05 Sep 2009
The International Crisis Group has predicted violence in Ethiopia's upcoming June 2010 elections unless the country's leadership embraces democracy.

The group, through its director for African Affairs Francois Grignon, called on the international community to stop ignoring ethnic tensions in Ethiopia, a Press TV correspondent reported.

"Ethnic federalism has dampened conflict, but rather increased competition amongst groups fighting for land, natural resources, boundaries and government budgets," said ICG's Grignon.

In the 1990's, The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Front led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, had turned the country into Federal Republic in a bid to improve cohesion but it has increased ethnic polarization in the African nation instead. the report added.

"Donors must convince Ethiopia to improve current standards of governance and promote democratic reform or risk a future wave of violence and further destabilization of the Horn of Africa," said International Crisis Group Deputy Director of Africa Programs, Daniela Kroslak.

Many opposition groups in Ethiopia, preparing to challenge Zenawi's EPDF, have voiced fears of a violent government crackdown during the electoral period as it has happened in the past.

presstv