Could there be a change on Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism law after a visit by Ms. Karen Hanrahan?

Ms. Karen Hanrahan, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, visited Ethiopia from February 24-27, 2013. During her trip, she met with government and judicial officials, representatives of Ethiopian civil society, international and Ethiopian non-governmental organizations, and the media. In addition to her meetings in Addis Ababa, she also traveled to Jijiga and Dire Dawa for meetings with regional officials.

According to the US Embassy’s press statement sent to Awramba Times, the purpose of Ms. Karen Hanrahan’s visit was to learn firsthand about the current economic, political and human rights situation in Ethiopia. Deputy Assistant Secretary Hanrahan conveyed the United States’ commitment to working with the Ethiopian government and civil society to strengthen democracy and improve respect for human rights in Ethiopia.

She explored possible areas of cooperation in strengthening the justice sector. She also sought to better understand the impact the Charities and Societies Proclamation has had on the activities of Ethiopian civil society organizations, as well as the impact of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation on freedom of expression and association in Ethiopia. Her visit to the Somali Region highlighted U.S. interests in promoting peace, development and respect for human rights there.
Could this visit really have an impact on the country’s anti-terrorism law?