The effects of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is clearly backfiring in some circles. As the Vision Ethiopia Press Release dismissed him and hit back at him. That is the ones representing many of his Amhara region allies. Today, the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) dropped a statement and it’s obvious what they feel about the release of Oromo leaders and other political prisoners who has been behind bars for about 18 months or longer.
So, it is interesting what is said here. I have used two types of translation of the statement and changed the ones to make sense. So, it is badly translated, but better with a little translation from Amharic than nothing. The message is still very clear.
“To ensure the coexistence of Ethiopians, it is important to bring together the areas of our country that are the first victims of this war and to make national peace. However, the people around the area are carrying fresh corpses, the bloodshed, the raped mothers, sisters and children have not recovered from their suffering and displaced people are not returned to their homes, suspected of crimes and war. It is a very sad and painful truth to drop charges and pardon people under the shadow of the law. The government should not only refrain from this action but also apologize publicly” (Ezema, 09.01.2022).
Here Ezema is blaming the political prisoners for all of the crimes, violence and extra judicial killings. They are also pinning the Prime Minister here, which is very evident. The party is blaming the ones who comes from prison who was political prisoners of conscience. That is so outrageous, as it is damning them and still pursuit of their cases. While the state didn’t make a due process or sentence them. They kept them in prison and charged them, but never properly produced or conducted cases. These political leaders was behind bars for the simple reason of being dissident and in opposition of the current regime. That has been clear from the start.
As Ezema continues:
“Dear Ethiopians gathered under your mother’s flag, we must never forget that you are not discouraged by your mother. From strengthening your country; Do not hold back from supporting the victims. We are in a dilemma because of various wrong political decisions. Despite the relentless suffering of our poor people, decisions that will prolong the suffering will be made here and there. The struggle is bitter and the journey is exhausting. After all of this we need to get out of this mess, we need to make radical changes. On the one hand, we call on all parties to be vigilant and correct their erroneous decisions, and on the other hand, we call on all parties to do their part so that the process of national consultation is not diverted by a few forces and does not lead to political turmoil. With less sacrifice, we can achieve a huge victory and keep our eyes on the ball” (Ezema, 09.01.2022).
It is really striking that the Ezema is going all out here. Saying the ones freed will cause more harm and be a decision for the government. They are saying this is spiteful to the ones suffering and the ones who has become victims of the current state. That is really the message and these aren’t opposition leaders, but arch-criminals and dangers to society. This is the only message I am getting out of this.
What is not to forget, not long ago of Ezema was the illegal party of Ginbot 7, was seen as a militia and a terrorist group before allowed return in 2018. Now years later, the same party and members are saying others are causing harm and destruction. That is really showing how quickly things changes in power and with influence. As Ezema is with the table of the Prime Minister and been an ally in war.
Now, they are displeased and unhappy with the recent events, which is surprising and shocking. Ezema has been an ally of the Prime Minister. Just like all the Amhara counterparts and Eritrean supporters of the war as well. These are now unhappy and showing their disdain.
This sort of text only shows how far things have come and Nega shouldn’t sleep to well at night. As things turns fast. The PP and PM has shown force before and suddenly relieved people of power. That can easily come his way too. This is why these sorts of statement, which undermines the Prime Minister and his policies. Will not help him in the long run, unless he thinks he can sway the PM and change his ways. Peace.