Ethiopia US health deal raises sovereignty concerns

Ethiopia and the United States have signed a five-year health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), committing $1.46 billion to Ethiopia’s health sector. The agreement, presented as a partnership for capacity building and pandemic preparedness, has raised concerns about the terms of the cooperation and potential implications for Ethiopia’s sovereignty.

The MoU is part of the US’s America First Global Health Strategy, which prioritizes US national interests in global health assistance. Several African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire, have signed similar agreements under this strategy. The agreements involve significant US funding and domestic co-investment, as well as commitments to data sharing, integration of health surveillance systems, and adherence to performance benchmarks.

Critics argue that these agreements may compromise national sovereignty and policy autonomy, particularly in countries with weakened economies and governance structures. Ethiopia, which is currently facing economic distress, internal conflicts, and declining public trust in governance, may be particularly vulnerable to external influence.

The MoU requires Ethiopia to share extensive data, including patient information, with US authorities, and to grant the US significant leverage over the continuation of funding. The agreement also provides for US health professionals to work directly within Ethiopia’s ministries, which may prioritize US strategic interests over local health priorities.

The Kenyan High Court’s recent suspension of a similar health agreement between Kenya and the US, citing data privacy risks and threats to national sovereignty, has raised concerns about the potential implications of these agreements. The court’s ruling highlights the need for democratic accountability and parliamentary oversight in public health agreements.

The Ethiopian government’s willingness to accept the terms of the MoU without adequate safeguards has been criticized as a potential threat to national sovereignty. The agreement’s emphasis on US national interests and strategic influence has raised concerns about the long-term implications for Ethiopia’s health sector and its ability to set its own priorities.

As Ethiopia navigates its current challenges, the significance of this agreement cannot be overstated. The country’s ability to maintain its sovereignty and policy autonomy in the face of external influence will be crucial in determining the success of its health sector and its overall development. With the MoU now in place, it remains to be seen how Ethiopia will balance its need for resources with its need to protect its national interests.