Ethiopia: The “criminal” story of Dr. Assefa Adane

“Enat Party political sector manager Dr. Assefa Adane after fifty one day imprisonment today May 28/2018 They have been released from prison on a bail of 1000 birr. The investigating police said “I couldn’t find enough information and evidence so I won’t oppose if the court is released on a bail of 1000 birr”. So the court allowed him to be released on a bail. He was released in the evening and returned home” (ENAT, 26.05.2023).

On the 6^th April Dr. Assefa Adane who happens to be the Political Sector Manager of the Enat (Mother) Party and the managing director of the Negere Wolakit media. He was kidnapped by the government forces on that day. While the office space which he shared with other media-houses was also raided. The house itself was broken into and looted.

Now after 51 days in custody. The politician and journalist, Dr. Adane is free, but only temporarily. When you have first gotten into the hands of the authorities they can easily access you again. It is really telling when the Court that gave him freedom today said there was no information or evidence in his case. Meaning the authorities arrested him without merit or any proof of any allegation. Just think about that for a second. The authorities arrested a man without evidence, proof or anything, which could show his “criminal intent or criminal activity”. That just shows that its all political and not based in law or done by proper law enforcement.

We can see how the state is operating by looking into this case. He is clearly not alone as the state has suddenly mass-arrests and does so in the name of “law”. While they are not showing or preparing the cases before the arrests. It is all “preventative” arrests and arbitrary as such. Since they are just doing it en-mass and targeting one group or one part of society.

On the day of Dr. Adane’s arrest there was several similar cases and other journalists who was apprehended. Certainly, if you looked into them. You would most likely see similar back-stories and end-game. As the state is going hard and cracking down on certain “dissidents” or “critical voices” but not gathering evidence or proof of criminal intent or behaviour for that matter. No, they are just arresting and hoping people forget them behind bars.

This isn’t new Ethiopia and isn’t new under the rule of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. He has done similar all-across the Republic. Right now the surge of arrests are in tandem with the offensive and efforts to undermine the Amhara region. Just like Abiy has done in Oromia, Tigray and Ogaden in past. Therefore, this isn’t new, but still worthy to reflect over.

Just imagine the boldness and the arrogance to arrest someone with evidence or proof (information) of any criminal conspiracy, act or intent of doing such. That’s what the Ethiopian Authorities did in regards to Dr. Adane. No matter how you regard him as a politician or as a journalist doesn’t matter here. It is the principal and the idea that the state could do this and let him be in prison for 51 days before releasing him. Peace.

Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali – Statement on Africa Day 2023 (25.05.2023)

Ethiopia: Caucus of Opposition Parties (COPs) – Press Statement on Constitutional Amendments Proposed by the Ethiopian Institute of Policy Studies (23.05.2023)

Last week, the Caucus of Opposition Parties (COPs) have heard with dismay and serious concern from media – what appears to be a government sponsored and politically motivated study paper by an Ethiopian government agency called Institute of Policy Studies. To us, the said research is a methodologically flawed wish list of certain quarters, and above all an untimely initiative. And it is unfortunate that such a lopsided paper is presented to the public at this critical juncture of our country’s history where the bloodiest war just ended and we are still in the midst of war in much of Oromia. Such papers are not only misleading, but can also lead our country into more chaos as there is very little consensus regarding constitutional reform both among the country’s political forces and the diverse Ethiopian communities. In this regard, we strongly believe that such a proposal is meaningless before a broader agreement is reached among the country’s major stake holders, which should be backed by genuine and all inclusive national dialogue. It should not be forgotten that it is the “ I can do it alone” that has led the country into the endless crisis it has been wallowing in for decades in which millions lost their lives and millions more have been displaced.

To be sure, it is highly disturbing that the so-called research has been conducted with little regard for scientific objectivity, and as can be read from the methodology used as well as our own observation, it is tailored to serve a hidden political interest of certain circles and at that contains highly deceptive findings. Here, it is important to note that politicizing scientific research for narrow political interest and personal gains can easily jeopardize the foundation of our already precarious stability and the hoped for democratic transition.

As responsible citizens, we urge those who are promoting such a divisive political agenda to stop it so as to save our country from the potential harm it could cause and a perilous road to destruction. And, we also strongly suggest that scientific research is conducted with a necessary transparency and objectivity where the results can be validated through a broad Consultative process. Therefore, COP urge our policymakers to take a closer look at this research paper, investigate the matter thoroughly, and take corrective measures to prevent any further spread of misinformation. We think, it is only by doing so that we can uphold the principles of democracy and make informed decisions for the betterment of our country and its various peoples.

Regarding a possible constitutional reform, we want to remind all the concerned parties that under the existing Ethiopian situation, genuine national dialogue and a broad-based agreement is reached among the country’s political forces on the way the future Ethiopian government is structured as well the political system thereof is organized take precedence over yet another hasty measures and reckless moves by few political parties that may have serious consequences for the country and its various peoples.

Taking this opportunity, the Caucus also ask the ruling party and its government structures to ensure ‘the right to self-determination of the nations, nationalities and the peoples of Ethiopia’ as per the provisions in the existing constitution when treating the demands of the various peoples of the country such as the Wolaita’s quest for referendum to save the people from unnecessary conflict and bloodshed.

Caucus of Opposition Parties (COPs)

May 23, 2023

Addis Ababa

Opinion: Abiy has a new enemy in the Amhara Popular Front (APF)

This weekend there was a launch of a new militia or a new “movement” which is coined the Amhara Popular Front. That one is consisting of Amhara Regional Special Force and Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano”. Both was to be disbanded or become a part of the National Army, the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). However, with the revelation of the new militia… it will not happen anytime soon.

Now, the Amhara with their allies or backers are going into uncharted territories. The ENDF and the authorities are already bound in conflict in Amhara region. As the Amhara militants and nationalists wouldn’t back down. That is the same folks and sentiments that been used by the “no more” crowd and the ones defending the war to end the TPLF, once and for all.

The leader of the APF is a familiar fellow. A man who defended and wanted the war to last longer in the North. This man being the journalist and activist, former Balderas leader Eskinder Nega. He will run the APF and be the known character running it. A man has been detained and has been charged for serious crimes before. Now his becoming a rebel and a militia leader. That is new from the former politician, journalist and activist.

This is why Prime Minister Abiy who is already fighting battles in Oromia against the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). A PM who hasn’t silenced the guns in Tigray region. Neither has the authorities left or stopped being brutal in the Ogaden region. No, the Prosperity Party and the way it moves forward is with the gun…

So, the PM isn’t really seeking peace, but seeking total humiliation and resounding surrender. Nevertheless, there is plenty of groups who fights and wants to see his demise. In 2023 there various Liberation Front co-exist and with different reach in the regions. However, he certainly haven’t delivered or given them any reason to back down. The National Commission for Dialogue or whatever is only for the show and confetti. It isn’t there to do anything substantial or sustainable for the near future.

That’s why it’s obvious that Abiy has failed in his plans for peace and unity in Ethiopia. When the likes of Nega is now calling for “war”. Now the Amhara is amping it up. They are having their own regional Defence Force. Just like Tigray had the TDF. Now the APF is their own version of it and they don’t even have a viable “origin story” for it either. That just came about because the government wanted to reign in the guns and control the arms. In such a manner to reform the army and law enforcement. Therefore, the grievances isn’t about the mandate or political capital. No, it is about the justification to bear arms and be militant.

The Amhara cannot accept that the ENDF has the control and has the final say. That’s why they are calling Abiy a dictator now. They didn’t call him that when he quelled demonstrations or killed in Oromia. They didn’t call him that when he went after dissidents in the Ogaden. These folks was cheering on the army and the para-military as they invaded, destroyed and annexed territories of the Tigray. Now they calling quits and rebels against the government, because the centre is losing power and ability to hold arms. That’s the sinister part here.

The ENDF and the PP has reacted to it all, but a bit to late. They let it feaster and grow with time, because it benefited the war in Tigray. Now that has partly ceased, but remaining Amhara and Eritrean forces are still occupying Tigrayan territories. The finalization of the conflict is in parts over. While the tripartite alliance needs to lick their wounds and move-on.

Alas, there is the problem. That where the likes of Nega comes in. Who wants to annihilate and get rid of a mortal enemy. They are not willing to give peace a chance. These believe the only way to win is to get rid of and silence TPLF for ever. That’s why these are betrayed and the PP gave them weapons to do so. The PP gave them training and ammunition, which are now in play against the ENDF.

The same allies that was weapon brothers in Tigray will now fight each other. That is the gist of things and shows how things fall apart. It is a tragedy and shows how to sow conflict. The PM seems unable to keep the peace and only strengthen his causes by going to war. That’s why he has offensives and skirmishes on the regular. This is why he targeted and goes after the Amhara too. They are the latest big-victim and now they have a militia for their cause.

The PP and ENDF has a new enemy. Abiy has created a new nationalist militant group, which are created to end him. That is yet another one these and this one is more powerful than others… ironically because he needed it in the previous conflict. They got power, influence and government support for their hand in Tigray. Now the same hands will be used to fight Abiy.

Surely, these battles, these internal wars will only cause more turmoil, less stability and create a vacuum, which none can fulfil. The PP and Abiy can only wish it goes over fast. However, with the previous wars the state haven’t conquered or been able to outsmart the liberation fronts. Therefore, to think so this time. Well, these are trained by the government and know how the army operates. That’s why this Amhara militia will be even more dangerous. They were a hot minute ago apart of a war-pact.

Now the tides have turned and the guns are aimed at the throne. Peace.

Ethiopia: Amhara Popular Front (APF) – Press Release (20.05.2023)

Our origin is the existence of Amhara, our destination is the unity of Ethiopia!

The danger that has been inflicted on the existence of the Amhara people and the unity of Ethiopia has passed on to a serious chapter. The extremist Oromuma politics that is driven by false narrative and blind hatred is making practical moves to create the great Oromia.

The extremist Oromo nationalists who control the Beltsegina Party and lead by Abiy Ahmed are trying to create the “great” Oromia by expanding the genocide they are committing on the Amhara people and overthrowing the regions and taking land. Sidama, Afar, Somali, Benshangol, Gedeo, Gurage, Gamo, Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa are among those who are expected to be victims of this process. Because they believed “Oromia needs a sea gate” they have planned to cut the Somali region into two and jump into the red sea. The fact that the new Oromia is not only clean from other ethnic groups, but they are also dreaming to make it clean from Orthodox religion and existing Islam.

Millions of Amharas have been victims of human rights violations, displacement and mass killing in the Oromia region, even though they have been dispersed in the movement to implement their rights. These are the evidence of how serious the danger that is looming in our country is. If things continue like this, we can say for sure that our future will be worse than the Rwanda genocide.

It has been found that this will be the main obstacle in Ethiopia, especially the external, to reverse the danger that has been declared on the Amhara people (Genocide) that will organize the first chapter of the Amhara people.

The purpose of the front :-

1. Making the Amhara people the first priority of their struggle to protect themselves from genocide.

2. The end of the struggle for the survival of the Amhara people is passing Ethiopia as a country to the next generation.

3. Amending the constitution that is a threat to the existence of Amhara and Ethiopia in a way that guarantees the unity of the Ethiopian people.

4. Establishment of local administrations in places that will be liberated by the people’s struggle and the administration of the prosperity party will be destroyed by the elders of the country, Fano and government officials who joined the struggle of the people.

5. Maintaining the peace, democratic rights and security of the people through the established local administrations.

6. We need to work together with the national and international forces that are working to stop the genocide (genocide) that has been inflicted on the Amhara people.

The Prosperity Party led by Abiy Ahmed has no ability and public base, devoid of knowledge, poisoned by hate, has no respect for humanity and a corrupt organization. The TPLF-led EPRDF regime has strengthened the system in a bad way but it hasn’t changed.

Opinion: Afwerki wants it both ways…

“I have no intention of interfering in this matter despite the disinformation campaign going on trying to disrupt the process of peace in Ethiopia” (…) “You talk about withdrawal or no withdrawal (of Eritrean forces), and we say this is nonsense. Why are we bothered if Eritrean troops were there or not there?” (…) “Everybody talking about human rights violations (by Eritrean forces), rape, looting, this is a fantasy in the minds of those who own this factory that I call a factory of fabricating misinformation” – President Isaias Afwerki (09.02.2022).

A President for Life without elections, political opposition or any sort of accountability. He is the man to talk about responsibility and disinformation. When he himself controls every word about himself and whatever that is reported in the State of Eritrea. Shabait will only write favourably about him and his reign. Even where there is no proof of positive vibes or reforms. However, that doesn’t matter… as long as President Isaias Afwerki is crowned King.

No one should be surprised that Afwerki is blaming others for his own gains. That is what he does and he has tried to settle old grudges by going to war. The PIA or the President of Eritrea have tried to end the nemesis and old enemies of Tigray to no avail. He has retaliated and he has done what he could to avenge the past. However, as part of the Tripartite Alliance to tear Tigray apart isn’t over.

That’s why he has talked in Kenya and in a separate interview on Eri-TV where he has called it the proxy war of the United States of America. Like the TPLF wasn’t attacking Asmara in self-defence, as the borders of the region was filled with armies prepared to invade in November 2020. We are just supposed to forget that and not know the initial preparation, as a part of the peace-agreement, which is kept secret. That is why for some of us… the agreement made between Abiy and Afwerki seems like a war-pact. When you see what happened after the 2018 “peace” agreement.

It isn’t hard to believe that Afwerki wants to distort and downplay the role his armies and allies played in Tigray. That’s what his doing in the retorts in Kenya and in the interview on Eri-TV. He wants to be righteous and be a reasonable man. Even when his totally wrong and knows the acts of his armies within Ethiopia. They are there on accord with the ruling regime and the sovereign allowed it.

Still, the Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) didn’t come in peace, and it wasn’t intended to be this way. It was a war that was to be fought in darkness and create shallow graves of the ones who defied Addis Ababa and Asmara. That was the gist of this, the manner of which Afwerki got to retaliate and revenge Mekelle for past transgressions. That’s why this is personal to him, and he got to loot the ones who fought against him.

President Afwerki is willing to lie about it all and disregard anyone else. That’s why his like this and speaks about in this manner. It is all to create an alternative perception and make it seems differently. However, the reports and the proof of their actions in Tigray is there. Anyone would be naïve to think otherwise. That the men and the people who participated, ordered and sanctioned the atrocities would say it openly. Afwerki wants a clean-slate and act like the EDF wasn’t part of it. Alas, make it seem like they only participated in it in self-defence, which isn’t true. The Tripartite Alliance prepared, planned and enforced this war. That’s why he wants the spot-light on the victims and blame for their demise. Peace.

Ethiopia: Reports of Issa-Somali militia skirmishes in the Afar region…

“Armed militia from the Afar region of Ethiopia attacked the town of Andhufo killing 20 civilians on Sunday. This event took place on 08/14/2022 at the following location: Afar Region, Ethiopia” (Geopolitical Report – ‘Afar region militia kill 20 civilians in Andhufo’ 14.08.2022).

“Great news – the last occupied Issa Somali town, Unda Fo’o in Afar just fallen to Afar!! – the Awash Road from Samara now opens for the first time in 3 years!! At last Afar/ truck drivers can live without the terror of Issa raiding and roadside contraband is over” (Afar APDA, 12.08.2022).

This week the Issa-Somali Militia and it’s also reported from other sources that Liyu Police of the Somali (Ogaden) Region has attacked the Afar region. It is sadly not new and the Issa-Somali militia has attacked Afar before and seemingly continue to do so.

What is striking this week is that parts of the reports said the skirmishes was happening in the Sitti Zone of the Somali (Ogaden) region. While in reality these attacks was in Gabi or Zone 3 of the Afar region. It is tragic that people are selling the annexation and the planned efforts of taking territories from Afar. That’s why they are trying to distort old deals and agreements to besiege them with force.

The Issa-Somali militia got support from Djibouti and the authorities there. While we cannot today be sure of it the leadership or the leaders in Somali (Ogaden) region is also involved. We know that the Vice-President of Ogaden has previously been involved in sponsoring conflict. So, we don’t know if this is the case this time.

We can certainly be sure that the Afar Pastoralist and the Afar Regional Special Forces are behind the defence and the reason why the Issa-Somali militia didn’t get further into the territory. While it is really tragic that this is occurring and the amounts of lives lost.

There are reports that in Gawani town in Zone 3. That the forces are on high alert, as they are expecting counter attacks from the Issa Somali. This is what is reported from the area today.

This means we should sadly expect more the coming days. Most likely not yet peace, but more defensive operations for the Afar forces. Peace.

Opinion: The Afar region is a victim of the policy of the besieged Tigray

“There is good news and bad news. The good news is that humanitarian truce that was agreed in March- April is holding and has allowed us to bring in humanitarian supplies….[]The bad news is that after 20 months of War, the Amhara and Afar situation is not getting better” – WFP Country representative for Northern Ethiopia, Adrian Van Der Kaap (Yesuf Endris – ‘WFP calls on Int’l organizations to support Amhara, Afar IDPs’ 04.08.2022, Ethiopian Press Agency).

We do need more corridors, we need the humanitarian truce to continue and we expect that it will continue. But, we need to open more coroners. Of course, we need more funds as we burn our money

The humanitarian assistance and the man-made famine, which has been created over the months of blockade. A blockade of not only the most basic humanitarian assistance, which is food and basic necessities. The Tigray region has not had banking services, internet or telecommunication. Therefore, the Tigray has been put in a horrible place of starvation and lack of medicines. That sort of actions makes the international partners rally more for help and get the Federal Government to stop the blockade before it’s too late.

That is something everyone must understand. The policy of doing this to a war-torn region and a battlefront of the state. It is showing what sort of ideology and sort of retribution the state does to the ones that has fallen out of favours. The Tigray region has become a burden and a target of the state. To think otherwise is naive after the start of the conflict and launch of the “Law Enforcement Operation” in November 2020. The months of blockade and the stoppage of humanitarian assistance will hurt for years to come. The amount of damage, pain and suffering is unknown.

With that in mind… the news of people struggling, living with barely nothing and starving in Afar region. Is yet another tragedy happening in Ethiopia. The Afar region is a victim of the state sponsored conflict in the North. The Afar people is being put in between the battlefield and on the front-line of the conflict at the same time. They are middle-men who are seeing the convoys of humanitarian assistance going to Tigray. That is a necessary thing, but they could have seen this coming. The damage is already done and the humanitarian organisations struggling to meet the vast needs in Tigray alone. A sort of game of who is the hurt most and who is bleeding the most this week. Which isn’t fair to anyone and that’s why Afar feels betrayed.

The ones that betrayed Afar isn’t the World Food Programme or any United Nations organisations. No, it is the Prosperity Party that made Tigray suffer to a level, which makes it impossible for the organizations to bring enough to needy elsewhere. They don’t have the manpower, the warehouses with stocks of food or equipment in general. The time laps and the lost periods are now costing. The cash-strapped organizations will be put to a test. When the people of Afar is also feeling the pain of what the Federal Government put into play in Tigray.

No one deserves this and everyone should know that. No one should starve, no have food or shelter. That is a need every human being has. No matter what tribe, religion or creed. People need food and shelter. Afar people needs that and the people of Tigray needs it too.

This is just a proof that the WFP and anyone else who supports humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. Needs to get more help and donations. There is need for bigger pledges and the bureaucracy of the government has to open up. The game of blocking and stifling the attempts has to be over. Unless, they want this to run rapid and get closer to capital. Because, the more you play this vicious circle. The more people are dying and the more innocent lives lost. More pain and suffering, which could have been avoided. This is a deadly game and it’s been coordinated to a T from the leaders of the Republic. That should be known and the Afar people deserves better. So, does also the people of Tigray. It is just a sinister plot, which has ramifications that we couldn’t see in advance. Because, who knew the Prime Minister and his associates would be this cold and lack of heart for his own citizens. Peace.

Ethiopia: Joint Press Release from Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona) and Tigray Independence Party (TIP) Trading-Off Genocide for Geo-Political Interests has a Far Reaching Consequence! (19.07.2022)

Ethiopia: Somali Regional Democratic Alliance (S.R.D.A) – An Open Communique to whom it may be all Concern about the actual Political Turmoil of Ethiopia (16.07.2022)