The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) endorses the letter submitted to Secretary Rubio by the Horn of Africa Community and 14 other organizations. In the letter, the diaspora organizations express their strong belief that: “A well-calibrated ‘America First’ foreign policy can elevate African nations into enduring trade and security partners.” The letter also conveys the diaspora’s appreciation for Secretary Rubio’s decision to cancel his planned visit to Ethiopia, noting that such a visit would have conferred unwarranted legitimacy on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s destabilizing regime. Furthermore, the letter strongly condemns the Abiy Ahmed regime’s drone strike that killed over 150 civilians—primarily women and children—within just two days during the Easter holiday season in the Amhara region. It also denounces the government’s assault on the education system, which has left more than 9 million students out of school. In conclusion, the letter states: “We respectfully urge you to build enduring partnerships with the Ethiopian people, supported by the American Ethiopian diaspora, rather than with a regime that oppresses them. We look forward to engaging with your office to offer our full support. @WhiteHouse, @StateDept, @USEmbassyAddis, @UAEthio, @UNOSAPG, @VP, @realDonaldTrump, @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @indefchristians, @RepJohnJames, @housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi, @IMFNews, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl,@SenMarcoRubio, @RubenGallego, @ElissaSlotkin, @AndyKimNJ,@AdamSchiff, @CEXAlsobrooks,@CurtisUT,@RepGaramendi,@RepSaraJacobs, @RepJimBaird, @RepYoungKim, @RepMillsPress, @CongresswomanSC

14 American-Ethiopian diaspora organizations have shared a letter with Sec. @marcorubio highlighting the deteriorating situation in Ethiopia, including displacement, civilian casualties, and restrictions on civil liberties. We encourage a U.S. approach that balances strategic interests with humanitarian priorities.

Members of the Ethiopian-American Coalition—including the Horn of Africa Community, the United Women of the Horn, and the American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee—had a productive meeting today with aides to Secretary Rubio at the State Department. They discussed key issues raised in a recent joint letter from diverse American-Ethiopian organizations to Secretary Rubio, including the need for peace in Ethiopia and conflict resolution under the new administration's policies. The group also briefed Senate Foreign Relations staff on these critical concerns. There was broad agreement that a stable and peaceful Ethiopia aligns with the new administration’s America First policy. The reckless actions of the Ethiopian government, along with other irresponsible actors, must be checked, as instability in the Horn of Africa threatens to undermine President Trump’s agenda. @WhiteHouse, @StateDept, @USEmbassyAddis, @UAEthio, @UNOSAPG, @VP, @realDonaldTrump, @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @indefchristians, @RepJohnJames, @housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi, @IMFNews, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl,@SenMarcoRubio, @RubenGallego, @ElissaSlotkin, @AndyKimNJ,@AdamSchiff, @CEXAlsobrooks,@CurtisUT,@RepGaramendi,@RepSaraJacobs, @RepJimBaird, @RepYoungKim, @RepMillsPress, @CongresswomanSC @UWHorn1 @HoACommunity

In a powerful display of unity, 12 civic and advocacy Ethiopian-American Diaspora organizations sent a timely and compelling letter to U.S. Secretary of State @SecRubio, urging more robust U.S. engagement.

We're spreading holiday cheer with the Early Childhood Readiness Program's Family Giveaway! On Saturday, December 21st, we were thrilled to share books, toys, and educational tablets with our amazing families, ensuring that learning and play continue through the season. This giveaway is just one way we're empowering families with the resources they need to foster early education and strengthen family bonds. A huge thank you to the San Diego Foundation and our community partners for making this possible. Together, we're building brighter futures for San Diego's youngest learners! #EarlyChildhoodReadiness #HolidayGiveaway

This past Saturday, we hosted a Disaster & Emergency Preparedness workshop for our Shared Services Alliance & Microenterprise clients. Thanks to Carie Chouinard from the @CityofSanDiego Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), childcare providers learned how to create emergency plans, pack essentials, and organize critical documents! #EmergencyPreparedness #SmallBusiness #CommunitySafety

Groundbreaking digital mental health support for youth, young adults, and families—free, safe, and confidential! To learn more, visit calhope.org.

Celebrating Our SEED Program Entrepreneurs! On November 7, 2024, the San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition (SDRCC), in collaboration with Local Initiative Support Corp (LISC) and UC San Diego’s Refugee Health Unit, proudly honored 11 of our HOA SEED Program entrepreneurs for their remarkable achievements. These dedicated business owners, part of the Horn of Africa’s City Heights Business Development Program, received certificates and recognition for their hard work and contributions to our community. The program equips African entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources to foster economic empowerment and growth in City Heights. The entrepreneurs were awarded certificates of recognition signed by Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins and San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera in honor of their achievements as changemakers.🎉 Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration a success, and congratulations to our incredible SEED Program graduates! Learn more about our programs @ hornafrica.org 💼✨ #CityHeights #Entrepreneurship #EconomicEmpowerment #SDRCC #SEEDProgram

Horn of Africa Community hosted a virtual conversation with Ethiopian diaspora leaders committed to coalition building for democracy and reconciliation. SEHOA Ambassador Hammer and participants discussed current events, the future of diaspora engagement, and the path forward for meaningful collaboration.

Find more tips for staying cool today at HeatReadyCA.com #HeatReadyCA

Saving water really adds up! Let’s all do our part. #SaveOurWater

Are you heat ready? Heat is deadlier than any other weather hazard. Be prepared for extreme heat events and find resources to help you stay safe. #HeatReadyCA

HOA was honored to host @RepSaraJacobs, House Foreign Affairs Committee member (Africa Subcommittee Ranking Member), on voter mobilization and current issues around Horn of Africa. Leaders from the Black American community and African Diaspora (Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan) held an informative and interactive discussion and pledged to build a strong coalition. Our communities are committed to making their voices heard in November’s election!

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Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies (MNIHAS) 2024 East Africa Leadership Summit at Norway House was a huge success! The Summit, in partnership with Horn of Africa Community and others, was participated by @HassanSMohamud, @AsstSecStateAF, @SenAmyKlobuchar, @EUSR_Weber, @MayorFrey, local policymakers, academics and vibrant community leaders all focusing on building bridges and tackling the toughest challenges in both the US and East Africa. Amplifying voices and connecting communities for sustainable peace and equity.

The PM of Somalia, his Excellency @HamzaAbdiBarre, received Ambassador @MikeHammerUSA in Nairobi. For those of us who know both, I am sure the talks have been fruitful. Ambassador Hammer's constructive engagement in the region is very much appreciated. With over 30 years of diplomatic experience, his and his office's tireless outreach to American Somalis, but also the HoA diapora at large is a fresh breath in the US State Department. Similar open door policy and a robust outreach is expected from the Africa Bureau where many HoA diaspora found it to be opeque. @SecBlinken @BradSherman