reaching in2,000 January, from increased population starving Its Ababa. Addis of northwest km 500 around province, in Gondar located victims drought Ethiopian for camp is arefugee Ibnet categorical. was statement Funicane’s However, Father authorities. Ethiopian by denial aformal despite sable,” inexcu and barbarous ”brutal, were described actions the that saying by responded US had The Post. Washington in the before day the published information the med confir he Ababa, Addis to returning after Libération with interview a telephone Tuesday.on Yesterday, during camp Ibnet the to went in Ethiopia, group humanitarian Irish the Concern, of Director Funicane, Jack Father deaths. many caused certainly that move aforced him, was it to According left.” one no practically was Tuesday, On camp. the there leave to had people that decided authorities the Saturday, “On saying: accusation, aformal issued priest […] Irish An principles. their of violations accept to agreeing themselves find often they fore, the to move considerations political As victims. help to want they if closed’ mouths their ‘keep to forced are dilemma, this of face in the groups Humanitarian programme. displacement population massive ment’s govern Ethiopian Marxist the to Eritrea, and Tigre of zones rebel in the victims famine to aid, from ranging issues on in Ethiopia organisations aid within raging debates ongoing the fed controversy […] latest This Extract: 1985 (in French). 60,000 Refugees,’ Libération of Evacuation Forced ‘Ethiopia: Haski, Pierre (France), 3 May 3May (France), - - - - -
39 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
encourage them to leave and prevent them from retur- Interviewed about these events, MSF France’s pre- ning. When I arrived on Tuesday, they were almost all sident questioned, more broadly, whether it made gone, with the exception of around 3,000 people - the sense for MSF to continue working under such condi- weakest and the elderly. Everything was burned.” Who tions. set fire to the huts? “Government officials or the army, I can’t confirm which,” Father Funicane responded. According to the Irish priest, several thousand people face certain death. “For many refugees, who are in very Pierre Haski, ‘Helping the Victims and Keeping weakened state, this will be an insurmountable ordeal. Quiet,’ Libération (France), 3 May 1985 (in We are very concerned about the speed of the operation French). and the lack of preparation, which will undoubtedly cause many deaths.” The refugees were sent, on foot, back to Extract: their home communities, most in Gondar province, around […] “This incident goes beyond the pale,” Rony Brauman, 35% in the Wollo and, according to Father Funicane, 1% President of Médecins Sans Frontières, said yesterday. further north, in Tigre. The Tigre and Wollo regions are Several MSF teams have been in Ethiopia for a number two of the most severely affected by the famine. of months. “We strongly condemn it, which will certainly “There was no violence against people,” Concern’s direc- cause problems for us on site,” he added. tor stated, emphasizing, however, that, “they were told Taking such a position is rare among humanitarian orga- to leave, but in their condition they were very docile and nisations. In general, their primary goal is to protect unlikely to respond violently.” their ability to work in the country. Other controversies Whatever the motive, Father Finucane considers the have posed problems for aid groups in Ethiopia. On the Ethiopian government’s action a ”tragedy,” partly because one hand, Ethiopian authorities take a particularly strict it was carried out so quickly and because the refugees position regarding areas under Eritrean and Tigrean guer- who survived the trip are returning to abandoned and rilla control; excluded from the reach of international aid destitute regions, a situation that had prompted their and subject to endless war... first exodus to Ibnet. “They were promised seeds when On the other, the government has undertaken a massive they arrived, but there was a shortage throughout the transfer programme, sending famine victims to new sett- country”’ he said with regret. lement areas in the south and southwest. While the tech- [...] While the U.N. has not yet made any public com- nical reasons offered in support may have some basis, the ment, the US reaction was harsh. This “brutal, barbarous programme is also based on political considerations. In and inexcusable action” constitutes a “death sentence” addition, many question whether it is voluntary. Nearly for 3,000 people, said Peter MacPherson, Director of the 300,000 people out of a projected 1.5 million have alrea- US Agency for International Development, yesterday. dy been transported from the Tigre and Wollo regions by “We are distressed by the brutal manner in which the Soviet Antonov airplanes. Western groups have carefully camp was evacuated,” noted Chester Crocker, Deputy kept their distance from the programme. Secretary of State for African Affairs, saying there could They are unlikely to be encouraged by the Ibnet episode, be “no excuse” for the authorities’ decision. The US is in which refugees were expelled after refusing voluntary the leading supplier of food aid to the Ethiopian Marxist- ‘resettlement’. “From the beginning, we’ve said, on a Leninist regime and has already argued several times with regular basis, this can’t go on,” Rony Brauman explai- the government, specifically with respect to aid in the ned. “There have been times when we’ve said that the rebel-controlled areas of Tigre and Eritrea. positive aspects of our activities cannot compensate for The Ethiopian government denied those accusations, des- the ways in which the authorities have manipulated our cribing them as “baseless inventions, concocted by a cub work.” As a result, the MSF president added, a month reporter trying to impress his editors.” [The Washington ago, “We were just about ready to pull out at the request Post has confirmed that the author of the article, Blaine of our teams on site.” The authorities had withdrawn Harden, is its bureau chief in Nairobi ….] the doctors’ right to identify which refugees required The official communiqué stated that 30,000 people left hospitalisation, reserving that decision for the country’s the camp, “of their own free will, in good health,” and only political party. “We have had heated confrontations supplied with “seeds and farming tools.” This idyllic with the authorities, but thanks to the RRC (Relief and vision hardly seems to match the statements gathered by Rehabilitation Commission), we were able to sort things humanitarian organisations. The ‘blunder’ puts Ethiopia’s out.” approach to dealing with the famine on the hot seat. Other incidents have marked MSF’s presence in Ethiopia, resolved at the last moment to avoid breaking-off of rela- tions. “We have always managed to guarantee that our principles were respected,” he says, though acknowled- ging that “In the field, there is a tendency, wrongly, to wear blinders with respect to what’s going on outside.” He concludes that, “On balance, our activity in Ethiopia is having positive effects, but that balance could easily 40 shift.” name from MSF France. MSF from name MSF the borrowing was it that bylaws inits state to 1984) inSeptember (created section Dutch new the asked It also name. MSF the use to section Belgian the of right the withdraw to action legal pursued section French The Assemblies. General sections’ two the at continued quarrel The name. MSF the protect to Belgium MSF sue to decided France, MSF warning without Nicaragua and in Angola decisions political dangerous made had section Belgium the that believed which LSF. France, MSF with ties maintained latter the as long as France MSF with contact all end to decided Assembly General its 27 On April, Frontières. Sans Liberté against campaign to continued Belgium MSF sionaries,’ secular and religious, know. religious, and secular sionaries,’ ‘mis the all that adignity death, of face in the attitude an life, of way and aculture also are they But budget. national the than larger are revenues whose companies from pressure and corruption, outflows, capital culation, spe mechanisms, market’s London the advancement, of levels varying of techniques production rate, bank the cacao, or zinc of price market the governments, forces: complex of in aninterplay involved are actors multiple in which countries are They survive. to manages barely but works population whose countries of agroup are They camps’. ‘mud ‘refugee and than more are Asia and Africa enough … wasn’t pay their when rent the for money buy, alittle to afford not could they clothes warm the tickets, meal bearing homes their to know. did went she She Indeed, era. Front Popular the during circles sewing ladies’ from returned she when attitude same the displayed great-granddaughter her Unruffled, said. bountiful lady Empire’s Second or Restoration the filth,” inand their hovels in their poor, them Iknow “The 100 years. than in more changed hardly has attitude The quoted. already work in the Brauman, Dr says Asia” and Africa of camps refugee and mud the known “I’ve humble! appear selves them make to how known always have arrogant the But wing. right classic the of heart in the themselves positioned now, they’ve And poorly. so understood they one world, anew build to fundamentals better use to going were 1968.May They of ‘revolutionaries’ the by then and Stalinists the by first displayed -arrogance certainties great life’s accompanies that arrogance the of apinch Add foolishness. of share attack who those intelligence, of imply lack automatically not does lying and stupidity necessarily is not […] dishonesty While Extract: French) French) Monde Diplomatique Reproach,’ Le Above -AFoundation Monster” “ Julien, Claude tiers-mondisme Tiers-Mondisme (France), May 1985 May (in (France), surely possess their fair fair their possess surely , Destroy the the , Destroy - - - centuries.” for economists defied has price’ ‘fair “the determining because adds, Sowell claim, is anabsurd This underpaid.” and undervalued are countries World Third of materials raw and “labor which to according neocolonialism,” and imperialism of theories “modern against lier, rebels who ear quoted Sowell, Thomas of positions the shares He is incorrect.” diagnosis This materials. raw of producers to paid price unfair is the World] Third the of misery the [for is “responsible what that notion the support to dare who those criticises proposal, his of import full the consider not does […] clearly who Brauman, Rony Dr paths. well-marked those treading while anyone hurt won’t they least at But World. Third the verishing impo and improving to contribution an irreplaceable made have prosperity, and freedom of name in the ners, wester certain how ‘discover’ will they travail, long their of end At the Frontières. Sans Liberté from experts the to gratitude our express hesitation, with […] We must, theirs.” of absence the on based are liberties our and wealth, our of reflection is a World] Third the [of poverty their in which problem the of aperception challenge is to job “Our should. they thinks Brauman Dr up where end they is that is important What inquiry. of path own their choose can experts The rest. the and Bruckner, Pascal subject, this on informed fully Revel, Jean-François economics, development to Montaillou from shifting Ladurie, Roy Le Emmanuel ‘experts?’ which And prove. to have they what time of ahead know experts the though as It sounds is incorrect.” diagnosis this I think World]. Third in the tragedies the [for responsible are materials raw for producers for paid prices unfair the and trade, of terms of deterioration the system, economic global the that say “Some concludes: Brauman Dr completed, be to investigation the for waiting Without home. at apply to seem doesn’t it but others, for advice valuable That’s investigation.” their conclude they before conclusions their judge not must “We them.” pompous: And with ourselves surround and in experts bring to had “we that complex so are problems the Frontières, Sans Liberté of president the says Indeed, is. arrogance that How humble […] (43 in favor, 3 against and 2 abstaining) to accept the the accept to (43 2abstaining) and in favor, 3against (111 voted Directors of people), Board the by appointed members only the included which Assembly, General The 27 on 28 April. and held Assembly, General Belgium MSF the on reported Brauman Rony Extract: Belgium,’ MSF and France MSF Between ‘Relationships the MSF Belgium General Assembly (in French). (in French). Assembly General Belgium MSF the regarding Directors of Board France MSF the of Minutes of the 3 May 1985 Meeting 1985 3 May the of Meeting - - -
41 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
president’s annual report, which included the break with ‘Summary of the 31 May 1995 Meeting of the MSF France and associated responsibilities of the MSF MSF France Board of Directors‘ (in French). Belgium directors. Extract: A lively discussion took place on Sunday, during which Relations between MSF Belgium and MSF France: MSF France officials presented their arguments, including - MSF France has requested that MSF Belgium change its the significance of human rights as part of MSF’s image name; interim relief measures will be sought in case of and activity, the need to deliberate and debate about the refusal. Third World, non-interference with field activity, and to - The Mali mission coordinated by MSF Marseille will recognise those who support our approach. continue. - MSF France has asked MSF Holland to modify its bylaws […] In fact, Brauman explained, this break [with MSF to refer to the fact that its name is borrowed from MSF Belgium] had occurred several months ago and there were France. already many problems. MSF’s uniqueness is based on that fact that we work in areas of high conflict. Contacts with various parties to such conflicts require both caution and coordinated efforts, which is especially the case in southern Africa In 1985, the General Assembly was held in May. The and Central America. May issue of Le Monde Diplomatique [a leading French monthly publication on politics] included a As of some time ago, MSF Belgium has, without consul- special section more than 20 pages long titled, ‘Tiers- ting MSF France, taken certain initiatives that could pose Mondisme: Destroy the Monster,’ with a full two-page edito- very serious security problems for people in the field. rial by the then-editor, calling us right-wing extremists and racists. Philippe Laurent, President of MSF Belgium, came to For example, I am referring to: the General Assembly to attack us on Liberté Sans Frontières, - The Angola problem: not about Ethiopia, because in May 1985, no one was tal- MSF has been working alongside UNITA for two years. king about Ethiopia. They [[MSF Belgium management Recently, MSF Belgium has contacted, and begun the pro- team] really wanted to have a go at us. They were almost cess of working with, the government via the MPLA. MSF sure that they could kick us out and they came pretty close Belgium has not notified UNITA, placing MSF France and to succeeding. But they blew it.. the people in the field in a very delicate and dangerous position. Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French).
- The Nicaragua problem: [MSF Belgium mission] the teams have become extremely involved, threatening the stability of a very fragile fra- mework that MSF has built over five years, by establishing In May 1985, Le Monde Diplomatique published a contact with all parties to the Central American conflicts. long article devoted almost entirely to LSF! … I felt The Guatemala expulsion may well have been the result, like MSF France had betrayed me. Everything was in partially, of contacts that MSF Belgium had with certain total confusion. In Belgium, we analysed things and made parties without consulting MSF France. The CDC [Comité a decision. I had the document that said, “The Board of de Direction Collégiale] was very concerned about the Directors notes that a new organisation, Liberté Sans dangers resulting from actions that could threaten team Frontières, has been created; the relationships between this security and adopted the following motion: “In light group and MSF France were defined at the MSF France 1984 of the difficulties and risks created in the field and in General Assembly ; the [MSF Belgium] board of directors Europe as a result of the increasingly hostile and distant wishes to distance itself from this organisation, which is attitude of the Belgian section of MSF, a distancing openly taking a position in the political debate over the leading to the MSF Belgium General Assembly’s decision Third World ; and so on.” So we said, “OK, faced with this to cease all cooperation between the two organisations, situation, we will separate. We no longer want any organic the MSF France Board of Directors has unanimously voted connection with MSF France as long as it is connected to to pursue any initiative, consultation, and procedures Liberté Sans Frontières because we cannot be linked with necessary to protect its name throughout the world. LSF.” This includes the possibility of taking action to strip the Belgian section of the Médecins Sans Frontières’ name, This clearly meant that we were suspending our relationship which it borrowed from the original French section when with MSF France until the ambiguous relationship between the Belgian section was created in 1981.” MSF France and Liberté Sans Frontières was clarified. I came to defend this position at the MSF France General Assembly, as the French came to defend theirs at ours. Everything was done quite openly, while we were eating together. At MSF 42 Belgium, this ‘split’, passed unanimously. At the MSF France course, a Pyrrhic victory. a Pyrrhic course, vote the by52 or53% It or47%. to 48 was,carried of Assembly,General Sans Frontières those in of favor Liberté towards the populations MSF was helping. helping. was MSF populations the towards taking were officials Ethiopian position the test pro to responsibility’ ‘moral and imperative’ ‘moral France’s organisation’s the emphasised president MSF Assembly, General the to report annual In his very spirit that moves us. us. moves that spirit very the violate that conditions accept cannot we activities, our of effectiveness the for concern as well as concerns, ethical of Out to. out reaching are we those and in us trust their place who people the of that as well behalf, as own our on assume must we that responsibility a moral and imperative amoral camp, constitutes Ibnat the of evacuation forced the regarding week last one the like protest, This taken. be finally will measures appropriate that so position official the protest must we epidemic the of scale the given expulsion, of risk real the despite and in Ethiopia cholera about taboo unreal this […] Despite Sudan. reach soon will it evidence, the on Based Somalia. into borders country’s the crossing centres, distribution the of most reached now has surge demic epi This 1,500 than cases. more faced team the where in had Korem, it as exploded, it a result, As disease. the of spread the halting to key measures prohibiting also thus existed, epidemic the that acknowledge to refused authorities the victims, drought targeting operations displacement the to perhaps linked reasons, obscure For country. the of north in the appearing been have breaks out cholera months, three than more For satisfactory. from is far organisation aid of level general However, the in haste. taken rently appa were that measures reconsidered they time, Each this. understood officials Ethiopian The issues. these on compromise for room no was There activities. our of continuation the challenged nearly assistants Ethiopian MSF’s against taken measures retaliatory the camp, and the of areas certain visiting from team screening our ting preven prohibition the occasions, several On problems. serious by marked was mission difficult this agency), tion coordina aid government (the Commission Rehabilitation and Relief the from teams with cooperation good Despite Extract: Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director Director Executive Belgium MSF Laurent, Philippe
1985May (in French). ‘1984 - 1985 General Assembly,’ Assembly,’ -1985 Annual General Report (in French). (in ------during a cholera epidemic (Korem to Sekota) could could Sekota) to (Korem epidemic acholera during people of numbers large displace to plan its for ticised cri being of fear administration’s the or Ababa in Addis communication poorly-timed MSF’s epidemic. a possible prevent to working on insist will we in Sekota, work we if that clear be We must conditions? such under work we Can us? from cases cholera the hide to want someone would Why clarified. be must 2.The problem epidemic initiative? local apurely this 1.Is resolved. be to remain details several but us, interests in Sekota team up anMSF setting of possibility the […] Conclusion: site. isolation this prepare and identify tely absolu You spared. must been have Wollo in the villages the of today, none that We know diarrhoea. acute of mic epide apossible with deal to site up anisolation set to town each asked government ago, the months 3.Several weight]. normal their [of 70% than less at children for centre afeeding opening of possibility the discuss We must examined. we population the among malnutrition serious with 2.There people are supplies. your of sure be must you Sekota, in rations grain distribute to continue If you in Sekota. 1.You Korem anew want not do you and handle cannot suggestions: three MSF: everything? you shown we have Sekota: of seen have you what regarding comments your are what Party: centre health the of truction recons the even or shelter, tents, aworkplace, Gelataw: epidemic. apossible to respond and staff medical and medications provide Administrators: organisation? medical is astrictly MSF that given in MSF Sekota, like anNGO of expect you do What MSF: of Health. Ministry Gelataw, etc.; security, Shimbat, RRC; Salomon, party; Bayenetu, admnistrator; Kassa, with […] Meeting us. accompanied Korem, in in command second party’s the convoy. Bewenetu, Ato 1985 17 the of September time the at in Sekota survey apreliminary conduct to us invited leader party Korem The Sekota. to back Korem from structures administrative Sekota’s all is moving now administration The capital. tive administra regional the Sekota, of town historic the red recaptu army government ago, the weeks Afew Subject: Extract: such. as to refer which not to they were measures, careful anti-cholera for need the on insisted volunteers MSF The region. their to them repatriate to intended administration the and city that from were camps Kobo and Korem inthe persons displaced the of Many Sekota. around area inthe request authorities’ the at mission luation eva an 17From conducted 20 May, to team MSF an French). French). 1995, Mission,’ 20 May (in Evaluation Sekota ‘ Rigal, Jean and Lelin Brigitte Report Report from the the from ------
43 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
explain the silence imposed on the cholera issue. In military operations against the Eritrean and Tigrean theory, this displacement will be voluntary. ‘bandits.’
[...] All told, once current inventories are considered (around 200,000 tonnes) along with the total amount of food distributed to the drought victims, whether dis- We knew there was a huge famine. There was a placed or not, some 30,000 tonnes of food are missing. wide-scale appeal for international aid. We went Officially, its whereabouts are unknown. everywhere to see where the needs were. We said to ourselves: “We’ll work [somewhere else] now that there’s Although the Ethiopian regime treats every piece of food.” We conducted a major evaluation mission in southern information as an official secret, it is increasingly dif- Wollo, Kelala, and in western Sekota because the majority ficult to hide certain realities when some 50 NGOs and of the people in Korem came from that region. their several hundred ‘imperialist spies’ are working on the ground. The forced evacuation of the Ibnet camp Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in offers a recent example. First, officials in Addis Ababa Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France dismissed it as ‘total lies’ but later, the head of state Programme Manager Ethiopia (in French). himself acknowledged it and said that he regretted the event.
When food assistance is distributed to militiamen in Tigre to ensure that they remain vigilant, should that be consi- In late May, when the situation in the camps worsened dered a ‘blunder’? How to explain that in Eritrean towns dramatically once more, the international press again under tight government control, certain international aid highlighted the scale of international aid diversions in items show up in the stream of commerce? Why do Asmara Ethiopia and the extent to which aid was being mani- bakeries sell American and Canadian flour? Or, why pulated in the context of East-West relations. Trigreans head to that same province in search of food?
[...] According to experts, the figure of 8 million people completely dependent year-round is incorrect. ”At the Jacques de Barrin, ‘Ethiopia: Aid Distribution outside, there are 2 million people who make up the core to Ethiopian Victims: Diversions, Discrimination of the population that is starving and totally dependent and False Statistics,’ Le Monde (France), 21-23 on external aid,” says an NGO official. This figure could May 1985 (in French). climb to 3 million in August and September, which is the ‘lean’ period between two harvests. Extract: […] In the Korem camp, in Wollo province, where The international community has fulfilled its duty of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is working, the daily solidarity towards Ethiopia. But by neglecting its right death toll has risen again to 20 per day from 10 per day in to monitor distribution of the aid it agreed to provide, early March. This is not the last time those grim statistics turning away out of some sense of guilt, it is unwittingly will have to be updated. countenancing abuse and deception. This serves no one, Mothers are worried that once their children are dischar- especially not the famine victims watching a share of this ged, they will not be able to assume responsibility for long-awaited food disappear before their eyes. maintaining their health. To avoid that impossible task, the mothers are carrying out a form of ‘food sabotage,’ limiting the children’s food intake so that they will remain in the care of humanitarian organisations for Blaine Harden, ‘Playing Games With Starvation as long as possible. Those groups are aware that their - Why Food Alone is not Saving Ethiopia?’ The efforts to save the children are useless. They know that Washington Post (USA) , 6 June 1985 (in once the youngsters are no longer in their care, they will English). go hungry again. ”We are wasting our time and other people’s money,” a doctor said. “It’s better not to ask Extract: too many questions about the purpose of our mission, Driven by the intolerable, televised images of misery, otherwise we’d pack our bags.” donor nations and private relief agencies gave Ethiopia more food in less time than they have ever given any […] Furthermore, some logistical resources are being country - nearly a half million tons since January; diverted from the priority mission of distributing aid. 160,000 tons this month alone. Rock and roll superstars, Thus, 300 trucks, 12 Antonov airplanes and 24 MI-8 heli- touched by the pictures and singing about the unity of copters, along with their teams, provided by the USSR man, continue to raise millions of dollars that will dis- have been shifted to transferring drought victims to the patch still more food and development aid. 44 Ethiopia’s southwest region, or even engaged in purely Yet more than six months after the crusade was launched, political intentions underlying them. them. underlying intentions political the reevaluate and events, isolated these analyse to necessary perspective the acquire and back step to difficult it found They care. providing on focused were most severity, famine’s the of aware were volunteers the all while But transfers. the accompanied that violence of scenes witnessed who volunteers from came press the gave MSF statements the of Most said. King politicized” been not resettlement had been, have could what to compared life a crummier have will people “These resettled. been have who 360,000 Ethiopians the by borne is being here, Program UN’s Development the of King, Head Kenneth to according program, the for US non-support of cost The maintains. Ethiopia -as voluntary not and planned is poorly argues States United the that in aprogram trucks and planes Soviet by moved were resettlers Many medicines. and oxen plow seeds, for money of short is desperately which programme resettlement government’s the support to not nations donor Western other in pressuring succeeded has aid, famine of donor largest the States, United The bad faith. of accusations daily mutual almost with along remains, suspicion But here. government the by welcomed warmly was assistance development for money and US food of use the on restrictions legal of in Washington easing arecent And, Ethiopians. hungry of millions feeding from US government the prevented not has rivalry Superpower one-upmanship. famine of agame into settled have surrogate) its as Ethiopia Union (with Soviet the and States United the victims, of thousands of hundreds from food keeps war thern nor the while ports, the at undistributed sits Ethiopia to shipped food the of percent 60 […] about While starving. still are children Ethiopian And policy. famine-relief of world the into moved has gamesmanship superpower meantime, In the dissent. no tolerate that policies Marxist rigid with is sticking food, more grow to farmers motivate that reforms demanding givers aid Western of hordes arrived newly by challenged regime, military on. Ethiopia’s grinds war civil running longest Africa’s and country poorest world’s the In this, apart. Ethiopia take to trying keep that rebels up, the it of nor prop that governments competing the of nor here, government the of priorities the changing is not money that All Ethiopia. ails what cure cannot alone food free that is clear it - mission be opened in Kelala. in Kelala. opened be mission a that authorities the to aproposal made team The region. Kelala inthe mission evaluation an conducted team France MSF an RRC’s request, the at June, In early it.” confirmed Niggli and Clay from he what realised was going on. Reports field, discretely.because it was done fairly When Rony went to the to things see difficult It was very alert. on the particularly denied it. It was their personal statement. nor MSF confirmed neither abductions. morning of early the For Ethiopia’s sake, Joëlle Peckre continues to hope. to continues Peckre Joëlle Ethiopia’s sake, For later.” months afew slump the of out pull and harvest to able be may they point, that at seeds have farmers the if and autumn, again in the If rains it years. two for pened hap hasn’t That amonth. for day every raining been “It’s improve. can situation the that hope is still there believes She yet. while along for in Ethiopia be will Frontières Sans Médecins that is convinced nurse The solution. emergency an and evil alesser as it sees Peckre However, Joëlle involved. populations the of will the against generally and force, by out carried action, anauthoritarian was move The region. fertile amore be to said south, the for leave to forced refugees of thousands saw also Lille from nurse The Still, Hope Persists Hope Still, grain.” of abag off carry asoldier saw never “I that. like anything seen not has Peckre Joëlle aid. international of priation misappro about speak even Some famine. the of those with mix misdeeds war’s where issue, this on position government’s Ethiopian the criticises frequently west The Extract: sensed something that was going on, not were they who a few from Apart care. providing busy were They grindstone.’ to the noses ‘their had volunteers The in face the unleashed disgust their and revulsion all others Vasset, and the Rigal Jean team. Brigitte Korem the onlyThe things said were that came from Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). President France MSF Brauman, Rony Claude Malhuret, MSF France Executive Director Director Executive France MSF Malhuret, Claude French). French). 24Voix 1985 May du (in Nord (France), La Out,’ Speaks Lille From ANurse Frontières: Sans Médecins With in Ethiopia Months ‘Nine (in French). (in French). - -
45 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
Draft for the Project, ‘Medical Services and important long-term development projects - the Food- Feeding in Kelala, Borena Awraja,’ from MSF for-Work scheme, under which the more healthy peasants France to Dr Tamerate, RRC Addis Ababa, 22 are paid in food for building terraces and planting trees, June 1985 (in English). to try to prevent soil erosion. For a time, peasants continued to work on the promise Extract: of food but the scheme, the biggest Food-for-Work pro- Project summary ject in Africa, has come almost to a standstill as people We would like to establish a medical team to give the become too hungry to carry on. affected people of this area medical services, to organise Faced with these new crises the Government appears to a dry supplementary distribution, and to eventually open be on the way to halting the resettlement programme. a feeding centre for children under 70% of their normal Under the original scheme announced at the end of last weight. year, the government said it wanted to move 1,500,000 Background and justification people or 300,000 families from northern Ethiopia. When MSF teams have been working in the Wollo region for the programme started there were complaint that it was 14 months in the camp of Korem, in the Kobo distri- being handled inhumanely, with male settlers separated bution centre, and recently in the town of Sekota. We from their families and others being moved against their have been asked by Mr Haylu, the RRC representative in will. Aid officials were later told privately that the tar- Dessie, to assess the medical and nutritional situation in get figure for the resettlement scheme was no longer the Borena Awraja. A first survey was made early May in 1,500,000 people but 900,000. Wayn Amba, a second survey was made in June in Kelala [...] The problem with the resettlement programme seems and other villages. to be that the government did not expect that the sett- lers would have to be fed for so long after they moved. It was wrongly thought that the more fertile areas to which they went would have sufficient supplies of grain to feed people until the first harvest. In mid-June, aid organisations observed a slowing in transfer operations with the arrival of the rainy sea- son, the difficulty of transporting food, and the need to supply the resettlement areas, which the authori- ties had not prepared for. In mid-July, MSF France lost the legal action it had brought against MSF Belgium to strip them of the right to use the MSF name.
Jonathan Steele, ‘Ethiopia Calls Halt to Resettlements,’ The Guardian (UK), 20th June 1985 (in English). Pierre Haski, ‘Franco-Belgian War at Médecins Sans Frontières,’ Libération (France), 10 July Extract: 1985 (in French). Ethiopia’s controversial programme of resettling famine victims in the less affected areas of the south and west Extract: has been sharply scaled down, and may soon come to a This morning, the Brussels judge responsible for ruling on halt. This is the assessment of the main Western volun- urgent matters will hear a case marked by resentments tary aid agencies, which have frequently criticised the and a settling of accounts. It follows the stir raised in programme. the small Parisian intellectual and medical world after The Ethiopian Government has not announced the end of the founding of the ‘Liberté Sans Frontières foundation the scheme, and the agencies do not expect it to do so, …The plaintiff, the French humanitarian organisation as a matter of official pride in not wishing to be seen to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has asked the Belgian be reversing policy under pressure. But, they point to a court to order MSF Belgium to abandon the use of the number of signs which suggest a change of heart. famous acronym and change its name. Why? This year, The shift in policy should release more resources for the Belgian section split off - the summons refers to “dis- bringing food to the starving. It comes at a time when sident actions, rebellion and renunciation of allegiance” increasing numbers of people are coming into the emer- - and the use of the MSF name could lead to confusion. gency feeding camps, despite all the relief efforts made Rony Brauman, President of MSF (France), said it is so far. The death rate at the camps had also risen, accor- “regrettable” to have to seek legal recourse but believes ding to a report from Dennis Craig, the spokesman for the leaders of the Belgian section should have “taken the United Nations World Food Programme, caused not by responsibility” for their decision to split off and changed hunger but by exposure to the rains which should have the name themselves. He emphasised that the resulting brought some relief. confusion poses a problem, noting that the Belgian The failure to deliver grain because of transport shor- organisation had contacted the Angolan government 46 tages has also begun to affect one of the country’s most while French volunteers were working in UNITA rebel Liberté Sans Frontières… Sans Liberté by pursued goals and concerns the from distinct pletely is com goal Frontières’ Sans Médecins that demonstrate to 1985] sufficient 24 23and were January [LSF’s sium sympo the during addressed issues ”Whereas…the Extract: pill. LSF the swallow not would doctors Belgian The done. was deed the But trial. on put was mondisme] [tiers third-worldism where Senate, the at January last held one the like colloquia, ‘ideological’ more no be would there And development. of area in the activities its refocus and ‘patrons’ intellectual foundation’s the among balance political the shift to obliged were they assembly, general last organisation’s venture’. At the ‘risky this on off set to decision leadership’s the after crisis internal an avoided France MSF remains. Frontières Sans Liberté of founding the over question on, the rule will judge Belgian the which acronym, the over debate the Beyond public eye.” the into moved LSF up when blew story “The past. in the ”friction” created already had ”aand character” unique in approach” ”differences that said President France’s MSF parent’. the against turning Belgium] [MSF child ”the of manifestation the event, psychological anatural as pute dis “comical”. be Franco-Belgian to the sees He conflict inter-MSF - in this stars media humanitarianism’s of one - Kouchner of involvement the describes Brauman Rony them.” corrupting is France MSF bylaws. the and charter in the reflected ideals the pursue and practice to continues Belgium MSF matter. in this them support LSF, course, of would, we of founding the by perpetrated fraud intellectual and moral the with Faced ‘apparatchiks.’ Parisian the with dispute in their Belgium MSF at friends our support we founders, MSF’s motivated that ethics and ideals the of breach this of is why, face in the “That reads, letter The Presidents. MSF former other Recamier, two Max and Beres Jacques and Monde, du Médecins of head now and Kouchner, founder MSF’s Bernard by signed aletter -- in court argument their of in support present to sleeve up their anace have also They Frontières. Sans Liberté creating by struggle” political and in ”an ideological organisation humanitarian the involving and charter ding foun MSF’s violating with leadership French the charging ”dissidence” and by ”rebellion” of accusations the ter coun They story. a different tell Belgians the course, Of Brussels. -with established been already had contact that told was he in Paris, movement liberation anAfrican of offices the called official France anMSF When elsewhere. and Salvador El in Nicaragua, is similar problem The situations. dangerous” even and “uncomfortable created said, he action, That zones. Decision -Court’s Defendant Belgium -MSF Plaintiff 15 1985 July France, -MSF Hearing Public -Judges’ Instance First of Court Brussels (in French). (in French). - - - - - “We hold the plaintiff liable for expenses…” for liable plaintiff the hold “We France]… [MSF plaintiff the against non-suit of a judgment der ren and unfounded, but admissible claim the hold “We context… proper in its placed has Belgium] [MSF dant defen the today, which us before problem the to relevant is not LSF with joined have join should or may France MSF whether of question the that find …we “Whereas LSF… of those and goals and philosophy MSF’s between discrepancy anapparent find jurisdiction, his exceeding may, judge without the manifesto), its of 16 page join (see to agreed has France] [MSF plaintiff the which foundation, Frontières Sans Liberté the by pursued goals the to text this comparing “Whereas, … committed; have doctors the which to principles the emphasise strongly text precise and clear its that ment; docu that of in light analysed be must complaint the that complaint; this of cornerstone the constitutes ter char shared parties’ the that conclude we review, our for submitted information all considered having “Whereas, management…” sharing and entities, two the for headquarters shared creating France, MSF to belonging funds LSF, of using including support in initiatives of arange undertook MSF behalf whose on foundation, Frontières Sans Liberté the from itself tanced dis latter the until France Frontières Sans Médecins with collaboration its suspend, temporarily rather but off, break to not chose Belgium] [MSF defendant the “That is ours. We are proud of it. Hundreds of doctors and and doctors of Hundreds it. of We proud are is ours. name again. “No” The We said demanded? France MSF as name, our abandoned and litigation of threats in to given have we Should ourselves. distanced we disagreement, our To charter. express the of letter the and spirit the violated action that Frontières, Sans Liberté founded “No.” We said, France MSF When in fashion? currently truth latest the and Paris followed have we Should them. of suspicious are we And, truths. these of clash the from arising tragedies many observed also have we witnesses, as opportunity unique that With truth. own his creates and speculates interpreter Each observations. our on reflect we course of and, events witness to opportunity We aunique have ‘right’. or ‘wrong’ are they whether and them to is happening what understand they not or whether victims, for care provide we cataclysms, and arguments by shaken [...] In a world Extract: Director,’ July 1985 July Director,’ (in French). Executive Belgium MSF Laurent, Philippe ’Editorial to Members of MSF Belgium, from from Belgium, MSF of Members to - - - - -
47 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
nurses have worked hard to forge MSF Belgium’s reputa- ‘Summary of the 29 July 1985 Meeting of the tion for generosity and effectiveness. MSF France Board of Directors’ (in French).
The judge decided in our favour. Extract: The MSF Belgium Problem: We could have kept quiet about all this. (In the end, Judgment has been rendered; our case was dismissed in going to court is never anything to be proud of; you never this urgent procedure. The court found that because MSF emerge better off, even when you are in the right). But Belgium did not breach the charter, it cannot be requi- we thought it was better to be frank and open, as we red to give up the name. For now, unless things change, have always been. After all, you judge your true friends Claude Malhuret recommends that we not pursue this on based on how they respond in the hard times. the substance for a variety of reasons: Loss of energy and money, We are doctors and have plenty of work. Today, more than Risk of problems with the media, 100 of us are fighting famine. We want to continue our Little likelihood of winning; a judge would find it dif- work as doctors without ideological hindrance or political ficult to rule against a humanitarian organisation with manipulation. projects underway in the field, compared to any injury to MSF France, which it could consider minimal.
‘MSF Belgium Has A Right to Its Name,’ Le Soir (Belgium), 17 July 1985 (in French). Malhuret, Brauman and Charhon [Executive Director, Extract: President and Operations Director of MSF France, After MSF Belgium challenged MSF France’s support for respectively] said, “If you split off, you have to give the Liberté Sans Frontières foundation, MSF France took up the name.” We said, “No, we’re keeping it.” So there was the Belgian group to court in Brussels, accusing it of a lawsuit here in Belgium. But they really regretted it ”rebellion” and ”refusal of allegiance” to the ”founding because it turned into a trap that collapsed on them and it organisation” and demanding that MSF Belgium abandon was quite severe. They went for summary judgment, telling the use of the shared acronym. themselves, “with summary judgment, you can get a sus- pension, they’re trapped, they spent a year or two on the The Belgian court ruled in favour of MSF Belgium. Not content, time goes by and then they’re dead.” They brought only did the order hold that MSF France’s request was an intellectual property lawyer who deals with brand unfounded, but the judge spoke out on the substance ownership. Our lawyer had been the president of Amnesty of the issue, as defined by MSF Belgium that MSF France International and we prepared a case on the merits, even in violated the organisation’s founding charter by taking a summary judgment proceeding. We spent days and nights part in the political debate launched by Liberté Sans preparing our defense. We produced a whole series of docu- Frontières. The judge cited Article 3 of the Charter, which ments and got a very interesting decision. The judge said states that MSF members, operating under conditions of that even if it was unusual for her to address the content, strict neutrality and complete independence, are prohi- she had read the documents and concluded that MSF bited from all interference in internal affairs of nations, Belgium was observing the charter, while MSF France was governments and parties. The judge found that there was clearly not. So she dismissed the French. Normally, they an apparent discrepancy between the MSF’s philosophy should have requested a trial on the content after that. But and goals and those of LSF. The judge also found that they didn’t go to the content. the basic conflict turned on the issue of whether MSF France could join LSF, but that that issue was separate Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director from the current one, which was whether MSF Belgium (in French). could be denied the right to use the acronym for its act of ‘rebellion.’ Liberté Sans Frontières was one of the major pro- In the end, the judge found the request admissible but blems. MSF Belgium issued a very harsh attack on unfounded. In other words, Médecins Sans Frontières Liberté Sans Frontières and all of a sudden MSF Belgium’s legitimacy has been upheld and a debate over France said, “Under those conditions, you no longer have the heart of the problem - that is, the politicisation of the right to use the Médecins Sans Frontières name.” And ‘independent’ humanitarian organisations and the opera- then there was a lawsuit that France lost. I think that tion of the non-profit system - will surely begin soon in during the court’s deliberation, they clearly ruled that it Paris or Brussels. The match is not over, but Belgium has wasn’t MSF Belgium that had distanced itself from the orga- won the first round. nisation’s values.
Georges Dallemagne, MSF Belgium Director of 48 Operations (in French) MSF. we control might the about maintain over an international organisations, we shouldn’t any harbour illusions non-profit of status legal on the legislation of international lack the usrealise given that it lawyer. helped At alousy had least including me, was And, against judge. we the then Everyone tone was, “We’re French.” those arrogant going to get Walloonsby the (not Belgians) the French. the against The of It accounts judge. of settling aBelgian was akind before place in took Belgium a complaint. The trial a mistake filing of MSF ofdone most missions their part as France. We made us, to up whereas then, had they separately from existed joining before MSF.countries wanted They to show they that emphasising the need to continue efforts in this area. area. inthis efforts continue to need the emphasising managed, being was aid international how of luation eva optimistic an gave group the newsletter, donor In its Ambessa. inZala project feeding and talisation hospi asecond 1985, opened In summer Belgium MSF is still expecting another 540,000. The amounts still to to still amounts The 540,000. another expecting is still commitments, to according and tonnes 420,000 received 1985, March to 1984 country the December From ted. 7.751,504, the for 775 affec tonnes people million 1985 for total requirements Food population. the by required aid and food of flow the stabilise to is trying government, Ethiopian the from help who, with Jansson Kurt a Coordinator, UN sent The considerably. improved has aid international of organisation the Recently, situation. internal the assess to highways major the leaving from us prohibit and convoy by travel to us require that problems security by complicated is further situation The planes. and trucks like resources logistical significant involves this course, Of epidemics. spreading to conducive always are which groupings, population large avoid to able be to hope we locations, distant increasingly to activities our way. extending By under get quickly should jects pro other support, government obtained have we Once children. malnourished severely 300 around for centre afeeding and patients 30 around of hospitalisation the overseeing for ponsible res be will who nurse one and doctors of ateam with Ambessa in Zala launched been just has project A second Extract: around them.of hadn’t Most them in poor worked didn’tThey want what about to was know going on medicine. wanted to was do they All practice Scouts. MSFAt time, that was like Belgium abunch of Boy Claude Malhuret, MSF France Executive Director, Director, Executive France MSF Malhuret, Claude 1985 (in French). September - July/August/ Quarterly Publication for MSF Belgium Donors’ Donors’ Belgium MSF for (in French). (in - - - - - the next Nobel Peace Prize. Our special envoy’s report report envoy’s special Our Prize. Peace Nobel next the him for nominated already has minister prime Irish The for. is hoping Geldof Bob organiser concert what That’s Sudan. and Ethiopia to safely delivered be must aid that Now francs. million 600 than more raised already has that marathon concert live the into tuned world the around viewers abillion than More Africa. famine-struck for fit 17-hour the 12 for July Aid bene Saturday, on (US) Live F. John in the Philadelphia at and Stadium Kennedy stadium UK’s Wembley the at appeared royalty rock’s of all Nearly Extract: artists. comic inspired even famine Ethiopian the on focus musical celebrity The Ethiopia. for aid purchase to $120 than used inmore million, brought sales Record viewers. a billion than more to world the around tions sta by rebroadcast UK, in the stadium Wembley the and US in the stadium Philadelphia the from concert two-way anew 12 organised On July, Geldof Bob catastrophe. a new of fear for reduced, be or end should aid that mean not does this But checked. been has famine the of phase acute the and sharply fallen have figures mortality year’s Last place. in be to seems now aid organise to required tructure infras However, the beyond. 1985 of end probably and the until continue to have thus, will aid International seeds. of alack of because fields their vate culti not could people and November before place take not will harvest cereal awaited The everywhere. occur to likely is not which September, of end the until continue to have would rain harvest, To anadequate ensure seeds. plant and fields their work to season rainy major July’s for wait to farmers the requiring often irregular, was son sea rainy 1985 short March-April The uncertain. remains outlook However, the in locations. many operational currently are and call government’s the to massively responded also have organisations Non-governmental quays. the on blocked be longer no should food aresult, As 5,000 tonnes/day. 3,000 to from ports Massawa and Assah the at capacity unloading increase to possible it made has This aid. ting transpor are 1,250 trucks Currently, perfect. from is far but too, improved, has situation That warehouses. and ports at bottlenecks avoid to trucks primarily resources, transportation of need in desperate is also Ethiopia appeals. public next the in during come should contributed be (France), 16 1985 July (in(France), French). Hunger,’ Fight to Monde Le Francs Million 600 Raise Aid’s -Live Organisers Philadelphia and in Wembley -Marathon ‘Concerts Cans, Roger ------
49 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
covers the problems of delivering food to the starving the other hand, the population’s nutritional status is populations. much worse than we anticipated at the outset and many more people are arriving at our distribution centres than at the beginning of the project. Clearly, the sup- plemental distributions are not adequate for this group. ‘Doonesbury,’ Comics - International Herald Unfortunately, if we want to help them recover, we must Tribune (Europe) 11 July 1985, (in English). expect to keep them on site for some time. I know that the medical objectives may contradict the goals of the Extract: administration, which certainly does not seek a repeat of Western Charity representative to Mengistu: Mr Chairman, a Korem-type situation, but there must be an interme- as a representative of USA for Africa, I have to ask you a diary status that would prevent people from departing in few direct questions.” terrible conditions and thus, facing certain death on the - Colonel Mengistu to translator: “Get rid of this guy, will road. I know that these medical requirements are very you? I’ve got a civil war to run. “ important to you and that you will help us find a solution - Western Charity representative to Mengistu: “Why are to these problems. you playing politics with famine relief? Why are you using valuable transport for forced resettlement? Why are […] I hope that you were able to get to know our organi- you permitting food to rot on the docks of Assab? sation better during your visit to France and see that we - Mengistu to translator: ”What’s the problem?” are working strenuously on behalf of populations severely - Translator to Mengistu: ”He’s been critical of the party’s affected by the drought in other countries as well. Of famine relief program.” course, we expect to pursue these efforts in the coming - Mengistu to translator: ”So, have him shot. year in order to address needs, which I hope, are likely to - Translator to Mengistu: “He’s got two hit singles out decline rapidly, thanks to an improvement in the situa- comrade, there’d be a stink.” tion. Please understand that beyond our institutional - Western Charity representative to Mengistu: “I hope relationship, we rely on you, as a colleague and friend, you don’t mind my frankness.” for advice and assistance in carrying out our activities in Ethiopia.
In July, MSF France opened two medical aid pro- Dr Jean-Claude Desenclos, ‘Kelela - Assessment, grammes in Sekota and Kelala. The authorities repea- September 1985,’ MSF France, September 1985 tedly refused to agree to the teams’ requests to open (in French). an intensive therapeutic feeding centre in Kelala. In fact, the RRC had opened therapeutic feeding Extract: centres in neighbouring areas that were disguises for Beginning in July, following a request from the Ethiopian regroupment centres preparing transfers of people authorities, an MSF team (a doctor, three nurses and a to the south. Only children whose parents agreed to logistician) initiated a food aid programme involving the transfers were admitted. The transfers were sus- distribution of dry rations to the most severely affected pended during the rainy season and when they resu- children (below 70% of normal weight) from 73 farmers’ med, the MSF team learned about the violent methods associations in the Kelala region. Because of accessibility used to force the families to migrate. issues, 19 farmers’ associations from the Lami region are not currently involved.
Information on the population drawn in by our team is not precise. According to different sources (party, admi- ‘Letter from the Executive Director of MSF nistration, RRC, etc.), the population ranges from 90,000 France to Dr Tamerate, RRC Official,’ 29 August to 140,000. If the target population (children under 5) 1985 (in French). is based on the arbitrary figure of 15%, that number is between 13,000 and 21,000 children. Extract: Kelala […] Our information regarding the nutritional status of The work in this region raises several problems for us. the population sampled is inexact because we were unable First, there is an immediate logistical problem regarding to conduct a representative survey (problems related to provision of food, but I hope it will be resolved with the security, movements, and dispersion of populated areas). funds we have obtained for helicopter flights during the However, it is clear that the problem is very serious (on last weeks of the rainy season. Also, the BRGM (Bureau the same order as the problem in Korem a year ago). of Geological and Mining Research) is expected to install water points, which will, of course, make it easier to […] The large number of children older than 5 (1,678 d 50 provide food aid and improve sanitary conditions. On 70%) should be noted, as it underscores the severity of urgent problem. urgent most the to directly respond not does but, worsening from children affected moderately of status nutritional the It prevents useless. is not aid current our course, Of population? this serve to resources our all use to tion authorisa denied are we when situation the to respond to continue we can one; is anethical […] problem This hyenas. by eaten often are children Abandoned exit… centre feeding the at is abandoned child starving tiny, the obtained, are they once and rations receive to in order trafficked often are children malnourished home; road the on stolen (regularly) is sometimes it food; the eat often members family Other goal. their achieving not are state) tional nutri ahealthy to returned be can they that so weight normal of 70% below children with families to weeks two every distributed (currently rations dry the Clearly, us). from aid material over taken since has nistration admi local (the orphans treating stop to told been even We have acentre. creating from result would that Kelala around people of group asizable concentrating of tage disadvan considerable the given categorical, was refusal Ethiopians’ The malnourished. most the hospitalising rily tempora involves weeks coming in the death of risk at children these of number greatest the save to only way The unambiguous. and is clear diagnosis The grounds. cal medi purely on centre feeding asupplementary for rities autho Ethiopian to proposal a strong made […] We twice period. recovery the during ‘hospitalised’ are children the only if effective be can This facility. renutrition sive aninten through weight) normal of 70% below (regularly children affected most the for recovery - Nutritional site. tion distribu the at consumed rations prepared or away take to rations dry of form in the 80%) than (less children malnourished moderately for nutrition - Supplementary 1986). (January period lean harvest’s next the until another or form one in population entire the to distribution food - General levels: three on nised orga be should aid situation, nutritional of kind In this ASITUATION TO SUCH RESPONSE THEORETICAL vulnerable). is less bracket age (this problem the to 12,000 children. All children in the district below below district in the children All 12,000 children. to 11,000 and blankets food of 250 tonnes distributed and 5,000 people treated we months, five of a period Over 1985. July in early in Kelala centre MSF the We opened Extract: December 1985 (in French). December Donors, and the for Ethiopia on Publication Special France MSF WeWere Expelled?’ in ‘Why in Kelala, Doctor Tullen, France MSF We Remain Silent?’ ‘Should Account of Benoit Benoit of ------We were there to expand the trap. the We to expand there were It centre. catching for was people. a trap ment distribution a govern cover for Indeed, to provide centre. we there were doorstep. Some had been eaten by hyenas. hyenas. by eaten been had Some doorstep. our at children dead abandoned found we Sometimes, centre. the close to threatened immediately authorities the prohibition, the despite children, dying hospitalised we as soon As monitoring. medical consistent providing from prohibited were we because died They stolen. or family, sold the with shared was them gave we ration dry the because 3,000 died than more registered, children 9,500 the Among treatment. feeding intensive for them keep to or children these hospitalise to authorised never MSF. by We treated were be to had weight normal of 70% so many others, it was already too late. too already was it others, many so for as them, For child. and woman amarasmic for except people, these save to able We were excrement. of midst in the lice, lying and fleas with covered and weak mely extre were They floor. the on out stretched lay women naked hall, community village In the site. on remained move to unable were who away. those Only them take to trucks the for waiting while harvest, their of care take to temporarily home sent been had fit still were who people The horrifying. It was house. adeath We discovered tion. authorisa their without act to decided we is, until That mind. their on things other have to seemed authorities the But epidemics. avoid to order in precautions and hygiene necessary regarding advice of lots so, provided we Even operation. the of beginning the from aside pushed was team MSF little Our in size. doubled cemetery Kelala In 10 the them. days, over watch kept men armed and time, over further shrank rations food already-scarce their disease, of spread rapid the crowding The to led latrines. without together crowded were they in detention, While camps! transit for heading or endlessly, pursued scores, of asettling by victimized down, hunted being faced; people choices the were These act. to powerless were and witnessed we transfers lation popu the of atrocity the about doubts any had longer no and understood Ifinally end, In the problems. the from removed be to seemed in Kelala mission our but tements sta We gathered meant. ‘resettlement’ what I wondered Extract: nothing and that there was another distribution was distribution nothing another there and that around doing sitting we just were that we noticed In Kelala, we asked to were setsomewhere, up but Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). President France MSF Brauman, Rony 1985 (in French). December Donors, and Media the for Ethiopia on Publication Special France MSF Expelled?’ We Were ‘Why in Kelala, Nurse France MSF Account House,’ Death ‘The of Claire Couquiaud, Couquiaud, Claire of - - - - -
51 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
In July and August, the International Federation of sation Cultural Survival2 were surveying Ethiopians the Red Cross conducted a discreet evaluation in the fleeing forced resettlement who had taken refuge in resettlement areas. It sent the RRC its report descri- the camps in eastern Sudan. These surveys confirmed bing the horrific living conditions of the people who the charges that MSF volunteers had been making for had been transferred and resettled, but did not make months. As the transfers were suspended temporarily, the report public. the team still hoped to gain authorisation to open a therapeutic feeding centre in Kelala. This hope pre- vented MSF from speaking out publicly.
David Blundy, ‘Cover - Up,’ The Sunday Times, 3 November 1985, (in English). ‘Ethiopia Resettlement: The Evidence,’ Extract: Summarised Presentation of Cultural Survival The Red Cross League conducted a secret survey of the Investigation to the Meeting Held at Survival resettlement areas in July and August. It sent its findings International on 29 March 1985 (in English). to the RRC but did not make them public. In fact, the report was devastating. It said that people were resett- Extract: led in appalling conditions, without medical facilities, [...] The investigation had been titled ‘Humanitarian sufficient food, or any infrastructure when they arrived Assistance and Development in the Horn of Africa’ and at their destinations. Thousands of people from the had had a special emphasis on evaluating the effects highlands of Ethiopia succumbed to malaria when they of the resettlement programme in Ethiopia. The project moved to the mosquito-ridden swamps of the lowlands was supported by individuals responding to a newspaper of southern Ethiopia. Red Cross field workers say they advertisement circulated in the US and also by aid agen- estimate that there was a 10% death toll, which means cies from the US with interests in the Horn of Africa. 50,000 people died. This figure is accepted as accurate by some Western governments although none of them would A preliminary analysis of the results of the investigation discuss it on the record. will be presented as a Cultural Survival report in mid- April, while the final report is expected by the summer. What follows is no more than a first summary of the results of the investigation. [...] The investigation was carried out by Bonnie Holcomb In August, the RRC asked people from the Maichew and Jason Clay for Cultural Survival who teamed up with region, who had been transferred to Korem, to return Peter Niggle, a journalist who has also worked in Djibouti. home and authorised the Red Cross to provide them Jason Clay interviewed Tigreans coming of Tigre, in with regular cereal distributions. the north. Peter Niggle worked in Damazin, where the Sudanese are congregating the refugees coming out of Wollega and Illubabor, and Bonnie Holcomb worked down in Yabus directly across the border from Asosa, an area ‘Mass Deportations in Ethiopia,’ Dr Claude where there were many Oromo. Malhuret, Confidential MSF Report, December 1985, (in English ). [...] It was recognised that the interviewing of refugees would necessarily mean that the team only had access Extract: to information from those for whom the resettlement In August of 1985 the RRC asked refugees in the Korem programme had been unsuccessful. Attempts to enter the camp who came from the Maichew region (about 12,000 area of the resettlement through Addis Ababa had been out of roughly 50,000) to return to their homes. The rebuffed. At present, access to the area through Addis International Red Cross correctly supported this initia- Ababa is virtually impossible. tive and handed out seeds, tools and food to everyone. Furthermore, and this is essential, the Red Cross was [...] Everyone interviewed claimed to have been invo- authorised to distribute food every month at Korem so luntarily resettled and none of those interviewed had that the peasants who had returned home could come for knowledge of settlers who had left the north voluntarily. regular re-provisioning. On the contrary all had been taken from various different sites in the north by force. Some of those taken had not been suffering unduly from the famine and were actually abducted while engaged in threshing their grain. Men
During the same period, the MSF France leadership learned that anthropologists working for the organi- 2. Several publications were based on these surveys: Peter Niggli, “Athiopien: Deportationen und Zwangsarbeitslager.” Berliner Missionwerk: Mai 1985; Jason Clay and Bonnie Holcomb, “Politics and Famine in Ethiopia.” Cultural Survival: Report 52 n°20, November 1985. sent them to Paris. Paris. to them sent and figures these noted administrator MSF The ment.” resettle of months three first the and process fer trans the during died had transferred farmers the of “15-20% opinion, inhis that stated He south. in the camps resettlement inthe working was Concern, tion, organisa aid Irish the for Mission of Head Finucane, Jack Father representatives. donor with met Agency Development and Relief 17 Christian On the September, not. had but they site, new the initiate we to out had laid inconditions the order have satisfied confused. September, By was very should they Everything mission the more.” and do we’ll expand footing; rational We’re conditions. decent under work resume ope on anew We’ll on. project. their later see Wethey’ve can postponed on and pressure Europeanand the putting are community years) (this Reagan the Americans the Maybe was during they’re Maybe they’ve pressure. the out; chickened feeling suspended. Isaid been had to myself,transfers “maybe was equivalent to aStalinist power. the time, But that at said to myself, “It’s quite clear.” to think this that I began in Ethiopia. I out surveys outlines. the it and Iread Igot The men were then taken and the animals left behind. left animals the and taken then were men The Associations. the to back grain the carry to sent be should animals pack with men young strong that told been had They grain. gather to Associations Peasants’ the of tatives represen as centres the to sent been had men the famine, the by affected seriously been had which In Wollo, pattern. asimilar lowed fol but area to area from varied people the moving of process the of details The south. off sent up and rounded being feared they as north in the centres feeding the avoiding peoples the to led lately had [...] practice The in January. taken been had north the from those of latest the while in November taken been had interviewed those of majority The in and Wollo. Tigre throughout occurred pattern This south. taken and diers sol up by rounded were they centres, the at gathered had groups large Once etc. lentils oil, grain, of distribution free of offers by north in the centres feeding the to lured been had populations 1984 in October that It appears babies. their from separated were others pregnant; months nine at market in the taken been had Women families. their from separated were taken thus information from Ethiopia, from hadn’t but they information carried of Sudan, the regions plus from some report Survival While Cultural Iwas the on vacation, Ireceived Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). President France MSF Brauman, Rony ------have mentioned this problem. this mentioned have you as people of gathering any avoid to in order first, at admitted, be could 100 Only children is asolution. 60% below children the for centre feeding therapeutic small a of opening The after. looked closely be to have they because gain weight, to difficulties have will height] for W/H of [weight 60% under children so, the Even decreasing. be should problems the start, to is about distribution general the] [that Now this. of aware We were members. family the with shared in fact, was food The in town. distribution ral gene of lack the to] [due was faced we [...] problem The arrived. food no and closed was Kelala to Akasta from road the season, rainy the During distribution. general any do to supposed not We were village. the around people of gathering any avoid to in order programme feeding wet a organise to allowed We were programme. distribution food supplementary adry Awraja, Borena in Kelala, open 21 1985 June Friday, on to MSF,gave agreement oral the 1985. You 4Octobe Friday on in Kelala, mission MSF of visit the concerning points, afew clarify to like I would rapeutic feeding centre in Kelala. inKelala. centre feeding rapeutic athe open to authorisation requesting administrator Wollo province the to request written another sent inEthiopia coordinator medical MSF the 7October, On in Sudan. camps the to it made have who refugees by statements with agrees and exaggerated seem way any in doesn’t estimate This 100,000 people. about of lives the cost already had resettlement the that meant this transferred, been had people 500,000 than more then, by that fact the Given figure. the by surprised seemed present representatives NGO the of None 20%. 15of to order in the was arrival, upon and journey the during camps, regroupment in the deaths of sum the on based resettlement, to due rate death the months, three of end the at that opinion the of was he that stated He gramme. pro resettlement the followed closely had Concern, organisation the of in Ethiopia Director Finucane, John Father meeting, the of course In the in Ethiopia. working organisations non-governmental many by Ababa Addis in held was 17, meeting September On 1985 aprivate Extract: Extract: 1985 (in ). English Report Confidential MSF Malhuret, Claude Dr in Ethiopia,’ Deportations Mass (in English). (in English). 1985 7October Administrator, Wollo Shymalis, Telex from Dr Bertrand Desmoulins to Comrade Comrade to Desmoulins Bertrand Dr from , December , December - - -
53 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
The MSF aim is to help the drought affected people. it, I don’t believe it,” said Finucane. There had been pro- blems, but nothing on that scale, he said. He had visited the areas - his own group worked in some of them - and he had seen no sign of the horrors the report described. One member of the audience, Michel Fiszbin, from the In mid-October, a debate began in the US regarding French medical group, Médecins Sans Frontières, listened the abuses of the Ethiopian regime’s famine policy. to Finucane with what he described as disbelief and Jason Clay, Spokesperson for the Cultural Survival outrage. Fiszbin had been at another meeting exactly organisation, who had conducted a survey among one month before where Finucane had addressed Western Ethiopian refugees in Sudan, testified at a hearing in ambassadors about resettlement. The story he told at the House of Representatives. this private meeting, at the Hilton Hotel in Addis, where no press were present, was very different. Fiszbin’s notes of Finucane’s statement have been corroborated by Concern’s head office in Dublin. “Priority to Economic Rebuilding and in Finucane said that half a million people had been dis- Africa,” AFP (France), Washington, 5 November placed in the first phase of the resettlement programme 1985 (in French). in ”horrible conditions”. He said that “out of 77 resettled areas, only two or three had succeeded.” As a result, said Extract: Finucane, “100,000 people had died.” Concern’s head Testifying in mid-October before two subcommittees of office in Dublin said that “Finucane’s investigation of the House of Representatives, a representative of Cultural villages in the resettlement area showed that, in some Survival, a non-profit organisation based at Harvard and cases, 25% of the people died.” So which version is true? that includes several Harvard faculty members, spoke about its survey of Ethiopian refugees in Sudan. Jason Clay, the group’s spokesperson, compared Mengistu Hailé Mariam’s Marxist regime to the Khmer Rouge’s Pol Pot regime in Cambodia. He also estimated that refugee On 22 October, the MSF leadership was invited to a resettlement in the south may have caused between discussion at the British-American Press Club in Paris. 50,000 and 100,000 deaths. The president of MSF France spoke about the difficul- ties the MSF teams faced in Ethiopia and the violent events they had witnessed since their arrival in April 1984. He specifically denounced the authorities’ refu- sal to authorise the opening of a therapeutic feeding On 19 October, during a meeting of international aid centre in Kelala and concluded by threatening that if organisations at the RRC’s office, Father Finucane of the situation persisted, MSF would not be complicit in Concern backtracked on his 17 September comments a criminal policy and would leave Ethiopia. and minimised the number of deaths related to the population transfers.
David Blundy, ‘Famine refugees Herded as Cattle,’ The Times (UK), 27 October 1985, (in David Blundy, Cover-Up, The Sunday Times English). (UK), 3 November 1985 (in English). Extract: Extract: The row over Korem will add to the problems of Médecins […] Father Finucane was speaking on 19 October to Sans Frontières, which threatened to withdraw from the officials of the Ethiopian government’s Relief and Ethiopia last week if restrictions were not lifted. The Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in the capital, Addis agency, which has 400 local staff at four feeding centres Ababa. The commission’s officials nodded vigorously. As in Wollo, complained last week that the government had members of the Marxist-Leninist government of Comrade denied permission for intensive feeding for 2,000 child- Mengistu Haile Mariam, their relationship with Western ren at the Kelala feeding camp in the province. agencies and governments is wary, often downright hos- The RRC official in Kelala, Negatu Yinam, told the agency tile. This was a rare moment of total accord. that they could not set up intensive feeding because Finucane was angry with the media. He said that they the government wanted the refugees to go back to their distorted the truth. Geldof had a copy of a Wall Street villages. The agency says hundreds of children are dying Journal report of an investigation by the American group, for lack of proper treatment because of this restriction. Cultural Survival, Inc. On the basis of 250 interviews with Ethiopian refugees, the investigation concluded that between 50,000 and 100,000 people had died as a 54 direct result of the resettlement programme. “I’ve read so everything is fine.” You’ve got to look beneath the sur the beneath You’ve look is fine.” to got everything so field, in the teams international are “There up saying, end will People country! in the likes it whatever do then and eyes, their close to donors expect aid, international on call cannot Ethiopia morality. basic of anissue it: That’s RB: Journalist: So alerting the public is a moral issue? is a moral public the alerting So Journalist: contracts. two those violating are here,” we see to nothing there’s along, is, “Move large at public the to message our if and out, speak not If do we accountable. are we whom to donors, our is with second The help. to come have we population the with one moral is a first The contracts. two have we that We believe fic!” terri That’s field! in the are “we saying, by conscience our soothe and working be to pretend to just there not MSF. We’re for work. to We ethics in Ethiopia are basic of is aquestion This victims. famine the for efforts aid undermine to campaign adisinformation using of MSF is accusing government Ethiopian the matter, the about openly speaking are we that now And happened! Nothing recently. a telex, sent we finally, and, Ababa Addis to sent was report a new In October, in writing. also August, last RRC the to request asecond We submitted NGOs. the all coordinates that group the CDRA, the UN and the authorities, regional and national Ethiopian the notified We also in writing. request our of (RRC) Commission Rehabilitation and Relief Ethiopian the notified we In June, quietly. situation the ease to We tried RB: about this? publicly out speaking are you why that Is Journalist: it? isn’t tangible, pretty -that’s children Dying this! like on go can’t Things die? children as by stand we will long day. How every recorded are deaths New months. in four treatment of lack for died already have children hundred Several malnutrition. serious very from suffering 5 are under children 6,000 than more in Kelala, meanwhile administration, Ethiopian in the blockage bureaucratic is an intolerable There supplies. to people - from field in the everything of care take will MSF because ahead go- the us give just to authorities Ethiopian the asking been Since have June, we Frontières. Sans Chanteurs from funds to thanks opened was other The Ethiopia. northern in province Wollo in Sekota, centres two of one months, four for in Kelala centre feeding anintensive open to authorisation seeking We been have appropriately. work our out carry to We want leave. to want not does MSF RB: Ethiopia? leave to preparing is Frontières Sans Médecins that true it Is Journalist: of treatment. lack for died already have children of Hundreds Kelala. in centre anutrition open to Ababa Addis from light green the received not still has MSF months, four After Extract: 1985 (in French). Croix La If…’ Ethiopia Leave Will ‘MSF Frontières: Sans Médecins of President Brauman, Rony with ‘Interview (France), 1 November 1November (France), - - who would always excuse the Soviet Union’s Soviet the who would always excuse actions].” I Westerners to Lenin to describe phrase[note: attributed “It’sto Damascus! -we’re so obvious ‘useful idiots’ the It clear! became was like an epiphany! My road everything in had mind.something Even Ialready Iwas as talking, if as it were everything, Iforget afight. and I’m for ready up, worked this to buzz get Iget Iam whenhow Istart Iknow excited. getting Istarted Italked, As situation. the in Ethiopia. interested really were to explain they Ibegan off.”ted Lanka and Afghanistan. Sri about Noone cared But who car We to draw people then were there were cosmetic. to set up, invited “We were but we it was realized purely that people’stroy and Ethiopia. morale; Kelala the story. I told us to des at targeted total the war,offensive, attacks the bombingthe in of Afghanistan, hospitals maximum the and where we’dwar threats; was starting just death received Lanka, where the Sri point. situations: Ispoke three about that at in field the problems key the about we facing were asked me journalist Reuters The So we invited. were Times. York in New the She stories usinvited. wanted to get to get groundwork the Communications laying Director, been had our Rigaud, Dominique months, For cancelled. including seriously ill people. ill seriously including them, of 600 take to managed militia The south. the to Ethiopians -of deportation is, the -that resettlement the out carry to came who militias the fled had there 25,000 refugees The empty? camp Korem the found MSF 25 October, Friday, of morning the as recently as that know you Did in and Korem. in Kelala providers care health as work their do to unable been have they because days few last the over quit to wanted who site, on kers, wor MSF Its Ethiopia. against acampaign launching one MSF. with I’m the not working people the see and field the to out go principles, grand their aside put should they first, politics ‘“putting for us criticise who those for 1982, As BBC. to back the on dates alert public first Our Ethiopia. for campaign in the role amajor played has MSF that you remind me Let follow. would resources that so opinion public mobilise to had we tragedy, Ethiopian the of breadth the with Faced mirror. up the hold to someone for waiting Narcissus, some is not MSF RB: background. the to issues humanitarian moving for and Moscow) with relationship aclose have to is known (Addis Ababa card anti-Soviet the playing for Others, purposes. relations public for this using for MSF criticising already are people some But Journalist: activity. medical effective and tangible for reputation its on rests organisation in our have people that confidence MSF. of idea my is not That The fine. was everything that appear it make to supposed were that camps concentration Nazi in the orchestras Jewish the of me It reminds face. They usually invite top political figures, but someone figures, political top usuallyThey invite Club in Paris. Press Anglo-American the with sion discus a breakfast during to speak We invited were - - - -
55 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
put the whole puzzle together;: the Cultural Survival report, to MSF, they had telexed it to us and AFP had picked it up. the press conferences we were invited to with people who’d I grabbed the two stories and said to myself, “Oh my God, protested the population transfers and the brutalities and what did I say!” Malhuret’s face was contorted with rage, his then retracted everything, the whole manipulation, all the moustache was out of place and he said, “We are supposed humanitarian groups toing the line, the diversion of aid to to talk about all this beforehand!” I said, “Yes, but it just the resettlement centres, and the mobilisation of logistical came out like that! …” We argued for 15 minutes and then resources for transporting people. Everything was clear to said, “Well, the die is cast, we’ve taken the plunge, we’ll just me. And, that’s when I let go; “if things go on like this, of try to keep our heads above water and we’ll manage as best course we will stop playing along with such a corrupt game, we can.” In any event, we didn’t have much time because we’ll stop being complicit in a criminal policy.” I don’t while we were arguing, we were interrupted by phone calls remember exactly what I said, but the basic idea was, “We from all the major French papers, Libération, Le Monde, Le need to leave.” Nouvel Observateur, asking for an explanation of what we’d just said. At the time, Ethiopia was an important news story. […] That’s the power of telling a story, in the sense that The British and American reporters were much cooler and it gives shape to a narrative to be recounted to people who detached. If you made contradictory remarks, they would aren’t on the inside, who need you to lay out a chronology call you on it; otherwise they just took it down. So they pic- of the process and specific events. When we talked about ked it up, quoting large passages of my speech. And then, of it at MSF, we always took up the subject in the middle of course, the right-wing French press, Le Quotidien de Paris, things because we knew the whole story. We only talked Le Figaro, etc. showed up. In any event, the leftist press about it with people who knew the story, whether in the was already anti-communist. By 1985, no one really cared field or here. We never went to the trouble of explaining about communism any longer, except the NGOs. So we got a the story from the beginning; to see how it developed over very good reception from everyone and the story began to the 18 months we were there. It’s the retelling after the make a stir. Libération was very interested in it, particularly fact that shed light on the entire story. I say, “shed light” because Pierre Haski, the reporter who covered Ethiopia, because it wasn’t a wild revelation or a hallucination. It came from Africa. He tried to find possible contradictions, was really what happened. For the rest, it was all there. The but he was a decent guy. chronology and MSF’s requests were there. Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French)
Rony let loose during a lunch with the English lan- The president’s statement on MSF’s possible departure guage press. He didn’t warn anyone. Everyone jum- from Ethiopia surprised the entire MSF France mana- ped on him, saying, “But what were you doing, gement team, which first reeled under the shock and saying that?” After two or three days, everyone agreed. I then accepted it. The information quickly made the don’t know whether there was a board meeting to discuss it, editorial rounds: “MSF Prepared to Leave Ethiopia.” probably so.
Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). I was looking straight at Malhuret [MSF’s Executive Director] and Dominique Rigaut [Communications Director] as I related all this. They had these shoc- ked expressions on their faces. They couldn’t image what had gotten into me and were absolutely furious that I would On 23 October, the MSF France executive director let myself go off like that, live, without our having talked again asked the head of the RRC, in writing, for autho- about it together. But as to the content, they didn’t see any risation to open a therapeutic feeding centre in Kelala major disadvantages. and drew his attention to the problems supplying the Dominique Rigaut was worn out because she had already Sekota site. prepared the women’s press and the afternoon TV shows with “the smile of an Ethiopian child” for the December campaign. She didn’t find anything funny in the situation. “What am I doing? I look like a jerk! I’m selling “the smile of an Ethiopian child” and you’re talking about how aid is killing people! What are the funders going to say, etc. etc.? “Well, yeah, we’ll tell the funders, that’s what’s going on… Yes, I think that aid kills…” 56 Then Reuters sent out a wire story. By the time I got back this region. this in normal to return quickly can life that so issues these on ahead moving about strongly feel you that knowing directly, you to I amwriting is why That them. overcome us helped always have you and past, in the problems We experienced have reasons. administrative for tructed obs been has care because -die saved and treated be could -who children watch to doctors, for unacceptable and people, for is terrible it that understand certainly You will critical. particularly become has situation The RRC. regional the to a copy with aletter sent We also centre. feeding anintensive open to request our repeated we visits, two administrator’s Wollo the During conditions. sanitary thus, and, supplies water drinking improve to sources water developing began We also passable. now is road That ground. by moved be could aid that so road the rebuild to workers pay to administration Kelala the to grain of 30 tonnes provided we period, that During problem. the on progress make to TameratDr in aneffort see to back went Desmoulins, Bertrand Coordinator, our 1985, In September concerns. our expressing letter, by situation this him of informed 1985,August I personally in visited Advisor, Medical RRC’s the Tamerat, Dr When normal. of 70% is below ratio weight-height whose children 6,127 currently are registered There care. round-the-clock receiving without recover cannot who children malnourished severely for care around-the-clock provide would we where centre feeding an intensive open to authorisation requested have we Since then, centre. in this children the facing situation catastrophic the address not would method this that clear became quickly it and rations dry distribute only to granted was risation autho Unfortunately, work. to get to able was team nary aprelimi problems, administrative local from resulting adelay 22 1985). June After Project, (Draft RRC the with in and of collaboration request the at conducted sion mis anevaluation after anaction draft to able We were point. this to attention your call to like would we but food, porting trans with associated problems the We know plane. by delivered resources to thanks centre, feeding intensive the for food in supplemental bring to managed have we now, For status. nutritional overall population’s the to is key which distribution, general for supplies cereal with problems growing creates This is increasing. convoys between time of length the that suggests information latest The objectives. to according ahead moved have to 15 1985 June since seems operating been has that Sekota in programme our problems, logistical major […] Despite Extract: French). French). 1985 (in 23October Commissioner’ Chief RRC Georgis, Wolde Dawit to France MSF of Director ’ Telex from Dr Francis Charhon, Executive Executive Charhon, Francis Dr from - - - - - gested that the group leave thecountry. ment’s effortstofightthefamineandstronglysug- a disinformation campaign on the Ethiopian govern- On 24October,theRRCaccusedMSFofconducting discredit the RRC. It is regrettable that MSF is waging is waging MSF that It is regrettable RRC. the discredit to attempt a malicious worst, at and volition own its of assumed had it responsibilities abandoning for celebre’ a‘cause for a search best, is, at withdrawal of threat Its will. its against stay to forced be cannot and place first in the come to forced not was MSF question. without but reluctance, with course, of resignation, imposed self- its accept will RRC the circumstances the Under due. is not that gain credit to hopes it which through attention media for clamour another is just place) first in the applied not has it which (for centre a feeding open to permitted is not it if Ethiopia of out pull to MSF by threat The miracles. than noise more making by felt presence its make to sought therefore, and, charities experienced more and larger of those by overshadowed is work relief its that felt always has MSF a result, As workers. field younger and experienced less relatively with effort relief national inter and national gigantic overall the to contribution marginal but auseful made has and in Ethiopia nisations orga charity 47 the of private smallest the of is one MSF assistance. relief emergency of need in dire are who victims famine of millions of suffering the mitigating of - that ends own its defeat to acting of is accused RRC the that logic to contrary It is therefore country. the of areas affected drought in the possible as families many as of needs the meet to as so permit, resources their extent the to operations their of scope the expand to Ethiopia in activities rehabilitation and in relief engaged those all encourage to be to continues and been always has policy RRC’s the because is absurd it Secondly, country. the in elsewhere or there children malnourished for centre afeeding opening for commission the to request written a nor averbal neither made has MSF because baseless It is absurd. and baseless is both region administrative Wollo in the Kelala near centre afeeding open to it allow to refused has RRC the that MSF by made allegation The information. your for response RRC’s the of is asummary Following representatives. MSF by made charges the refuting statements in public clear issue the on position its made has RRC The media. Western other and French by disseminated widely been have region, Wollo in the children 5,000 malnourished for centre afeeding open to it permit to refused had RRC the that (MSF-France) Frontières sans Médecins by Allegations Extract: 1985 (in English). ‘ Press Statement , RRC Ethiopia,’ 24 October 24 Ethiopia,’ , RRC October - -
57 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
a deliberate campaign of misinformation that would David Blundy, ‘Cover-Up,’ The Sunday Times, undermine an international relief effort which is widely 3 November 1985 (in English). acknowledged to be the best recorded in human history. By jeopardising the massive humanitarian undertaking in Extract: this manner, MSF is doing more damage than good and, The government’s other method of forcing people to in the final analysis, gaining less for the comparatively move is more subtle but hardly less brutal. Médecins Sans small contribution it has made to the overall relief effort. Frontières says that a week ago the government banned the distribution of dry rations to 12,000 people who live near Korem camp. No reason was given. The agency has been prevented from giving intensive feeding to 5,000 ’Aid Agency Pulls Out,’ The Guardian (UK), children at the Kelala feeding camp in Wollo. Two thou- Nairobi, 31 October 1985 (in English). sand of these children are in desperate need, the agency says, and hundreds are dying. Extract: Médecins ans Frontières can see only one reason why the The Ethiopian government accused a French-based relief government does not allow it to give humanitarian aid; agency yesterday of undermining the famine relief effort the aim is to persuade people to resettle by depriving with a ”campaign of disinformation” and suggested it them of proper care in the areas in which they live. “The leave the country. Ethiopia’s Relief and Rehabilitation attitude is: resettle and you will be given food and assis- Commission, which administers the international aid tance. Stay where you are and the government will not campaign, issued a statement saying, “Médecins sans help you,” said a senior British aid official who did not Frontières (Doctors without Borders) had made baseless want to be named. and absurd allegations against the RRC.” Last week, the director of Médecins sans Frontières, Dr Rony Brauman, said in Paris that Ethiopian authorities had rejected his organisation’s request to open an emer- ‘Mass Deportations in Ethiopia,’ Dr Claude gency feeding centre for 5,000 children in the Kelala area Malhuret, Confidential MSF Report, December of the north-central Wollo region. 1985 (in English). The relief commission said it had received neither a ver- bal nor written request from Médecins sans Frontières to Extract: open the centre. […] But come October, the Ethiopian authorities’ stra- tegy became all too clear; the Red Cross is forbidden to distribute any more food to the people of Maichew at Korem. From that moment on, the people were in exactly ’Ethiopia: MSF’, Libération (France), 31 October the same predicament as before-that is-with nothing. 1985 (in French). There is no doubt that most of them will once again come looking for help and that they will be scooped up Extract: [for deportation] with impunity, well away from presence A running battle is underway between Ethiopia and of foreign volunteers, who would certainly be outraged Médecins Sans Frontières. The Addis Ababa government if the authorities came into the aid centres looking for ‘ accuses the French humanitarian group of using a disin- candidates for departure.’ formation campaign to disrupt the flow of aid intended for famine victims. The Ethiopian authorities have even suggested that MSF leave the country. The authorities’ anger was aroused by the MSF executive director’s state- ment that the Ethiopians had denied the organisation’s In the middle of the night of 25 October, soldiers request to open a centre in the Wollo region. burst into the Korem camp, prompting 20,000 people to flee. In the morning, with MSF volunteers watching, 600 other people were forced, at gunpoint, to climb into trucks confiscated from Save the Children Fund and taken to the Dessie transit camp, awaiting depar- In Korem, authorities again prohibited aid organisa- ture to the south. The MSF teams do not have access tions from distributing food to the people so that to these transit camps. According to the SCF teams they would be forced to accept relocation, which had working there, living conditions are horrifying. In the resumed. following days, the international press reported on the violent events at the Korem camp.
58 tioned for this operation? this for tioned requisi trucks Fund Children the Save three 4) were Why organisations? nitarian huma with agreed, as consultation, no there was 3) Why planned? been had as Maitchew, from people the to food distribute to ICRC authorised 2) the Was voluntary? zones resettlement the for departures 1) population the Were questions: five following the authorities Ethiopian ask to agreed groups the representatives, organisations’ international the by visit Sunday, 27 the of October conclusion At the adults. hospitalised 64 and children hospitalised 42 were them Among week. prior the from number the to compared missing, still were people 6,000 19,092 Around counted team people. Frontières Sans aMédecins 29th, 24th. Tuesday On the the Thursday until present been had 20,000-25,000 people that confirmed staff Nations United by conducted survey A questionnaire mountains. the from 7,000 returned had and remained had 6000 visit. the of time the at camp the in were 13,000 people around that noted delegation The Cross). Red the of Committee (International Zonderger Peter and Nations), (United Pitkannen Tom Paavo and Franklin Frontières), sans (Médecins Desmoulins Bertrand Dr Fund), Children the (Save Alexander David It included Addis. from Korem to came adelegation incident, Friday’s about information broadcast BBC RFI and the 27th, after the Sunday On ping). grou per (150 patients huts hospital five the of each from missing were people 40 to Fifteen resettlement. for in anenclosure 600 gathered had militia The there. were people 6,000 Only population. its of emptied been have to seemed camp 25th, the the Friday, of morning the On them. with familiar very are and day every areas different the to go teams same the because simpler even made was task The regularly. and quickly population the assess to sible pos it make capacity, aknown with each tents), black 252 tents, 190 green huts, of groupings centre, feeding (children’s areas four into camp’s organisation The Note: 25,000 people. some housed had camp Korem 24th, the the Thursday, of night the until census, Frontières Sans Médecins the to According utensils). cooking and (clothing behind belongings few their leaving panic, in a fled They hills. nearby the for leave to population the of majority the prompted camp Korem in the forces militia of arrival The 25 October. Friday, on conducted was people 600 affecting operation […] Aresettlement Extract: France, October 1985 (in French). October France, Memorandum in Ethiopia,’ Activity Humanitarian Out Carrying of Difficulties ‘The , MSF MSF , - - - - where the government faces an armed rebellion. anarmed faces government the where areas northern from people moving political; is partly it say opponents but practical, is purely motive the maintains government The in Ethiopia. working agencies international 50 the of many and governments Western from policy the of criticism widespread been has There again. begin would resettlement the that week last said official anRRC but, months five past in the policy in the a lull been has There conditions. in terrible resettled been have 500,000 year, than more past In the (RRC). Commission Rehabilitation and Relief government’s Ethiopian the of policy controversial most is the thwest sou in the in provinces land fertile more to north the in Tigre and Wollo from Ethiopians of resettlement The months. three next in the close would camp the hoped he said official Agovernment 23,000 people. Aid contained it Band of Geldof Bob with camp the Ivisited when Monday Last said. was it raid, the of arepetition feared they because Friday and Thursday on camp the left 10,000 refugees The patients.” TB Two were them of treatment. medical receiving still were taken people the of Some cattle. like herded were “They agency. the of a representative leave,” said to forced were they that doubt is no ”There officials. government by away driven and buses and in trucks put then field, afootball to on whips and sticks carrying men militia government local by herded been have to said were refugees The camp. in the 10 has workers which Frontières, sans Médecins group French the of members to according resettlement, for apparently Wednesday, last Korem from away taken were people A thousand Extract: Paavo Pitkanen, a UN official who inspected the camp camp the inspected who aUN official Pitkanen, Paavo report. officials Nations camp, United their flee to victims famine of thousands caused apparently that tion opera aresettlement for agency relief volunteer British a from trucks commandeered authorities Ethiopia Local Extract: these questions remain unanswered. remain questions these resettlement), actual preceding step (the centre transit the to people transport to future in the vehicles groups’ humanitarian use to not acommitment than Other return? to authorised they Are region? the throughout dispersed people the are 5) Where English). English). 30 October 1985 (in English). 30 October Cattle,”’, Cattle,”’, as “Herded Refugees ‘Famine Blundy, David Resettlement,’ for Aid Took Trucks Over ‘Ethiopians The Times The Associated Press Associated , 27 October 1985 (in , 27 October , Addis Ababa, Ababa, , Addis - -
59 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
at Korem, said Monday that two trucks of the Save the All the transit camps were forbidden and there was Children Fund were among five used Friday to take about a huge one in Dessie where they put all the people 600 people from the Korem camp to a transit facility in captured from the Wollo. That was one of the places, the town of Dessie. They were to be resettled in sou- along with the Tigre, where the famine had hit hardest. thwestern Ethiopia. People from Tigre were moved by plane. They were loaded Relief officials said rumours of the impending resettle- like livestock in the Antonov planes, which had been arran- ment prompted most of Korem’s more than 20,000 resi- ged to transport food. We were not allowed to go around dents to flee to the surrounding mountains late Thursday the planes. I don’t know if I saw them or if I imagined and early Friday. About half were back by Sunday, and seeing them. I think the planes were described to me relief officials predicted that most of the others would because they were careful not to let anyone see what was return in the next few days to the camp, which is 250 going on. We certainly passed buses with people inside. In miles (400 kilometres) north of Addis Ababa in the Wollo Dessie, the SCF teams were able to see the transit camp and region. they were the ones who told us about it and provided the Local officials previously forced residents of relief camps in mortality rates. It was horrifying. They told us that people northern Ethiopia to return to their home areas. Desmond were committing suicide because they didn’t want to leave. Taylor, acting Head of the UN Emergency Operations Office in Addis Ababa, said local Ethiopian officials who Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in carried out the resettlement operation at Korem had not Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France received authorization from Save the Children to use its Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). trucks. He said the matter was being discussed “on a local level.” Save the Children’s Field Director in Ethiopia, David Alexander, visited Korem on Sunday but could not be rea- ched for comment. An official of another relief agency, who did not want to identified, said two Save the Children On 28 October, observing that it was impossible to employees were asked to drive the trucks and were detai- obtain the minimum conditions required to conduct ned briefly because they refused. humanitarian activities, the MSF France President Ethiopia’s Marxist government has maintained that obtained approval from the board of directors to speak famine victims are cooperating voluntarily with the publicly about the problems. V9 resettlement program, but critics say the government is trying to reduce the peasant population in the north to decrease support for rebel movements in the area. Peter Sonderegger, Deputy Head of the International Summary of the Board Meeting, MSF France, Committee of the Red Cross in Ethiopia, said his orga- 28 October 1985, (in French). nization received reports that some people were beaten as they were loaded aboard the outbound trucks. Mr Extract: Pitkanen said more of the people sustained bruises, but [...] The missions: 1) Ethiopia that there was no serious violence. In Ethiopia, MSF works in four centres in Wollo province: Kobo and Korem since May 1984, Kelala and Sekota since June 1985. These latter two centres were opened thanks to money from the sale of the Chanteur sans Frontières ‘By Accident,’ Account of Catherine G., MSF record. For four months, the Kelala medical team’s hands France Nurse in Korem, MSF France Special have been tied as they had to watch the deaths of hun- Publication on Ethiopia for the Media and dreds of children, the vast majority of whom could have Donors,’ December 1985, (in French). been saved by a nutrition centre. Despite MSF’s many requests, the Ethiopian authorities have still not autho- Extract: rised the opening of this centre. My six-month contract in Ethiopia had ended. On the way back to Addis Ababa, I stopped in Dessie, where there is On Thursday 24 October, the Korem camp had a popula- a transit centre for the deported populations. A woman tion of 24,000. The following day, it contained no more approached me in tears. I recognized her. Her mother, an than 6,000 displaced persons, the others having fled into amputee, had remained in Korem. She seemed frighte- the mountains because of the threat of massive reloca- ned and terrorized and explained that she was leaving tions to the south of the country. for “resettlement.” From that moment on, she did not leave my side. An MSF truck leaving for Korem was going Given the gravity of these difficulties and the impos- to take her back. I was terribly upset but reassured her sibility of overcoming them through normal channels about where she was going. Like so many others, this of dialogue, the situation was raised at a meeting with woman did not choose to leave. They were forced to the Anglophone press in Paris. Rony Brauman announced leave, while the influx of international aid made it pos- that the situation was such that the minimum condi- sible for us to help these people stay at home and recover tions for genuine humanitarian action were no longer 60 from the famine’s effects... respected, and called into question the presence of MSF to lose. went We oremployment. money into the it nothing had for because nobody conviction with people to attract managed we did it notopenly. afraid, I’ve always said MSF that Ethiopia Well, we were more. Wall; Berlin was our little own any not afraid bling were pickaxe and people under blows, Wall, we saw Berlin it was the that only a wall crum struck When pickaxe the cracked. itself when fear to crack began system Soviet The much profound. more that He was right. Union, afraid.” not be Soviet “do the Pope the said: Ifound of much. too fall the Before happen. always One anticipates But strangely, of denunciation. this purpose the didfor not which went International, there of Amnesty medical kind MSF spies, a as would as of regard state heads members an NGO. as African We the all that thought existence its value.” MSF AC, accepted that entire the is Everyone, risking NGO. another MSFsomething else, not it’s a is atool, If MSF our create existence? can’t we will across, that get whatignore what and think, then we is know point the of “We This don’t was: president. MSF. care about If we simply obstacle that denies people access to care. care. to access people denies that obstacle every condemning to attaches MSF that importance the stressed and authorisation this obtain to stops the all out pull to decided unanimously council administrative The organisations. humanitarian all for problem serious avery -poses farms southern collective into farmers northern of integration forced -the population the of resettlement the conditions, disastrous In these this. of proof are in Korem experienced recently have we events The indefensible. was in inhuman conditions, undertaken people, thousand hundred several of transplantation The discussed. was resettlement of policy Ethiopian The difficulties. these to public the alert MSF that suggested Brauman Rony (RRC), Commission Rehabilitation and Relief Ethiopian the of Director Giorgis, Wolde Dawit of France to visit the of Taking advantage government. Ethiopian the from reaction asharp provoked declaration This in Ethiopia. and the position I have defended since I became since I became I have defended position and the of MSF of physical the existence question the stated in autumn 1985, meeting At Board the we plainly Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). (in French). President France MSF Brauman, Rony - - the resettlement programme. programme. resettlement the finance to donors urged and perspective abroader into transfers the of element compulsory the put Ethiopia, in UN representative the Jansson, Kurt 29On October, us?” hand feeds the that we “are biting wondered: We terms. discussed We it. in institutional risk an enormous out.” no, “Oh not working it’s and we saying: were It was us money washad done a huge giving campaign. Everybody Ouest-France of newspapers. in lots page front the making resettled. be would people more no that given been had assurances that It appeared back. coming were people the that Sunday on telephone him by told had office, Fund’s Ethiopian Children the Save the of Head Alexander, Mr David with along Ethiopia, in day last his Friday, on up there went he whom with monitors, over. UN field was resettlement, avoid to fled 6,000 about when Korem, of camp relief the at panic den sud week’s last that said He analogy. the for sympathy no had he clear it made era, Pot Pol the after Kampuchea in Coordinator UN Relief as served who Mr Jansson, but cities, Kampuchean depopulate to effort murderous Pot’s Pol to it compared have programme the of critics Wilder country. the of regions productive more to moved been have people half-a-million which under programme, the aid to refusal their end to governments Western urged MrJansson difficulties, these of in spite But, child. one least at or aparent without were families of 15% province, Wollo form settlers of survey In one split. been having families of problem a serious also was There said. he succeed‘, it make to needed be would effort of lot a and haphazardly, done been had planned, poorly was it him told “I week. last meeting afarewell at Mariam, Haile Mengistu leader, Colonel Ethiopian the to mentioned had he which problems, many had programme the that London in reporters told weekend, this duty of tour ayear’s ended who Mr Jansson, yesterday. said in Ethiopia, operations UN of Head the Jansson, Mr Kurt fail. would it otherwise because peasants famine-stricken resettling of gramme Ethiopia’s pro support should governments Western Extract: Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte There were the Chanteurs Sans Frontières, we were Chanteurs Sans the were There Frontières, us. hand fed publicly. the that biting We started in speaking I think MSF that risk an enormous took 29 October 1985 (in English). 29 October Guardian The Families,’ Ethiopia of Resettling Support ‘Appeal to Steele, Jonathan Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). French). Ethiopia(in Manager Programme (UK), (UK), - -
61 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
The original scare started when people were registered Dr Claude Malhuret from MSF made clear to Mr Dawit that for resettlement and some 600 were put in lorries. But since July, his organisation had “cared for malnourished Mr Jansson stressed that it was not certain that all 600 populations at Kelala”, and that he had been confronted were moved against their will. He saw it as a good sign with several thousand children, 600 of whom were 60% that the problem had been defused so quickly, unlike an below normal weight. “Since August, we have been repea- earlier crisis in May, when people were expelled from a tedly asking, verbally and in writing, for authorisation to camp at Ibnat. treat them, but have received no response”, he added.
On wider issues, Mr Jansson said that all the donors’ targets for grain delivery to Ethiopia have been met. The transport problem was close to a solution with the first Christian Chardon, ‘Médecins Sans Frontières: of 100 Band Aid lorries arriving, 150 coming from US aid, The Insidious Blackmail of Ethiopia,’ Le 100 from Italy and 40 from West Germany. The target for Parisien Libéré (France), 1 November 1985 (in distribution within the country was not yet up to the French). hoped for 100,000 tonnes a month, but the shortfall of 20,000 tonnes was due to transport difficulties and not Extract: to diversion by the government as was sometimes alleged. The running battle between Médecins Sans Frontières and the Ethiopian Government led by the dictator Mengistu flared up again yesterday morning. The French huma- nitarian organisation claims it is being prevented from assisting endangered people, as the regime in Addis On 31 October, during a press conference to mark his Ababa refuses to allow the opening of an emergency visit to Paris, RRC director Dawit Georgis was asked feeding centre for 5,000 children in the Kelala region of about Kelala. He said that MSF would be allowed to northern Ethiopia. “If the Ethiopians do not accept our open the centre in the next few days. In fact, this proposition, we will pull out,” said Dr Rony Brauman, authorisation would never be given. Dawit Georgis did the head of Médecins Sans Frontières. Such a departure not return to Ethiopia and asked for political asylum in would likely please the Ethiopian authorities, who have the United States several weeks later. already suggested that Médecins Sans Frontières leave the country... Then the miracle occurred.
During talks between Dr Brauman and Mr Dawit [Georgis], ‘New Appeal for International Aid for Ethiopia’. director of the Ethiopian Relief and Rehabilitation AFP, Paris, 31 October 1985, (in French). Commission (RRC), at the Ethiopian embassy in Paris yes- terday afternoon, a solution was found that guarantees Extract: the chance of survival for the 5.8 million Ethiopians who On Wednesday, Dawit Wolde Giorgis, the official res- will still require food aid in1986. ponsible for relief operations in Ethiopia, launched a new appeal for international aid to save approximately six mil- [...] Until today, he had been refusing to allow MSF to lion people who face starvation and malnutrition in 1986. set up a feeding centre in order to avoid an excessive “Despite the arrival of the rains, 5,800,000 people still concentration of people around Kelala. But for once, need help,” he stressed at a press conference during his good sense has prevailed. Médecins Sans Frontières has tour to raise awareness in Europe and the United States. obtained the authorisation it sought and the centre “The supplies we were sent in 1985 have already been should be opened in two days time. exhausted. From 11 December, we will need 1.1 million tonnes of cereals,” said Mr Dawit, who is also a prominent member of the Marxist regime in Addis Ababa. While praising the international response to the 1985 emer- gency, he stressed the importance of rehabilitation and Dawit Georgis, the head of the RRC came to Paris. reconstruction, and particularly the need for seed stock, He held a press conference, which Rony and I equipment and medicines, as well as cereals, in 1986. attended. We attacked him over Kelala because that’s where the controversy was centred: “MSF can’t care Mr Dawit held talks in Paris with an official from the for the people, the children are dying, it’s not working out. ministry of cooperation and development and repre- Why aren’t we allowed to?” The reason was that they didn’t sentatives from humanitarian organisations, including want this site to be too comfortable, because people were Médecins Sans Frontières. According to reliable sources, not supposed to stay in Kelala. We were not supposed to he indicated in his discussions with the latter that he create a camp. Now, if we were setting up a therapeutic would settle the problem of the opening of a childcare centre, we were going to create a camp. This was not to centre in Kelala, describing the recent controversy happen, the people were either supposed to return to their between MSF and the Ethiopian authorities as a “misun- homes or move to the south. It was forbidden to open any- 62 derstanding.” thing fixed. At the press conference we put the Kelala ques- issue and an article by the head of MSF Belgium. Belgium. MSF of head the by article an and issue May inthe dossier the to aresponse was This France. MSF of President the of reply of right the published and Frontières Sans Liberté of subject the to ned Monde Diplomatique Le of issue November The visit. that after back because of Kelala,wouldn’t but he didn’t he say defected go 80s...I in early the on Eritrea offensive Star’ ‘Red great the who politburo. launched had He was general-in-command the of the gentleman. He was probably part important very was a very, Dawit defection. Ethiopia. was first That the to on atour of and did not return Europe and America went He then well. was going very everything that sation; him. authori pressing He said we requested never had that kept who went French The green. journalists to Dawit, tion Jacques Dupâquier […], demographic historian; and and historian; […], demographic Dupâquier Jacques agronomy; of […], professor Klatzmann Joseph ment; develop in rural […], experts Etienne […] Gilbert and Giri Jacques included have could He us. to attributed choices’ ‘ideological the refute to serve mention not did Gresh A. that council administrative Frontière’s Sans Liberté of members the of stature the hand, other the On right-wing? as classed be to others, many among Party, Socialist Italian the of bers Todd mem and Olivier Arrabal, Are definition. easy defies that spectrum apolitical across from personalities many combine Résistance, la de Internationale the particularly and movements, these that hand one the on recalled be should it members), still are they (which Résistance la de Internationale the to and ago) years several it from themselves distanced (they CIEL to belonged council administrative Frontières Sans Liberté the of members ral seve that is true it while And Frontières. Sans Liberté de formation the to led description any of organisation No Libertés]. des l’Europe pour Intellectuels des -Comité [CIEL in Europe Freedoms for Intellectuals and Résistance], la de [Internationale International the of Resistance the right: the to rence adhe their for known organisations’ two of ‘offspring the be to is alleged foundation Frontières Sans Liberté The Extract: Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte French). French). Diplomatique Monde Le Results,’ and Intentions Worldism: -Third- Uses Political Aid its and Humanitarian over Controversy ‘The Rony Brauman, Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). French). Ethiopia(in Manager Programme (France), November 1985, November (in (France), retur ------number of tragic situations. situations. tragic of number in a factor determining is the elements, external than rather decisions, political local bad and error human of burden the is hand, that other the on saying, are we What countries. poor for forward only way is the enterprise private that or rely, to which on only dynamic the are forces market that idea the promotes document Frontières Sans Liberté No under-development. for a remedy as liberalism unbridled of champion the be to is alleged Frontières Sans Liberté countries. these of several or one strike that catastrophes or crises the of origin the at are links these imply that not does world the of countries various the between links economic of [...] existence The south? the on impose to nues conti north the that dominance of relation the of model a it Is powers? western the of cynicism the suggests, Julien’s article Claude as illustrate, it Does an example? as value any have years ten last the for undergoing been has Argentina that crisis the Does countries. poor world’s the by shared problems the to solution or approach bal glo is no there that emphasising are we World, Third the of concept the of relevance the [...] denying By 0.35%. to amounts Frontières Sans Liberté to allocated budget the of share far, the So 5%. than less Frontières: Sans Liberté to resources its of part small avery allocate to decided has Assembly General Our is simple. choice the is concerned, Frontières Sans Médecins as far As mation. infor and debate to considerable, sometimes resources, their of apart devote solidarity of [...] organisations All Parrainage). de International (Comité Sponsorship of Committee International the of member first the Paz, Octavio Or witness. to had have they failures the of consequences human the to tive atten particularly them makes field in the engagement their Frontières, Sans Médecins of members the with As problems. in health […], aspecialist Salomon Michel sation. Four of the five articles of its founding charter charter founding its of articles five the of Four sation. organi anapolitical as itself presents Frontières Sans Médecins least. the say to paradoxical, was initiative The itself. movement Frontières Sans Médecins the of fragmentation the provoked also it Third-Worldism, over controversy the in fanning only succeeded not Frontières Sans year, this of Médecins beginning the at foundation Frontières Sans Liberté the launched stridently it When Extract: (in French). (in French). Monde Diplomatique Le Non-alignment,’ Ideological and Solidarity - Uses Political Aid its and Humanitarian Over Controversy Philippe ‘The Laurent, (France), November 1985 November (France), - - - - -
63 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
develop this principle. Its goal is to bring rapid medi- On 3 November, the Sunday Times published an article cal assistance to distressed populations. The Liberté on the scandal of forced transfers and the silence Sans Frontières foundation, on the other hand, directly of aid organisations. Contradictory statements by situates its non-medical activities in the political field. Concern’s Head of Mission concerning transfer and resettlement conditions angered the MSF administra- Therefore, there is an incompatibility between MSF and tor in Ethiopia. The article depicted MSF as the only LSF. Now MSF France provides LSF with funding, premises relief organisation prepared to speak out publicly. and senior staff; it provides the foundation with logis- tical support and a moral guarantee, which invites noto- riety. In the light of this ambiguity, MSF Belgium decided in April 1985 to cease all collaboration with its French David Blundy, ‘Cover-up,’ The Sunday Times counterpart as long as there was no clear distinction (UK), 2 November 1985, (in English). between the latter and LSF. Extract: [...] The use of the term ‘apolitical’ often provokes the At least 50,000 and possibly as many as 100,000 Ethiopian reaction; ‘but there is no such thing; every act has a poli- peasants have died this year as a direct result of their tical significance.’ Yet common sense allows most people government’s resettlement programme, according to to use the word to make the distinction with politics the secret evidence of international relief agencies and and still understand each other. What is important here Western government sources in Addis Ababa. The relief is the intention; is the act fundamentally ideological? agencies, however, have refused to publish this evidence This sometimes allows us to distinguish between the dis- because they fear that Ethiopia’s Marxist government will tribution of electoral pamphlets and a consultation in a expel them and that such horrific news may dry up dona- clinic in the bush. Some would say that ensuring medical tions from the West. care can help to strengthen a power. We would reply that improving the health of a population has never prevented But an American organization, Cultural Survival Inc, will changes taking place. The discussion can go on forever. shortly publish the results of its interviews with 250 Ethiopian refugees in Sudan. This report has already been [...] At a time when society is generating a powerful condemned by the Ethiopian government and, publicly current of solidarity completely divorced from any funda- at least, by some aid agencies in Addis. The government mentally ideological position, when this current is being in Addis Ababa maintains that it needs to resettle more nurtured by a global community that is increasingly mas- than 1m people to the south because the land they farm tering its possibilities, MSF France is turning to politics. in northern Ethiopia is eroded and useless. Is this a matter of chance or necessity? Is this an isolated accident linked to the random action of a few indivi- However, the Sunday Times had reviewed unpublished duals? Or is it a significant event, which indicates that an evidence from three international aid agencies, based on apolitical movement is by nature unstable, and can only interviews carried out in Ethiopia, which strongly sug- anchor itself by turning to politics? Has MSF France, at gests that the Cultural Survival report is true. A secret the peak of its fame, found itself at an impasse? report by the League of the Red Cross shows that condi- tions in the resettlement areas of southern Ethiopia have However, there is plenty of space for the new adventurers been appalling. The peasants have lacked food, housing, to explore the ‘field of the possible.’ The techniques of tools, seed and medical facilities. The sanitation of their rapid medical assistance must be further improved, it is villages has, in many cases, been non-existent. Those imperative to establish a system that would give early resettled from the Ethiopian highlands have died in their warning of famine, more attention should be devoted to tens of thousands from malaria, in the mosquito-infested the formation of an expatriate medical corps to work in swamps of the lowlands. the Third World. The creation of a European university focused on the problems of developing countries - and in Many people died in transit because they were sick and collaboration with them - could help such countries to malnourished when they set out. They had hopelessly emerge from the feudalism that currently afflicts them. inadequate medical facilities and traveled in overcrowded conditions. There is also evidence that thousands of The acquisition and improvement of techniques are people were forced to move by Ethiopian militia-men. perhaps more mundane. It is tedious, self-effacing and, They were herded ‘like cattle’ into trucks and buses at in the eyes of some, second-rate work. But it is effort of feeding centres and villages in the north, according this kind, rather than the resort to grand gestures, that to a member of the French organization Médecins sans will allow the impulses of the heart to find legitimacy in Frontières. effective action. [...] There is no doubt that the international agencies and Western governments covered up the horrors that occurred during resettlement earlier this year. They have 64 two fears: that the Ethiopian government, which is extre- selves. them by Ethiopian the speeches keynote authorities and texts and USAID; and WFP from anthropologists by areport Concern; by provided data camps; in the working organisations various the from volunteers by observations medical and witness’ including MSF by collected information the all on based were Ethiopia in deportations mass of descriptions whose France, MSF of Director General Malhuret, Claude by written inareport contained were recommendations These families. of non-separation the and choice of freedom concerned; areas the inall conditions resettlement resettlement; local of possibility the and territories northern the of viability the points: three clarify could enquiry of acommission that so transfers the on moratorium a three-month recommended 4 November,On MSF figure. that to repeat practice it was notthat normal said Concern of hostilities. it in public. was start That the can go straight through it.’ through straight go can they and door the them Iamshowing least, the do they and mouths biggest the has Frontières sans ‘Médecins said RRC the of head the As government. Ethiopian the by expulsion faces now which Frontières sans is Médecins resettlement of conditions the and toll death terrible the about out speak to is willing which [...] only agency The year. this earlier died people 50,000 about areas, resettlement and camps transit from statistics his to according that, said agency aBritish of member Asenior emerge. to begins resettlement of side dark the workers, aid other with conversations [...] in private But issue. the discuss to refuse officials aid Publicly, West. the from donations up the dry to help will government Ethiopian the on badly reflect which stories that and them; expel even and them with co-operating stop will criticism, to sensitive mely Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France France 1985 May MSF to 1984 then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte quoted a mortality figure and Michel Fizbin repeated figure amortality quoted Concern from guy the Association], Development Relief and of CRDA the ameeting [Christian During Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French). French). Ethiopia(in Manager Programme - over aid to Ethiopia is all the more delicate as everyone everyone as delicate more the is all Ethiopia to aid over debate eternal The aid? the with on get and quiet Keep for the next famine in the south”, he said. he south”, in the famine next the for adate setting “I’m scandal. afuture become will Ethiopia that fears who Brauman, Dr replies saved”, be can what save to necessary it’s that pretext the on forever rything up eve “You cover can’t appropriate? ‘outbursts’ such Are Ethiopians. the replied here,” stay to you forcing “We not are question. into called be could in Ethiopia presence organisation’s the respected”, longer no are action humanitarian genuine for “minimum conditions the if that believing out, speak to decided field, in the teams its from pressure under MSF, reaction, official of absence the Given Frontières. Sans Chanteurs from proceeds the to thanks operating is team medical anMSF where Kelala, at centre feeding achildren’s of opening the for June since long and loud clamouring been has country, in the arrive to first the of one organisation, humanitarian The issue: another over loggerheads at already [...] were Ethiopia and MSF disaster.” human aterrible for there are ingredients “all the added, he In short, them. to foreign are regions these terms, Moreover, in ethnic non-existent”. are conditions “acceptable where regions to transported weak”, eventually and “psychologically are they up when rounded “arbitrarily” are country, the of south in the areas resettlement to force by part most the for taken peasants, Ethiopian that claimed He deaths.” of thousands of “tens caused has “resettlement” of policy government the that yesterday Libération told Brauman Rony figures, these endorsing not While lement. resett population of policy government the of because in Ethiopia died have 100,000 and 50,000 people between that confirm to seems Concern, organisation Irish the by anassessment and Societies Cross Red of League the up by drawn report asecret on heavily relied which investigation, . Its ‘Cover-up’ entitled dossier sizeable a publishing by circles aid in international stir derable a consi caused Times Sunday London Sunday,On the Ababa. in Addis authorities the with run-ins several after Ethiopia from expulsion of threat under is already organisation his arisk; is taking MSF of president the astep, such ting advoca By transfers. population of policy Ethiopian the against leveled being are accusations fresh when time a at comes His demand Ethiopia. to sent be to enquiry of commission aninternational for called has (MSF), Frontières Sans Médecins of president Brauman, Rony Extract: French). Libération Transfers’ Population the Condemns Frontières Sans Médecins ‘Ethiopia: Haski, Pierre (France), 5 November 1985 (in 5November (France), - - - -
65 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
agrees that it is necessary to continue to assist its popu- longer has any connection with a natural catastrophe, lations, who still need at least one million tonnes of cereal but stems from a human decision. On the other, this from international aid sources this year. An independent operation is unfolding in conditions that constitute one commission of enquiry would clear the air, but the chances of the most massive violations of human rights in recent of Addis Ababa agreeing to this are almost non-existent. years, and is being conducted thanks to the material and financial means provided by international aid, which has been crudely diverted from its objectives.
’Tens of Thousands Died During the Transfers,’ The huge resettlement operation began in the winter of Le Monde (AP, AFP), 8 November 1985 (in 1984-85, after an interruption it resumed on a large scale French). two months ago. It has already resulted in a disaster of considerable proportions; various observers have put the Extract: death toll at between 50 and 100,000. Its continuation can On Thursday 7 November, Rony Brauman, President of only swell the number of victims and continue to hinder the humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières the distribution of aid in the affected areas of the north. (MSF), called for the opening of a commission of enquiry into the resettlement programme in Ethiopia. According The principle of resettlement itself is probably debatable, to witnesses, including members of MSF, these transfers given the paucity of studies conducted up to the present are enforced “by the threat of arms”, and living condi- as to the possibilities of improving existing agriculture tions in the transit centres are “appalling.” According and to the real possibilities of farming lands in the west to the Irish humanitarian organisation Concern, quoted and southwest. But for the moment, the essential point by MSF, about 20% of those displaced die or are dead lies elsewhere. The essential point is to put a stop, as on arrival. Moreover, the British weekly The Sunday soon as possible, to the conditions under which resettle- Times estimates that at least 50,000 Ethiopian peasants ment is currently taking place. In order to achieve this, - perhaps 100,000 - died in 1985 because of the resett- it seems to us that the only conceivable proposition is lement programme organised by the government in Addis a moratorium of at least three months. This should be Ababa. On 3 November, The Sunday Times published an urgently requested of the Ethiopian government. article by its correspondent in the Ethiopian capital, which referred to confidential information held by inter- A moratorium would allow a commission of internatio- national relief organisations. A secret Red Cross report is nal experts to go into the field and question the pea- alleged to suggest that populations from the north were sants who have been displaced, as well as those in the transferred to the south in ‘frightful’ conditions, and that departure zones. The commission should also study the tens of thousands have died from malaria in the marshes. viability of lands available on the high plateaus of the north as well as the possibilities of suggested areas in the south and west. Finally, it could, if the principle of resettlement appears justified - which is quite possible Dr Claude Malhuret, ‘Mass Deportations in - suggest solutions so that it can be conducted properly, Ethiopia’. MSF Confidential Report, December notably on the matter of ensuring that candidates are 1985 (in French). willing to leave from the outset.
Extract: Introduction: For over two years, the international community has been mounting a massive effort to assist the people of Malhuret shut himself away in his office for three or Ethiopia, victims of one of the worst famines in history. four days, putting together all the information from Hundreds of thousands have succumbed over the course Michel Fizbin, our administrator in Addis Ababa, and of these two years. But the extent of the efforts under the Ethiopian documents, which were full of indications on way and the return of the rains allow for some scope to the way they were envisaging the management of interna- view the future with cautious optimism. tional aid. He produced this very clinical report on the transfers and stamped it ‘confidential’ so that it received Now it is precisely at this moment of renewed hope that widespread coverage... Three times a week, the BBC the Ethiopian government has chosen to forge ahead published comprehensive accounts of the speeches it with its gigantic transfer of populations. This opera- recorded from various public radio stations throughout the tion, which has already resulted in tens of thousands of world in their original languages, then translated and circu- deaths, runs the risk, if it is pursued to its conclusion, lated them. There were these little books with hundreds of of claiming as many victims as the famine itself. Public pages of speeches by Mengistu, Party cadres, etc ... François opinion, like the western governments that have done so Jean made great use of these documents when he wrote ‘Du much for Ethiopia, is doubly concerned. bon usage de la famine’. They were the basis of his work.
66 On the one hand, we are witnessing a disaster which no Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). operations. operations. transfer forced for use its and aid of misappropriation the condemned he inwhich France MSF of president the with interview an published magazine, French circulated awidely 14On November, Paris-Match, this region has had rain and the cereal harvest looks looks harvest cereal the and rain had has region this Now resettled. be shortly will 25,000 people At Kelala, people... of millions feeding of capable is still land the of majority vast the but unproductive, effectively are areas Afew years! two of course the over exhausted become suddenly not has soil the and rain had has north the up because stand not does argument This north. the of those unlike populated, sparsely and fertile are lands southern the is that reason official The possible. as many as resettle to intended he that me told Giorgis, Wolde Aid Minister, Dawit The south. the to relocated been have famine the by affected refugees 6million the far, 512,000 So of 100,000 people! to 50,000 between killed already have they Because act…. to forced be finally will democracies western that hope in the sacre mas this surrounding silence the broken has camps), gee refu Ethiopian in the working teams several has (which Frontières Sans Médecins of president the Brauman, Rony regime. his supporting advisers military Cuban and Soviet thousand ten the of assistance the ‘new man,’ the with create to Emperor] Ethiopian the to given title is the [Negus Negus’ ‘Red the tains, moun the than control to easier are which plains, the on peasants these dumping By lives. their lose people his of thousands if, Cambodia, Even in Pot’s Pol as fish. the catch to to in order river the drain to intends now he but water,’ is to afish as masses the is to ‘revolution stating theory, Maos reversed has General Secretary Party’s The years. twenty than more for Ababa in Addis regime the threatening been have who Tigre, and in Eritrea operating rebels the isolate to in order inhabitants its of north the empty to country his is ravaging famine when moment the chose Mengistu donations, western of advantage Taking Party. Workers’ Marxist-Leninist the up by cooked administration of maze in the lost aid international by financed deportation Amassive lorries. of convoys onto cattle like herded were people half-dead starving, of thousands of Hundreds south. the of plains fertile called so- the to north the of plateaus high the from people million three over of relocation the ordered Mariam Haile Mengistu deportation! through but starvation, through Not in Ethiopia! deaths thousand ahundred to Fifty Extract: Paris-Match, 14 November 1985,(in 14 November French). Paris-Match, Deportations’, Massive Your Finances Ethiopia, Money ’In Interview with Rony Brauman, Brauman, Rony with - - - unknown. People from Tigre travel for three days, five five days, three for travel Tigre from People unknown. the into journey the by broken psychologically are They existence. their define that landmarks last the lose they environment, their from torn are refugees When centres. feeding intensive the to thanks saved be will children of thousands that and after looked be they’ll know they future; immediate the for only hope is their presence Our us. on rely They Frontières. Sans Médecins like teams humanitarian family, and their environment, emotional their to cling They everything. lost have people poor these that You understand to have found! be may individuals transplanted the where say to tion is in aposi nobody and is kept departures of register no because is false this but husbands, their rejoin will wives that claims government The separated. permanently were Families shock. the stand couldn’t they Physically, tuberculosis! from suffering were who people several loaded even They 32 kilos. was weight adult average the arrived, we When years. two for enduring been had they hunger the from weak very already were People RB: journey? the during rate mortality ahigh such is there Why PM: dump trucks... onto people the force to clubs used they Then replied. he you” with do to nothing has which operation resettlement normal aperfectly “It’s anexplanation. for official, Party local the Nurtata, asked official Frontières Sans Médecins The vehicles! of short were they because organisation, humanitarian English the Children,’ the ‘Save to ging belon lorries three requisitioned even officials Party Kalashnikovs. and clubs with armed militia by guarded an enclosure into herded were they there got they When day. same that centre transit Dessié the to sent were 600 and surrounded were people Six thousand behind! stayed disabled the Only fled. also hospitals in our patients the of Athird possessed. they little what abandoning panic, in total mountains the into fled and terrorised being were People refugees. collect to there were They dawn. before up just turned suddenly militia the is working, Frontières Sans Médecins where camp Korem in the October, of end At the violence. of in aclimate duress, Under RB: place? taking exodus is this conditions In what PM: government. the by fixed quotas blind the fill to destined are they round-ups, brutal of course the during random at selected are deportees The north. in the survive to is possible it that indeed is proof Here harvest?” my and oxen my to happen to going What’s children. my and wife pregnant my abandon to Ihad leave... to me forced “they them: told refugees the of One militiamen. armed ten by surrounded were and baggage or food no had they region; in this people fifty and hundred one of agroup met States, United the from anadminstrator Mitchell, John and nurse, Frontières Sans Meunier, a Médecins Christine south. the to evacuation for marked are who area, in the stay to population the encourage will a centre that is afraid Party The there. starvation of dying are who children 8,000 the for centre afeeding erect to Frontières Sans Médecins forbidden have authorities The promising. - -
67 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
days for those from Wollo (600 -1,000 ). They stop for RB: Only independent humanitarian organisations like regrouping in transit centres which lack even the basic Médecins Sans Frontières can ensure that control is facilities, including sanitation. At night, the tempera- exercised by volunteers in the field. This is not the case ture falls below 10° [centigrade] and they have to sleep with the aid provided by the European Community, the on the bare ground, lying on top of each other to keep United Nations and the western governments, who pro- warm.. Often, they have no blankets. They never know if vide the bulk of aid to Ethiopia. 1,5 million tonnes of they’ll get anything to eat the next day; the distribution grain, hundreds of lorries and tens of millions of francs of grain is irregular and always insufficient. They are have been placed at the disposal of the Ethiopian Relief given a handful of corn every day, but they might not and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC). Bob Geldof, the receive anything for half the journey... They have a right organiser of the ‘Live Aid’ concert, which collected 600 to one or two cups of water a day! On this type of diet, million francs for Africa, went to Ethiopia in October. the weakest inevitably die. In the Dessié transit centre, He paid a brief visit to the Korem camp, where he was there are 20-30 deaths a day (no foreigners are allowed surrounded by a virtual cordon of Party members. Nobody into this centre) but they are also dying en masse in the from our organisation could get near him! We don’t know lorries and buses. I repeat: 50,000 to 100,000 people how the money from the concert will be used. Since have already died in appalling conditions. the DERG (the provisional military committee) founded PM: What happens to the survivors at the end of the the Workers’ Party last year, our collaboration with the journey? RRC has deteriorated. We had always worked alongside RB: We are certain that there is no infrastructure for Ethiopian teams, motivated and dynamic people but, receiving the refugees. The 200 resettlement centres, to the Party gradually whittled away the Commission’s the west and south of Addis Ababa, are in fact no more prerogatives and took over relief operations. The Party than uncultivated plains that the ‘deportees’ have to is responsible for bringing the population transfers to a clear by hand. Before departure, party officials organise successful conclusion. compulsory meetings; they depict the south as a kind [...] PM: Are you prepared to withdraw the Médecins Sans of California or El Dorado. They watch propaganda films Frontières teams if the Ethiopian government does not showing tractors and combined-harvesters reaping the stop the population transfers? maize harvest on fertile plains. In fact, the LIubbabor RB : We can’t exclude that possibility. Our presence in and Kefa regions are wild plains, which will need two the field is currently being called into question by the or three years’ work before they are capable of feeding authorities, but we’ll do everything we can to continue people. Hans Humi, a Swiss agronomist who has spent 15 our work, while always remaining vigilant. That’s what years at the Soil Conservation Institute in Addis Ababa, thousands of men, women and children, the victims of claims that much of this land will be exhausted in a gene- both famine and summary justice, expect of us. ration. If it is not properly irrigated, prepared and farmed with appropriate means and equipment, the seeds will be washed away by the violent rains that fall every year. PM: But does the situation of these displaced people improve once the journey is over? That same day, the president of MSF France arrived in RB: At present, nobody knows exactly what is happening Addis Ababa to support the teams and hold talks with in the south of the country. These regions are forbidden other NGOs, representatives of western governments, to foreigners, apart from rare, limited and closely super- and the United Nations. The ICRC delegate in Ethiopia vised visits. Visitors are introduced to ‘happy peasants’ was the only person to totally agree with the form who willingly answer questions under the watchful eye and substance of MSF’s position. The other aid orga- of party members. On one occasion, a group of foreign nisations, while approving the substance, remained visitors noted that these ‘peasants’ were militiamen circumspect as to the form through fear of expulsion. disguised as farmers! They carried pistols under their tat- The MSF President told the French ambassador to tered clothes! In fact, the ‘deportees’ have to construct Ethiopia, who declared himself resigned to the totali- everything themselves. And, they have to build the Party tarian nature of the Ethiopian regime, that while the headquarters before putting up the sheds that serve as MSF teams were not resigned to the situation, MSF communal living quarters. With two exceptions, none of intended to continue its work in Ethiopia. these centres have doctors. The deaths on the journey are augmented by those which occur on arrival at the site. We are particularly concerned as this is not the first time that the government has applied this method. In 1978, several thousand Eritreans were moved to the south. They I went to Ethiopia to talk to the teams and meet the were supposed to be self-sufficient, in terms of feeding authorities. I couldn’t get out of Addis Ababa themselves, after three years. It was a total failure. Yet because I had no travel permit. Everybody came to the same measures are now being applied again, thanks to the capital and we had a meeting. We agreed... We went to international aid and the use of the famine as a pretext. have coffee with the French ambassador. He was worried PM: Don’t the donors control what happens to internatio- about the reasons for my visit. I said, ‘we’ve got to get 68 nal aid in the field? involved, we can’t accept what’s happening anymore, we to believe that thetransfers were forced… sentative inEthiopia,whoclaimedtohavenoreason evidence, theMSFteamwenttoseenewUNrepre- for resettlementintheSouth.Armedwiththisfresh transit camps,wherepeasantswereawaitingtransport and described in detail the deplorable conditions in the written byafieldofficerfortheWorldFoodProgramme of theMSFofficeinAddisAbaba.Itcontainedareport On 15 November, an envelope was slid under the door once at it, we both do We it. Isee way not the and we here don’t are accept‘that’s and if don’t you accept it, shouldn’t you come.” Ireplied You Nazis. are they that accept it either ordon’t accept it, and he saidthat, should “you when know come you here ofaccept thing.’ this kind he tensed that abit at Inoticed MSF - at or not but one thingNazis is wecertain don’t Nazis.” are authorities) don’t ‘I if are Isaid: know they away.” (the “those people bysaying He Ethiopian concluded 20 km village to another to go forced were They ground. it to the They’d burnt by militia. village, their razed just surrounded belongings, meagre their with wind and freezing rain out in pouring the of and souls hundreds hundreds poor Isaw Diredawa. Iwas coming day other the from back and he said, NGOs, other “look, from especially testimonies, business.’fer him told I’d latest the Ialso come to collect can’t we’re accept role the trans in this playing population an inadequate water supply, no sanitation facilities and and facilities supply, sanitation no water an inadequate from 7. was resulted this in rate Wegedi, As daily death recorded average the 28th) (September 894 of population a of Out in Lemi. found was Wegedi to situation A similar Awraja) (Borena camp transit RRC Lemi resettled. be to due were camp the around and in population the of Most shigella. from dying most = 7); =25, lowest (highest day 16 of per rate death an average showed records September and August common. During also was typhus and proportions in epidemic evident was shigella Consequently personnel. health and drugs of lack acrippling and distribution, ration dry inadequate programme, feeding adisorganized facilities, sanitation no supply, overcrowding, 9,164. water clean no was There was September 28th of as Wegedi at population camp reported The camps. in transit RRC appeared September and August during in Wollo problems acute most The Awraja) (Borena camp transit RRC Wegedi Extract: Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). President France MSF Brauman, Rony November 1985,November (in English). 1985,’ Monitor, 6 Field August-September WFP Report Situation ‘Wollo Mitchell, Joseph John - : sures. mea health public for responsible be to organisation(s) arelevant for need is aclear there increased been have to said are quotas resettlement that fact the of In view considerations. secondary as them view to seemed RRC the shelters, fixed more MOH unlike and the by taken were measures health public no or little temporary, considered were they as words In other shelters. transit concerning responsibilities clear, had designated organisation no that It appeared health. public to regard with particularly preparations, prior of lack the concerning asked be must questions serious future in the emerging situations such supply. However, prevent to water clean atemporary installing by problem water the to quickly OXFAM and responded sent, I.V. were ration, fluids a dry with home sent were people many In Wegedi, underlined. been had situation the of seriousness the when Lemi and in Wegedi situation the to MOH and reacted RRC The Discussion [...] Kombolcha. or Dessie via resettlement for Lemi 4,323 left had 28 September of As ineffective. virtually rendered was this sanitation, and care health of absence in the but in operation was programme common. Afeeding also were fever relapsing and pneumonia typhus, but deaths of majority the for accounted measles and Shigella medicines. no virtually time! time! that at represented Cambodia to aid food that model the of effectiveness the on themselves congratulated and in 1980 in Cambodia in post were UNDP representative the and aweek) for in post only been has (he decessor pre Priestley’s Jansson, that remembered be It should Priestley). Michael to letter forced.” (See are transfers the that believe to son rea “no had he stated Priestley terminated. abruptly was ‘discussion’ the Human Rights, of UN Declaration the and press afree of principle the him of reminded Rony When it. held he as fingers his burning be to seemed which article, Match Paris the out singled He negotiations.” ruining and tension the “increasing was which circus,” ”media our condemned and facts the disputed feebly He in Ethiopia). Operations Emergency for General Secretary the to (assistant Priestley with interview Heated UN [...] Extract: 25 November 1985 25 (in November French). France, Summary oftheboardmeeting,MSF - - -
69 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
One or two days after our arrival, Brigitte, the Addis MSF team and myself went to see Michael Priestley, the Four members of the RRC, including Berhanu Deressa UN Representative in Addis. I explained the MSF The French ambassador position, stressing the scenes MSF staff had witnessed, like Three UN representatives the roundups, the use of aid as a means of blackmail at Four journalists Korem, and the problem of Kelala. He listened to it all with a sour expression, and became increasingly annoyed. I was It was a tense and heated discussion. Rony gave a point- not really surprised by his hostile reaction, given the more by-point summary of all the accusations he had already than friendly position the UN had adopted vis-à-vis the put into the public domain. The UN representatives, who DERG, but even so, I was beginning to get annoyed myself. had probably given the Ethiopians the Match article and After twenty minutes, the atmosphere was becoming elec- graciously translated it for them, supported the RRC tric. It was obvious that he was casting doubt, without position. openly saying so, on everything we were telling him. To clarify matters, I asked him if, in his opinion, the people in The French ambassador, who began the meeting in a the transit camps and ‘resettlement’ zones had left of their conciliatory tone, became violently angry with MSF own free will or had been forced out. He went bright red, towards the end. He maintained the opposite line to the shoved back his chair and replied almost word for word, “I one he’d taken in private and accused us of “insulting the have no reason whatsoever to think that these people leave host country in a scandalous magazine,” etc. the camps against their will.” I had to stop myself from overturning his desk. We got up and left, slamming the door The Ethiopians were probably hoping that MSF would behind us. retract its statements at the meeting, a ploy which had apparently been used successfully four or five times Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). already when someone had denounced certain Ethiopian practices.
MSF Two meetings were held with the coordinators of the On 16 November, at a supposedly private meeting with camps where we are working in order to gauge the situa- the RRC deputy commissioner, the representatives of tion in the field and how the teams feel. All have agreed MSF France found themselves in the presence of jour- to take it as far as it will go, at the risk of being expelled, nalists, the deputy to the UN representative for relief as intolerable conditions have already been exceeded. in Ethiopia and the French ambassador. Called upon to refute his remarks about forced resettlement, the The aim of MSF president of MSF France instead confirmed them and To obtain from decision-makers and the biggest providers renewed his request for a three-month moratorium on of aid to Ethiopia the conditionality of their aid i.e., to the programme so that an international commission decide what aid to provide in ‘86, after a three-month could investigate the situation. After the meeting, moratorium during which all population transfers will be he repeated his remarks in a letter to the RRC Deputy suspended. This period will allow an in-depth study of Commissioner, in which he suggested an exploratory the possibilities of rehabilitation in the north, reception mission to the south in order to select a place where conditions in the resettlement zones and the conditions MSF could work. He said the organisation could double under which population transfers take place. or triple its teams in order to help resettle the drought victims in appropriate conditions. Copies were sent to If this is to happen, we need to show that transfer condi- the UN representative and every relief organisation tions provide: working in Ethiopia. The teams in the field supported - Freedom of choice these approaches. - The non-separation of families - Satisfactory physical condition (currently disrespected)
Claude Malhuret is in the process of compiling a ‘black Summary of the board meeting, MSF France, book’ on the deportations, using information from 25 November 1985 (in French). various sources. Some steps have been taken at EEC level. The European Parliament is the organisation most likely Extract: to vote for a resolution subjecting aid for 1986 to a delay [...] RRC of three months. The position of the EEC could have a The RRC had let it be known that it did not want an inter- domino effect on various governments. view with Rony and Brigitte. But probably as a result of a discussion with Priestley, Rony was called to a meeting with Berhanu Deressa, Deputy Commissioner of the RRC. This interview was not a simple one-to-one between MSF 70 and RRC, but a kind of press conference attended by: sites. reception the at infrastructure of lack the and transport of conditions the populations, these of resettlement forced the of critical particularly was MSF country. the of south in the Tigré and Gonda Wollo, from populations famine-stricken resettling of policy the against levelled has organisation his accusations the reiterate to had Brauman Dr journalists, and officials RRC organisations, humanitarian of representatives of audience selected acarefully by Confronted Mr, Dawit. of absence in the is in charge who Deressa, Berhanu (RRC), Commission Rehabilitation and Relief Ethiopian the of Head Deputy the by ago weeks two Ababa Addis to MSF, of summoned [...] President was Brauman, Rony Dr Extract: Commissioner Dawit during our interview in Paris on last last on in Paris interview our during Dawit Commissioner R.R.C. from lreceived which agreement verbal the Despite normal. the of 70 percent below was ratio height for weight whose 8,300 children the treat to needed centre feeding the open to authorized not were we months, four last the during demands several of in spite At KELALA, impossible. becoming of point the to even difficult, more becoming are northern in the projects bilitation reha the and MSF by out carried being work emergency the priority, is anabsolute now operation this 1. As place. is taking it in which conditions the and resettlement population’s this with connected problems grave very the is I am underlining doing what only, but government asovereign of power the within is which a decision here comment to seeking in way any Iamnot priority. anabsolute become now, appears, it has south the to north the from population the Moving drought. the by affected provinces in the operations tion rehabilita and relief emergency the concerning events of turn recent the about worried very However, are we everyone. by acknowledged are devotion and competence whose staff, RRC the with cooperation its of results the with is pleased MSF meeting, the during you Itold As press. international the and Nations United the from representatives of in front wants organization our what state to and Frontières sans Médecins by felt concern the voice to in Addis visit recent my during me gave you opportunity the of glad very I was DERESSA, MrBerhanu Dear Extract: Monde Le Frontières’. Sans Médecins NGO the Expels Government ‘Ethiopian Chipaux, Françoise Commissioner, 20 November 1985 (in 20 November Commissioner, English). deputy RRC Deressa, Mr Berhanu to Letter from Dr Rony Brauman, President of MSF MSF of President Brauman, Rony Dr from (France), 3 December 1985 (in French). 3December (France), - - One of our nurses travelling on the road to Dessie with with Dessie to road the on travelling nurses our of One militiamen. armed by escorted were and duress under leave to forced were people the of majority vast the arecategorical; staff day. Our that on away taken and selected persons 600 saw in M.S.F. Korem The Staff fled. also patients our of Athird 25th October. of last camp Korem in the arrived militia the when mountains neighbouring the into fled 15,000 people than More ties. family their for regard without and will their against away taken are zones ment resettle to dispatched being people 2. most In Korem, development. and tation rehabili long-term at aimed efforts numerous of dashing the are which of consequences immediate the direction, of change atotal be to appears what by surprised very are we stated, already lhave As population. the by red desi is strongly it and it for a wish expressed has R.R.C. The is possible. mentioned l have region in the home Areturn home? areturn foster and camp the of cuation eva the plan to conditions, in these possible, How is it outside. available is food general no if centre feeding its from children convalescent discharge hardly can M.S.F.addition, Staff In area. this to Korem from population the of return the up held has delay the own, their on grain move to trying now are N.G.O.’s the if Even fleets I.C.R.C. truck and programmes. resettlement for used being now are Sekota to moving usually trucks R.R.C. The basis. aregular on C. R. R. the in by brought be to supposed was it though even is made delivery grain regular no where and gramme pro ajoint on food general given be to supposed were in SEKOTA, people 60,000 where exists situation A similar country. the of parts southern the to process ment resettle the jeopardize told, were we would, they as den forbid been have yet months more several for essential be still will which grain of hand-outs Unfortunately, it. in participated actively and 12,000 people, by land the to return this supported enthusiastically I.C.R.C. we and Fund Children the R.R.C., Save the with Together ting. self-suppor become to able were people these as a time such until distribution food amonthly be to was There August. last relocated voluntarily were Korem from sons 12,000 per Maychew, at where is worsening situation The hand-out. food or consultation amedical up during picked being of afraid were people and area that from resettlement for taken be to due were 25,000 persons as month, past 75% in by the dropped has centre our at attendance Kelala, of region same In the them. of majority vast the saved have in fact could we whereas dead, are percent, 60 below children the particularly centre, this for need greatest the had who children the of those Today, given. been not still has permission 31st, October ------
71 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
a Unites Nation Field Officer met a group of about 150 transport and accommodation conditions for the dis- young men escorted by militiamen. One of them managed placed people. It is also highly probable that, were this to inform them that the militia had taken him from his situation to improve, the number of volunteers would home just when he was preparing to gather into harvest, increase. separating him from his wife and children. Although the Regarding MSF, we are, as you know, quite ready to play militia moved in very quickly to break up the conversation our part in this project. You suggested that I go out on an with this group of persons, this testimony leads one to exploratory assignment to the regions involved. I would, wonder what the selection criteria are for resettlement. in reply, like to confirm that l would be very happy to be able to do so. The staff of thirty or so persons kept by The same holds true for Kelala area, where many of those us in Ethiopia could be doubled, or even tripled, in order assigned to leave wanted to stay on their land as they to help with relocating the drought victims. But, as l thought they would be able to live off it again because a told you, we cannot function in a way that is contrary to promising harvest is arriving. what people want. MSF. would like to continue its work in Ethiopia and to extend it. Thanks to an amazing surge We might add that we saw the departure for the resettle- of solidarity, it has been possible to mount an emergency ment lands from Korem in November 1984. Those leaving relief operation that has no precedent in history, but at that time were volunteers wanting to migrate to more serious doubts over the way the relief operations are cur- hospitable territories. But here too, there appears to have rently being conducted might put it into jeopardy. been complete change in direction; the 3 unanimously accepted criteria - freedom of choice, non-separation of That is why l should like to repeat the request l put to you family units and suitable state of health -have in most at our meeting: MSF. would like the competent Ethiopian instances, been completely forgotten. I have also spo- Authorities to proclaim a 3 months moratorium in order ken about this very serious problem to Mr Priestley and to allow a commission of enquiry to clarify certain issues, Mr Franklin, representatives of the United Nations. as hoped for one and all:
3. The way in which people are transported to the resett- -The viability of the northern territories and the scope lement lands provokes extremely high mortality rates. for local rehabilitation. The average weight of an adult in our hospitals at Korem -Accommodation facilities in all the resettlement lands, last year was 32 kg. Happily, the situation has improved -Freedom of choice as regards relocation and the possibi- but the physical condition of people who have undergone lity for separated families to be able to reunite. such an ordeal is still very precarious. At the same time, l renew my offer to carry out an Already physically debilitated, many persons have been extended survey in the resettlement sites in order to torn away from their near relations for a journey to an select in close cooperation with R.R.C a project where unknown destination in an atmosphere of duress and MSFcould be involved. even violence, all of which adds up to a traumatic psy- chological shock. This exaggerates the physical effects of Your desire for openness, which you reaffirmed recently their ordeal and helps to diminish the physical resistance by inviting the international press to attend our inter- of the individual even further. view, is to my mind a very encouraging sign.
Finally, whereas some transit centres function properly, Hoping, wholeheartedly, that you will be able to accede there are some with no sanitation facilities and with to this request, insufficient water and food. This also aggravates the harmful effects of the road journey. Yours very sincerely,
AlI these factors explain the very heavy mortality rate Doctor Rony BRAUMAN attendant upon relocation of the disaster victims. There President of Médecins Sans Frontières is a common denominator linking all the separate factors that have created this extremely grave situation; the cc: to all individuals and agencies involved in the relief absolute priority given to the very fast relocation to the and rehabilitation projects. resettlement lands in the south-west. It is not MSF.’s role to give an opinion on whether this plan is well founded or not. Nor does M.S.F. in any way seek to dictate to the Ethiopian government how it should go about its busi- ness. However, the scale of the operation, involving as it does several hundreds of thousands of human beings, has become incompatible with compliance with the elemen- tary rights of any individual.
72 3 to 4 months would no doubt, be sufficient to improve President, MSF France MSF President, BRAUMAN Rony Dr Yours faithfully, problem. this concerning response your to forward I look departure. of conditions these for respect concerning position your clarify could you if grateful most be Iwould and us, between ding amisunderstan of amatter is not it that sure be to like I would issue, this to attach all we that importance the Given point. this on disagree you that last 15 November on interview our at impression the Ireceived Now filled. ful being not are conditions these that us to It appears conditions. basic the as all by considered are points three these In effect, condition physical Satisfactory families of Non-separation choice of Freedom Commission: Rehabilitation and Relief the including in Ethiopia, operations relief all by adopted unanimously been have sites resettlement for departing for criteria Three is attached. which him, of acopy to in a letter also and RRC, the of Commissioner Deputy Deressa, Berhanu with interview my of time the at subject this on Frontières Sans Médecins of concerns the Moreover, I expressed your attention. to facts these bring to Iwanted which for reason is the This scale. alarge on violated is being Human Rights, of Declaration Universal the 13 of Article by guaranteed state, each of borders the within residence and ment move of freedom to right the that feel We therefore duress. under conducted being currently are ments move population of majority the that indicates teams, Frontières Sans Médecins from particularly testimony, witness of body alarge this, at surprise my I expressed concerned. people the of will the against made being were departures these that believe to reason no was there knowledge, your to that, me told you sites, resettlement to populations of relocation the of point specific the approached we When in Ethiopia. operations rehabilitation and relief discuss to opportunity the have and you meet to glad very I was Sir,Dear Extract: 1985 (in French). 21 November in Ethiopia, Operations Relief for Nations United the of General Secretary the to Assistant Priestley, Michael to France, Letter from Dr Rony Brauman, President of MSF MSF of President Brauman, Rony Dr from - - - - on other. the concerned” populations the among hostility a “growing and hand, one the on operations” resettlement of tion an “intensifica been has there that noted been has it months, several For said. he respected”, being longer no are principles these evidence, the to “According journey. the undertaking before fitness physical and families of non-separation the choice, of freedom principles: three respect Human Rights, of Declaration Universal the of 13 Article with in conformity must, relocations these that out pointed Brauman Dr transfers. population for is responsible which (RRC), Commission Rehabilitation and Relief Ethiopian the to subject this on a letter sending be MSF, Ethiopia”. of will south added, he the to populations of relocation the by posed problems the assess to anopportunity provide “should moratorium this that AFP told Monday. on Brauman Dr in Paris announced Brauman Rony Dr President MSF country, the of south the to Ethiopia northern from populations of transfer the of suspension athree-month for is calling (MSF) Frontières Sans Médecins organisation humanitarian The Extract: We cannot be dictated to.” dictated be We cannot in Ethiopia. things doing of ways We different have gram. pro our of aspect other any on comment to competent job. You your do you not if are humanitarian be You will conditions. setting on insistence your accept not will ”I Ethiopia: and donors Western between forged has famine that alliance distrustful uneasy, the underscored that statement abroader made MrBerhane tone, an indignant in Then, tartly. replied them,” MrBerhane agitate Borders Without Doctors of members ”Because commission. the of director deputy Deressa, Berhane asked Brauman Dr mountains?” the to away run people these all do ”Why quiet.” keep is to in Ethiopia here role our that We feel don’t Borders. Without Doctors of Brauman Rony said problem,” ahuman is just it problem; political a is not this obviously resettlement, offer to come militia the when will, their against away taken are people ”When Commission. Rehabilitation and Relief government’s the of director deputy the with capital, the Ababa, in Addis exchange an angry had Korem, at works that agency voluntary a French Borders, Without Doctors of president the week [...] Last Extract: French). AFP Transfers’. Population on Moratorium month a Three- for Calls Frontières Sans ’Médecins 1985, (in English). Tribune Herald International for Service Post Washington Starving,’ Longer No But in Need Still Harden, ‘Ethiopia Blaine (France) Paris, 18 November 1985(in 18 November Paris, (France) , 30 November , 30 November - -
73 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
Since operations began about a year ago, some 500,000 They wanted us to go back on everything we’d said before, people from the northern provinces of Ethiopia have been to retract our statements and admit that things were not so resettled in the south of the country. Dr Brauman confir- bad, etc. It was a kangaroo court… Eventually, the French med that 100,000 people (15-20% of those displaced) ambassador said: “This is unacceptable, you are not worthy have died during the transfers or within three months of of being French”, or something like that. “You are less than their arrival. nothing, you can’t stop lying.” When Rony heard that, he nearly hit him! I had to restrain him. I swear he was going For the last month or two, says Dr Brauman, non-govern- to belt him. That’s when he called him a “collaborator”. mental organisations (NGOs) operating in Ethiopia, That’s when we thought “this is a disaster.” including MSF, have encountered increasing difficulty. Populations are increasingly reluctant to enter refugee Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in centres like Korem, Sekoto and Kelala for fear of being Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 then MSF France forcibly transported to the south. Programme Manager Ethiopia(in French).
The origin of this attitude lies in the stories they have heard concerning the often precarious reception condi- tions in the south, said the MSF president, while recalling that relocation had often been voluntary during the early On 20 November, the spokesman for the New York- days. based United Nations Office for Emergency Operations in Africa said that the UN could not comment on the Dr Brauman claims that, between now and the end of subject of forced relocation. the year, the Ethiopian authorities intend to resettle about 1.5 million people from the northern provinces in the south. Now, he adds, some displacement is not-or is no longer-necessary; some northern regions enjoyed ‘The UN Has No Facts Concerning the Alleged abundant rain last spring. If others were supplied with Victims of Resettlement Operations in Ethiopia,’ pesticides, harvests would not be destroyed by parasites AFP (France), United Nations New York, 21 and famine would be avoided. November 1985, (in French).
In many areas, according to Dr Brauman, a well-boring Extract: and irrigation programme-in a “region which is not [...] the United Nations indicated that it possessed no lacking in water”- would allow northern populations to information confirming the allegation that tens of thou- remain where they are. He indicated that MSF is prepared sands of Ethiopian refugees have died in forced resettle- to support this type of project, although the Ethiopian ment operations in the less arid regions of the country. government has so far refused to consider it. According to the heads of the humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières, 50-100,000 Ethiopians have died during the course of these operations.
Djibril Diallo, spokesman for the United Nations Office for I was summoned to a meeting with Berhanu Deressa emergency operations in Africa, said that his office was (Deputy Director of the RRC). In fact, it wasn’t a unable to comment on this subject. He recalled that the meeting, but a press conference. That’s where I Ethiopian government has repeatedly emphasised that all made my final speech. At the press conference I said eve- resettlement operations are voluntary, and that the inci- rything I’d intended to tell him in his office. There was an dents that sometimes occurred were due to unauthorised altercation with the French ambassador. I called him a local officials acting on their own initiative. Pétainist. I said: “you would be a Pétainist under Pétain and a Gaullist under de Gaulle. I’ve got absolute contempt for you - fuck you.” I didn’t pull my punches! We returned to Paris a few days after that press conference. I immedia- tely sent Deressa a detailed letter combining the facts, the On 21 November, Berhanu Deressa, Deputy Director of position and MSF’s demands. the RRC, accused MSF of lying and conducting a defa- mation campaign whose goal was political rather than Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). humanitarian.
We were confronted with Deressa’s gang. We’d asked for a meeting with the RRC and we found they had 74 also invited the press and the French ambassador. mothers and children who were being cared for at the the at for cared being were who children and mothers several including camp, Sekota the from people 100 assembled brutally 25On November, soldiers famine. of spiral the into back them sending avoid to inorder recovery, their after centre feeding inthe children kept team MSF The improved. had situation the that belief in the Korem from returned had these of Many people. placed dis 60,000 attracted eventually which site, Sekota the to delivered not were cereals operations, transfer forced the for requisitioned been had lorries the As approval. for government the to mitted sub be first should projects new that adding Berhanu, Mr said resources, its by imposed those are activity MSF to only limits The authorities. the by restricted were in Ethiopia operations its that claim the including tions, accusa organisation’s French the rejected Moreover, he accusations. its for support gain public to in order lying to resort to quick being of and government Ethiopian the of behaviour the dictate to seeking of organisation the accuses He goals. humanitarian, than rather political, by is motivated campaign MSF the that believes Mr Berhanu […] said. Mr Berhanu starvation”, of die them let to than afuture have they that ensure and conditions in poor people transport to “It is better country. apoor was Ethiopia that out pointing while disposal, their at means the with could they everything doing were authorities Ethiopian the that replied -Mr Berhanu arrivals new the accommodate to south in the infrastructure insufficient and conditions transport -inadequate accusations MSF’s with Faced 100,000 of people. deaths the caused far so have operations these that claiming country, the of south in the regions fertile more the to Ethiopia northern from victims famine transfer to operations on moratorium athree-month for called had who Frontières, Sans Médecins of President Brauman, Rony by in Paris Tuesday last made statement the to responding was He famine. the of victims the help to efforts Ethiopian against campaign’ mation ‘defa up its stepped having of MSF accusing Commission, Rehabilitation and Relief Ethiopian the of Director Deputy Deressa, Berhanu by a statement with Thursday, on intensified (MSF) Frontières Sans Médecins nisation orga humanitarian French the and authorities Ethiopian the between argument The 22 (AFP). Nov Ababa, Addis Extract: November 1985 (inNovember French) Campaign”’. a “Defamation Mounting of Frontières Sans Médecins Accuses Official ‘Ethiopian AFP (France) , Addis Ababa, 22 Ababa, , Addis - - - - - sioner on 29 on November. sioner commis deputy RRC the to inaletter reported were events These water. or food without village the of outskirts the on church inasmall up shut people dred hun two discovered nurses MSF 26On November, two RRC. the and MSF from aid receiving were inhospital, been have should whom of number good a them, course’. of Most training a‘hygiene on going were but deported being not were they that explained soldiers The released. them have authorities local the that demanded team MSF The centre. feeding MSF Centre.] Feeding MSF the to back patients MSF’s return to in order church in the children screening was she while militiamen a by hit was LEDUC, Françoise nurse’s, our of one how describe team The selection. pre- resettlement awaiting in achurch gathered been had children and [Adults selection. pre- resettlement the for church old in the parked were Center, who Feeding MSF the from children recover to in order ascreening doing was she while militiamen the of one by hit got LEDUC, Françoise nurse’s, our of one that mentioned They in Sekota. team our by in French written report ashort information your for I amenclosing Sir,Dear Extract: diately went to see Comrade NURTATA We Comrade see to went village. in the diately We imme escape. to trying were who crowd the of middle in the movements more yet provoked intervention Our centre. feeding the from children and mothers the of some and staff two our with leave to able finally We were us. towards aggressive extremely were officials government the of some that and people hitting were militiamen the that testify We can centre. feeding the from people the and staff our retrieve to permission for asking We intervened, centre. feeding MSF the from children and mothers the of some plus station ding fee the of employees two were people these among that realised we and Yves) and Françoise (Brigitte, there were We assembly. into forced were (100 people) population the of part isolation, MSF the near field open In the 17:30 25 November Monday Extract: November 1985 (inNovember English). 29 Commissioner, Deputy RRC Deressa, Berhanu to in Ethiopia Coordinator medical France Letter 1985, November (in French). Report from Dr Bertrand Desmoulins, MSF MSF Desmoulins, Bertrand Dr from by the MSF team at Sekota, 26 Sekota, at team MSF the by - - - -
75 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
relayed our concerns to him and asked for an immediate sing us of assaulting the militiamen. Intervention of the screening in order to retrieve the people from the feeding ICRC delegate, whose presence has been challenged by centre. the administration: there are beneficiaries among these people. Note that during the events, a government offi- After obtaining verbal consent, we went to the feeding cial tried to take an ICRC card from a beneficiary. centre, accompanied by a government official, and with the aid of the population we established a rapid and Faced with the accusation that we were deliberately incomplete list of the adults taken away (wristbands stirring up trouble, we defended ourselves by citing the facilitated the identification of children). The official chance discovery of the captive population and also told us he did not know where those we were unable to cited the duty of assistance to people in danger. We account for had gone. refuted the accusation that we had assaulted anyone, but stressed the reality of the chief of police’s assault As nightfall prevented further searching, we went back to on one of our nurses. We repeated the demand for an Mr NURTATA, showed him the list and obtained his verbal immediate screening but this was emphatically denied. assent to conduct a screening at 08.00 the following The screening will be carried out by the health centre morning. official. End of meeting.
Tuesday 26 November -06:30 We gave the incomplete list of absentees to the health When Philippe and Marie-Joe went for their morning jog centre official. Ninety minutes later everyone returned to near the abandoned Italian church, they heard shouts the feeding centre, including two sick women admitted and moans coming from behind the church door, which to the MSF hospital. was roped shut and guarded by five armed militiamen. Philippe, unobstructed by the militiamen, undid the Then we heard that all the detainees had been released knots and entered the church. Inside, about 200 people (information not verified). Note that the ICRC delegate (adults and children) were standing because there was was able to conduct a screening in the church and retrieve no room to lie down. They surged towards him, trying to 30 beneficiaries. According to information collected from get out. the people detained, it appears that we foiled a resett- lement convoy, particularly as several empty lorries left Leaving Philippe inside, Marie-Joe went to alert the rest Sekota in the morning. However, we should make it clear of the team. Inside [the church] men and women were that our interventions came about purely by chance. shouting and crying and pointing in the direction of the MSF STAFF: Brigitte, Françoise, Yves, Philippe. feeding centre where their children were. Inspecting the interior of the church, he found a woman lying uncons- cious with a pulse rate of 40/minute. Her child was lying by her head. However, with the exception of the ICRC, the other The rest of the team arrived, closely followed by the NGOs, western ambassadors and the UN, did not rush officials from the town and the ICRC delegate, alerted by to support MSF. shots fired outside the church. Thirty minutes of nego- tiations with the party boss followed, while inside the church Françoise and Philippe identified children wearing MSF wristbands. Summary of the board meeting, MSF France, 25 November 1985, (in French). They were then molested; Françoise was struck on the neck and fell to the ground slightly stunned. Yves and Extract: Philippe picked her up. Negotiations continued outside 1)NGOs the church, the MSF team demanding to stay on site and Generally speaking, NGOs like Concern and Save the await the promised screening. The instruction within the Children are in complete agreement with us on the subs- team was to stay as calm as possible. tance of the problem but diverge at the level of the form. Mr NURTATA refused, despite the insistence of MSF and They favour cautious diplomacy, trying to settle specific the ICRC delegate, to stay near the church. He summoned problems through negotiation as they arise, and admit us to a meeting in his office, in the company of various that they do not want to risk expulsion. officials. 2) Embassies ACCOUNT OF THE MEETING. For the Canadian and British ambassadors, “things in The administration’s position is that we are interfering Ethiopia are not so bad.” Clear refusal to discuss the and creating problems when it is simply a matter of sani- underlying problems. tation measures, evacuation of the OF [open field] and sanitation lessons for the people. There is absolutely no 3) ICRC 76 question of resettlement. They even went as far as accu- Léon de Riedmatten, the ICRC delegate in Ethiopia, relocation programme. in Westernmediaanddescribedallthequalitiesof communiqué, hedenouncedthe‘allegations’published Sans Frontières.OnNovember27th,inanotherofficial ticization oftheorganisationwithlinkstoLiberté against Ethiopiaandreiteratedtheaccusationofpoli- the presidentofMSFwagingaslandercampaign Deressa, DeputyCommissionerattheRRC,accused On November25thanofficialdeclarationbyBerhanu in confidence. information municates com but position, anofficial adopted yet not ICRC has the Therefore, HQ in at Geneva. attitude the gauge to is difficult it and position delegate’s local is the this But is on. going what denounce to conference apress organise to succeeding, of chance little has this as and, Mengistu with interview an provoke to in order dossier a comprehensive compile to intends he months, several for situation the by revolted Completely actions. and position our with agrees totally and confused priorities. admittedly highly spirited,butwithmisplaced enthusiasm today are unexposed and inexperienced young individuals, France. Consequentlymostof its“volunteers”inEthiopia and thevastreservoirofcompassion andgoodwillin volunteers despitetheabundance oftrainedmanpower mature andcompetentmedical personnelashumanitarian organizations inEuropeandmoreparticularly in attracting ing seriousdifficultiesespeciallywithotherhumanitarian political fixationofitsleadership,MSFFisreportedlyfac - intended to mislead public opinion. [...] Because of the charges, threatsofwithdrawalandinflamatorystatements to fabricate abnd politicize issues, making unfounded properly dotheirjob.Inthesameveinhehascontinued cisms ofdonorgovernmentsandotherNGOsfailureto victims; Fromclaimsofheroicdeedsforhisstafftocriti - tions ofpremeditatedmurder50-1000,000drought an “audience”withBobGeldoftopreposterousasser - denial by Ethiopian authorities of MSF’s rights to have of MSFFrancerangefromsuchtrivialitiesascharges The false allegations made by the self-righteous president campaign. ted natureofhiscrusadehaspersistedinpropaganda nization doctorsthatdisagreewiththepoliticallymotiva- French diplomats,UNofficialsandevensomeoftheorga- acting againtsallnormsanddisregardingtheadviseof lation ofthespiritandletteragreements The presidentofMSFF,MonsieurRonyBrauman,invio- Extract: Official Official 1985 (in English) 25 November Ethiopia), (RRC Commissioner , Berhanu Deressa, Deputy Deputy Deressa, Statement, Berhanu - Eritrea for settlement. As for Tigre, the number of people people of number the Tigre, for As settlement. for Eritrea from moved been has individual no capitals, western in some circulating been have that reports motivated politically the to Contrary regions. administrative Gonder and Keffa, Gojjam, Wellega, in Illubabor, resettled and moved been have 555,000 individuals dependents, their with totaling [...] families of To 185,000 over heads date sites. the in all programmes education basic conduct to teachers its assigned also has Education of Ministry The sites. settlement various the at services health provide to staff its deployed and mobilized has Health Public of Ministry the Similarly harvest. first their until RRC the by utensils and blankets clothing, food, supplementary and grain with provided also are They units. dwelling own their build to assisted are they time which during weeks two of amaximum for in shelters accommodated temporarily are units dwelling ready-made with provided not are who few The in time. fit see they as improve they which effort community by built units dwelling ready-made with provided are they large and by sites, settlement at arrive settlers the When travel. their during necessities other and services sanitary and medical shelter, food, with settlers provide to points several at established are stations transit and areas settlement respective their to air and bus by transported are process screening the passed have that Those criteria. set the with accordance in out carried been has selection the that ensure to Cross Red the and health public RRC, the of staff joint the by out is carried rescreening where points dispatching focal to transported are settlers the registration, [...] After implementation. effective its for responsible jointly are agencies government and ministries several Ethiopia; of Party Workers’ the of politburo the of guidance the under and priority national highest the awarded been has it programme, the of implementation the [...] for As resettlement. of policy ment’s govern the again reiterate once to necessary become has it them, behind motives political orchestrated the and allegations these of nature persistent the Considering nation. the of force productive the of part be also but only self-sufficient not them make to efforts genuine government’s the as well as endeavours humanitarian international collective the undermine and disaster natural of victims of agony the prolong only help would charges unfounded and allegations Such country. the of parts south-west and west north-west, in the settled be to north the from people of eviction forceful of a policy is pursuing it that allegations media Western certain concern with following been has Ethiopia Extract: 1985 (in English). 27 November Ethiopia], [RRC Commissioner Official Release , Berhanu Deressa Deputy Deputy Deressa , Berhanu -
77 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
that are settled comprise only 21% of the total settle- and leave the country. MSF’s Ethiopian bank accounts ment population while in comparison 64% are from Wello, were frozen and the money mysteriously disappeared. 14% from Shoa and 1% from Gonder. The administrator and the logistician were provisio- nally refused exit visas. To sum up, as pointed out, the settlement programme was launched on account of the pressing need for a durable solution to the plight of drought victims of the north in the absence of any other viable alternative. In spite of Letter from Relief and Rehabilitation their constant criticism, those who have been opposing Commission (The Provisional Government of the government’s settlement programmes have not come Socialist Ethiopia) to Bertrand Desmoulins, up to date, with any viable alternative. Coordinator, Médecins Sans Frontières France, 2 December 1985(in English). In light of this reality, the government is determined to continue implementing its settlement policy, mobilizing Extract: all the material and human resources at its disposal. The Dear Sir, fact that Ethiopia is among the least developed countries In view of the politically motivated false allegations and that it has limited resources is obvious. International made by your president and his refusal to follow norms donor community,western governments and unspecialized and procedures established with the other NGOs as well agencies have been invited to observe the process and as the repeated statements he has made to withdraw assess the need of the settlement programmes and those MSF-France from operations in Ethiopia, and the negative that have visited the settlement sites such as EEC parlia- consequences these have had on the organisation’s relief mentarians, FAO, WFP representatives and the like have activities, and more particularly on the plight of drought realized the objective necessity of the programme. affected people in the shelters, we are obliged to inform you of the following: While extreme care has been taken to ensure the unity of families during the resettlement process, the RRC, in 1. The RRC has accepted your organization’s repeated collaboration with the Ethiopian Red Cross, has launched offer to withdraw its operation in Ethiopia and, there- a family tracing and reunification programme in cases fore, has decided to discontinue the services of Médecins where inadvertent separation of families could have Sans Frontières - France as of 2 December 1985. occurred. 2. The Commission has accordingly instructed its Relief Department and Health Division to take over for- It is obvious that in a drought situation where close to thwith your on-going programme at relief shelters 10 million people have been affect that thousands of in Kobo, Korem, Kelala and Sekota districts of Wollo untimely death take place. No one can deny the toll on Administrative Region. human life caused by the recent natural calamity. It is 3. Matters related to all programme commodities and acknowledged worldwide that Ethiopia’s current drought project assets will be dealt with in accordance with the has been one of the worst in recent history. basic agreement signed between the RRC and MSF France. Sincerely, As it stands, life expectancy in Ethiopia like in all other least developed countries is low. The high mortality rate in general and particularly that of children is well known. Needless to point out the human lives the severe Françoise Chipaux, ‘Ethiopian Government famine has already claimed and its residual impact are Expels Médecins Sans Frontières,’ Le Monde/ tragic realities being dealt with. To relate the death toll Reuters (France), Addis Ababa, 3 December of the drought and normal mortality to the settlement 1985 (in French). programme is a deliberate distortion of facts designed to undermine the growing support the settlement pro- Extract: gramme is gaining from the international community. In a press release issued on Monday, the Ethiopian Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) justified the Positive support for the settlement programme has come decision on the basis of the “politically motivated and from members of the international community including groundless accusations” MSF had levelled against the the Italian government, the Irish Concern, the Lutheran Ethiopian authorities. World Federation, Meschen Fur Menschen and others who “The RRC has accepted MSF’s repeated offer to cease its are actively supporting these schemes. operations in Ethiopia, and has consequently decided to terminate MSF’s services from 2 December 1985.”
[...] MSF claimed that it had submitted several requests to work in these zones but had never received a response. On 2 December, the MSF team in Addis Ababa received “We did not want to give way on a fundamental principle: 78 a notice from the RRC ordering it to cease operations the humane conduct of international aid. The public we nal aid. aid. nal internatio of management its over criticised repeatedly been has government Ethiopian the crisis, famine the of beginning Since the expelled. been has countries, many in MSF, that time operates which first is the This homes. their to return to populations northern allowing not are and south in the development on concentrate rather would authorities Ethiopian the that claims but end, its is nearing situation emergency the believes Mr Brauman workers. 250 local as well as nurses, eleven and doctors seven including there, working still were 25 them of expulsion, of eve 1984. the March On since Ethiopia to 74 sent has MSF staff south. the to transfer for destined were they because Kelala at selves them establish to populations want not did authorities Ethiopian the Mr Brauman, to According in Kelala. centre afeeding open to permission denied been persistently It has Kelala. and Kobo, Sekota Korem, centres: four in worked in Ethiopia, famine the of tragedy the to public the alert to MSF, efforts great made has which Mr Brauman. on,” is going what know said to aright has to appealed its current staff. staff. current its for replacements of entry the bar might it indicated and organization the by used anairplane grounded had ment govern the that Monday earlier said in Ethiopia, office Borders Without Doctors the of Director Fizsbin, Michel rejected. been had center feeding anemergency open to Borders Without Doctors by anapplication that and gram pro Ethiopia’s resettlement of aresult as died had people of thousands of tens that charges denied statement The agencies. relief join other to permitted be would they that indicated and members staff individual expel to intend not did government the said interview, in atelephone Monday. of Mr Berhane, as organization the of services” the discontinue to “decided commission the said, statement the this, of Because work.” field their ned undermi seriously also but organization the of motives the on doubts “not had only cast procedures” and norms follow to “refusal its and motivated” “politically Borders Without Doctors by government the of criticism called commission The added. he aresult,” as suffering are ving ser be to supposed are they people “The criticism. the to campaign,” a reference this started they since work their “are doing not members staff agency’s French the said Commission, the of Head Deputy the Deressa, […] Berhane Extract: Ababa, 3 December 1985 (in English). 3December Ababa, Tribune Herald International Agency,’ Relief French Closes ‘Ethiopia (AP), Addis Addis (AP), ------this measure remains to be seen. be to remains measure this to react latter How the in private. condemn others many what denounce publicly to only organisation is the MSF expulsion! followed: swiftly punishment The operations. resettlement to ahalt for led cal Brauman Dr return, his On reconciliation. at attempt in a vain Ababa Addis visited he afterwards, up. Shortly set be should enquiry of commission an international (05/11) Libération that told Brauman Rony President MSF transfers, population the during died have might people 50-100,000 that Times Sunday London in the revelation the Following unacceptable.” and is barbaric country in this is happening “what in Ethiopia, famine the by caused tragedy the publicise to much done has which organisation, humanitarian French the of leaders the For south. the to transferred forcibly be to waiting were who people 200 across stumbling after militiamen with in ascuffle involved was team an MSF ago, days afew Just refugees. the transfer to force using are authorities the that claiming policy, the criticised severely have leaders MSF project. ambitious this achieve to employed methods the on particularly and country, the of south the to drought the from refugees million 1.5 transferring of policy latter’s the on centres chiefly government Ethiopian the and MSF between dispute The […] week. the of end the at expire which permits, visitor’s their of renewal the awaiting still are staff MSF Fifteen team. a replacement of arrival the blocked also authorities the and week the of beginning the at grounded was aircraft MSF the sures: mea concrete by followed swiftly was indictment The here…” them for afuture of much see “Idon’t added: Press Associated the by quoted official Ethiopian An policy. government Ethiopian against campaign media a ”pernicious” conducting of organisation French the accused also document The ”more miracles.” than noise producing of MSF, of accused was indictment which ruthless a constituting statement anine-page published it when Sunday, on expulsion the for ground the prepared had (RRC) Commission Rehabilitation and Relief Ethiopian day. The yester Ababa in Addis government the by announced was days, several for expected been had which decision, The We learnt today from our Bank, The Ethiopian Commercial Commercial Ethiopian The Bank, our from today We learnt Sir,Dear Extract: Extract: Extract: Ethiopia,’ Ethiopia,’ From Expelled Frontières Sans ‘Médecins December 1985 (in English). December commissioner, 3 Deputy RRC to Ethiopia French). Letter from MSF France Administrator in Administrator France MSF from Libération , 3 December 1985 (in , 3December - - -
79 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
Bank, that our account was blocked by order of the RRC. This marks the end of the ‘fine romance’ between As we are under the process of leaving the country, we Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Ethiopia. The term have to face some expenses, especially to give salaries, comes from Rony Brauman, MSF’s young President, rather severance pay and compensation for service, to all our than from the Ethiopian Government. The break-up was employees, to pay the rents and charges of our houses, acrimonious (see Libération, 03/12). and to pay the last expenses for the trip back to Addis of our medical staff and their accommodation into an Hotel At yesterday’s press conference at the MSF office in Paris, before they take the plane. adorned with a map of Ethiopia and posters appealing for emergency aid, Rony Brauman vehemently reitera- As the money of our bank account was given to MSF by ted the accusations that led the Ethiopian authorities the French donors, I am convinced that you will unders- to announce the expulsion of the French humanitarian tand the need to give us access back to our account as organisation on Monday. “There is an incredible diversion rapidly as possible. of aid going on in Ethiopia. They are in the process of turning an extraordinary movement of solidarity against Our estimated need of money to close our mission in the very people it is supposed to help… the aid is being Ethiopia is: 115,000 Birr. used to oppress them, not to save them.”
We are facing a problem of communication with our team, In Addis Ababa yesterday, the official Relief and not being allowed by RRC to fly to Wollo, which unable Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) took the opposing view [prevents] us at the time being to send the requested and blamed MSF for the split. As the expulsion notice money there. stated, not without a touch of humour, “The RRC has accepted MSF’s repeated offer to cease its operations in According to arrangement made with RRC Aid Coordination, Ethiopia, and has consequently decided to terminate the in case the payment of our employees is made through services of MSF from 2 December 1985.” the RRC of Wollo, we will communicate to you the lists of our employees and the money we owe them, with the [...] MSF’s president once again quoted the figure of corresponding amounts. 100,000 deaths, which had occurred “not because of the famine, but because of human actions supported by Thank you for your ultimate help and cooperation. international aid,” in the application of the policy of ”resettlement.” 100,000 deaths out of the 520,000 people Sincerely yours, displaced between October 1984 and August 1985. The policy seemed to have slowed down but, according to MSF, it has resumed on a grand scale over the last three months. “The multiplication of incidents since September has forced us to denounce what is unacceptable,” said On 3 December MSF France held a press conference Rony Brauman. He cited a UN internal report which in Paris. That same day, the RRC announced that it reveals the “shocking and documented mortality rate” in had accepted MSF’s offer to terminate its operations a North Wollo transit centre, where 16 people a day die in Ethiopia. Over the next few days, the news of the while awaiting transport to the ‘promised land’ in the expulsion reverberated around the world. V10 south. Representatives of western donor states abstained from comment or aligned themselves with the position Dr Brauman restated his conditions yet again: respect of the Ethiopian government. France, however, offi- for the right to choose (as opposed to the armed threats cially deplored the expulsion and announced that it experienced by the majority of displaced people, accor- would not provide any assistance for the resettlement ding to MSF), non-separation of families, and physical programme. fitness to travel. These three conditions are being “systematically violated,” he said. He also repeated his demands for the formation of an international committee of enquiry to investigate government practices and a Pierre Haski, ‘Ethiopia: MSF Escorted to the three-month moratorium on resettlement, which is hardly Border,’ Libération (France), 4 December 1985 likely to please the rulers in Addis Ababa. (in French). Might not MSF discourage the public, who are still being Extract: solicited for aid to Ethiopia? Dr Brauman replied that aid In Paris yesterday, Rony Brauman, President of Médecins must be “transparent.” He expressed anger at the UN, Sans Frontières, reaffirmed that “aid is not being used whose attitude he described as “incomprehensible”, and to save, but to oppress.” These are the kind of remarks at the French ambassador in Addis Ababa, who is “overtly that led the Ethiopian government to expel the French complicit in a murderous operation.” organisation on Monday. 80 efforts. relief famine Ethiopia’s criticize often which States, United the as such governments donor by and Nations United the by puted however, dis are Borders, Without Doctors of claims The program. resettlement government’s the of up abuses covering of in Ethiopia operation emergency Nations’ United the accused had Borders Without Doctors weeks, in recent in Europe highly publicized were that statements of In aseries people.” Ethiopian the of needs the emphasize to out speaking been have ‘”We said. wrong,” he are that things the at around look not and work you do to easier much is ”It in Ethiopia. officers logistics and nurses doctors, group’s the oversees who Desmoulins, Bertrand Dr said price,” any at in acountry work We not do organization. humanitarian ablind not are ”We group. the by cipated anti been had said he which expulsion, the to angrily reacted Ababa in Addis coordination medical agency’s The operations. feeding and medical four organization’s the over take to government the ordered and in Ethiopia” anymore exist “does not Borders Without Doctors that night Monday declared Mr Berhane activities.” political on money their spending by people French the of resources the wasting are they and time our ”are wasting members group’s the said Commission, Rehabilitation and Relief Government’s the of Director Deputy the Deressa, Berhane in Ethiopia. operating tions organiza relief 47 of one private was group The country. the of out agency arelief ordered has government the that year last began emergency famine the since time first the marks Borders Without Doctors of expulsion The Ababa: Addis from earlier reported Post Washington the of Harden Blaine First Was Expulsion [...] south. in the areas fertile more to is drought there where north the from refugees transferring of program government’s Ethiopian the to in way any contributing of intention no had France that said also ministry […] The country. in that lives”’ human of “thousands saved has already that a mission continue to unable be would agency the that deplored it and Ethiopia, of tions condi difficult under work relief “admirable” performed had doctors young the said ministry French The group. humanitarian French aprivate Borders, Without Doctors of representatives expel to Ethiopia’s decision deploring Tuesday acommuniqué issued Ministry [...] Foreign The Extract: December 1985(in English). December Tribune Herald AFP/International ”Thousands”,’ Saved That Group Relief Ejecting for Ethiopia Assails Harden, ‘France Blaine , Paris, 4 , Paris, - - - - advocacy, but there was a lot of direct action. The action. was of a lot but there advocacy, direct from the Ethiopian government. Ethiopian the from expulsion fearing publicly, so do to refused but report the confirmed agencies relief Other centers. feeding northern in several out broken had epidemic a cholera that declared agency the In April, only anonymously. say would agencies relief many what publicly say to willing been has Borders Without year, Doctors past the During up. split been have families many and cases, of in thousands voluntary been not has program the kers, wor relief from reports to according But together. kept be would families that and voluntary be would lement resett that promised it fall, last program the announced Ethiopia When government. Marxist the of is apriority program The effort. resettlement the on “moratorium” a demanded had nurses, and 350 doctors with countries in 30 operates which Borders, Without Doctors Ethiopia. from expelled be to want to appeared agency French the that recently remarked have also governmental, and vate pri both donors, Several people. resettled of thousands of deaths the about charges up its back to evidence no has Borders Without Doctors that say donors Ethiopian lement goinglement on. We didn’t on have any guidelines resett of forced It was apolicy there was that clear camps to the see I was shocked in Korem, Ethiopia. 3 December 1985 (in English). 3 December German). German). Zeitung Braunschweiger Ethiopia] Leave to Have [Doctors verlassen’ Athiopien müssen ’Arzte 1985 (in English). -Times State Kills’ Policy Resettlement Says Ethiopia from Expelled ‘Group 1985 (in English). Agency’ Relief Ethiopian by Chastised Group ‘French Ethiopia’ 3 Decembre 1985 (in3 Decembre French). ’Médecins Sans Frontières Expelled from from Expelled Frontières Sans ’Médecins Irish Times Irish expelled’ agency ’French (Germany), 4 December 1985 (in 4 December (Germany), (AP), 3 December JapanThe (AP), 3December Times La Tribune GenèveLa de (USA) 2 December (USA) 2December (Switzerland), (Switzerland), - - - , -
81 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
Coordinator in Addis Ababa would phone Rony Brauman in On 7 December, at a press conference in London, the Paris, who would happen to be in the company of a BBC President of MSF France reported the testimony of MSF reporter. This reflected what advocacy was like in those volunteers concerning compulsory resettlement and days; we saw horrible things, so we talked about them. We repeated his call for a moratorium. gave no thought to security or to the risk of being expelled. A nurse who had worked for OXFAM in Wollo pro- So, what we did was give information step by step to the vince stated that resettlement was not conducted media, telling them, for instance, that people were dying in on a voluntary basis. OXFAM officials admitted their front of our nutrition centers. We were very outspoken. concern over this matter, but said they had no plans to withdraw from Ethiopia.
One day, we heard on Radio France Internationale that MSF was expelled from Ethiopia. We were stunned. A bit later, we got a little note from another MSF mission stating that we Richard Hall, ‘OXFAM in Protest at Forced had to leave before the following Tuesday. By that time, the Migration,’ Sunday Observer (UK), 8 December situation was already so tense that it was not possible for 1985, (in English). us to work properly any more. Since we were on the verge of reconsidering our intervention anyway, we left. As a result Extract: of the deadline, we had to just let everything fall, which Methods being employed by Ethiopia to resettle 1.5 mil- was a terrible experience for the staff, who left our projects lion people are causing ”extreme concern” to Oxfam. The crying. Back in France, we were even more outspoken than famine relief charity admitted this yesterday after one before. We held a press conference in Paris, and did lots of of its former medical workers claimed that coercion has interviews. been used systematically to enforce mass migrations.
Bernard Lapeyre, MSF France logistician in Korem, Carol Ashwood, a 28-year-olf nurse and midwife, worked Interviewed by Erwin Van’t Land in ‘The Advocacy for Oxfam in a remote district of Wollo province from Interviews,’ September 1997 (in English). which villagers are being moved hundreds of miles to southern Ethiopia. “Half of the 250,000 people in the district were earmarked for removal,” she said. ”Grain was deliberately denied by the Ethiopian authorities to force people to agree to leaving their homes. We found that On 4 December, the MSF France Head of Mission hungry children to whom Oxfam was distributing food informed the official responsible for UN operations were losing weight, not gaining it. This, we discovered, in Ethiopia that the organisation was terminating its was because the children were taking the food from our activities, and asked him to ensure that other medical centre and sharing it with their entire families, who were agencies continued its relief work in the camps. getting nothing else.”
Oxfam says it respects Ms. Ashwood as an “accurate wit- ness,” but did not agree with her that is should pull out Letter from Dr Bertrand Desmoulins, MSF of the area because of what was going on. ”We protested France to Mr Priestley, Assistant Secretary to the Ethiopian Government,” said Oxfam spokesman General United Nations, 4 December 1985, (in Paddy Coulter. ”We have also told the British Government English). of our anxieties.”’
Extract: Oxfam’s decision to speak out against the ”haste, scale Dear Sir, and timing” of the mass migrations comes immediately RRC has officially stopped our activities on December the after the expulsion from Ethiopia of the French relief 2nd, 1985. We shall soon be leaving Ethiopia. I am still agency, Médecins Sans Frontières, because it has com- concerned about the drought-affected people we have plained about the use of violence to make people move. been taking care of, these last months. We have medical Dr Rony Brauman, president of MSF, said in London yester- programmes in Korem shelter and in Kobo distribution day that many aid workers had seen people being driven center, and medical and nutritional programmes in Sekota at gunpoint and beaten. He estimated that 100,000 had and Kelala. died because of resettlement. “Now that there has been a good harvest in much of Ethiopia, famine will not be the I want to inform you to make sure that these programmes main cause of death in 1986. Instead, it will be forced will be undertaken as mentioned on the dismissal letter, resettlement.” He appealed to the Ethiopian Government by the Health Division of the Relief Department or any to allow a three-month moratorium on migration. “There other medical agencies. must be an independent commission to investigate in the field just what is going on.”
82 MSF believes that the northern regions of Ethiopia should The agency’s row with the Ethiopian government came to a to came government Ethiopian the with row agency’s The V11 press. the by interviewed were and Paris to returned volunteers MSF the 8December, of morning the On wages. ther MSF, fur no leave to received authorities the from pressure under been long had who staff, Local tricted. res were staff its of movements the and grounded were used it aircraft the blocked, was in Ethiopia account bank MSF’s notice, expulsion the after Shortly […] villagers. him make move to trying officials party resisting for beaten been had driver One resettlement. for used be to vehicles its allow to is refusing it said spokesman Oxfam’s government. central the opposing movements guerrilla to sympathetic areas emptying for a strategy has in Ababa Addis regime the that allegations repeated been have There lation. popu its of much of drained than rather rehabilitated be their safety is monitored. But he is not hopeful. is not he But is monitored. safety their that arequest with Ababa, in Addis delegation Nations United the of head the to employees local the of a list sent has Fiszbin programme. resettlement enforced the up in caught been have others and jailed been have some doctors, French of in front sometimes beaten, been have them of Many government. Ethiopian the by hostile as regarded now are and row up in the caught become have They field. in the 270 of employed it Ethiopians fate the about worried is particularly programme, agency’s the up wind to week more one for on stay will who Fiszbin, treatment. medical for Paris to on and organisation aid another by capital the into flown were They overturned. Ababa Addis into them bringing truck government the when week last injured seriously were nurses Two agency impounded. been had cars own their after drivers ment govern by vehicles in government driven be to had camps their in coming from employees Agency belongings.” our out share to “a was rush there Fiszbin, to According restricted. personnel their of movement and grounded plane their blocked, was account bank their day, Fiszbin, said next Monday. on The Commission Relief Ethiopian the by over taken summarily were centre support one and camps nutritional and medical four cy’s agen teams.” our The for respect no was there ”horrible; was act relief its end to had agency the way the that Times Sunday the told nurses, and doctors of agency 30-strong the of administrator [...] Fiszbin, Michel Extract: 1985, (in English). 8December Aid Group,’ Sunday The (UK), Times Expelled Persecute ‘Ethiopians Godwin, Peter - - - - - camps for resettlement, to which the Ethiopian adminis Ethiopian the which to resettlement, for camps pre-selection government nearby with conflict in direct was centre Kelala the that believes agency The dead. now 3,500 are least at scheme, the on 8,300 children the of that estimate they camp, and the around bush in the dying been have children agency, the to According shelter. with children the provide to forbidden and rations take-away only distribute to authorities Ethiopian the by allowed was agency the ratio, height-to-weight normal the of 70% below to malnourished seriously were children the of 8,300 Although population. surrounding the to treatment medical providing and 10,000 to children food distributing were they where aKelala, centre distribution its over head be in good health. in good be must people the up, that and split be not must families that volunteers, genuine be must resettled being those that are: ahead goes resettlement before met be to posed sup are that conditions three The re-examined. be could programme resettlement the of conditions the which during government Ethiopian the with moratorium month athree- proposing now was it that said Brauman, Rony President, agency the Friday, on conference, At a press interest. people’s in the used is being money ensure to donors its to has charity any that responsibility the out points also He out.” kicked being of price the at again, even same the do We would information. field solid on based were actions our and dignity) human of respect of alack to reacted (we proud are ”We programme. resettlement the of cism criti public its regret not does agency his says Fiszbin people. local the lure to wished tration assaulted. Three staff members, a doctor, anadministra adoctor, members, staff Three assaulted. were araid, of photographs taken had they because spies as treated staff, Sekota the while accident, car serious a suffered team Kobo The process. in the harassment considerable to them subjecting leave, to them forced and retrieve) to able be will Cross Red the of Committee International the hope they (which equipment their seized also authorities local testimony, their to According Internationale). France (Radio BBC RFI or the through expulsion their of learned they when shocked were Ababa) Addis of north the to provinces, Tigre and Wollo in located were camps MSF four (the workers field The said. doctor another south,” taken and separated forcibly been had families many that knew we and us to talked People field. in on going the was what by revolted “We were Paris. to returned staff MSF when held conference apress at tors doc the of one happening,” said was nothing if as on carry or out speak either choice: […] “We asimple had Extract: (France) AFP Frontières,’ Sans Médecins of ‘Testimony , Paris, 9 December 1985(in French). 9 December , Paris, - - - - -
83 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
tor and a logistician, are still in Addis Ababa. According Yves Thibord: Not at all. There was a totally cooperative to the same source, they also face expulsion but have not relationship when I arrived in July. But it deteriorated yet been granted exit visas. when they started forcibly resettling people in the south. At Sekota, they would take anyone, even people who were working with us. They took a kid who went to get something to eat while his mother was in our hospital. Yves Thibord of MSF France, interviewed by When we said that we’d seen militiamen hitting people, Jean-François Moruzzi, ‘Ethiopia: the Accusations they had the cheek to say that it was us who had hit of a Médecins Sans Frontières Doctor,’ Le them. In Wollo, three of the four camps were hit by Quotiden de Paris (France), 11 December 1985 these round-ups. The authorities would falsely announce (in French). a distribution of oil or grain and everybody who turned up was taken away in lorries. We did once see about 40 Extract: people who had volunteered to leave for the south, but Yves Thibord: There were four MSF staff at Sekota. We they were the only ones. It’s a virtual deportation. People were listening to Radio France Internationale on Monday should be aware that these days part of food aid is being morning and learned that the Ethiopian government had used to facilitate this deportation. expelled us. I’d been more or less expecting it, but even so…Then we thought that we would have at least two Q: Aren’t you afraid that such remarks might have the weeks to ‘wind things up.’ We simply stopped admissions effect of stopping aid to Ethiopia? but carried on working. But the next day, party officials Yves Thibord: That’s a risk, but we can’t keep silent any and the chief of security arrived at the camp and asked us longer. It’s very important that the aid continues, but to hand over the keys and stocks of medicines immedia- other governments should have the right to monitor tely. It was a very peculiar situation at Sekota. I phoned what is happening in Ethiopia. Otherwise, there will be as headquarters in Addis Ababa and was told that a Red many deaths as those caused by the famine. Cross plane would be coming in the afternoon and that we should take it. But when I went back to the authori- ties, they said, “no way!” They wanted us to use our car to get to Dessie. This began to cause us serious concern; ’MSF: the Return of the Ethiopian Brigade,’ it was more of a 92 kilometre track than a road. It’s a Libération (France), 10 December 1985, (in six-hour journey. And it’s only done by military convoys French). because attacks are frequent. Extract: Q: Do you seriously think that the Ethiopian authorities […] “We can’t remain silent,” said Philippe Labalme, tried to get you killed? repatriated from the Sekota camp. “We were revolted by Yves Thibord: It’s hard to say. Wubei, the Chief of Security, what we witnessed in the field. We have to speak out, was in the habit of hitting people, especially in the prison. even at the risk of expulsion, it’s only natural.” “We will He was very violent and he knew that we knew what he never forget the faces of those people, we have to speak was doing, so perhaps he didn’t want us to tell anyone out on their behalf,” added one of his colleagues. This about it. During the day, we shared out what we had involves describing the way families are separated during between the local staff, because we had no money left to their forced deportation to the new resettlement zones give them; the bank account in Addis was blocked. But we in the south of the country; the way refugees awaiting also had to play hide and seek in the town, try and nego- transportation are left to lie in their own waste in virtual tiate and get on the plane. In the end, I decided to go to death-traps; the way the MSF team set off for their morn- the airport, despite the ban, to give the Red Cross pilot a ing jog and discovered 200 people locked in a derelict letter. I met him on the way and he came back to nego- church, awaiting forced departure. Such images are still tiate with me. It’s doubtless thanks to him that we secured fresh in the minds of these young volunteers, and they are the agreement of the authorities. But the suspense lasted not prepared to let go of them. right to the last minute. On the way to the airport, Wubei, who had already appropriated our car, made us unload all Nor can they can stop wondering about the fate that of our luggage in the middle of the countryside and then awaits these populations, especially the children they rummaged through it. He knew that one of us had no ‘tra- have been forced to abandon. What will happen to their vel permit’, but in the end he let it pass. feeding centres and clinics? “We don’t know,” they reply. Another cause for concern is the 400 local staff MSF had […] Q: Did the same thing happen in all the camps? employed. The main risk is that they will become the Yves Thibord: Not for doctors and nurses like us. But the targets of ‘political reprisals’, particularly conscription or locals who worked with us were always under threat. At worse. For some time now, the one-party Ethiopian state Kelala, a young man had his leg broken by baton-wielding has been organising political meetings at which MSF is militiamen. Working with MSF put them in a very compro- attacked and its Ethiopian staff incited to leave. Official mising situation. harassment has forced many of them to leave without 84 Q: Were relations with the authorities always tense? waiting to be paid. she met in a camp. Love is impervious to politics. to is impervious in Love acamp. met she interpreter anEthiopian marry to is waiting who one Plus in Addis. left staff MSF only three are up. There wound is being mission Ethiopian the Meanwhile, operations. transfer of suspension athree-month for demand its port sup to deportations’ ‘mass the on book’ a ‘red compiled also has organisation French The field.’ the ‘in gathered evidence hard by is supported transfers population of policy government’s Ethiopian the of denunciation MSF’s another NGO. another by over taken be will one, which from apart closed, be probably will These abandon. to forced been have they centres the of think they when bitter feel certainly they But problem. Ethiopian the approached MSF way the about regrets no have workers field the So excesses.” such Iignore if value no have acts humanitarian view, In my properly. work our do can’t we out; speak to urgent it’s believe we us, for As authorities. the with cussions dis in direct ways, in different pressure apply they but situation, the accept they mean doesn’t That price. the whatever country in the stay to prefer they profile, a low maintain to want “they acknowledged, Labalme Philippe case,” “In any silent? remained organisations other have circumstances, the why, But given support... of means any of devoid destinations to conditions in appalling ted transpor dying the displacements, forced the apart, torn families the it; evoked everything Cambodia, mention not did Labalme Philippe Although continent. another to relating others of reminiscent is eerily [...] story The Sekota. and Kelala Korem, at violence great of scenes witnessing of talked workers field former Several today. in Ethiopia mortality of cause major is the resettlement Population applied... is being it in which way the to eyes its close cannot Monday, it but on said Mr Brauman policy, this on astand take to want not does MSF south. in the victims famine resettle to is operation the aim of The conditions. in barbaric fers trans population forced its is continuing and aid food is diverting government Ethiopian the accusations; their reiterate to 7/12/85), Monde (Le especially and expulsion abrupt their of narrative stark the deliver to conference apress held they bag, canvas asingle than more no carrying each plane, the off got they as soon […] As Extract: the Administrator,the awhile on for to settle stayed of Head Desmoulins, the Mission, and Michel Fiszbin, Bertrand In 1985, December was expelled. everyone (France), 10 December 1985 10 (in French). December (France), Monde Le Transfers,’ Population Forced of Accounts -Shocking Ethiopia from Returns Frontières Sans ‘Médecins Chombeau, Christiane - - - -
reason to condemn anything or interrupt their work. work. their interrupt or anything condemn to reason no saw and section, French the from colleagues their as violence of scenes same the witnessed not had they In consequence, working. were volunteers their which in areas inthe discreetly more conducted were rations ope such that said but rounded-up being were tions popula that acknowledged Belgium MSF of heads The […] MSF France in was those of in eye storm, the the it wasKorem. as at was tragic not as situation we did our job. the Punto of And in basta. nutrition, terms authorities; local the total and quiet. peace We with worked from AFP and Libération were waiting for them at the air the at them for waiting were AFP and Libération from journalists In fact, back. way own their made they airport; the We didn’t back. welcome from them them to fetch go to around 08:30 opened been had offices the Djibouti; from overnight them. travelled organised had They for been had conference together. Apress returned people About thirty details. financial bank the and send in last the with affairs was a very great strength to have an entire team which to have sup an entire strength great was a very From point that ofresigned. view, It it went remarkably well. would have they stand, said if that MSF not had taken afirm Some of even them anymore… great! were They journalists conference like we didn’t that, a press have to telephone After people. didn’t abandoned had They they that. that feel in we should that absolutely any not play part convinced was Everybody represented. deportations the that humanity against this crime supporting so we indirectly were transfers, the supporting aid was the indirectly and that people, killing were that transfers famine the population but the longer no it was that was in total agreement but everybody ceptions, hadn’t didn’t same they the seen things; have same the per They places. different from stories different had Everybody to speak. of an had opportunity them cover myself. thirty All of Ididn’t of our soundness position. the accounts, have to of their was absolutely sure of my of ground, veracity the but we’ll but detail, are not the impressions come to that.” I We haven’t what Iknow general their achance had to talk. of Ethiopia. parts different have from people come back these “all seconds; thirty Ispoke for journalists. to the and talked night their landed plane. on the They from and travel-stained of thing. rumpled were kind They meeting” asecret has been there briefed, been any ambiguity, have any already “they Ididn’t because Ididn’t them wantbriefed. to fetch want not had been one byone. They volunteers the all questioned he had that later several me years told ‘Libération’ from Haski Pierre story. to the wanted background the they port; ported the MSF the again. happened never That position. ported Rony Brauman, President of MSF France, (in French) France, MSF of President Brauman, Rony news, which had no political significance. We had significance. news, which political no had margin, on in the the made never aplace that king We We not in of were eye wor the storm. were the ------
85 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
huge camps in Korem, those terrible death-traps. I visited quarters and say: “Listen, we are sorry but that’s the way it Korem. That was an ‘eye-opener’. Everybody was on edge. is, you have to do it.” But in the field, you never get anyone They were very hard missions. The volunteers there were saying: “We are leaving.” Never, if they really care about the tremendously energetic! MSF logistics were not what they people, except if they don’t have access to the victims, but are today. It was a complete mess! The volunteers fought that wasn’t the case - we had access to the victims; there like crazy, worked like crazy to save two or three kids… In was no problem. We were not prevented from looking after cases like that, the slightest obstacle placed in your way is people.… The teams wanted to stay; none of our people said totally unbearable. But in this instance, after the accounts that we should leave. We didn’t exaggerate or pile it on or I later had from people in the field, the obstacles took on stir it up. We were not pestered by journalists saying “but quite considerable dimensions.… As a result, I had more why are you sanctioning these crimes, etc?” No, there was talks with people who worked with MSF France in Ethiopia, none of that, so people understood. So we carried on with who told me what they had done there. They were reliable the mission, there were no problems on site. And MSF France people; serious, level-headed and honourable. And I later left. I don’t think it made much difference and things were thought that there were grounds for serious concern. It was back to normal two weeks later. Concerning Ethiopia, there obvious ; there is no doubt about that. The problem is that were never any discussions; we never hesitated about whe- when you want to take a stand on that kind of situation, ther to stay or leave. Nobody said: “We should follow MSF you are obliged to be a bit of a caricature, to really hammer France.” Everyone agreed that we should stay, everybody. your point. There were absolutely no internal problems on that issue. Like any organisation, MSF Belgium had its internal tensions, Pierre Harzé, MSF Belgium, Programme Manager its tendencies. There might have been power struggles in Ethiopia, (in French) which things got blown up out of proportion and people took sides. But even in those battles - which go on anywhere - it was never a question of staying in Ethiopia or leaving the country. It was never an issue. Everybody was unanimous - we had to stay. And we never regretted it; we did not think: We never had big round-ups in the camps in Tigre “We should have left as well.” Never! and Eritrea. So the situation in the north was objec- tively different to the one in Wollo. The people of Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director Tigre and Eritrea were never subjected to massive deporta- (in French). tions to the south. .. I never went to Korem, but obviously I have complete faith in everything MSF France said about Korem, and what they condemned after that. I think those kinds of operations were taking place in Tigre as well, but they were less visible because they were on a smaller scale. The heads of MSF Belgium also had felt that the Nobody ever raided our camp or our hospital, as happened Ethiopian famine was no worse than that which affec- at Korem. ted the rest of the Sahel, and that the behaviour of the Ethiopian authorities was no worse than the authori- Georges Dallemagne, MSF Belgium ties in Sudan or Chad. Director of Operations (in French).
The problem of famine throughout the Sahel, inclu- Perhaps some of the teams had seen certain ding Ethiopia, began in 1983. It should be remembe- things… So we knew, we knew that there was…we red that during the year that preceded the Ethiopian didn’t need to see it, to witness it, to know whether famine and during the famine itself the number of displaced it existed or not. Yes, there were forced deportations in people and the scale of the famine was greater in Sudan Ethiopia. That’s clear, that’s obvious. Nobody is denying it. than in Ethiopia. People always forget that. Ethiopia attrac- So yes, we knew about it… Personally, I didn’t see anything ted more attention, but conditions in Sudan were much in Ethiopia. OK, maybe somebody from our teams… things worse. In ‘83, we launched big appeals in the media… What like that don’t always happen in broad daylight; but we is surprising is that there was no similar reporting about knew perfectly well that there were problems with the popu- other countries. You could have had exactly the same repor- lation transfers. Anyway, the Ethiopian government was not ting from Sudan, for example. Not everybody agrees, but I hiding it; it was publicising it. It wasn’t done in secret… In personally think chance had something to do with it. We Ethiopia, we were not targets; we did not have any problems knew about the famine in other countries, but in Ethiopia it as far as work was concerned… was rather new. And as for the other countries, their govern- ments were - as ever - information and saying “no, there are You can’t say to doctors and nurses “come on, you are lea- no problems”… [...] The government of Ethiopia was not ving.” You need to have worked in the field to understand like the government of the Soviet Union, or France or 86 the impossibility of that. You can take a decision at head- Belgium. It had very few resources and it was overtaken by post of Ministerfor Human Rights inthe new French government. 3. InMarch 1986,General Director Claude Malhuret leftMSF France totake upthe tude... time that at And Malhuret… he went into politics caution, await-and-see atti created And that agenda. den problem. think MSF ahid that Ipersonally feared Belgium to the approach wasin not favourable Paris to acohesive climate the same this But the time, at for position. support MSF and that in was its probably timid Belgium too strategy basically, MSF France to pursue that was completely right once that, again it hasacknowledged tothat be believe of charter. orthe in So in values ethical terms I terms, It etc. agenda, didn’t situation aclear Frontières for allow Sans Liberté the of sections, other hostility -the of agendas sorts all mixing were in where Paris, they mistakes to certain this in for And my policy. view, also, of support lack tions’ policy. out a systematic have means the to carry did not It policy. they was impossible; asystematic been casethe in could Sudan not But have there well. and Chad as populations.”fer but this was stakes, political were So there to trans isthere afamine, opportunity this might agood be said onset the at “OK, So in my view, effectively events. they said, to what but unsaid, rather remained sec other to the once again, problem was the not so much due to what was abit to of be a ‘Parisian’ seemed argument The thing… But, arena. in political the score points and therefore Frontières sans Liberté with and score points to try using this situation would continue for another two years. years. two another for continue would July 1985, of proceedings the by formalised sections, two the between conflict The raise. to designed was Frontières Sans Liberté that questions the justify to enough were government Ethiopian the by enforced deportations the that believed France MSF Conversely, Frontières. Sans Liberté of existence the justify to inorder inEthiopia events exaggerated deliberately had France inMSF colleagues their that convinced were team Belgium MSF the of members Some things that Liberté Sans Frontières intended to intended condemn Sans Frontières things Liberté that problem moment of the Ethiopiaa given certain symbolised Was it using Ethiopia? I wouldn’t far. that go In any case, at of hidden agenda. kind was acertain there I think yes, that Liberté sans Frontières. We said: perhaps they are are perhaps they We sans said: Frontières. Liberté [MSF up France] of setting in process were the since they We particularly not totally were convinced, Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director Director Executive Belgium MSF Laurent, Philippe Georges Dallemagne, MSF Belgium Directorof Operations (in French). (in French). (in 3 … - - - -
felt invested with amission to combat communism. with invested felt He in Chad. he was It consumed bypolitics. was incredible; Brauman in Maho, with Ihad conversations the remember fever. of an anti-communist say, I in grip were the they I’d start, to But it. the at what happened know even really suddenly then disappeared. We years don’t orthree two for lasted Sans Frontières Liberté and did au-turn. road that he should he that realised not continue down afterwards; reacted Brauman certainly years. orthree two for agenda anti-communist this pursuing were Malhuret and Brauman -was better. no to But appear beginning mob was already Sudan, Hezbollah -and the regime which aright-wing had that knew what to know he was, also but they regimes of communist experience enough had had They a bastard. was not So Mengistu I’m wrong, that were they not saying things we confusionbut was mended the total. total, story, the rewrote they After totaltotal, confusion of interests! confusion. was the atotal, all there It that was obvious was there set was to was same. it thanthat, more the There behind what It it. well mind The lay was obvious. perfectly we knew conferences, press at to play this trump preparing were they that well months earlier. So perfectly we knew Itovernight. several prepared was something been had that like hadn’t that adossier put that together been ments docu Malhuret’s through So unfolded. Iknew Ethiopia story linked up…all climate the in which that’s Imean the so it later). ayear expulsion, red the came before that All MSF, whoGlucksman, nothing had with to do which appea byAndré Negus’ of (an Red the article Crimes ‘The of Third-Worldism’, in Match. Paris with And it continued Sham a7-8 ‘The coverIt feature, page with prepared was all Sans Frontières. Liberté launched Sans Frontières Médecins of You course. impossible... it’s can’t two; separate the Sans Frontières, of Liberté framework the within envisaged really follow the LSF line. And that was the start of a major LSF line. was the Andstart the that follow really weSo meantdidn’t that it all with. you like to associate round hanging LSF. of others people kind not the were They have you …We So it! lead. there saw the and all Revel why his Rony was sohadn’t quick to follow understood really we being were manipulatedthat by Claude. Westrongly We very communist felt the regimes. with accounts settle who wanted to foundations close American to the very rals, We Claude of influence thought was the neo-libe under the of same the thing. It part was all into go politics. Malhuret when we thosesaw of Claude for usin interior the med’ etc… This taking, were they was ‘confir positions the all of Philippe along with interpretation Laurent’s to go tended on while MSF can that only all be [France] left; wedisagreement had, because MSF stayed Belgium What over Ethiopia happened in 1985 major and the wrong. We thought they had certain intentions…Iwrong. We certain had they thought Now, on it, Ithink back we were all. at looking MSF as We same not on the were wavelength France Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director Director Executive Belgium MSF Laurent, Philippe (in French). (in - - - - -
87 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
disagreement… And then there was probably the desire of Of course, it was disturbing. They bore the same a growing section to assert itself…there were various name and they were waging a campaign... The things. Belgians said that we had broken the principles of the charter, that we had adopted political and ideological Pierre Harzé, MSF Belgium, Programme Manager positions, that we were abandoning the victims, that Ethiopia, (in French) Ethiopia was a reasonable place in which to work and worth the investment. In short, they dismantled all the explicit or implicit arguments one by one. They did it openly. I remem- ber one occasion when I was confronted by their counter- lobbying. I’d gone to the European Parliament for a hearing The quarrel with MSF Belgium intensified because or a press conference. They had got there before me. There the ferocious opposition to Liberté Sans Frontières were two-page leaflets arguing against our position, signed on the part of Philippe Laurent and the Belgians in by MSF Belgium, in every MP’s office, because they had very general was mixed with a ferocious opposition to the posi- strong support from the head of the DG VIII [European tion we had taken in Ethiopia. They saw, understandably, Commission Directorate-General for Development], a German that the two were closely connected. That was the way I saw ‘fellow traveller’.4 He had got them access and they had it; there was no contradiction between what I said at LSF obviously received help from the communist MEPS. It was and what I said about Ethiopia, and more broadly, on the quite funny because Philippe Laurent is quite close to the way MSF expressed itself on that issue. hard right.
Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French).
No, we did not ‘use’ Ethiopia to justify Liberté Sans No, that really surprised me, we never did that. That Frontières! Liberté Sans Frontières was conceived in surprised me. It was not Médecins Sans Frontières 1983 and created at the 1984 General Assembly in Belgium. Not all Belgians belonged to Médecins Sans order to condemn the effects that totalitarianism and the Frontières. I would never, never have accepted that! And ideology of Third-Worldism had on populations. Ethiopia what’s more, to distribute leaflets in the European was a totalitarian regime hiding behind a ‘Third World’ Parliament, no, no, never! But the provocation of the facade, so it was natural to condemn it. launching of Liberté Sans Frontières, the conference, which unleashed an extraordinary controversy, is concomitant. So Claude Malhuret, MSF France General Director this charge triggered all sorts of articles in the newspapers. (in French) The Third-worlders were attacked so they counter-attacked, etc. Of course, as the European Parliament is a ‘Third- worlders’ lobby’, they defended themselves, that’s clear enough. So material was circulating, but it wasn’t MSF Belgium who organised it, no way. We had no contact with After the expulsion of MSF France from Ethiopia, MSF the Third-worlders, with the European Parliament. We’d Belgium distanced itself from the position adopted by never, never, had any contact… its counterpart. Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director (in French).
Telex from MSF Belgium to press agency Belga, December 1985 (in French)
Extract: We had all come to believe that MSF France was Following the departure of ‘Médecins Sans Frontières determined to mount a coup. They didn’t want any France’ from Ethiopia, we would like to specify that: the interference from us and we were persona non grata. current problem only concerns Médecins Sans frontirèes So from the start we said: “Look, MSF France is MSF France. France, Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium continues In any case, we don’t have a lot to do with them, all you to carry out its activities unhindered in Adigrat, Idaga have to do is ask them”… I think we took the following Hamous and Zalambessa situated between Eritrea and line: “they were confronted with an unacceptable situation; Tigray. We regret the form the controversy has taken they assumed their responsibilities in relation to a situation and the excessive statements which inevitably led to an in which they were totally manipulated, a truly deplorable impasse that is ultimately detrimental, above all, to the populations in need. 88 4. A ‘fellow traveller’ of the Communist Party. Ethiopian government. Ethiopian government. the with compromising of them accused had MSF that claiming a statement issued and agency) Development and Relief (Christian CRDA the at met NGOs forty 1985, In December position. France’s MSF the from themselves distanced publicly but France, MSF by condemned violence the of reality the admitted tely priva in Ethiopia working organisations aid other The too.” left have would We “in place, their we saying went never as subject. far as on that wrong. But we not aggressive very… were obviously MSF We that saying gnage. went never as far as France was of in communication terms and témoi stronger ourselves But we situation. could have made it was all atragic after Ethiopia us to leave for probably need no because well, as Ithink basically, that was section… of other there the tage might -why advan to the not -be one section weakened stronger. make And ultimately, ourselves therefore what and out acommon to work strategy ortry positions, other’s each to understand want to think it together, about ortry In any case, we didn’t sections. the between animosity the to regard with was an unusualthere particularly situation, have to. Simply, hindsight, Ithink objectively that with aid community,the We etc. didn’t we to didn’tit; respond MSF Belgium.” line somehad that in influence At time, the us, that’s who reasonableare people come with to work who wantEthiopia, to harm MSF that’s and there France; MSF at firebrands sometelling us“look, are political there usinvolved to get by EthiopianThe tried clearly Government times… other at possible have been which strategy, might and an efficient context political the of understanding to aproper did not contribute certainly because we didn’tI was struggling have means. That the small and MSF We very were from Belgium! placethe -apart in NGO was helping out every and which logistics, the had France, which in was Addis amajor established NGO Ababa MSF time, the MSF at that ling Iremember ourselves well. as cal to pull out, and to stop adesire was already there time, In that at Paris problem of coexistence. was an enormous together. There a coherent communicationsting strategy we were capable of moun But time no at situations. other whilecould leave could stay, other the it donehad as in One strategies. other, of different because of adoption the each and assist we were ableblem. to strengthen At time no was Ithink acommunication that, there But pro beyond of missions”… able to aseries set up have been we to work; we allowed are in hospitals; the to stay decided we have of situation; Wesituation. not in are same the type Director of Operations (in French). Operations of Director Georges Dallemagne, MSF Belgium Belgium MSF Dallemagne, Georges ------
[...] Reactions head. its losing of is in and danger out neck its stuck has MSF NGOs. other from sympathy little attracted has Frontières Sans Liberté of forum the through action its politicising marginalisation: own its for responsible is partly MSF that said be to It has authorities. the with “dialogue” through settled be should disagreements that advises and ”irregularities” of series the over Ababa Addis to protests formal several made had it that stated Ethiopia, in working main organisation the (ICRC), Cross Red the of Committee International cautious the In Geneva, Belgium. MSF of President Laurent, Philippe says roses,” of abed exactly not are things is that know we All everything. blocks tude atti of kind this but violence, the to eye a blind turning of question is no “There expulsion. the by unconcerned itself declared has and Paris, MSF from emerging ”hype” the criticised even has “branch” Belgian him. His former with agrees one a single not in Ethiopia, working NGOs 47 of Out stage. NGO the on isolated largely himself finds but chords vocal his [...] is straining Brauman Rony Extract: relieve the victims of disaster. disaster. of victims the relieve to working NGO other any and MSF assist to continue to allowed be to hope They Ababa. Addis from orders on grounded was which aircraft, their of release the secure to in anattempt position” ”apolitical their stressed have MSF, for working were who Frontières, Sans Aviation resettled. are persons displaced which under conditions the monitor freely to organisations relevant all allow to government Ethiopian the asked has and concerns MSF’s shares it transfers), the (regarding practices” such of evidence “no seen has it while that claims in Tigre, rates ope which Hunger), Against Faim (AICF/Action la Contre Internationale Ethiopia.” Action with solidarity of ment move international vast the “jeopardise would decision the that fear the expressed Mr Queranne France, to sador ambas Ethiopian the Kebreth, Getachew to In atelegram disapproval.” “strong his expressed Association), Friendship Franco-Ethiopian (the Éthiopie Franco- d’Amitié Groupe the of president is also who Queranne, Jean-Jacques Rhone, the for Deputy man and spokes Party Socialist the decision, the deplored which Ministry, Foreign the from astatement […] Following Extract: 1985 (in French). 3 December AFP reactions,’ -MSF ‘Ethiopia (in French). (in Border,’ the to Escorted MSF ‘Ethiopia: Haski, Pierre Libération (France), 4 December 1985 4December (France), (France), Paris, Paris, (France), - - - - -
89 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry “deplored” Ethiopia’s cult to reach; nobody has been in a position to verify the expulsion of the humanitarian organisation Médecins figures. Furthermore, Ethiopia is the realm of statistical Sans Frontières and said it took a “very serious” view of approximation par excellence; nobody knows the figures the decision, which was announced by the authorities in for agricultural production or GDP. Addis Ababa on Monday night. A press release from the Foreign Ministry states that “MSF doctors have accom- “MSF uses localised events to discredit the policy of plished an admirable mission of relief and assistance in resettling peasants in the south,” the RRC dossier Ethiopia under difficult conditions. The Ministry deplores concludes, and its author, the organisation’s Deputy the fact that they cannot continue their humanitarian Commissioner, states that: “MSF has never asked me mission, which has already saved thousands of lives in to visit the resettlement camps and verify its claims.” this country.” Nobody from the 47 NGOs who have established them- selves in Addis Ababa since the famine, or from govern- The Ministry says that France does not envisage provi- ment circles, seriously disputes the fact that the transfer ding any form of assistance for the regime’s programme of populations often creates atrocious conditions. The of transporting drought victims to the south, which is three principles of displacement - freedom of choice, the principle bone of contention between Addis Ababa non-separation of families and physical fitness to under- and MSF. take the journey - are, all the witnesses agree, often vio- lated. In fact, as for freedom of choice, militiamen can often be seen wielding batons as they embark people who are too weak to begin several days of travel, although in Christophe Naigeon (Addis Ababa), ‘Addis the resettlement sites we have been allowed into we have Ababa Accuses Médecins Sans Frontières of seen entire families who appear to be happy with their Meddling in Politics,’ Libération (France), new situation, Nobody is in a position to say precisely 4 December 1985 (in French). what is going on, or whether massive and brutal depor- tations are in fact taking place, as Rony Brauman claims. Extract: […] According to the Ethiopian government, “Rony Given the lack of facts, the other non-governmental orga- Brauman’s Little Tarzans produce more noise than mir- nisations (NGOs) working in Ethiopia are keeping quiet. acles,” while the actions of Médecins Sans Frontières This is not simply because they cannot, in all honesty, go in Ethiopia are chiefly motivated by political consider- as far as MSF, but also because the general rule is ‘work ations. These, in substance, are the main charges it is and keep quiet’ if there is no way to communicate infor- levelling against the French humanitarian organisation. mation through more discreet channels.
In a carefully constructed dossier, which began circulating In any case, even if every humanitarian organisation is in Addis Ababa last Thursday, Berhanu Deressa, Deputy ready to share some of the fears of MSF’s fieldworkers, the Director of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission world, including the French ambassador and the United (RRC), articulated the arguments that would justify the Nations, has cooled considerably towards Médecins Sans expulsion of MSF three days later. The dossier, which is Frontières. MSF has violated the universally accepted extremely critical of Rony Brauman, head of MSF France, obligation to maintain a low profile but beyond that, and of local director Michel Fiszbin, takes a more lenient Rony Brauman and Michel Fiszbin may be reproached for view of those MSF staff who confined themselves strictly having tried to impose their own views on a sovereign to field operations and eschewed political considera- state, as well as for behaving like ‘champions of human tions. For that is where the roots of this business lie. The rights’ while having little regard for the truth. Ethiopians, who stress the links between MSF and the Liberté Sans Frontières foundation, are convinced that Remarking that it was the “the smallest NGO which made “all the noise made by Rony Brauman, who is trying to the most noise,” the RRC, relying on the neutrality of the attract more media attention than the situation merits,” other organisations, therefore decided to risk making a has only one objective: to prepare for the elections in martyr out of MSF. It is certainly a calculated risk. Even France. if France withdrew after this incident, which is not likely to happen - the French ambassador has been distancing Such an allegation is doubtless unfounded, but it is sup- himself from MSF for some time - Ethiopia does not stand ported by a series of balanced arguments to which MSF in to lose a great deal; this year’s French aid amounts to a Ethiopia has difficulty responding. Indeed, the mortality three-day distribution of food. figure arising from operations to transfer populations from the north to the south, the figure of 100,000 that While the expulsion is fuelling conversations in the bars Rony Brauman has given to several newspapers, is totally of the Addis Ababa Hilton, main headquarters of the NGOs unverifiable and is not extrapolated from the hard facts working in Ethiopia, the departure of MSF will create a noted by MSF teams, which amounts to 27 people. The gap, which may or may not be quickly filled by others. area concerned is twice as big as France; half the inhabi- Ethiopia is the scene of fierce rivalry between NGOs and 90 tants live in the south, in villages, which are often diffi- each defends its own territory as best it can, even if mouth. its -and eyes its close to having means sometimes that obscure. remain which criteria, to according so only does and them issue to is reluctant government The visas. in obtaining difficulties great experience journalists contrary, the to claims Moreover, despite in Ethiopia. freely move to mats, diplo particularly observers, foreign independent for is impossible it that remarked Brauman Dr point, this On truth.” the hide we that accepted have not would They stretchers. on sick the of loading forced the and families of separation the involving displacements forced to witnesses direct were teams Our province. Wollo in were centres four our of three “is that Brauman, Dr said attitude,” this adopted MSF why reasons the of “One silence. to hostage them holds this and populations assist to continue to was priority their that explained He take. to NGOs other for decision” “difficult a was it said Brauman Dr campaign, MSF’s with selves them aligned not far so -have them of 50 to close are -there in Ethiopia operating organisations governmental non- humanitarian other the of officials why Asked Extract: problems in Ethiopia. undermined by theclimateofsecrecythat shrouds theaid movement of solidarity runs the risk of finding itself donate financiallytoourcause. Thewholeinternational the Ethiopianpeopleandout ofrespectforallthosewho up theaidoperationsinEthiopia, bothforthegoodof For thesereasons,webelieve itisindispensabletoopen nal private assistance is based isnowinjeopardy. an extentthatthemutualconfidenceonwhichinternatio - action andmovementforNGO’shasbeenreducedtosuch No medicalcarehassofarbeenauthorized.Freedom of a severeepidemicisravagingthepopulationunchecked. or asinthesouthWeloandnorthShoalowlands,where wherethousands ofdeathcouldeasilyhavebeenavoided, hampered bynewpoliticalpriorities,suchasatKelala, not. They should know too that relief operations are being they amydecidewhatwillsupportand contributions aretobeusedsothat,awareofthefacts, believe thedonorsmustbeinformedofwaystheir [...] In thiscurrent recovery and development phase, we Extract: 1985,December (in French). ’At 100,000 AFP Dead,’ Least 1985 (inEnglish) Fiszbin, administrator,MSFFrance,13December Desmoulins, Medical coordinator, Michel “Open lettertoNGOsinEthiopia”Bertrand (France), 19 (France), - - Association) is composed of more than 40 NGOs working working NGOs 40 than more of is composed Association) Development and Relief [...] CRDA (Christian The they are. they wherever Ethiopia of people the assist to be must concern first our agencies humanitarian As it. boycotting by than rather involvement by more achieve can it resettlement, by causes problems the all of in spite that CRDA feels year. next of middle the by evident becoming starvation further prevent can programmes aid bilateral and multilateral with combined members its all by effort only amajor in Ethiopia, deficit food continuing the Given programme. resettlement Government’s Ethiopian the from arising problems the by activities lopment deve and relief their from diverted be to intend not do they that clear it make to like would CRDA members 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Extract: Extract: publicising alleged abuses of this policy. this of abuses alleged publicising not for and re-settlement on policy government’s the ‘supporting’ for MSF by attacked privately and publicly been have CRDA members various weeks In recent resolving them. resolving to aview with level, national and aregional at both officials relevant the with difficulties these discuss to continue will they programmes, in their difficulties face in 1986, members Ethiopia of where needs dous tremen the in RRC meeting the assisting to mitment com long-term their assert CRDA members Therefore RRC. the with collaborating are CRDA members in which bilitation reha and relief of programmes from away diverted are resources many too if or compulsion, by implemented is it if both name a bad given be may policy lement resett the that aware are However, CRDA members or in the relief camps. camps. relief inor the villages own in their either stayed had they if diseases related or starvation of died have might resettlers the of many as allegation, this disprove or prove to is impossible it that out point would CRDA members resettlement, by ‘caused’ been have deaths of sands thou that MSF of allegations specific the regards As drought conditions of Northern Ethiopia. of Northern drought conditions chronic the of light in the policy adefensible remains this as resettlement, of policy general the support members, its through does, it is that CRDA’s position to Ethiopia in 1986. Ethiopia to commitments aid term long and immediate their both reduce to donors aid major cause will MSF up by stirred publicity bad the that risk real very the is further There 1985, 18 December (in English). (Draft), Statement CRDA Member’s 1986, (in French). January BoardMeeting,4 France MSF Summary of on Resettlement Resettlement on ------
91 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
in Ethiopia. It recently issued a press release claiming conditions. It’s not working and you don’t have any solu- that MSF has privately and publicly accused NGOs of com- tions.” But there were no solutions for retaining people promising with the government in Addis. Rony Brauman either. It was a terrible headache. So the common position states that we have never made such accusations. A letter of the NGOs was not to follow MSF France. There was even was sent to every organisation, asking them what their a petition against MSF circulating among the NGOs in Addis respective positions were in relation to the press release . Ababa. I don’t think MSF Belgium or Holland signed it, but most of the NGOs condemned the attitude of Médecins Sans Frontières France .
Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director We were the only ones to speak out. Everybody spat (in French). on us. The SCF people had exactly the same informa- tion as us. They gave us stuff about the transit camps. They knew the transfers were not voluntary, that families were separated and people were dying. On the other hand, they thought that if they said anything in public they I am absolutely convinced, though I can’t prove it, would risk expulsion and they did not want to take that risk that if in November, after all the media commotion themselves. They thought it was more important to carry on that had already taken place, we had succeeded in working, because things were improving in some places. creating an NGO front in Addis, we could have turned the ICRC never said anything in public. They never said to a situation around. MSF would not have been expelled and the journalist: “we agree with MSF.” They said: “we do agree, government would have been forced to stop the transfers but we don’t want you to say that.” They said nothing at again. I’m absolutely certain of it. Besides, it did stop them that time. They wouldn’t speak out publicly. A year or two six to eight months later, but during those eight months later, they were expelled. They had 90 to 100 lorries in a hundreds of thousands more people were deported. We depot and they were all confiscated. Anyway, everybody was really had the power to make them backtrack but we robbed blind. As for Concern, I think they were the ones who couldn’t do it alone. Obviously, MSF does not count for kept insisting we were liars. First of all because they were much. Even today, MSF on its own is no big deal. But it is working in the resettlement camps and they didn’t want to infinitely more than it was at the time. There would have come out and say things were not going well. Secondly, been MSF, AICF - Oxfam was unthinkable - SCF and several because they can’t have appreciated the fact that Michel others, people like IRC, they made them withdraw, because Fiszbin repeated in public something they had said at the the press had agreed to support that vision of Ethiopia. meeting. Most of the others found it easy to turn a blind That’s the saddest thing about that business, apart from eye to what was going on. They just focused on the little the cruelty of the transfers themselves. dying child. Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985 (in French).
On 12 December, MSF requested the support of the European Parliament to help in obtaining a three- Only MSF France left the country. The other members month moratorium on the forced resettlements. The of MSF Belgium and MSF Holland did not leave. And Parliament criticised Ethiopia’s policy of resettlement the 200 other NGOs did not leave either. In any case, and asked it to allow MSF to resume its work. whether MSF France left or not made no difference to the level of assistance the population was receiving. MSF France contributed, I don’t know, 1% of the aid, so it did not change anything. It would be completely different in a ’Ethiopia: MSF Appeals to the European situation where you’re providing 100% of the aid and then Parliament,’ Le Quotidien du Pharmacien decide to leave… But MSF France took the ‘we do not want (France), 12 December 1985 (in French). to sanction a government’ line. I think everybody knew what was happening. The press was already talking about Extract: it. The organisations that carried on working there were Dr Rony Brauman, President of Médecins Sans Frontières, saying, “something is not right”. But they did not say, “you has just asked the European Parliament for help in pres- are communists, therefore you are bad, therefore all your sing the Ethiopian government to suspend its resettle- decisions are bad.” Which was pretty much the position MSF ment policy for at least three months. “These arbitrary France took: “You don’t have the means to carry out your displacements, which are conducted in appalling condi- policy. Even if your intentions are good, you can’t make it tions, have become the major cause of death in Ethiopia,” work. You are transferring people, but there is no infrastruc- he claimed. “We can estimate the number of deaths they 92 ture ready for them. You are transporting them in appalling have caused at nearly 100,000.” trip to the United States. States. United the to trip a after Ethiopia to return to failed who Commissioner, RRC the Giorgis, Wolde Dawit of defection the ted On 16 December, press repor international the week. next available made be would situation Ethiopian in the developments recent of details that said He ted. conduc was it in which conditions the of an assessment than important less was programme’ ‘resettlement the of practicality fundamental the to challenge a systematic that observed Natali, Lorenzo Commissioner, European The MSF. support to states member the all encouraging of hope the today, with begin should which adebate, opening of intention their announced already have groups political Several duty. humanitarian their doing for Ethiopia from expelled been recently had Frontières Sans Médecins of 22 members that said and Nations United the by sent enquiry of missions the of commitment the challenged also has Brauman Dr Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), which controls inter controls which (RRC), Commission Rehabilitation and Relief Ethiopian the of Director Giorgis, Wolde Dawit Extract: use of Community aid and demanded stricter controls. stricter demanded and aid Community of use and distribution in the abuses condemning by concluded Assembly Parliamentary The families. of separation the involved it whether and basis, avoluntary on conducted was relocation not or whether examine also would sion commis The zones. ‘resettlement’ in the situation the and north in the conditions living concerning mation infor collect can enquiry of a commission that so fers trans the of suspension immediate the requested It has governments. autonomous by controlled regions depopulate to desire the particularly motives, political by inspired is essentially programme’ lement ‘resett the Parliament, European the to According place. take transfers population these in which conditions appalling the revealing after expelled was organisation The in Ethiopia. activities humanitarian its resume to Frontières Sans Médecins allow to government Ethiopian the to appealed has Parliament [...] Strasbourg The Extract: 17 December 1985 17 (in French). December Giorgis,’ Wolde Dawit of “Disappearance” Mysterious the ’Ethiopia: Strasbourg, 12 December 1985 (in 12 French). December Strasbourg, AFP Deportation,’ of Policy the Criticises Parliament European ’Ethiopia: (AP) (France), Monde (AP)Le (France), (France), (France), ------a discriminatory manner. a discriminatory in it distributing and aid international misappropriating of accused May,was RRC the Last 114 and December). Monde, (Le 100,000 people up to of deaths the caused have to alleged are deportations massive These country. the of regions western and southern fertile more the to provinces northern the from people ahalf and a million about of transfer forced the concerning notably versies, contro several of centre the at been has He Mariam. Haile Mengistu Lieutenant-Colonel State, of Head the of friend is apersonal and personalities foremost regime’s the of is one He army. Ethiopian in the is acommander Mr Dawit ago, years two commission aid the of director Appointed afterwards. shortly disappeared He Brussels. to on moving before California, to went then in he Nairobi, contacts close his of one to UN. According the visiting November, before of beginning the at Washington to travelled had and Coast US West the on UK another and in the residence a ago. has He weeks three Ethiopia to returned have should He States. United the and Belgium Britain, Great in aid solicit to atrip on 25 on October Ababa Addis left Mr Dawit States.” United in the asylum political obtain to “seeking was director the Times, Sunday London the to ago. According weeks three capitals western several of atour during ‘disappeared’ Ethiopia, to aid national political affairs. internal country’s inthe interfering for expelled been had MSF that claimed who Ethiopia, for representative UN the by attended was This inGeneva. conference apress held France MSF of heads 18the On December, Ethiopia. to aid in supplying role States United the criticized had Mr Dawit that noted who cials offi relief by irony some with viewed also was defection reported The bloc. Eastern the of nations other Union and Marxist Ethiopia’s to embarrassing be would defection Mr Dawit’s said in and Washington here [...] Officials country. in this stay to intended he that known it made had and States United in the was Mr Dawit said source Washington ahighly placed […] But Extract: Government, which as close ties to the Soviet Soviet the to ties close as which Government, 20 December 1985 (in English). 20 December in USA,’ York New The (USA), Times Asylum Seek to Said Aid Chief ‘Ethiopian J. Prial, Frank - -
93 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
‘MSF Calls for Ethiopia to Respect the Universal ‘MSF Claims at least 100,000 People Have Died Declaration of Human Rights,’ AFP (Geneva), During the Forced Resettlement Operation,’ 18 December 1985 (in French). AFP (France), Nairobi, 19 December 1985, (in French). Extract: On Wednesday, the humanitarian organisation Médecins Extract: Sans Frontières (MSF), speaking in Geneva, the hea- The principle cause of mortality in Ethiopia today is “nei- dquarters of many international organisations, called ther famine nor drought but the forced population resett- for Ethiopia to respect Article 13 of the Universal lement organised by the government,” Dr Rony Brauman, Declaration of Human Rights, which forbids the forced President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), claimed in transfer of populations. Nairobi on Thursday.
At a press conference, Dr Rony Brauman, President of MSF, Dr Brauman, whose organisation was expelled from which has just been expelled from Ethiopia, added that Ethiopia on 4 December after working in the field for the massive programme to resettle northern famine-stric- over a year, also claimed that at least 100,000 people had ken populations in the south had caused the deaths of at died during forced transfers from the north to the south least 100,000 people. These transfers, he said, are carried of the country. These operations have had a particularly out against the will of the population, who are confined detrimental effect on the inhabitants of Wollo and Tigre in transit camps which “resemble concentration camps”, provinces, which were stricken by the drought of 1984. and are the “chief cause of mortality in the country.” The Ethiopian government maintains that the south is more fertile. Dr Claude Malhuret, General Director of MSF and author of a report on the ‘mass deportations in Ethiopia,’ claimed Challenging the Ethiopian government’s principal accu- that the plan to resettle 1,750,000 people would lead to sation that it was meddling in internal politics - a pro- another 300,000 deaths. “We are witnessing the biggest Soviet regime has been in power for eleven years - the deportation since the Khmer Rouge genocide,” he added. president of the French humanitarian organisation stated that he was “not criticising the resettlement programme These statements were denied by Mrs. Kongit Sinegiorgis, itself, but rather the conditions in which it takes place.” the Deputy Permanent Representative for Ethiopia at the UN in Geneva, who attended the press conference. She Dr Brauman had arrived in Nairobi on Thursday to wel- said that MSF was “one of 48 non-governmental orga- come the last two members of MSF from Addis Ababa, nisations working in Ethiopia and had been expelled for but they were still entangled in “bureaucratic red tape,” interfering in the country’s internal political affairs.” She according to MSF. They were still in the Ethiopian capital added, “the figures quoted are totally without foundation Thursday night, waiting for their exit visas. and we invite every journalist present to come to Ethiopia and verify this for themselves.” Claiming that he was making this information public “in the name of humanitarian principles and out of respect Dr Brauman, who was meeting an Ethiopian official for for the donors,” Dr Brauman expressed the hope that a the first time since his expulsion, formally acknowledged “united front” of humanitarian organisations working the invitation, while pointing out that when the members in Ethiopia could be formed so that pressure could be of his organisation worked in Ethiopia, they were forbid- applied to the government in Addis Ababa. “Our goal,” he den to go beyond a strictly limited perimeter around the said, “is first of all to obtain an immediate suspension of camps where relief operations were taking place. the resettlement programme. We can then study the real possibilities of rehabilitating populations in their home regions and, finally, improve the resettlement sites.”
On 19 December, the president of MSF France travelled to Nairobi, where the last volunteers who had been detained in Ethiopia were due to arrive. At a press MSF France published a four-page document explai- conference, he called for humanitarian organisations ning its actions in Ethiopia and the reasons for its to create a united front. expulsion. This was circulated among donors and the press.
94 tion in Ethiopia as unacceptable. Unacceptable. And we we And Unacceptable. unacceptable. as in Ethiopia tion deporta of conditions the described we later, years five why, is also That in it public. admit to dared ever had nobody although knowledge, common actually was that famine organised the denounced Shawcross William until - sceptical remained journalists and organisations many while authorities, victorious the by maintained berately deli being were that conditions cruel the to We testified in 1980. border Cambodian the on survival for a march organised we is why That solidarity. from benefited have should who beings human very the beings: human troying des and down is grinding that a policy pursue to in order aid is diverting in 1980, agovernment is that Cambodia in 1985, in Ethiopia accept in as cannot we What a commitment. made had we because it ted harder. accep much we But that cholera and typhus cold, against battle the made sights Such night. the during died who children of corpses the of collection morning hunger, by the by state azombie-like to reduced people of vision frightful the by haunted are 19 months last the over in Ethiopia worked have who 74The personnel methods. normal by delivery prevented activity guerrilla when helicopter or plane by or road, by medicines and equipment food, deliver to tirelessly worked camps the and Ababa Addis in Paris, Logisticians Kobo. at hospital hellish the to internists and tionists nutri sending by Kelala, and Sekota like in places ren child for centres feeding run up and set to nutritionists sending by Korem, like death-traps to nurses and doctors sending by so We done have action. into world whole the galvanised which drought, terrible the of beginning the - since ability our of best the - to so done have we And war. or disasters natural of victims are who populations to protection and assistance aid, possible, as efficiently as provide, is to Frontières Sans Médecins of vocation The it. knows everyone In Ethiopia, scale. this on committed being are crimes when knowing of ways always are there Because it! say not will we and it say 1975 longer no We can 1979: and know!” “We didn’t between in Cambodia regime new the by committed cide geno the to referring when commentators western many of example the say, following longer no We can know!” “We didn’t deportations: the with confronted were they when Europeans of passivity War, incredible the regarding World Second the after did some say, as longer no We can unacceptable! The arisen. have that questions the all to responds also President, MSF Brauman, Rony in Ethiopia. resettlement population surrounding conditions the about truth the reveal and out speak to decided has Frontières Sans Médecins Extract: Press, December 1985 (in French). December Press, Document Special France MSF We Were Expelled?’ ‘Why on Ethiopia, for Donors and the the and Donors for Ethiopia, on ------ villages. resettlement in the rate mortality alarming the citing policy, deportation government’s Ethiopian the of condemnation aformal issued finally government States United the December, of end At the meaning! a has mission this of sacrifice -the known it made have three times that many people as part of its effort to pre to effort its of part as people many that times three almost resettle to is planning government Ethiopian The country. the of parts western and southern the in areas fertile more to northeast arid the from months in recent moved been have people 500,000 than More said. he year, next amount same the contributing to committed is and year this needs Ethiopia’s food of one-third about supplied States United The aid. food on policy American in change any cause not would disclosures the said He world.” the to unbeknownst dying are people where exist, do Pawes other that believe Ifirmly country. the around access free have workers relief nor press the “Neither said. he located,” are Pawes other the where know don’t we is that problem ”The famine. by ravaged been was which in Ethiopia, people of thousands of hundreds of resettlement forced with associated tragedy” “human the called he -what problem broader amuch of symptomatic was it because situation the of disclosure a public making was administration Reagan the said He leaving. from red bar not were villagers the that added He said. McPherson Mr northeast, arid in the provinces from area Pawe the into gunpoint,” at “often forced, been had villagers The villagers. the interviewed had and language local the speak who scene the on personnel government American from came information the Monday said Mr McPherson 1,000. of population total 7, Pawe 5and Pawe a have designated villages, two The said. he diseases, other and typhus malaria, mainly to due was Death Ababa. Addis of northwest kilometers) (240 150 miles about area, Pawe swampy in the villages in the died” already have “hundreds March since that reported Development, International for Agency the of administrator McPherson, M. Peter proportions.’ historical of tragedy human ‘a vast suggesting Ethiopia, in western Province in Gojjam villages resettlements in two tions condi shocking of witnesses from accounts had States United the said has official aid foreign American top The Extract: English). English). 1985 (in 26 Washinghton, December (USA), a“Tragedy”,’Ethiopia York New The Times In Resettlement Calls ‘US H. Farnsworth, Clyde - - -
95 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
vent future food shortages. In some of the north-eastern Under the terms of the agreement signed with the provinces such as Tigre and Wollo, rebels are fighting the Ethiopian health minister and the Ethiopian Relief and Marxist-led government of Lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), MSF Belgium will help Haile Mariam. Some critics of resettlement, such as the to rebuild the hospital at Barentu. The total cost of this Tigre People’s Liberation Front, have charged that the programme is estimated at US$ 990,000. MSF Belgium government is trying to rid the region of rebels and those teams have been operating in Tigre, Zala Ambassa and who support them. Idaga Hamus, where 15 doctors and nurses are cur- rently working, since 1984. This programme is costed at Last month the French private relief organization Doctors US$750,000 dollars for 1986. Without Borders sharply criticized the resettlement pro- gram and said as many as 100,000 people have died in the operation. The Ethiopian government expelled the relief organization this month. Mr McPherson did not dis- cuss these accusations and confined this criticism to the On 21 January, the US government again criticised the conditions he said had been revealed by the witnesses. Ethiopian policy of forced resettlement. Several telephone calls were made to Abebe Beyene, first secretary of the Ethiopian Embassy, to obtain his reac- tion. He declined to return the calls. Mr McPherson said the situation into the two Pawe vil- ’Washington Describes the Ethiopian Policy of lages “has been brought to the attention of the Ethiopian Forced Resettlement as “Brutal”.’ AFP (France), government.” He added, “we have reason to hope that Washington, 23 January 1985 (in French). some steps to reduce the suffering will take place in this particular area.” Extract: On Tuesday, the US government criticised the Ethiopian government policy of forced population resettlement, describing it as “brutal.” Mr Kalb stressed that while the programme of forced resettlement had resulted in deaths, On 13 January 1986, MSF Belgium announced that it the American authorities were not in a position to put a had signed an agreement with Ethiopia to provide one figure on them. million dollars’ worth of medical aid. The director of operations said that this decision posed no ethical “From America’s point of view, there is no doubt that this problems for the Belgian section. policy is conducted in a harsh and brutal manner,” said State Department spokesman Bernard Kalb. “The United States has repeatedly criticised the human rights viola- tions associated with this compulsory programme and ’MSF Belgium Commits 1.75 Million Dollars to will continue to do so.” Ethiopia in 1986,’ AFP (France), Brussels, 14 January 1986, (in French). At the end of December, the Americans had pointed to an alarming mortality rate in two villages in the Pawe region Extract: to the northwest of Addis Ababa where peasants had On Monday, the humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans been forcibly resettled. They expressed their conviction Frontières Belgium announced that it had just signed a that similar situations existed elsewhere in the country. contract with Ethiopia to provide one million dollars’ worth of medical aid. This brings its total aid to this country in 1986 to US$1.75 million. Three teams composed of four doctors and three nurses will be sent to Eritrea and Tigre provinces said Dr Georges Dallemagne, an official from MSF In January 1986, MSF France took its campaign Belgium, adding that his organisation had already planned condemning forced resettlement in Ethiopia to Canada a US$750,000 programme in Tigre for 1986. and the United States.
In April 1985, MSF Belgium broke off relations with MSF France, whose personnel were recently expelled from Ethiopia after condemning the government’s resettlement ’MSF Challenges Ethiopia’s Resettlement Policy,’ policy. Dr Dallemagne told AFP that as far as the Belgian AFP (France), 23 January 1986 (in French) organisation was concerned, it had “no ethical problem. We are collaborating with the Ethiopian government in Extract: the implementation of sanitation aid. The resettlement [...] MSF President Rony Brauman is in the United States, programme does not concern the provinces of Eritrea and pursuing the campaign he began in Europe calling for a Tigre, the only areas where MSF Belgium operates,” he three-month suspension of the population transfers. This 96 said. would allow a commission of experts to examine whether tion conditions do not pose a threat to health. to athreat pose not do conditions tion recep and transport that and separated, not are families that voluntary, be should they that recommended has MSF necessary, be to transfers these judge experts where In cases 100,000 lives. up to ago, cost had ayear Ababa in Addis regime the by launched operations, forced these of first the that ago. claimed He months two resumed had south the to populations northern of transfer forced the that said December, last Ethiopia from expelled was organisation whose Mr Brauman, resettled. effectively (1.5-1.8 are provinces people) million northern the if inhabitants the all if victims 300,000 in another result could migrations forced these that estimates Mr Brauman century.” twentieth the of history in the massacres ”one as greatest the of future near in the described be to come might what supporting of weakness,” ”through guilty, be will governments western and organisations aid applied, is not amoratorium if Mr Brauman, to According Canada. to on moving before days, few next the during Congress and Department State the from officials ting mee be should He necessary. in fact are operations such run away to the mountains?”. ”Because members of MSF MSF of members ”Because mountains?”. the to away run people these all do “why asking, resettlement, forcible of aninstance about anofficial challenged publicly he visit his during 1960s, and late the of politics radical in France’s start his got Brauman Dr Ababa. Addis of capital Ethiopian in the was Brauman Rony President MSF November, past This charges. their make to freer felt kers wor MSF in Ethiopia, fall this waned famine [...] the As southwest. in the sites to country the of part northern the from people of numbers large resettling forcibly was government the raging, was famine the while that saw in Ethiopia 1985, of end the By volunteers MSF […] borders. without -Doctors frontiers sans Médecins called organization a French with are alarm the sounding workers famine The Sudan. in neighboring refugees Ethiopians many interviewed has which fessors, pro Harvard mainly by staffed Survival, Cultural called a group to belong message this carrying researchers The scheme. ghastly its out carry help to aid food our is using government the worse, Even itself. famine the rivals it that monstrous so become has donors, food other US and the to troubling already relocations, forced of program government’s Ethiopian the say visitors The it. hear to not trying ears their over hands their with around walk to going are people that grim so news bearing week this Washington in arrived researchers and workers famine Ethiopian Extract: (USA), 24 January 1986 (in English). 24 January (USA), Wall The In Ethiopia” Journal Street Graves “‘West’s Live Aid Digs Live “‘West’s Garment Suzanne - - - - want to make it. make to want to going not just are people many and is required, bution contri a tougher now But well. responded we lay, thies sympa our where money our put to us asked and world the are we that us told workers year, famine when Last into sentimentalism. further nerate dege to policy development our want not do we if it to used get to have may we But War II. World since a whole as politics our indeed, and, policy foreign our governed have that behavior human about assumptions of heart the at strikes proposition This saves. it than lives more costing be may liberally, given aid, our now By accept: to knew, harder we and than higher of price the But lives. Ethiopians’ saving for price the was thought, we them, with Dealing army. the and party the for off skimmed be would more that and docks the on rot would grain our of some that people, killed they that We knew Guys. Mr Nice no were Ethiopia’s rulers Aid money, Live that our over forked we as We recognized, aid. giving our favor to used who mush-heads the than realistic more are we think right, and US,We left in the people.” the of good the for but in retaliation, off-not cut be should aid accept, not does government If the sion. mis fact-finding an independent permit to government Ethiopian the pressure is to position responsible morally only ”the Brauman, Dr says request, this In considering aid. more for is asking government Ethiopian the Now in MSF December. led expel Ethiopians The replied. officials the them” agitate and refugees), he found it impossible to continue to to continue to impossible it found he refugees), and nurses doctors, (from testimony direct of accumulation the given that said Mr Brauman conference, At apress […] Extract: Ethiopian government. government. Ethiopian the help to reluctant more countries European made had populations of resettlement the concerning accusations” “deplorable whose Frontières, Sans Médecins organisation humanitarian French the at anger his expressed McGowan Mr province. northern in the problems environmental serious the given step” a“positive was programme resettlement the that declared McGowan MEP Michael Socialist Ethiopia, in western acamp visiting [...] After Extract: 28 January 1986 (in French). 28 January Famine,’ Devoir the Le than Victims More Created has Programme” “Resettlement Forced the Ethiopia: Condemns President ‘MSF 1986, (in 25 French). January (France), AFP Programme,’ Resettlement ’MEP Defends (Canada), (Canada), - - - - -
97 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
sanction aid that is being used to “support the Ethiopian somewhat pathological Jew/Nazi aspect to that business executioners” who are planning to resettle up to 1.5 mil- which went back to peculiar ideas which I’ve since dealt lion people in the south. The ‘resettlement’ map allegedly with, but they were there. You need to take my psychology, follows the lines of the coffee plantations. my personal history, into account... That business made me a bit crazy. For almost a year, I MSF is a French organisation founded in 1971. The would seize any opportunity that arose - or provoke one if I Mengistu regime expelled it in December. MSF elected had to - to talk about Ethiopia and the diversion of aid, not to oppose a situation in which huge numbers of people for enrichment but, for political reasons. I held press confe- from the northern provinces are ‘taken captive,’ - lured rences. I’d only done one before, for the march for survival by false promises or blackmail - subjected to violence, in Cambodia (in 1981), but now I was doing two a month - and sent in convoys to transit camps where, according to in Africa, Italy, England, Germany, Belgium, Paris, at several official figures, 15% of them lose their lives. Dr Brauman American universities, in Washington, the Refugee Policy says that this situation has stimulated even greater anger Group, any of the various think tanks I could get hold of. within MSF than that aroused when Bokassa was slaugh- It was like war. We had many, many, many enemies; there tering children, or when Guatemala was using extreme were so many attacks on us. It was quite clear that aid had violence to control its indigenous population. been used for the forced transfer of populations. Nobody was in a position to deny that. For a start, journalists had Will Dr Brauman’s organisation go as far as to suggest reported it before we did. To put it in simple terms, all we that aid to Ethiopia should be stopped? He will discuss did was collect all the information available and present this possibility in Toronto today, where he is due to meet it from our own point of view, in our own language, and David MacDonald, the Canadian Coordinator of Emergency through the prism of our own principles. But this infor- Aid to Africa. Dr Brauman offers a cautious summary of mation had already come out, although not in any great the goals MSF is seeking to achieve. First, that every amount, after the ‘Grande Fête de la Solidarité/ [Big country involved in aid to Ethiopia applies pressure Solidarity Party]’. What had been overturned was the image in order to obtain a three-month moratorium on the of Ethiopia as a success story. I came along afterwards and ‘resettlements’ (this is the basis of a recent resolution said that it was a human and moral disaster. The American from the European Parliament initiated by Simone Veil). and Canadian sections of World Vision, SCF, Oxfam, etc., Second, that the regime opens its borders to a commis- gave me a very hard time. sion of enquiry. Otherwise, according to MSF, doubts will In England, nobody would speak to me directly. Ten times remain that the massive amount of aid (over US$2 billion I asked for meetings with John Simon, the Head of SCF. in 1985) is being diverted from its primary purpose: to He wouldn’t even talk to me on the phone. From Paris to relieve the suffering of the Ethiopian population. London, he wouldn’t have it. Oxfam was even worse. On one occasion, I went to Oxford to see World Vision and met Footage shot in November 1985, by journalists from the Jason Clay. He had returned from Somalia for a kind of Sigma agency, was used by MSF yesterday, to establish symposium in a big university centre dedicated to the rights that many Ethiopians are fleeing a country whose lea- of refugees, the rights of man, humanitarian rights, etc. ders are violating the conditions they claim to respect: We spent a day in this kind of seminar, taking abuse and voluntary relocation, non-separation of families, and the responding to everybody as best we could. The majority of physical fitness to undertake the journey. Given the pre- the hall was against us because Ethiopia is a country that sent circumstances, MSF believes that “aid is doing more exercises a kind of fascination. There was an old English harm than good.” family, from the upper middle class or the aristocracy; some of them had been in Ethiopia since the end of the last cen- tury and they sucked up to the regime. One of them was a scientist, a sociologist, and he really tore into me. In America, I did a somewhat improvised conference at the I began working with MSF in 1978. When Ethiopia State Department. They knew I was in town because I’d came up, I had been part of the humanitarian aid spoken at a conference the day before. They called at my circuit for almost nine years. Ethiopia was a major hotel and asked me to come and give them a briefing, which turnaround for me. Aid, in general, can be an instrument of I thought was rather nice. They cancelled their lunch so we death or oppression, although the people involved in it may would have an hour for the briefing. I gave it and saw that be unaware of this. The revelation appeared, in all its harsh I’d upset them, even physically. I saw the looks of conster- brutality, during the Ethiopian crisis, but it was a long pro- nation on peoples’ faces. Some were obviously happy with cess. Besides, we wittingly or unwittingly risked the life of it, they asked questions, they said, “That’s very important, the association and for me; it was a frenzied expenditure of an NGO that questions what it’s doing,” etc. But others said, energy. That’s when I started to write. Before that, during “In the final analysis, you are engaging in politics! Have Cambodia, Malhuret usually handled anything controversial. you any proof of what you are talking about?” They wanted Then it was my turn. I’d been President for three years, but everything, the principles and the proof. They had a juri- Malhuret was still in charge. At the time, I was convinced dical, philosophical view; humanitarianism in the abstract. of my own ability. I assumed the leadership of the opera- There were so many attacks on us. On the other hand, the 98 tion because I felt so strongly about it. There was a press broadly supported us. I think that was what enabled obtain. to impossible were statistics that said in Ethiopia UN representative the while findings, MSF’s rejected inAfrica Operations Emergency for Office Nations United the of Director Executive the 30On January, doing be just job. their It take a bit longer, will all.” that’s Anyway, we they’ll bills. haven’tthe wrong; done anything up, “OK,” I’m in soup!” the Isaid. through go “So they’ll We’re If crazy! months eighteen turn behind! auditors the to day. day You Sheup! it from updated said, just “You’re a computer, balance and the sheet came clicked just you it whaton was Ithought all know was accounting about! Ididn’tYou don’t In realise effect, what you’ve done!” and her shesee fainted. She nearly said, “But you’re crazy! Iwent to Itend to way work! the That’s director!” financial “I’d the and once Ithought it was warn posted better office in my letter the I’d that. was complete silence after written my lawyer. There would come from letter next and the court slander because their I’dcould stop a before them drag orthey on his findings, base articles their and then hours accountant MSF’s to check 48 within accounts an expert send could either they that telling them letter a registered oflot of management suspicion the MSF. about Isent them -we wonder where etc. it went.”Borders]’, a aroused They Ethiopia]’, [Singers without Sans ‘Chanteurs Frontières/ MSFmoney Pour raised -‘Chanteurs l’Ethiopie/ [Singers for pro-Ethiopia basically and said were that They “All funds. France done had abig piece of on MSF question and the MSF in one piece. to emerge […] monthly music in Arock were being ”used as bait” that conditions during trans during conditions that bait” ”used as being were abroad from donated blankets and food that separated, been had “at families gunpoint”, that resettled being thousands of spoke report The victims. 1,500,000 famine resettling of process in the die to likely are people 300,000 as many as that government Ethiopia’s Marxist of aprogramme of study in arecent said group Paris-based in Ethiopia’, the Deportations ‘Mass called In areport May. by worse get could situation the that said we But figure.” any up with come to It is impossible work. to which on data is no there because died, actually people many how determine to way is no “Here said: Mr Priestly Borders, Without Doctors by reports on Commenting Ethiopia. for Co-Coordinator UN Aid Priestly, Mr Michael by rejected been have famine of than policy resettlement government the of aresult as die Ethiopians more that group a Paris-based by Claims Extract: Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in french). President France MSF Brauman, Rony 1986 (in English). Expert,’ UN Toll Famine Says Unknown, ‘Ethiopia (UK), 3 February DailyThe 3February Telegraph (UK), - When Iraq invaded Iran, MSF offered to help the wounded wounded the help to offered MSF Iran, invaded Iraq When food this year.” this food of 1,200,000 tonnes need will we and feeding, need ”will people million seven and six 1985” between that and as bad as be to going “is year this in Ethiopia famine the that warned also Mr Priestley truth.” the of travesty an absolute is just holocaust the to this liken to attempt any but made, been have mistakes certain that ted admit has (of Ethiopia) government “The said and views Mr Priestley’s supported in Africa, Operations Emergency for UN’s Office the of Canada, of Strong, Mr Maurice government. Ethiopian the of Head Mengistu, Col. to referring said, chairman,” he the of instructions direct the on go to want we anywhere to access total have “We areas. resettlement the entering from observers other and UN personnel prevented it that allegations against government Ethiopian the defended he misled.” But, be ”to possible indeed was it that and Ethiopia to new was he that out pointed Mr Priestley […] in Ethiopia.” is happening what of view outside the about York New into come I’ve since read I’ve reports the of some by horrified been I’ve frankly, But there. get always don’t they maybe and late, come they in Ethiopia readily very papers We get don’t horrified. I’minside. absolutely the from than outside the from seen more it’s I think about. carefully words my choose to Ihave which thing is some issue resettlement the of contentiousness ‘”The happening in Ethiopia. was what viewed world outside the how about read had he reports the of some by “horrified” was and view this to exception took he said aBriton, Mr Priestley, Germany. Nazi under holocaust the to likened was Ababa Addis in Government Soviet-backed the by organized being programme resettlement the Journal, Street Wall the by published in Ethiopia, situation the of account In another […] aid”. international from gifts and funds with out “carried seen”, being was and have we rights human of violations massive most the of ”one was programme resettlement The death. and disease in widespread resulted areas resettlement in and the port and on both sides of conflicts, if it can. it if conflicts, of sides both on and regimes, of avariety with in countries works it that fact the from is clear neutrality its that says Charhon […] Dr neutrality. political of position original its abandoned has it that feeling the heightened and MSF over France in specialists World Third among controversy revived has expulsion the But, policies. government against vigorously out spoke it that regrets no has in December, Ethiopia from expelled agency French the Frontières, sans Médecins at Operations of Director the Charhon, Francis Dr Extract: Guardian Bias,’ The of is Accused Aid Agency ‘French (UK), 6 February 1986 (in English). 6 February (UK), - -
99 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
on both sides, but was accepted only by the Iranians. A Jacques de Barrin, ‘Thousands Flee the New few months later, when Iranian relations with France went Collective Villages and Cross into Somalia,’ Le sour, MSF withdrew. It offered to work with both sides Monde (France), Nairobi, 6 March 1986 (in in Angola, but was accepted only by the South African- French). supported rebel group, Unita. It works with the two main anti-government movements in Ethiopia. It has sent 250 Extract: doctors deep into rebel-held areas of Afghanistan. Between 500 and 1,000 Ethiopians are seeking refuge Last year, MSF doctors were expelled from Guatemala in Somalia every day. Over the past ten weeks, about when they tried to move their work into areas close to 27,000 have flocked to Tugwagale camp, near Hargeisa where the army was fighting guerrillas. MSF cites the in the northwest, according to a local official of the Guatemalan case - an expulsion by a rightwing govern- United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). ment - as evidence of its neutrality. The government of These farming families, who are far from destitute, are El Salvador has also forced it to pull back from conflict predominantly ethnic Oromo from the Harrar and Jijiga zones where it aided peasants wounded by the army. regions. They would rather cross the border than accept In contrast to other aid agencies, which tend to keep Addis Ababa’s ‘invitation’ to resettle in [new] villages. silent on political conditions, Dr Charhon says, “No longer It has been pointed out that these people - UNHCR can we give ‘blind’ aid. You must not just aid. You must expects tens of thousands more in the months to come witness.” MSF says it works in conflict zones because - are ‘political refugees’ rather than victims of famine. usually no one else wants to work there. On conditions Apparently, most of them are in good health, although in Ethiopia, Dr Charhon denies allegations from other some are carriers of cholera. agencies; that it ”provoked” its expulsion. ”We only [...] provoked it in the sense that we spoke up. You always hope things will improve, and leaving isn’t easy. But no other organisation said our criticism of resettlement was false. That’s the point. We could not go on working at Blaine Harden, Ethiopians Risk Lives Fleeing any price,” he said. Resettlement,’ The Washington Post (USA), 10 MSF’s quiet acceptance of Salvadoran government pres- March 1986 (in English). sures and its work with Nicaraguan refugees in Honduras prompted a row with its branch in Belgium. They provide Extract: most of the volunteers in Nicaragua, and they felt the […] Paris headquarters was moving to a right-wing stance. As Ethiopia’s famine abates, the resettlement program But, the main controversy centres on MSF’s creation last continues, with a goal of moving 1.5 million people by year of a new organisation, called Liberté Sans Frontières. the end of this year. The program has become, by far, LSF, whose board contains many well-known ‘New Right’ the most contentious issue between Marxist Ethiopia and figures such as Jean-François Revel and Jean-Claude the western governments and private relief organizations Casanova, aims to counter ‘left-wing Third-Worldism’ that supply most of its famine assistance. The Ethiopian which it accuses of feeding on a European guilt com- government temporarily suspended the resettlement pro- plex that blames all the problems of the Third World on gram at the end of last month in response to criticism Western economic dominance. from western aid donors. The suspension, to last an inde- Jean-François Revel is a pillar of the recently formed finite period, was ordered “for a period of consolidation Resistance International, a strongly anti-communist orga- and to digest what they have already done,” a senior nisation, and Jean-Claude Casanova is a member of western aid official in Addis Ababa told United Press the American New Right journal ‘Commentary’, and the International last weekend. Committee of Intellectuals for a Europe of Liberties (Ciel), According to western aid officials in the Ethiopian which has called for an end to the Helsinki process of capital, the final 1,000 resettlers arrived in Asosa from East-West détente, until Soviet troops leave Afghanistan. Welo Province in the last week of February. Ethiopian government officials, while not officially announcing the suspension, said last week that internal and external cri- ticism have forced a government review of resettlement. But, western aid officials say that it was primarily out- In February 1986, the Ethiopian government announced side donor criticism that forced the suspension. a brief suspension of resettlement operations in [...] While Italy and Canada have given money specifi- order to initiate a phase of ‘consolidation’. But, the cally to support resettlement, most other donors have large-scale ‘villagisation’ - effectively an exercise in expressed reservations. […] The Ethiopian government collectivisation - continued. In March, thousands of has admitted to some abuses in the program by ‘over- Ethiopians fled from resettlement villages and sought zealous local officials.’ But, it maintains that the idea refuge in neighbouring Somalia. On 22 March, the of moving famine victims from the drought-razed nor- Ethiopian head of state announced that in the future, thern highlands to the fertile southwestern lowlands is transfers to the south would be conducted only on a sound. The Soviet-supported rulers have dismissed most 100 voluntary basis. criticisms of resettlement as motivated by western, anti- hauled out of the buses and abandoned at roadsides. at abandoned and buses the of out hauled were south ride bus the during ill critically became who people that said Several Gambela. and Asosa near sites resettlement to south [900-1,200700 mile journey km] to 600 the for buses or planes transport Antonov Soviet into packed were then They illness. from deaths many as well as care, medical and water food, of shortages with camps, in transit weeks several described settlers The away. run to tried who farmers kill and shoot soldiers saw they said refugees Several camps. transit for bound helicopters or buses onto loaded and soldiers Ethiopian by surrounded were However, home. they back coming be soon would they that thinking behind, children their left Many food. free distributing be would Cross’ ‘Red the that promises government-circulated by villages in northern gathering into ‘tricked’ were they said gees refu the of Most officials. relief with in Ethiopia views inter earlier by supported are which of details story, aconsistent told they here, interviews In 13 separate Ethiopia. northern of regions Tigray and Welo the from farmers peasant from but outsiders from not come camp refugee two-month-old in this here told stories The areas. resettlement to access outside tricts res strictly government Ethiopian the time, same the At concern. humanitarian as disguised ideology Marxist $4,000 per family over a five-year period. period. a five-year over family per $4,000 US or budget, Ethiopian the on US $1.2 of billion burden a represented (1.5 people), families million 300,000 of relocation the for provided which programme, initial The violations. rights human of accusations western to than rather cost, considerable its to is due interruption porary tem programme’s the that maintain sources government Ethiopian violence. physical and threats of means by organised were marches, forced of form the took times some which displacements, population these witnesses, several to again. According occur not would they said and officials’ ‘overzealous to ‘violations’ past attributed Mengistu President Delegation, Canadian the of Leader MacDonald, 1985. David to According December and 1984 October between (594,190 resettled were people) 205,000 families countries. western many from criticism harsh attracted has transfers population of programme the ‘consolidation,’ of aperiod allow to year the of beginning the at Halted basis. voluntary astrictly on ted conduc be future, in the would, South the to populations drought-stricken of relocation the that delegation tary parliamen a Canadian of members assured State, of Head Ethiopian the Mengistu, 22 March, Colonel Saturday On Extract: Addis Ababa, 26 March 1986 (in French). 26 1986 March (in French). Ababa, Addis Monde (France), Le Transfers.’ Population its in Force of Use the Renounces ‘Addis Ababa ------
levels. levels. low dangerously to fall -will needs country’s the for insufficient already are -which crops food intense), too is zones new in the (cultivation production agricultural govern that cycles natural the ignoring and incentive aneconomic of farmers depriving by that fear sations organi financial International security. food of terms in particularly future, country’s the to threat cedented an unpre constitutes population, rural entire the almost affects which operation, the of scale the Ababa, Addis in sources diplomatic western and organisations tarian humani many to According lands. traditional their off peasants the force to used are measures Coercive land. the of collectivisation is the goal ultimate the In reality, living. of standard a higher with farmers provide will which activity” ”revolutionary a as programme the describes state of Head Ethiopian The organisations. international by estimates recent all surpasses Mr Mengistu by quoted 1995. figure The by Ethiopians 30 million resettle 1985, to is designed February since accelerated has which programme, The populations. rural relocate to programme its launched government the since villages in new concentrated been have people 2.8 million than more that revealed Ethiopia of Mengistu President 10 April, Thursday On Extract: Ethiopia moved some 600,000 peasants from the north north the from peasants 600,000 some moved Ethiopia in and 1985, 1984 In late efforts. resettlement drought controversial its suspend to government the caused have to seems pressure international as much gram, pro the halt to Ethiopia prompt may publicity adverse that hope officials American Some [...] reviews: Mixed Extract: ‘media coup’ . coup’ ‘media a as quarters, insome regarded was adopted had it position the while criticism, attract to continued France MSF by advanced However, figures the press. the and diplomats, Ethiopia-based agencies, aid from fire increasing under came programme ‘villagisation’ The resettled. been already had people million three nearly that announced Mengistu President 11On April, government. French new inthe Minister Rights Human of post the up take to organisation the left Director, Executive France MSF 1986, Malhuret, In March Claude 1986 (in French). 11 Ababa, April Addis Monde-AFP (France), Le Displaced,’ Peasants Million Three ’Nearly English). Newsweek Misery?’ - Or ‘Masterplan Wilkinson, Ray with Deming Angus (USA), 5 May 1986 5May (in (USA), - - - - 101 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
to new farmlands in the southwest of the country. The haul development work,” says an official of another aid enterprise got decidedly mixed reviews. Father Jack organization. ”They’re French,” says a British aid worker. Finucane, Head of Irish relief in Ethiopia, says he has ”That’s all you need to know.” been encouraged by what he has seen during visits to 35 resettlement camps. “I am no apologist,” he says, ”but I see potential and a good chance these people will even- tually become self-sufficient, perhaps in four years.” But the program was buffeted by hostile publicity after the The Ethiopian government accused Dawit Wolde French aid organization Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Giorgis, the former head of the RRC who defected in or Doctors Without Borders, charged late last year that as December 1985, of misappropriating aid funds and many as 100,000 died in the relocation and that another demanded his extradition. 300,000 were in danger of death. Ethiopia denied the charges and expelled French MSF volunteers from the country, saying the report had been keyed to the recent French parliamentary elections Yves Breheret, ‘Ethiopia Asks the US to (MSF General Director, Claude Malhuret, has in fact been Extradite Dawit Wolde Giorgis,’ L’Aurore/ named secretary of state for human rights in France’s Le Figaro (France), 8 May 1986 (in French). new right-wing government). But MSF President Rony Brauman denies any political motivation. He says that Extract: some 150,000 Ethiopians may have died in resettlement, The Ethiopian government has asked the United States and that he is “absolutely convinced” his estimate is to extradite Dawit Wolde Giorgis, the former Head of the a conservative one. Some experts believe otherwise. Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC). Mr Dawit is Philippe Laurent, President of Doctors Without Borders accused of appropriating ‘hundreds of thousands of dol- Belgium - a separate group - says the French figures lars’ for his personal use. represent “an extrapolation of a very localized situation”, [...] The DERG (the ruling Provisional Military and that they are “probably exaggerated.” Administrative Council) is seeking the extradition of its From interviews with donor agencies and dozens of former collaborator and asking “all those who stand for Ethiopian drought refugees, NEWSWEEK’S Ray Wilkinson truth and justice to cooperate with the Ethiopian people concluded that the MSF report was based on insufficient so that this hunted criminal can rapidly be brought to evidence and that the findings were indeed exaggerated. justice.” However, it should be remembered that the But the unvarnished reality was grim enough. The refu- now disgraced former director of the RRC was one of the gees all told tales of hardship and suffering. government officials who declared the French section of Médecins Sans Frontières persona non grata. The organisation was dedicated to relieving the suffering of the Ethiopian people, but refused to accept the massive Philip Revzin, ‘French Doctors Battle Relentless deportations to the south. Enemies In the Third World,’ The Wall Street Journal (USA), 27 May 1986 (in English).
Extract: Over the years, MSF’s politics have shifted away from On 21 May, the head of the UN Office for Emergency unquestioning support of Third World regimes to an Operations in Ethiopia launched an appeal for funds increasing emphasis on human rights as well as medical to finance the transportation of international aid and care. MSF Director Claude Malhuret is now Secretary of issued an optimistic bulletin on the long-term effects State for Human Rights in Jacques Chirac’s conservative of the resettlement programme. The former head of government. “We are a human rights organization, not the RRC told the press that the famine was due to just doctors giving tetanus shots,” says MSF President a political problem and criticised his government’s Rony Brauman. management of the crisis.
Unafraid to Speak Out This self-image is one reason MSF spoke out in Ethiopia, Dr Brauman says, while the other organizations there ‘The Drought is a “Political Problem”, Says stayed silent. ”We deal with human beings and promote Ethiopian Former Official,’ AFP (France) (New certain ideas of the rights of human beings, for example York), 21 May 1986 (in French). to live and farm where they want. The Ethiopian govern- ment disagrees.” Extract: Brashness and a pendant for publicity not shared by Ethiopian government policy is responsible for both the other aid groups give MSF a distinctive and, not the famine and the drought, according to Dawit Wolde always popular image. “Impulsive” says a United Nations Giorgis, the former Head of the Ethiopian Relief and 102 official. “Better at emergency room stuff than long- Rehabilitation Commission who defected to the United much our people suffer.” suffer.” people our much how realise We not do fantasies. political own our by ted crea world in animaginary “live concluded, he leaders,” Ethiopian The in country. his still was he when problems these all about openly speak to dared had he if executed been have would he that claims Commissioner former The exaggerated. as operations, resettlement in died have Frontières) Sans Médecins organisation humanitarian French the by quoted figure (the people 100,000 that estimate the described He programme. this for used be to is not aid American that stipulates Washington Mr Dawit, to According south. the to therners nor of millions transfer to is designed which gramme, pro resettlement the to reallocated is usually aid Food funds. relief misappropriated and revolution the betrayed he that allegations government Ethiopian denied also He military. the by used or ruption cor through is diverted relief famine for aid western of part small only avery official, former the to According […] Mr Dawit. said drought, by afflicted was Ethiopia before years some areas rural to spread already had malnutrition and Hunger failures.” “proven are which farms state or collective on money of amounts huge squander to continues government The it.” collectivised we land, of piece own his everybody giving of instead But them. to it give and landowners the from it take to us wanted They land. of aquestion most fore and first was revolution the farmers, the “For ciency. self-suffi and productivity, initiative, individual of ment discourage the was claimed, he policy, ruinous most The starve.” to continue will Ethiopia in people of millions change, not do “If policies our situation; the complicated simply 1984-85 of drought the said Mr Dawit October. last Africa leaving since interview in first his York New Times the told he problem,” political a is more it but problem adrought it “We call States. price of coffee, the main export, will practically double, double, practically will main export, the coffee, of price the as better looks 1985, future for the but total the than 1986 lower is much for million US $600 of aid Global said. he provinces,” Harrar and in Gondar, Wollo, Llubabor particularly malnutrition, of pockets be will in 1986, there famine but widespread no be will “There transportation. its for needed still was million US $40 but guaranteed, 1986 was for aid food that said He aid. more for countries donor to appealed in Ethiopia, Operations Emergency for Office the of Head and Secretary-General UN Deputy Priestley, Michael 21 May, Wednesday on Ababa Addis from Speaking Extract: 1986 (in French). 1986 (in French). 23May Aid,’ Monde (France), Le International Transport to Funds for UN Appeals the ‘Ethiopia: ------also defected and criticised his government’s policy. policy. government’s his criticised and defected also Deressa Berhanu Commissioner Deputy RRC In June, solidarity. of name in the community international the by financed was lives, many so is costing which demolition, this that astonishment express will people future, distant too not in the day,wager, one however, perhaps that We can country. own its ruin to strove a government that history, recent in its not certainly most and world, the of history in the time first the not It is certainly process. in this adopt to had have organisations tarian humani that role new completely and considerable the on consequently and violence, of acts these of logic the on light threw Survival, Cultural by year, particularly last published reports detailed extremely The them. to rise give which events the of ananalysis to itself; gnage témoi to than scope its and action our of examination an to appropriate more are questions these In fact, complicity? indeed or blindness, foster field, in the action neutral to accompaniment ral natu the silence, does circumstances In what assist? to there are we people the of interests the assess to employ we do values What teams? medical of expulsion the risk and out speak to legitimate become it does point what -at application MSF, at practical its accepted but been long has which of definition precise the principle, the - not témoignage of question the all of First questions. fundamental of anumber to back us takes in Ethiopia happened what aside, […] indignation However, natural Extract: crime. crime. with confronted when responsibility humanitarian’s the of context broader the within country, that from expulsion its and inEthiopia resettlement forced on position section’s his both placed France MSF of ident pres the assembly, general the to report moral In his […] centuries.” for famine to response Ethiopian the been “has added, he inces, prov western and southern in the populations stricken famine- term.” Resettling long in the advantage obvious “an represented it said but ajudgement,” make to early “too was it that felt Mr Priestley provinces, in several place is taking that ‘villagisation’ the on Commenting years. ten in results best the of one be would which continue, rains the if tonnes 100,000 400,000 and between to reduced be might shortage cereals Moreover, the Mr Priestley. said 1986 May (in Assembly,’ French). General Report Moral ‘President’s to the MSF France France MSF the to - - - - - 103 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
’Another Ethiopian Aid Official Defects,’ AFP published by Bob Guccione Jr, the son of the Penthouse (France), New York (United Nations), 7 June publisher, which this month is running an ‘exposé’ on 1986 (in French). the misuse of Live Aid funds. Live Aid, organized by Bob Geldof, collected $100 million from a ‘global concert’ Extract: in Wembley, England, and Philadelphia as the music For the second time in recent months, a senior Ethiopian industry’s response to the famine. Geldof, in a written official responsible for famine relief has chosen to defect statement issued by his New York publicist, denied the on the grounds of political differences with his govern- French group’s charge that Live Aid money was going to ment. Berhanu Deressa, Deputy Commissioner for Relief the government and accused it of helping prop up the and Rehabilitation, announced in New York on Friday that rock magazine’s circulation. he had decided not to return home. He claimed that the Médecins sans Frontières sends doctors and nurses to situation in Ethiopia had “reached such a stage that I can struggling nations but was thrown out of Ethiopia in no longer fulfil my duties in a way that my conscience December when it objected to the resettlement program. will accept.” Brauman and two anthropologists who specialize in the [...] He said that the effectiveness of the organisation problems of Africa charged that the relief stations set in which he had worked as deputy commissioner for two up by such groups as UNICEF and Save the Children are years had been compromised by the growing interference used as “bait” to draw starving Ethiopians away from of incompetent party ideologues (Ethiopia is a one-party their homes. They said militia troops then swoop down state) who had “turned its humanitarian efforts into a on and force the people to climb aboard trucks as part of farce.” the nation’s massive resettlement program. The Marxist Mr Berhanu, aged 46, also said that the “political situa- government’s resettlement program, they charged, is tion in Ethiopia is going from bad to worse. The revolu- moving people first to concentration camps and then tion that sprang from the aspirations of the Ethiopian to state-run villages in uninhabited areas where they people has been perverted to serve the political and cannot engage in the country’s civil war. They said the ideological interests of a clique that continues to trample people die of starvation, exposure, and disease. ”The on all human values. Death has become a common phe- evidence of misuse of assistance by the government is nomenon in Ethiopia,” he went on to say. “Thousands of overwhelming,” said Jason Clay, an anthropologist and people are in jail. Arbitrary arrests without the slightest research Director of Cultural Survival, a non-profit group regard for justice have become the norm. The proof is in that investigates human rights abuse in tribal societies. the imprisonment of numerous citizens who have served their country with honesty and devotion.”
On 17 June, Ethiopia’s foreign minister visited Paris. MSF France held a press conference and condemned On a visit to the United States, the president of MSF the diversion of international aid. The president of France argued that the Ethiopian authorities were MSF France compared Ethiopia to Cambodia under the misappropriating the money raised by the Band Aid Khmer Rouge. solidarity movement. The argument with the leader of Band Aid gained fresh impetus.
‘Médecins Sans Frontières Condemns Diversion of International Aid in Ethiopia,’ AFP (France) ’Misuse of Live Aid Funds Charged,’ The Paris, 17 June 1986 (in French). Washington Post (USA), New York, 10 June 1986 (in English). Extract: On the occasion of the Ethiopian Foreign Minister’s visit Extract: to Paris, Médecins Sans Frontières condemned his govern- The Ethiopian government is misusing Live Aid proceeds ment’s use of international aid to further its repressive and other western relief money to fund a massive resett- policies. According to the French medical humanitarian lement program leading to the deaths of thousands of organisation, the evidence suggests that Ethiopia is people, a panel of African relief workers charged today. currently undergoing a situation comparable to that of ”These institutions make themselves accomplices of Cambodia under Pol Pot. MSF believes that under the genocide. The magnitude of the famine and human rights guise of combating hunger, the equipment and funds violations in Ethiopia can only be compared to the Khmer provided by international aid, which amounts to several Rouge,” said Dr Rony Brauman, President of the French million dollars, are being used to brutally and systemati- medical relief group Médecins sans Frontières. Another cally oppress the population. panel member called the Live Aid effort ”Blind Aid” and MSF, which held a conference on this issue on Tuesday, “Naive Aid”. took the opportunity provided by Goshu Wolde’s visit and 104 The panel was organized by the rock’n’ roll magazine Spin, the beginning of UNESCO’s Human Rights Week to demand resulted in 100,000 deaths. in 100,000 deaths. resulted that anoperation deported, were 700,000 people which in conditions appalling the condemning for in December Ethiopia from expelled was Brauman, Rony MSF, recalls community,” concluded. he international the and donors by opposed be must situation tragic “This Brauman. Dr added aid, international by financed is being poverty into Ethiopia is leading that destruction” ‘”agrarian and tion” collectivisa ”forced The etc.). conscription, forced rape, repeated murder, theft, persecution, religious labour, forced destroyed, and attacked (villages government own their by perpetrated violence the but drought, the or famine the escaping not are They months. four past in the Somalia to fled have people 50,000 over that claims MSF said. he surplus,” athreefold produce even can and selves them feed to enough produce they since terms economic in justified be cannot This farms. state or cooperatives to relocated been have inhabitants million four the of one-and-a-half province, “In Harrar seized. property and reorganised or razed being are villages itself, feed still can and destitute is not community farming the where Harrar, like in regions that say to on went Brauman Dr AFP. told Brauman Rony President MSF blackmail,” of aninstrument as used being is Food party. the of banner the under them regiment to and freedom, their restrict to populations, deport to used is being now Nations, United EEC the or the from sources, public or private money, from Everybody’s aid. of use the investigate to enquiry of commission an independent and in Ethiopia transfers population forced the to a “halt secution, murder, theft, repeated rape, forced conscrip forced rape, repeated murder, theft, secution, per religious labour, forced villages, of destruction and on “attacks involve south, the of regions fertile the to north arid the from in Ethiopia, transfers population the him, to According in half-measures. believe doesn’t MSF way.” of is under Week head The Human Rights UNESCO’s when moment very the “at speaking was he said up and mixed Tuesday, On priorities his got sake. Mr Brauman form’s for in anappearance -put dignitary MSF another -and Minister Human Rights the Malhuret, Claude friend his Only it. from aloof is remaining government the and in Paris, UNESCO at place taking is currently This Pretoria. against sanctions on UN conference a major from tion atten diverting deliberately was Moreover, Brauman Rony people. Ethiopian the help to projects UNICEF, new including initiating nisations, are orga international when atime at Ababa in Addis ment govern the against campaign his relaunch to pledged he propaganda, with aid humanitarian mixed having for December last Ethiopia of out Thrown two-fold. was aim The in Paris. conference apress gave Frontières, Sans Médecins of Tuesday,On President Brauman, Rony Extract: L’Humanité Ethiopia,’ Aid for Against Campaign its Resumes MSF ‘Anti-Humanitarians: Kroës, Claude (France), 19 1986 June (in French). (France), ------establish a Soviet-style regime. regime. aSoviet-style establish to wanting of accused he which regime, Mengistu the of policies the supporting not was it that ensure to and Ethiopia, to aid its continue to States United the urged RRC the of head former the 20 June, On organisation. his with patience lost finally Ababa Addis 100,000, point which at at toll death the put he December, on. Last so tion,” and against the policy of ‘villagisation’. ‘villagisation’. of policy the against campaign its continued MSF months, following In the villages. southern in new Ethiopia northern from peasants starving of sands thou of hundreds resettle to tried government Mengistu the way the with disagreed he that said Mr Dawit Ababa. in Addis accounts in their currency in Ethiopian amount anequivalent with credited were donors while States, United in the supplies relief buy to used been had in dollars contributions the that said and charges the denied He States. United in the in accounts bank deposited and groups relief US private by donated $300,000 than more embezzling of publicly him accused Ethiopia after silence his broke [...] Mr Dawit policies. socialist Mengistu’s Colonel support not did and monitored strictly were it if assistance US humanitarian continued favored still he that said Europe, and States United in the funds relief famine raise to atour during in October defected who Mr Dawit, Mariam. Haile Mengistu Colonel Lieutenant of government the against stand” clear, strong a ”very take States United the that Post Washington The with in aninterview week this urged agency, relief famine Ethiopian the of Head former Giorgis, Wolde Dawit Extract: ment circles, this is also the line taken by Dr Claude Claude Dr by taken line the is also this circles, ment In govern ‘genocide!’ Ethiopia: over alarm the sounds (MSF) Frontières Sans Médecins intervals, At regular Extract: June 1986June (in English). Tribune Herald International State,’ Communist Prepares Mengistu Says Defector ‘Ethiopian B. Ottaway, David French). Ethiopia,’ Aid to French Over ‘Doubts Haski, Pierre Libération (France), 16 1986 July (in (France), (Europe), 20 (Europe), - - 105 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
Malhuret, Human Rights Minister and himself a former currently developing in Ethiopia. It can’t stop Ethiopia’s leader of MSF. Dr Malhuret is trying to obtain a revision of history from being forged under the fist of a party, which the policy of aid to Ethiopia, and has initiated a ‘period wants to strengthen the nation, establish a state, and of reflection’ on this subject at the Foreign Ministry. He organise its farmers. But, at least we can avoid an irrever- later hopes to launch it at European level. sible slide into generalised collectivisation and barbarity.” MSF’s campaign, six months after its expulsion from Ethiopia [...] After generating a huge wave of solidarity, Ethiopia for having condemned the policy of massive population is now at the centre of controversy. Some donations resettlement and forced ‘villagisation’ has not received received by AICF are marked ‘not for Ethiopia,’ and there unanimous backing. More recently, Rony Brauman, the is animated debate within the organisations working organisation’s President, held a press conference at which there. In the absence of a ‘commission of enquiry’ or any he condemned the policy of the regime in Addis Ababa. real freedom of movement in the country’s interior, many It received little coverage in the print media. Moreover, have found it difficult to sustain their commitment. The none of the 50 humanitarian organisations working in the only certainty is that the Ethiopian people are still suffe- country followed his line, nor did they support MSF when it ring, and it is hard to turn one’s back on them. denounced the threat of a ‘new Cambodia’ in Africa. However, UNICEF has recently launched an appeal for aid for 15,000 orphaned children, many of whom were separated from their families during resettlement opera- Laurent Zecchini, ‘Humanitarian Organisations tions. MSF’s accusations are also supported by statements in Ethiopia: Witnesses or Accomplices?’ from the Head of the Ethiopian Relief and Rehabilitation Le Monde (France), 25 July 1986 (in French). Commission, Dawit Wolde Giorgis, who fled, followed by his deputy, to the United States. Extract: Rony Brauman justifies the continuation of his campaign Has Ethiopia exhausted the international public’s capa- by the acceleration of ‘villagisation,’ the new appeals for city for indignation and mobilisation? When the huma- aid, and the flood of refugees into Somalia. “Over 50,000 nitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) people have crossed the border. They say they were sounded a new alarm on 17 June, citing the ”appalling not fleeing famine or war but the destruction of their conditions” in which hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians villages, the seizure of their land, and widespread and are being transferred and the diversion of international repeated rape,” he claims. aid, it aroused very little reaction. [...] Is MSF conducting a crusade against Ethiopia’s On 11 July in Addis Ababa, Professor Jean Doresse clai- ‘Marxists?’ “MSF is partly responsible for the movement of med that the government’s resettlement programme was solidarity with Ethiopia,” says Rony Brauman. “We can’t “historically and legally grounded and deserves broad let it grind to a halt. After arousing solidarity, we are international support,” and accused its critics of simply obliged to tell the truth. On the other hand, we are acting engaging in ”propaganda”. Nobody reacted. Who is right? in the name of human rights. This is one of the century’s MSF President Dr Rony Brauman, who readily compares great massacres, on a par with the Khmer Rouge.” MSF’s President Mengistu’s Ethiopia to Pol Pot’s Cambodia? Or the President believes that aid should be conditional on the eminent expert who sides with the Ethiopian government? halting of population transfers: “Aid is doing more harm [...] MSF was the only humanitarian organisation that than good; it is killing more people than it saves.” refused to accept the ”virtual slaughter,” which it alleged The latter claim provoked a fierce response from Jean- has resulted in between 50 000 and 100,000 deaths. And, Manuel Piétri, General Secretary of Action Internationale they chose to expose it, a position, which resulted in its Contre la Faim (AICF), the main French organisation expulsion. But, almost all the 40 or so organisations still working in Ethiopia. In the areas where AICF’s volunteers working in the field remained silent in the belief that their are working, “aid has not killed anybody,” he says. AICF, role is irreplaceable. “Anything,” said Dr Jean-Manuel which is led by Françoise Giroud, firmly believes that it Piétri, General Secretary of Action Internationale Contre should not “abandon Ethiopia.” Mr Piétri says that his la Faim (AICF), “is better than Cambodia and Afghanistan, volunteers refused to work in Makale, one of the main which are closed to all contact with the West.” transit centres, after witnessing forced transfers. MSF’s contribution to the temporary suspension of the On the contrary, the AICF works to settle northern transfers was doubtless important but its figures are populations in their [own] region, in Rama, where there dubious, as they are based on estimates, eye- witness is no ‘resettlement’ or ‘villagisation’. “In Ethiopia,” he accounts and haphazard mathematical projections. Dr adds, “non-governmental organisations are constantly Brauman is quick to acknowledge this. But the fact up against a state that wants to organise and control remains that thousands of Ethiopian could have been everything. However, we confront it with our own deter- saved if the resettlement operations had not been mination to control the destination of our aid. Every inter- conducted with such haste and brutality. It is also national aid partner has this problem. AICF is not naïve; it certain that some international aid is diverted from its is extremely realistic and has chosen to work in a way that purpose, which leads to more deaths. keeps our options open. Anything is better than Cambodia and Afghanistan, which are closed to all contact with the 106 West. A tight network of individual counter-influences is leading its people into poverty and destruction. and poverty into people its leading of government his accused and 28 on October resigned who Minister, Foreign the by followed was He defected. France to ambassador Ethiopian the 8September, On published in the French editions of Reader’s Digest. Digest. Reader’s of editions French inthe published was article same the In December, in Ethiopia. ment resettle forced the and famine the of exploitation political the on Brauman Rony by article an published Digest Reader’s magazine international the In October, States. United in the asylum political seek will he whether indicated not has 45, Aged he government. Marxist current the of policies the against protest to official highest-ranking the also is He aid. international for Commissioner Deputy and commissioner Ethiopian the of those follows University, Yale at law studied who Mr Goshu, of resignation The said. he govern,” to right moral the and people the of confidence the lost clearly quite has which and destruction, and poverty into people its and country the leading are policies short-term doctrinaire and rigid who’s agovernment serve to conscience in good continue “I cannot building. Nations United the opposite in a hotel reporters of group asmall to decision his conveyed years, four for portfolio affairs foreign the held had who Goshu, York. Colonel in New conference apress at resignation his Minister, announced Ethiopia’s Foreign Wolde, Goshu Extract: long period of loyal and devoted service” to his country. country. his to service” devoted and loyal of period long a“very of end the marked it that said and painful,” “very as decision his described Mr Getachew from, speaking was he country what say to humanity”.Refusing for respect and democracy of “conception his of grounds the on sion deci his justified He Ababa. Addis to returning be not would and voluntarily post his relinquished had he that AFP, to call 7/9/86), in Monde atelephone announced (Le week last defected who Getachew, Kebreth France, to Ambassador Ethiopian the 8September, Monday On Extract: 1986 (in French). 1986 (in French). Resignation,’ September 1986 (in French). 1986 (in French). September Democracy,”’ of “Conception his of Grounds the on Defection his Justifies Mr Getachew ‘Ethiopia: ’Ethiopian Foreign Minister’s Public Minister’s Foreign ’Ethiopian Libération (France), 10 Monde/AFPLe (France), (France), 28 October 28 October (France), - - Extract: government should now base its policy toward Ethiopia...’ toward policy its base now should government wise no which on apolemic It is clearly Embassy. States United the of officials by as well as officials, Nations United by in Ethiopia, working group church and agency voluntary American every by criticized been has and is outdated, hearsay, on much too is ‘founded it that saying concurs, report judiciary Borders’. The Without ‘Doctors of report in the untrue are that made allegations and exaggerated been have in resettlement abuses these Yet community. world the by condemned be should that occurred not have events that say [...] to is not This supplies. medical and transportation food, for paying use, good to put but ”misappropriated” not were Americans generous of millions by agencies voluntary to made donations the of all virtually that experience first-hand from Weis. know it that allege to disservice It is a great true. is not This starving.” the for intended equipment and money, food “hijacked which government, country’s that by misappropriated” “massively were Ethiopia famine-ravaged to donations that alleges Digest, Reader’s in October’s an article promoting ad, 23. The Sept. on Post in ad The afull-page over dline hea banner the was duped?’ we [...] Were Aid: ‘Famine gears of Mengistu’s killing machine.” killing Mengistu’s of gears the only grease will aid food further cease, they Unless resettlements. forced the to anend demand to West the is now for lives save to way best The duped. We been have is this: I am saying what but It is tragic, resettlement. forced but famine longer is no provinces northern in the death of Now, main cause however, the starvation. from people many saved doubt no ,and generosity unequaled with responded West in the millions famine, the During policy. murderous this out in carrying functionaries callous his and Mengistu assist to us for wrong morally is it that [...] amconvinced “I digest. Reader’s of issue October in the report exclusive his from excerpts are Here is famine. than people more is killing now that campaign -aresettlement provinces northern country’s that of population the of resettlement the force to used been has aid famine Western how of truth shocking the reveals Brauman Dr Now land. troubled in that suffering of extent the well knew he victims, famine Ethiopian help to struggling agroup Borders, Without Doctors of director As in Ethiopia. victims famine to aid Western-donated of arrival the by thrilled was Brauman Rony Dr At first, Extract: Digest Reader’s Aid“Famine We :Were Duped?’ Post Washington The World Thirld in the working agencies US private of acoalition InterAction, of President J.Davies, Peter Through,’ Aid Famine Got the ‘No, J. Daviet, Peter (USA), 4 October 1986 (in English). 4 October (USA), , October 1986(in English). 1986(in English). , October - 107 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
I did a hard-hitting article for the Reader’s Digest. neutrality, which is implicit, and then go and do that They published it in 30 languages, so it went world- [denounce]… wide. All the donors cut off their aid. AICF, World Vision, and SCF USA’s fundraising efforts collapsed Philippe Laurent, MSF Belgium Executive Director because the piece was a huge success in the United States. (in French). There were television and radio reports, interviews. There was a New York magazine that had it in for Geldof for somewhat dubious reasons. They invited me to come to New York for a day and give an interview. I really tore into Geldof. I wanted it to end up in court. You see what state The public gave for relief action, not for political of mind you can get into! I wasn’t afraid of a court case - I action. Barely 1% of French people were aware of wanted it! ... In France, MSF emerged stronger from that what we denounced. They gave to combat famine. business. First of all we had a greater strength of convic- The denunciation was intended to alert governments and tion, then with the donors. I don’t know why, probably international organisations, the decision-makers, the bodies because we had said something different[…]. One of the that could force the Ethiopian government to change its reasons I find it so hard to respect Bernard Kouchner is policy of forced transfers. because as far as this story is concerned, the only thing he could see was that Médecins Du Monde [NGO created by Claude Malhuret, MSF France Executive Director Bernard Kouchner after his leaving MSF] wouldn’t last the (in French). winter. While we thought that MSF was going to hit the rocks, all he could see, and it has to be admitted that he was a better judge, was that MSF was firing in all directions, because we were also lashing out over Afghanistan. Several times he said, “MSF will devour MDM. MDM won’t exist in On 29 October, MSF France organised a conference in two years time.” He wrote a big piece, which Le Monde Paris entitled ‘Ethiopia: A Deadly Compassion - From published on its front page. I can still remember this sen- Aid to the Victims to Aiding Their Executioners,’ and tence from it, “After marketing its entrance, MSF organised aroused debate and controversy in the media and wit- the marketing of its exit from Ethiopia.” That’s the only hin the aid community. thing he said. Whereas we had gone into Ethiopia in April ‘84, at a time when nobody was talking about it, eight months before all that commotion over the famine, while our exit was completely disorganised. Conference - ‘Ethiopia: A Deadly Compassion - From Aid to the Victims to Aiding their Executioners,’ Press File, Committee of Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). Vigilance for Human Rights in Ethiopia/ [Comité de Vigilance sur les Droits de l’Homme en Ethiopie], 29 October 1986 (in French). We received a lot of money. We had an obligation to explain our actions to the public. At the time, there Extract: were a lot of pieces in the newspapers to explain Summary and presentation why we had said all that. Fundraising techniques became a lot more sophisticated after Ethiopia. Claude Malhuret had Ethiopia, which has become a new symbol of solidarity launched the mailings a few years previously. The fundrai- through the massive mobilisation and volume of aid that sing department had grown from two people to four or five its famine has stimulated, is now presenting the inter- by ‘86. We had to employ a marketing director. national community with some hard questions. 600,000 people from the northern provinces have been forcibly Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in transferred to the lowlands of the South in appalling Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985, then Programme conditions that have resulted in 100,000 deaths. Vast Manager Ethiopia (in French). amounts of international aid have been used as bait to lure and trap disaster-stricken people, who are then deported to new ‘populated zones’. So far, three million people have been torn from their villages in a massive operation to confiscate the farmers’ With the messages in the media, the fundraising land, cattle, and possessions. According to Ethiopian campaigns and the mailings that went out before government officials, this accelerated collectivisation, the denunciation, MSF Belgium and MSF France had which is known as ‘villagisation’, will extend to the entire raised more money than they ever had before. Public dona- country and encompass 33 million people who live off the tions for Ethiopia were two or three times greater than land. The stated aim of these measures is to “create the anything we had had before. I mean, we cannot appeal to new man” and “radically transform the landscape” . 108 the generosity of the public on a basis of apoliticism and The effects of this programme are already apparent. Tens l’Homme en Ethiopie. de Droits les sur Vigilance de Comité Le by Organised 75007 Paris. Dominique, Saint 28Chimie, Rue la de Maison 29 October, Wednesday invitation: By Human Rights) for (Minister Malhuret Claude 17:45 speech Closing 17:00 -17:45 Discussion Parliament) European the of President mer Simone of Veil (for participation the with and Balland) Pitié, la de Poids Mercy/Le of Quality The of author (journalist, Shawcross William Lattès), Humanitaire, Piège Trap/Le Humanitarian The of author (doctor, Rufin Jean-Christophe writer), and (philosopher Lévy Henri Bernard- Monde), du Médecins President, (Honorary Kouchner Bernard writer), and (journalist Hertzog Gilles Tue, On Silence, of Grasset), co-author writer, and (philosopher Glucksmann André Pinto, Ralph Chair: 14:30 -17:00 We Helping. are 2- Silence: Part Minister) Prime (former Fabius Laurent speech: 12:15 Closing (UK). Tigre of Society Relief the of (President Salomone Inqual and Front), Liberation Peoples’ (Eritrea Kahsal Micael Ande Front), Liberation (Oromo Dldaba Terfa 11:45 -12:15 -11:4511:00 Discussion Tue). On Silence, of co-author writer, and (journalist Wolton Thierry and in Ethiopia), Camps Labour Forced and Deportation report the of (author Niggli Peter Falashas), film the of director film-maker, and (journalist Margolin François in Ethiopia), Politics and Famine of author (anthropologist, Clay Jason Frontières), Sans Médecins (President, Brauman Rony Sérillon, Claude Chair: -11:00 09:00 Guide. AUser’s 1- Famine: Part Executioners’ Their Aiding to Victims the Aiding - From Compassion A Deadly - ‘Ethiopia: Conference aid. blind by accelerated is being progress its And march. is the on utopia Adeadly Rouge. Khmer the under Cambodia to back us takes today inning Ethiopia is happe What benefited. have should it those against turned been thus has in history, human unprecedented solidarity, international of movement extraordinary An year. this surplus afood produced have countries bouring neigh and recently rain abundant experienced has region the although 1986), for (1.2 drought tonnes the million of height the at was it as today great is as aid food for demand The food. of ashortage is still There Sudan. and Somalia neighbouring to fled have people of thousands of - - - Lévy and political luminaries like Laurent Fabius and and Fabius Laurent like luminaries political and Lévy Bernard-Henri philosopher Glucksmann, André polemicist included speakers Other people. hundred four of front in issues the debated Monde, Du Médecins for Kouchner Bernard and Frontières Sans Médecins for Brauman Rony business,’ ‘charity the of day, stars the the Throughout Human Rights. for Ministry Malhuret’s Claude by funded partly was it Executioners,’ Aiding their to Victims the Aid From to ‘A Compassion: Deadly entitled Boldly yesterday. in Paris aconference organised Ethiopie en l’Homme de Droits les sur Vigilance de Comité the which around axioms two the are These totalitarianism. strengthens aid Humanitarian famine. creates Marxism Extra Ababa, and then make a marketing event out of its exit? its of out event amarketing make then and Ababa, in Addis regime the of violence the denounce to - right event marketing amajor into in Ethiopia arrival its turned - which Frontières Sans Médecins Was wounded? and sick the to tending of guise impregnable the under Marxism, African of oppression the reinforcing indeed Samaritans mute and mild, meek, these of activities the Are thought. in than in action flamboyance more demonstrate does he although lackey, dictator’s is no Geldof Bob that also note And course. same the pursuing are UNICEF CARE, or like organisations, aid international most that Note Seine. the of banks the on laureates Nobel would-be the among apoplexy causes now who and Prize, Nobel the winning to close came who Geldof, Bob by adopted course the was This populations? of displacement forced the denounce to refusing while starving the feed to people urging and opinion up world stirring by rights human of cause the served we Have Ethiopians? of lives the saving by dictatorship Ethiopian ruthless the helping we Are torrent. the by away swept being are they now and work recent in their floodgates the opened they wanted; Rufin and Wolton Glucksmann, what is not This free-for-all. aneditorial into transformed is being debate essential An countries! in undeveloped work to means the them giving stop let’s themselves, amongst fighting are humanitarians since solidarities; exotic distrusts instinctively it and clowning and sion confu this all dislikes public French temperamental The argument. of place the takes often too all press placent acom by published abuse excessive The aims. our ning demea are in preparation conferences the and arguments current the that way the deplore and contempt express is now do can we all but amused were [...] us of Some Extract: ct: (in French). (in French). Monde Le Deaths,’ Bad and Good No are There Action: Political and Kouchner, ‘Humanitarian Bernard Libération aConference,’ Holds ‘Charity Joffrin, Laurent (France), 23 October 1986 (in French). 1986 (in French). 23October (France), (France), 30 October 1986 30October (France), - - -
109 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
Simone Veil. The violence of the arguments tended to some are crying “Look out! This is dangerous!” They are overshadow the issues surrounding humanitarian aid. not advocating some form of French withdrawal or isola- Thierry Wolton, co-author with Glucksman of the pam- tionism. On the contrary, they are acting in the name of phlet Silence, On Tue, opened the discussion by asserting solidarity and human rights. The idea that humanitarian that Marxism had produced the great famines of the aid is automatically a good thing will prevail for a long century: the Ukraine in the 1920s, Mao’s China, Cambodia time yet. It is not a question of disenchantment or disaf- under the Khmer Rouge and now Mengistu’s Ethiopia. This fection, but of lucidity, a fundamental interrogation that stark introduction attracted several critical responses could be reduced to two questions: what is the nature of along the lines of “How can you talk seriously about a the problems that we, as members of the humanitarian country in which you have only spent four days?” movement, are confronted with, and how do we deal By denouncing the use of aid by the Ethiopian armed with these problems? In other words, what results can forces, Rony Brauman also upset militants from the we expect? We must provide answers to these questions, humanitarian organisations, which his accusations impli- which I have posed in a deliberately simplistic manner, citly involve. “How many children has your departure as precisely and as concretely as we can, rather than from Ethiopia killed, because they have not received the content ourselves with parroting the eternal litany about care you could have given them?” they shouted from the the future of the world, the duty of solidarity and mora- floor, evoking the departure of Médecins Sans Frontières lity of extreme urgency. These are not answers but empty from Ethiopia, expelled last year following its public cri- variations on conventional themes, and bear no relation ticism of Mengistu’s regime. to the problems before us. [...] “We could not carry on working,” explained Rony Brauman. “If we had stayed and kept quiet, we would have been accepting the unacceptable.” However, even today, MSF’s decision is still controversial. Lionel Rotcage of Band Aid went straight for the throat, “the MSF people In December, the leader of Band Aid visited Paris and knew perfectly well what was happening in the country accused MSF of having become a political organisa- when they took the decision to work there. They turned tion. However, the press observed that on the fif- their arrival in Ethiopia into a big media event and they teenth anniversary of the organisation’s foundation, did the same with their exit. But what happened to the its public image had apparently suffered no damage people they had been looking after? Moreover, the popu- from the political quarrels. lation displacements have now stopped.” [...] The vehemence of the remarks from some quarters reveals that the argument goes far deeper than simple disagreements over methods. In France especially, radi- Bob Geldof interviewed by Christiane cal ideological revision has been taking place for several Chombeau, ‘Our Duty is to Stay in Ethiopia,’ Le months. In early 1985, the creation of Liberté Sans Monde (France), 11 December 1986 (in French). Frontières by the eponymous doctors, including Claude Malhuret, the former Head of MSF, caused considerable Extract: disquiet among NGOs. Third-Worldism was equated with CC: What about the thousands of deaths mentioned by neo-liberalism. A virtual ideological war between NGOs Médecins Sans Frontières? has been going on ever since. BG: I’m not saying it’s true; I’m not saying it’s false. But I note that the only people who made such accusations and quoted the figure of one hundred thousand victims are from Médecins Sans Frontières. Even the Americans, ‘President’s Moral Report to the MSF France who have a representative over there, said nothing. General Assembly,’ May 1987(in French). Everybody is happy to quote MSF. I saw the convoys. I flew in Russian Antonov planes with English journalists. Extract: We were free to go where we wanted and nobody super- To try and make sense of apparently contradictory facts vised our movements. We talked to people, but we did and movements; to attempt to clarify the complex rela- not see what MSF described. But even if it is true, I think tions that humanitarian action forms with a totalitarian we have a duty to stay in the country to prevent more regime; to mark out the indistinct but very real limit deaths. What happened to the people MSF were helping beyond which aid to the victims is unwittingly transfor- after they left? It is true that the reception the refugees med into support for the executioners. These were the got in the resettlement zones was very badly organised. aims of the ‘Ethiopia: A Deadly Compassion’ conference Some organisations immediately realised what was likely in Paris last October [1986]. to happen. There was a report on the problems of moving […] It is striking that a fundamental reflection on the from the north to the south because of overpopulation in role of aid has begun during course of this year, and at a certainly fertile but limited area. Then they pinpointed a time when humanitarian aid appears as a new form of the flaws and began to plan investment for infrastruc- engagement; the last worthwhile human adventure. At ture and development. The crime would have been to do 110 a time when humanitarian initiatives are multiplying, nothing. I understand the argument that goes, you are lity is always above politics. politics. above is always lity mora And It is aduty. distinctions. any making without us, need people where be to want we again: it say will I anti-communism. its of secret no makes which group, Frontières Sans Liberté the It supports organisation. apolitical become has it Ethiopia, to go to Lévy Henri Bernard- for paid even which Frontières, Sans Médecins for As youth. their betraying are they and have young the that humanity of spark that lost have They conservative. more and older grown have Your philosophers BG: French in France? raging is currently that argument the explain you How do CC: pathetic. and is childish that I think but Ababa, in Addis government the helping are you therefore place, is taking resettlement this where zones in the helping increased its activities in Ethiopia. inEthiopia. activities its increased left, never which section, Belgian The return. not did and refused France MSF silence. future its guarantee in1985 and adopted had it position the recant to had organisation the acondition: imposed but agreed ties Ethiopian The authori to return. desire the expressed France MSF reappeared. famine and system agricultural country’s the up break to continued ‘Villagisation’ In 1987, drought. by hit again was Ethiopia EPILOGUE image. professional increasingly organisation’s the in interested is more and reconfiguration’ ‘ideological the to indifferent seems public the whole, the On gnificant!” insi “We so are reads caption The belt. policeman’s a fat to clinging minister moustached the It depicts wall. the to pinned Libération from acartoon see would he office acertain into looked he if there), works still (his wife MSF of corridors in the seen still Malhuret, Claude for As arguments. less generate to likely seems which health, on time this conference, another paring is pre LSF malaise. the dispersed has reconfiguration’ a‘technical Since then, team. MSF the with step” of “out were they start the at that acknowledge LSF of heads the office, cramped small, In their Ethiopia. over rows the of and government the into entry Malhuret’s Worldism, Third- of indictment clamorous its with foundation (LSF) Frontières Sans Liberté the of year last creation tion’s organisa the surrounded -that phenomenon Parisian avery -admittedly controversies political the by nished tar barely seems MSF of image public the Surprisingly, Extract: (France), 22 December 1986 (in French). 22 December (France), Image,’ Libération its About Cares and Years Old is 15 Frontières Sans ‘Médecins Haski, Pierre ------
tion in the public sphere. public in the tion recogni broad 1989, achieved had ideas April its as 28 on dissolved finally was foundation The issues. development on texts several published and rences confe more two organised Frontières Sans Liberté again. And MSF France did not return. silentif back.” go you keep will you saying Ididn’t him see said you letter and another was untrue, everything that saying sans Frontières, by Médecins signed aletter me give said, is “There problem no but in must you returning you being written under the aegis of LSF. The first, entitled entitled LSF. of first, The aegis the under written being currently books important two of publication autumn the of notice advance you give I can […] finally, And reached. been has objective the -that past in the sympathetic exactly not were who some from ment agree - including agreement is unanimous There thought. constructive promote to contrary the on but skittles, few a down knocking of pleasure simple the for Not medicines. our for dustbin famous that World, Third the on as well as system, health the of pivot the as agent health village the of myth the on straight record the setting -of me forgive will you -if amatter also was it But strategy. care mary pri of issues pinpoint to in order February last organised was Development’ and Medicines ‘Health, on A conference tage, it has to be agreed, of arriving at the right moment. right the at arriving of agreed, be to has it tage, advan the had which initiative, this to thanks profound and widespread more much become have days early the of discussions tentative the that is clear it ideas, of ment move current the at Looking tendencies. of reversal this for is responsible LSF that claim to temptation the resist I dissemination. rapid astonishingly their to contrary the on but arguments, our of renunciation any to whatsoever nothing owes sulphur of odour that of dissipation the is that is striking what In fact, it. deplore also can we and that welcome We can scandal. of asource longer is no LSF there. and here resonate to continued echoes muted their although down, died gradually arguments the controversies, initial the After tone. the to nothing ceded arguments the of vigour the which at Worldism Third- on conference that Frontières, Sans Liberté of stage the onto entry strident rather the We remember Extract: Korem, from April 1984 to May 1985, then Programme 1985, May to 1984 Programme then April from Korem, Brigitte Vasset, MSF France Medical Coordinator in Coordinator Medical France MSF Vasset, Brigitte country. I had no trouble getting an interview. He an interview. getting trouble no I had country. to the we return that toambassador suggest in Ethiopia.famine alert Iwent Ethiopian to the see running, years 1986For two and 1987, was a there 1987 May Assembly,’ (in French). General ‘ to the MSF France France MSF the President’s Moral Report to Manager Ethiopia (in French). Ethiopia Manager ------111 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
‘The Third World in Questions’ - note the ‘s’ - uses clear Summary of the Board meeting of MSF France, and precise language to examine the great problems of 27 March 1987 (in French). under-development... The second is an essential account of Cambodia today, of the attempt to annihilate an entire Extract: population, while most people remained indifferent and On 28 February, a meeting of the existing sections of some lent their support. Anyone who has closely followed Médecins Sans Frontières (Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, the controversy over the diversion of aid in Ethiopia will and France) took place in Amsterdam. The aim was to encounter familiar language, methods, and protagonists. harmonise the work of the different groups and renew contact between the French and Belgian sections. The meeting was amicable and favoured the resumption of normal relations between all the sections. Summary of the MSF France Board meeting Council, 28 April 1989 (in French).
Extract: ‘President’s Moral Report to the MSF France Dissolving Liberté Sans Frontières General Assembly, 19-20 November 1988 Rony Brauman is sounding out the ground on Liberté Sans (in French). Frontières. The Liberté Sans Frontières foundation had been inactive for two years. Médecins Sans Frontières Extract: was not ready to accept more quarrels, and this meant Liberté Sans Frontières was one of the reasons for the that LSF was not free to act. Moreover, the Médecins disagreement - to use a delicate euphemism - with Sans Frontières financial committee had decided to Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium. I think I can say that reduce the sums allocated to satellite organisations. It this is now a closed chapter in our common history, as had been planned to dissolve the foundation. The mem- misunderstandings have been ironed out at a number of bers of its administrative council would not accept this work and coordination meetings. That does not mean but, recommended allowing it to lie dormant so that it that the different sections of Médecins Sans Frontières could be reactivated if the need arose. If Médecins Sans are now carbon copies of each other - which would not Frontières has something to say, it can say it under its be desirable - but simply that with a common goal, a own name. Besides, we do not have to hide behind LSF. It common language and genuine bonds of friendship, the is Médecins Sans Frontières that catches the flak. sun is once again shining over the Europe of Médecins Sans Frontières.
We realised that our ideas no longer shocked Minutes of the Médecins Sans Frontières anyone. They had become commonplace. Third- International Convention, 20 December 1988, Worldism was dead. Whereas in 1985 there were still (in French). people who thought that World Order and multinationals were to blame for the famine in Ethiopia, a few years later Extract: this type of analysis was no longer possible. Today there are Some divergences appeared, chiefly between France and very few people left who try to defend Mugabe, the dictator the other sections, on the issue of MSF engagement in in Zimbabwe! Of course LSF was only a symbol of this evo- the field of human rights. In France, the image of MSF lution, not the cause. And as we didn’t want to become a is closely associated with the defence and promotion of mini Sciences-Po [Political studies institute] of the Third human rights in the broad sense of the term (civil and World, our ‘raison d’être’ had disappeared. political liberties). MSF France assumes this position by claiming for itself a double affiliation: to human rights Rony Brauman, MSF France President (in French). and to medical action. All sections agreed on the necessity for action when their teams are confronted by serious attacks on human rights. There are two necessary conditions: the absence of other observers (human rights groups, media) and the physi- Meanwhile, dialogue between the various sections cal presence of MSF. There are differences between MSF of MSF gradually resumed. The first Médecins Sans France and the other sections as to what kind of action Frontières European Convention was held in Toulouse should be taken. MSF France ‘signs’ its témoignage whe- on 3-4 June 1989. However, each section had its own never possible, and prefers to act through diplomatic and ideas concerning the adoption of public positions. media channels simultaneously. The other sections prefer to use ‘silent diplomacy’ and lobbying, without publicly attaching MSF’s name to the denunciations. Each section has taken note of these differences. MSF 112 France stresses the necessity of analysing the different gramme at Sekota and Lallibella. and Sekota at gramme apro year, launched that it of end At the Ethiopia. to mission 1991,assessment an In June sent France MSF on.now It moment. was agreat demonstrate the existence of a broad range of options. options. of range abroad of existence the demonstrate denunciations) unsigned (indirect, Lanka Sri and cide’), ‘geno of denunciation (MSF Sudan campaign), press term long- (MSF Ethiopia of examples The adapted. be can policy témoignage the that so basis acase-by-case on situations concessions by all sections. sections. all by concessions mutual of amatter as is seen This work. other’s in each interference prevent will which agreements, certain to come have they when only happen can this integration, and cooperation more like would sections all Although it. publicise to is present organisation other no and serious, extremely be to is considered situation the when work, to fail media the to news feeding and diplomacy’ ‘silent only when so do will Holland and Belgium Frontières Sans Médecins violations. rights human denounce licly pub to continue will France Frontières Sans Médecins issue. this on polarisation the acknowledged group The discussion. up the sums which exceptions,” “No, with said, Holland and Belgium Frontières Sans Médecins exception.” “Yes, said, without France Frontières Sans Médecins question.” is the that sign, to not or sign “To publicity: and […]Témoignage rights human on staff. senior and volunteers employees, association: the of running in the involved are who section each from people of number maximum the It June. included 3-4 on in Toulouse held was Convention European Frontières Sans Médecins first The Extract: other, and said that we would work together from other, from and said we together would that work ofsouth France. We together, got all each embraced Toulouse, at hatchet the buried in the We officially (in French). (in 1989 June 3-4 Toulouse, Convention, European Minutes Georges Dallemagne, MSF Belgium, Director of of Director Belgium, MSF Dallemagne, Georges of the Médecins Sans Frontières Frontières Sans Médecins the of Operations (in French). Operations - - - tenced to death in absentia by Ethiopia’s High Court. High Ethiopia’s by inabsentia death to tenced sen was 26 he on 2008, May appeal an Following genocide. of in absentia guilty him found verdict court Ethiopian In 2006, an Zimbabwe. to fled dictator the and overthrown was regime In 1991, Mengistu the future. near in the organised be will assistance nutritional provide to Amission tion. situa their of nature precarious the 1992 revealed April in Moyale at populations displaced the among conducted mission […]. assessment An Lallibella at in September and in 1992 June Sekota at completed 1991 was and in late began programme This Lallibella. and Sekota at services health restore to a programme suggested then MSF destabilisation. from risk at zones the of one as Wollo North identified mission assessment the Activities: 1993. June for planned was nation self-determi on areferendum and independence of verge the on already was Eritrea country. the fragment mately ulti to threatened that forces centrifugal released had overthrow in 1991. June dictator’s Ethiopia to The sent was mission anassessment Mengistu, of fall the Following Extract: 1991-1992,Report 1992 29 May (in French). 1991-1992,’ ‘Ethiopia Activity Annual MSF - - - - 113 Famine and forced relocations in Ethiopia - 1984 - 1986 MSF Speaks Out
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