The Honorable Antony Blinken
Secretary U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Blinken:
We, concerned Ethiopians residing in Nebraska, urgently bring to your attention the alarming prospect of Lencho Bati, a prominent figure within the current Oromo-dominated Ethiopian regime, being appointed as Ambassador to the Ethiopian embassy in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Bati has gained notoriety for his incendiary rhetoric, notably advocating for the divisive agenda of “Deconstruct Ethiopia, Construct Oromo,” which has fomented ethnic tensions and tragically led to numerous atrocities, including the recent Merawi massacre. This rhetoric has contributed to widespread violence and even genocide against Amhara and other ethnic groups across Ethiopia.
We implore your office to carefully consider the ramifications of such an appointment. Lencho Bati and those of similar ilk must be held accountable for their actions. Like their predecessors, such as Kielbasa Negewo of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kefelegn Alemu of Colorado, who faced justice for their crimes against humanity during Ethiopia’s previous military regime, Lencho Bati and his associates should be brought before a criminal court.
We urge you to intervene and prevent the appointment of Lencho Bati to the Ethiopian embassy in Washington, D.C. It is imperative that individuals with a history of inciting violence and perpetrating human rights abuses are not given diplomatic positions in the USA.
Sincerely,
Concerned Ethiopian Americans of Nebraska
CC: The Media Genocide Watch
In the United States
Government officials and diplomats are generally expected to have clean legal records, but there are some nuances and variations depending on the position.
- Elected Officials:
- There is no federal law explicitly barring individuals with criminal records from running for or holding most elected offices. This includes positions such as President, members of Congress, governors, and state legislators. However, political opponents often scrutinize candidates’ criminal records, and voters may be less likely to support candidates with serious criminal histories.
- Appointed Positions:
- For appointed positions, such as cabinet members, federal judges, and diplomats, the selection process often includes background checks. The President or other appointing authority usually considers the appointee’s background, including any criminal history. Serious offenses can disqualify candidates, especially for roles requiring a high level of security clearance.
- Security Clearances:
- Many government positions, particularly those involving national security, require security clearances. Obtaining a clearance involves a thorough background investigation. A criminal record, especially involving felonies or offenses related to dishonesty or breaches of trust, can disqualify candidates from receiving the necessary clearance.
- Civil Service Employees:
- For regular federal employees, the hiring process includes background checks. While a criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from all federal employment, certain positions, especially those with security or fiduciary responsibilities, may be off-limits to individuals with specific types of criminal records.
- Diplomats:
- Diplomats, including ambassadors, are often subject to rigorous vetting processes. This vetting includes background checks and scrutiny of their legal and financial histories. Any history of criminal behavior can be a significant obstacle to appointment, as diplomats represent the country abroad and must maintain high ethical standards.
In summary, while a criminal record does not necessarily preclude someone from serving in every government role in the U.S., it can be a significant barrier, particularly for positions that require high levels of trust, responsibility, and security clearance.
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It says „We urge you to intervene and prevent the appointment of Lencho Bati to the Ethiopian embassy in Washington, D.C.“
To whom is this letter addressed? Is it addressed to US government or to the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry?
In general, representatives of Ethiopia to any country (not only to US) must be free of any crimes or shall have a track of record.
Also please mention that he is a Galla who does not deserve and qualify to be an Ethiopian ambassador to the US. Underline that only Amharas are qualified for that position.
Your Excellency Secretary of State Anthony Blinken,
You know where this letter goes. It is destined to go straight to the trash bin. It is written by those gripped with hate. They think no one deserves a 2nd chance. This man might have said something repugnant during his hot-headed younger years. Now he has proven to have amended his ways. He is a well read man and he must be grateful the opportunity USA provided him as a refugee. Good Ole USA has proved to the world that ethnicity should not be a qualifying and deciding factor for a job. This letter should be deemed dead on arrival.
Lencho Batty is in fact a participant of the genocide committed against amharas in the early days of TPLF/OLF power sharing rule in 1991, when these ethnofascist groups first came to power in Ethiopia after the end of the Derry rule.He alongside Dima Negao , another OLF leader , are among the many who are still alive , and have been given another chance to take part in another cycle of violence , murder and displacement of Amharas and other ethnic groups. They will not be allowed to escape from their crimes and will face justice
LENCHO BATI: this man is a well known criminal. He and his organization known as OLF murdered thousands innocents people. He does not fit for this position rather he must put in jail and face justice. he does not understand diplomacy, what he knows very well is slaughtering innocent children, women and elders.
It is utterly misguided to oppose the potential appointment of Mr. Lencho Bati as Ambassador to the Ethiopian embassy in Washington, D.C. While you have every right to express your concerns about Mr. Bati’s rhetoric, it is important to provide a balanced view.
The extremist group in Nebraska, known for supporting those who have committed heinous human rights abuses and incited violence through the Amhara militia, Fano, and special forces, has no moral ground to accuse Mr. Bati, a man who has fought against injustice all his life. These groups have been implicated in severe human rights abuses, including massacres, sexual violence, displacement, looting, and obstruction of humanitarian aid in Ethiopia. Their actions have been condemned by international organizations and are currently under investigation by the United Nations.
The Amhara diaspora is highly polarized and uses social media to spread misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric. Groups like Fano claim to fight to reclaim ancestral lands and restore a historical monarchy, which has traditionally linked the Amhara ethnic group with political and cultural dominance through emperors like Menelik II and Haile Selassie. This historical dominance has had significant implications for education, administration, and national identity in Ethiopia, often marginalizing other ethnic groups.
These groups, who incite violence and spread misinformation to promote human rights violations and atrocities, are now playing the victim card. When Mr. Bati spoke about “deconstructing Ethiopia and reconstructing Oromo,” he was highlighting efforts to dismantle the oppressive monarchy in favor of democratic systems. He has been fighting against injustice, ethnic dominance, and a kleptocratic monarchy.
Mr. Lencho Bati is an American-educated individual committed to democracy, the rule of law, and equality for all. His qualifications and potential contributions as an envoy to the United States will be a win-win situation for both countries.