Ethiopia: OLF Statement on National Election and Current Crises of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (12.12.2020)

The Oromo Liberation Front believes in fair and free election and the establishment of inclusive democratic government in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). We currently observe the ruling party is planning to conduct the 6th national election in 2021. We believe that assuring peace and security, and involvements of opposition parties are essential to conduct democratic election that will have positive impact on solving political problems in the country. However, it seems bogus rather than truth to plan election under current crises in FDRE.
Even though the ruling party wants to conceal the existing problems and divert attention towards national election, it is obvious that the country has already indulged into complex security crises and political catastrophes.
For the last two and half years, the OLF and other substantive political parties has anticipated these crises and suggested to the ruling party to address the fundamental political issues before it was too late. We also offered our support to maintain law and order that governs equally all and to shape the democratic reform process. However, the ruling party has not only ignored our suggestions but also used its security apparatus to crack our organization and halted our operation throughout the country.
Still there are huge political problems that were not addressed. Also, there is a constitutional crises and problems of citizens and questions of opposition parties were not treated according to the rules and regulations set out in the FDRE constitution. The judiciary system is not independently functioning; the security structure, police and other armed forces are ruling the country without clear court order; regional states like Oromia are still under military command posts and the civil administration structures have been dismantled.
Although OLF want to take part in the election, it is practically impossible under current circumstances as almost all our members, leaders and supporters that are potential for candidacy and observer are in prison at all levels. Also, all the OLF offices around the country including the headquarters in Finfinnee had been confiscated, closed and controlled by the ruling party security apparatus. Even though we repeatedly provided the updated lists of our detained members and the closure of our offices to the National Electoral Board of FDRE (NEBE), we did not receive any tangible response to our appeals and it is now four months. This put the capacity and effectiveness of NEBE and the decision it takes into question and to independently operate.
Still the detention of our members and supporters has continued and individuals who sympathize the OLF are hunted and killed or detained everywhere in the country. Due to these widespread atrocities and continuous physical coercion and intimidation, the citizens of Oromia are unable to speak freely, not alone to go out and vote in election.
Although the conflicts in Oromia region, were undergoing for long time, currently it is in escalating momentum. There are protests, violence, and conflicts everywhere. There are huge displacements of people and humanitarian crises has destabilized the Oromia regional state as well as neighbouring nations. The current conflict in the northern Ethiopia has also impact on the displacement of people.
Currently the escalating political issues and the security of the country is in dangerous situations as other third party actors are exacerbating the complicated situation.
Therefore, we believe that solving the political crises through peaceful inclusive dialogue comes first before jumping into nominal election. We had been through fake election for the last 27 years that resulted in huge crises to the country’s political system. We believe that repeating the same mistake would even create more chaos and endanger the country and its neighbouring nations.
We recommend that repairing the fractured administrative regions and restoring peace and security must be undertaken before the election takes place. Still volatile situations are escalating in Oromia and other regions. The ruling party trying to solve the problems through armed forces and through total control over the population. In this regard, we are concerned about the current remark Dr. Abiy Ahmed made in Moyale on 10/12/20 during his state visit to Kenya. He mentioned eliminating the OLF, the main driver of Oromia National Transitional Government (ONTG), in the region and called the Kenyan government to support him. This is another devastating move and clear evidence that the ruling party wants to get rid of opposition parties and run election on its own.
On this occasion we would like to caution the Kenyan Government that it should not be involved against Oromo national freedom struggle and get in conflict with the Oromo people who share communities in the cross borders and coexisted for centuries.
Finally, OLF would like to reiterate that before holding election, the complex political problems must be resolved; the Oromia regional state must be repaired and ONTG established; and sufficient frameworks prepared for Inclusive dialogue and consensus reached in line with the call by African Union (AU). We are ready to play our role in paving the way for inclusive dialogue and possible agreed upon election”
Victory to the Masses!
Oromo Liberation Front
Finfinnee
December 12, 2020

Opinion: Museveni isn’t even trying to fake it this time…

These elections and campaigns are a farce. It isn’t even concealed. The authorities and the state isn’t even trying to fake it. No, they have out all their guns, all their ammo and usage of all means to stop the opposition. Before at least, it had ramifications if there was deaths, arrests or violence. There was open condemnation and reactions. However, this time… its is empty talk and moving-on. Like protestors can be replicated by a few shillings and the grieving families are less scorned because they got a “compensation”.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) aren’t even trying to make belief. As the opposition is blocked from venues, districts and even hotels. The opposition cannot do an ordinary campaign. Their bodyguards, associates and preparation teams in the districts are arrested at night without any forewarning. That is what is happening and we supposed to be silent.

Because, all of these opposition are supported by homosexual foreigners who like to fuck the Pax-Museveni and his “democracy”. They are coming and forcing their candidates on the Republic and using “disruptive” means by taking everyone for ride. Alas, there is no proof of that and only the words of the President and his handlers. They say it is coordinated attacks and groups, but they never re-appear after the state has used their guns, ammo and tear-gas on unarmed civilians. That is just how things goes.

President Museveni and his Electoral Commission isn’t even trying. They are getting in ballots without any looking. The EC is summoning Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat, but not looking into anyone else breaching the Presidential guidelines on gathering because of COVID-19. No, only these two gentlemen, because they are the real opposition.

The EC could just give Museveni and his cadres the Parliament and the High Office with around 70% and call it a day. At this point, the tricks is over. The game is over. We know what is happening. The results and the voting doesn’t matter. The game is rigged and they are not even concealing it.

The President, if he wanted legitimacy and wanted to look decent. He shouldn’t do it like this, but he does, because he doesn’t care. The man is used to get away with it. That’s what his planning now as well.

This election isn’t fair or free. It is already in shackles, already secured and in the bag. The rest is just running through the motions. The Electoral Commission, the Police Force and the Army will secure another term for the President and his NRM: They will have control and they have finessed the game.

Bobi Wine is only a pawn to these people. The same is the rest of them. Just another tool to make belief of something, which it is not. When he says he wants to remove the dictator. His not wrong, but that will not happen through the ballot. The ballots are already pre-ticked and in favour of the regime. To think otherwise is naive. No matter how popular you are, the results will be tricked in favour of the incumbent.

We cannot believe the same folks that doesn’t let the man sleep in hotels, doesn’t let him campaign and blocks him from greeting the public. Will honour the ballots and the will of the people. Who are we kidding here?

So, are you ready for the eight term of Museveni? Peace.

Bobi Wine wasn’t arrested last night, but was forced to sleep roadside in the middle of nowhere

We spent the night on dusty roadside in the middle of nowhere but the struggle continues. Nextstop Lamwo, Kitgum and Karenga” – NUP Presidential Candidate” (91.8 Boona FM, 12.12.2020).

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine spent most of the day yesterday on the road. Fist he was blocked to access Abletong by the Police Force in Lira. Where they also arrested several of the NUP campaign team, also assaulted journalists coving it. They confiscated their recording devices and such. Therefore, little video or photos of the events that folded last night.

As the night was upon the team that was stuck in one place for hours upon end. Actually close to ten hours in one spot. Not allowed to pass. The Police Force started to move the vehicles and guide them towards Kitgum. They forced the team to not campaign in the region, but was forcing them to go away.

They was left roadside by the Police Force to sleep. No access to a hotel or a lodge. Another night on the Campaign trail without a shelter. As the Police Force is blocking all decency out of this campaign.

Yes, Bobi Wine wasn’t arrested, but he was still muffled with and injustice was served. Who in their right mind thinks it reasonable to be blocked from campaigning. Blocked from accessing hotels and now forced to sleep in the middle of nowhere. Because the Police is getting rid of you and not allowing you pass an area.

This is making Bobi Wine look like a fugitive and alien in his Republic. Where he is a citizen and Presidential Candidate. Where his not allowed to do the basics and neither allowed to work as politician. Just like the authorities blocked him from having concerts. It is the same thing all-over.

Sleeping on the roadside. Dropped in the middle of the night. Towing your car and forcing you to leave after hours of stalemate. That is what has transpired yesterday to this morning.

Don’t expect today or tonight to be any better. Another RDC and DPC in-charge who follows orders from “high above”. Peace.

Museveni warns the Opposition again ahead of the polls…

NRM people have their own weaknesses of being lazy and useless but at least they don’t disturb us. The other ones are lazy, selfish and disruptive. The opposition and their foreign backers are both useless and disruptive” (…)”Nobody is going to disturb our elections. I know all these games played by foreigners and I wish them good luck but I assure you we will have peaceful elections. Anybody who wants to put himself in the path of our right you have no right to disturb our peace. Let everybody follow the law and there will be peace” President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the National Thanksgiving Service at Entebbe State House on the 11th December 2020

It is really rich the way the President warns the opposition and says it disruptive. We know that the President of Uganda have no heart for the opposition. He rather rule supreme without any democratic safeguards and never be questioned what so ever. The President would prefer a one-party with him at the helm.

President Museveni shows that sort of sentiment here. He comes with baseless claims. The man who has lived on donor funds, foreign grants and supported by outside forces since participated in the FRONASA in the late 1970s. Therefore, the old man should chill with this argument. Unless, he delivers proof and shows things can indicates his argument. If not, it is rubbish and lies used to trick the public.

The President knows this… and has no issues using this. Spreading this words saying its others who incite violence and disrupts society. However, he never takes any real accountability for the orders of the Police Force and other Security Agencies. They are said to be looked into, but usually goes off free. While the supporters and citizens who participate in opposition rallies, demonstrations and whatnot can be found to be coordinated with foreign gangs to disturb the peace. Nevertheless, the public never carried guns, tear-gas or anything else.

President Museveni has to come with stern warnings and threats. Not like he can give real peace and sustainable future. Unless, he has shackled the communities and citizens in general. As they have all to follow him blindly and know that his the only one that rule over them. That is what he does and hopes to get away with.

The President is thinking the public …. is naive and believe his words. Alas, he said the same before and come with similar warnings. That is because he only has that. The empty threats and not proven foreign association. Not like he could the Republic without foreign support either. That is why its hypocrisy. The man couldn’t even finish or win his Bush-War without the support of Libya.

That is why the old man shouldn’t speak of ill of that. He maybe don’t want to beg in his old age. However, he still needs legitimacy and be friendly with donors to get funds to run his government. Therefore, the man … shouldn’t do all of this. Because, when he has no proof and he has the history of living large on the plate of foreigners himself.

President Museveni should instead ensure the elections goes on without impunity, injustice and arbitrary arrests. The state can offer peaceful elections and campaign. Still, that is impossible when it interferes and blocks some parties from doing their work. Nevertheless, the President and his regime doesn’t have the heart to do this. They don’t have the courage or ability to do the right thing.

This President will use force and assault all values to stay in power. That is why his coming with threats and warnings with baseless claims. Peace.

Ethiopia: Statement attributable to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region (11.12.2020)

I am deeply alarmed about the safety and well-being of Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, who have been caught in the conflict in the Tigray region. For over a month, UNHCR and humanitarian partners have had no access to the four Eritrean refugee camps inside Tigray, putting the safety and survival of the refugees at great risk.

The government of Ethiopia has said it will guarantee humanitarian access to the Tigray region for the UN and its partners. While the signed agreement is one first step, it needs to be implemented in a way that ensures safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers in accordance with the principles of neutrality and impartiality. Such access is urgently needed so we can provide desperately needed assistance to refugees and other vulnerable populations.

Over the last month we have received an overwhelming number of disturbing reports of Eritrean refugees in Tigray being killed, abducted and forcibly returned to Eritrea. If confirmed, these actions would constitute a major violation of international law.

Ethiopia has a long-standing tradition of welcoming and hosting refugees who were forced to flee. I am strongly urging the government of Ethiopia to continue to uphold their responsibility towards refugees under international law, and to ensure the protection and safety of all refugees in the country.

To find safety and basic means of survival, many Eritrean refugees are fleeing the camps to locations both within Tigray and other regions of Ethiopia. We have met with some who managed to reach Addis Ababa. It is vital that Eritrean refugees be able to move to safe locations, and receive protection and assistance wherever possible, including outside of Tigray, given the traumatic events they report to have witnessed or survived. We remain committed to supporting and working with the Ethiopian government in this regard.

Meanwhile, the government and people of Sudan have generously welcomed the nearly 50,000 Ethiopian refugees who have sought safety in their country since the beginning of the conflict. UNHCR and partners have joined with the government to provide life-saving aid to people who are arriving exhausted, often following dangerous journeys to reach the border. I call on the international community to increase its support for the humanitarian response.

Ethiopian refugees in Sudan have expressed a desire to return home and rebuild their lives, but only when they can be assured of their safety and security. UNHCR stands ready to provide full support to the refugees at such time as they express a free and informed decision to return. Any returns must be safe, voluntary and dignified and take place in line with well-established principles on voluntary repatriation.

Ethiopia: IOM Refutes Allegations Eritreans Held, Processed for Forced Return (11.12.2020)

Geneva – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) strongly refutes allegations that a group of Eritrean refugees are being held by IOM and being processed for forced return in one of its transit centres in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The Organization equally rejects allegations that IOM buses have been used to transport the refugees to an unknown destination.

One of three IOM centres in Addis Ababa was taken over by the Ethiopian Government’s Agency for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) on 3 December. IOM has had no management authority, oversight or involvement in any activities undertaken by the authorities in the centre since that time.

IOM does not under any circumstances conduct the forced return of migrants and refugees. The Organization’s approach to return assistance for migrants relies on the pillars of protection, human rights and voluntariness and in full respect of International Law.

The Organization is extremely concerned about these reports and appeals to States to ensure the protection of all civilians, including migrants and refugees. International Law and its Conventions, including the Principle of Non-Refoulement, must be respected at all times.

For more information, please contact: Safa Msehli, Spokesperson, IOM Geneva; Tel: +41 79 403 5526, email: smsehli@iom.int

South Sudan: Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security – Statement on the food security in South Sudan (13.12.2020)

Bobi Wine arrested after he was blocked for 8 hours at Ngeta Road, Lira [on the way to Abletong]

Bobi wine supporters have blocked Ngeta road in Lira city on hearing that Bobi Wine was blocked from moving to Alebtong District” (93.3 KFM, 11.12.2020).

Another day, another campaign drama. As the Police Force cannot help themselves to make things harder and nearly impossible for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine to campaign. Today, the Police Force has arrested several of people in and around Bobi Wine in Lira and also assaulted journalists there.

Bobi Wine haven’t been allowed to continue his campaigning as the Police have blocked the roads on Ngeta Road. The same force has also blocked the other way. Therefore, the man cannot drive the one way or the other.

After 8 hours:

BREAKING: We are under attack. Bobi wine has been arrested after the police in Lira broke into his car a few minutes ago. No one knows where he is being taken as all journalists have been brutalised and recording equipment confiscated” (Andrew Natumanya, 11.12.2020).

BREAKING: Ugly scenes at Bobi Wine campaign trail and police turns brutal once again. Bobi wine has been arrested after the police in Lira broke into his car a few minutes ago, journalists have been brutalised and recording equipment confiscated” (Herbert Kamoga Reports, 11.12.2020).

Therefore, this story is unfolding after 8 hours. This after its speculated that the Police arrested over 20 people. Now, they have taken Bobi Wine too after going into his car. There is no pictures or video clips of this. As the Police Force confiscated that from the media who was there.

We can clearly see police brutality and they are not concerned with having free and fair elections. Only to torment and stop the People Power and NUP Presidential Candidate in his tracks. They are not even trying to make it seems forged. This is just injustice and impunity.

This is the Uganda that the National Resistance Movement is promoting to the world. Peace.

Ethiopia: Will Prime Minister Abiy go after the OLF now?

Because peace is a foundation for everything that we are aspiring to transform the life of our people if we could eliminate Al Shabab and OLF from this region you can see how this people can be transformed into one family, one country and one people” – Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy in Kenya on the 9th December 2020

Now that the National Army, Eritrean Army and Amhara Paramilitary (Fano) is attacking the Tigray state. As they are aiming to annihilate the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) as they have been fighting since the 3rd November 2020. The Prosperity Party and Federal Government seemingly wants more “enemies”.

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) have in the past been labelled as a terrorist organization. However, Abiy and EPRDF did the legit in 2018. Now two years later the PP seems to make the political party again a pariah. Their leaders are already behind bars.

The PP and Government Officials have claimed they are aiming at OLF-Shane/Shene. Though the OLF says this spilt doesn’t exists. The only that exists here is the targeted measures of the state and going after activists in the Oromia state. As their leaders are already behind bars or charged by the state. Which they have been for so long now and even family members have been behind bars. Just because their parents are active politicians and activists in Oromia.

That is why its really rich that the Prime Minister Abiy says the OLF is similar to Al-Shabaab. This is making a narrative and vilify them too. That the OLF is a troublemaker and deserves vengeance. Apparently the PP needs more enemies. To use the Federal Government and Security Organization in favour of destroy the ones who isn’t in accordance with the PM or the PP. This is how it seems.

When the ones he brokered a deal with and make peace with in 2018. Later arrested and have currently detained. These folks his attacking and claiming to be a militia and a danger to society. However, in Oromia it is more state sponsored violence that is fatal and extra judicial killings. Also lots of political prisoners, which the Prime Minister doesn’t take accountability for. Not that he ever will, but will blame them for something like always.

We can await a Command Post, State of Emergency and soldiers on the streets. If he will target the OLF. Maybe he will ensure the same procedure as he did with the TPLF. Deregister the political party and make them a terrorist organization again. Because the PM clearly needs enemies and needs total consolidation of control. As he favours “yes-men” and “total love” as anyone questions him is deemed illegal or “unconstitutional”.

The OLF seems to be the next target. Which will meet the blunt force of the state. They have already paid, but with this sort of statement. The PM is preparing to go after them as well. There will be no scorned earth, but a direct attack on the OLF. As their popularity is a force to reckon with ahead of the polls. This is why these needs to punished and silenced. Not enough to arrest, extra judicial killings and the rampant actions in Oromia.

He wants to take it further and with the rhetoric. We should expect the House of Federation issue decree or motion to call it a “terrorist” organization and there after go on a warpath there too. As they will go after everyone associated or even thinking about the OLF. Just like it has done to the TPLF.

Don’t be shocked or surprised. The War-Lord is here and his proud of it too. As his off the hook and only gets condemned. However, the man can carry that and continue his violent actions towards the citizens. Peace.

On Schedule: Two NGOs targeted ahead of Elections

Before the last General Election in 2016. The authorities raided several of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) headquarters in Kampala. Today, the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has frozen two organizations accounts. Claiming these two are financing “terrorism”. However, there is no evidence of this and only the theatrics of the state ahead of the polls.

These two organizations are doing important works where the state is failing to support and help NGOs out. If the state had filled the vacuum and served the needs of the communities. It wouldn’t have need for these too be there and do its work.

Because before dismissing it totally as the political hit-job it is. Let’s look at what the Wougnet and NGO Forum does. The ones FIA is claiming that is working or financing “terrorism”. The terror here … is the attack on these organizations and intimidate them ahead of the polls. That is the ironic thing about this move and isn’t a new trick.

Wougnet:

The Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is a non-governmental organisation initiated in May 2000 by several women’s organisations in Uganda to develop the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among women as tools to share information and address issues collectively. WOUGNET’s vision is a society in which women are empowered through the use of ICTs for sustainable development” (APC – Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET))

NGO Forum:

The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) is an independent and inclusive national platform for NGOs in Uganda. Its primary constituency and owners are NGOs in their diversity and configurations. UNNGOF is however open to other interest groups within a broadly defined civil society” (Uganda Networks – NGO Forum)

If feel with certainty that both organisations aren’t supporting or financing terrorism. As they are not connected or have the mission to support these sort of activities. That Wougnet whose working for empowerment and gender equality is supposed to trade guns to war-zones or militias somewhere. That’s nonsense at best.

The NGO Forum on the other hand is a supporting organizations for other NGOs. To help out and be a supportive organizations for smaller and local NGOs. That isn’t terrorism, but actually doing an important task. As they are helping NGOs across the Republic. As its mission is to “influence governance” and “development processes” which doesn’t sound like terrorism either. Unless, it is a terror for a civil servant or government official to actually do their job. They are supposed be transparent, accountable and deliver government services. However, that is clearly not worthy of this state and it’s deemed “illegal”.

It seems like a political hit-job hitting these two organizations. WOUGNET and UNNGOF seems like unlikely partners or even participating in terrorism anywhere. Unless, it is terror to wish Gender Equality and better Governance. That seems ridiculous… bonkers and foolish. Peace.