The government's actions have undermined the credibility and authority of the AU at a time when it is meeting in the Sudanese capital.

This very worrying trial has major implications for human rights, media freedom and democratization in Ethiopia. It will be a crucial test of the independence and impartiality of the Ethiopian judiciary.

These people are prisoners of conscience, imprisoned solely on account of their non-violent opinions and activities.

This plan is welcome. But fundamental problems relating to the discipline, training and accountability of the integrated brigades need also to be addressed as a matter of priority.

Civilians in the east are looking to their government for protection. But in many cases government soldiers are acting little better than the insurgent groups.

The failure by the DRC government to create a professional, truly unified army is contributing in a large measure to the continuing instability in the east and needlessly putting civilian lives at risk.