U.S. Funded Special Forces Used for Political Standoff in Somalia (04.04.2018)

Opinion: Did Abiy follow Hailemariam 2012 script on Eritrea?

I don’t like being fooled, but sometimes it happens. This might be coincidence, and most like not. It is not like the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defence Force (EPRDF) and their coalition parties has done this without thinking. As of yesterday, the newly selected and appointed Chairman and Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali took over for incumbent Hailemariam Desalegn. Why I wonder if the thing we saw yesterday was real, is because of this. Deja vu’ is not my cup of tea, but maybe if I drink something stronger, it might be swallowed without thinking.

2012 Ethiopian PM:

“If you ask me, ‘Do you want to go to Asmara and sit down and negotiate with Isaias Afwerki?’ Then, I will say yes’,” Hailemariam said in an interview with Al Jazeera to be broadcast on Saturday” (Al Jazeera – ‘Ethiopia PM willing to talk to Eritrea’ 06.12.2018).

2018 Ethiopian PM:

Speaking on state television after his swearing-in ceremony, Mr Abiy called for an end to “years of misunderstandings”. “I call on the Eritrean government to take the same stand,” he said” (BBC News – ‘Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed wants to resolve Eritrea disputes’ 02.04.2018).

Both of them talk of addressing the grievances with the brothers of Eritrea, but will there be any changes here? Or is this a marketing plot of making people look away from the troubles beneath the surface?

I have doubts that this change quickly, since it has been stalemate so long. Unless, the EPRDF plans to change their inner-works. However, there is no sign of military changes, neither with the internal problems of yet. The state has detained people for celebrating the new PM in Dire Dawa, where youth we’re taken directly to a Military Camp, while also Woman and their children was detained for celebrating the new PM. The State of Emergency are still creating more arrests and arbitrary at best. All people can for various of reasons, end behind bars.

Therefore, I don’t take the words to heart, neither expect much to appear, I feel more I see a mirage, than the real. Unless, something substantially changes. If the framework, the idea of the EPRDF government changes, because right now it is a new PM, but the structure is the same and the actions are more of the same. It has only been a hot-minute, but he has to really deliver and show it. Not only redecorate a office and smile to camera. Than, he is just another puppet for the TPLF and the current central government, who has no issues taking protesters and civilian hostages in their nation. That has been evident and still is. Unless, the PM wants that changed.

Time to see, but I not yet believing, since I also the similar tune between the two PMs and the previous one, didn’t do squat about the Eritrean questions or the Badme land-grab. There is just to many things left unfinished. PM Abiy needs time, but he is laying himself traps and the scenario isn’t change for the better. He rose to power swiftly, but if he will carry the dialogue with protesters and keep EPRDF at bay, that is the next question. Since, he has enough turmoil inside, to be dealing with foreign nuisance too.

We have heard it before, it is time to see action, but will we? Peace.

A Powerful Speech from PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed, but will he deliver?

I want it all to go well, we all want to see Ethiopia prosper and be friendly with its neighbors. We all wants to see that, that the farmers get their deserved pay for their harvest, the traders their value of the products and the right price on the exports before leaving for the ports of Djibouti or Somaliland. That is natural. The Federal Government of Ethiopia has to deliver that, the government of Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defence Front (EPRDF), the coalition government with a new Chairman and Prime Minister from today on.

It is now official, the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) get their leader on top of the coalition party, that is Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali. The other parties get other positions and also, there has not been changes in the parliament or within the Council’s of Ministers. Therefore, the only change has been the head and not the hierarchy. The EPRDF is still the same, but with a new guy on the top.

His speech today was powerful and refreshing, the words and prospects are golden, they are vital, but will he act upon them? Will the new Prime Minister challenge the Command Post and the Military, who are occupying the provinces with military forces and taken away the liberties and democratic freedoms. Therefore, if the speech should have any value, the new PM has to act and do it within EPRDF. Which will be interesting, as to see if he is allowed or controlled. As it is easy to speak, it is to write, but harder to sanction or even enforce changes. Especially if it cost for certain parties.

Dr. Abiy also said that this power transition is a historic moment in the country. Disagreements are not the result of disagreement, but they are the result of better understanding when it comes to understanding the principle. As the democracy does not originate from the government, it is considered to be a solution, “he said. Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed said that the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association should be respected by the constitution and that public participation should be strengthened. He said that they should not seek to interfere with the rights of others to demand a democratic right. In order to achieve the rule of law in our country, democracy and the rule of law will prevail, freedom and justice will be realized” (Ethiopian Broadcasting Company, 02.03.2018).

This is promising hopes and changes from the government, who has used all techniques, all use of force and taken away all freedoms of the protesters, detained thousands of them, killed numerous and who knows how many ended up at the hospitals in the provinces. Therefore, the civilian casualties made by the state fighting their own citizens, has to stop, the military siege of Amhara and Oromia has to stop. That is a serious change of pattern, secondly stop the road-blocks, the stop of suspension of a political gatherings, all rules and regulation made by the fresh State of Emergency. That is if, the EPRDF are serious about the words the PM said.

The provinces has to see this, it is well thought of speech, a speech of hope and of promise. But the words will fall flat, unless he works upon it. Take talks with the stakeholders, have community meetings and meets with the groups whose been seen as terrorists and anti-government. When, they are really just working for their own liberty and freedom. As the government has oppressed and been besieging their homes, and their lands.

That has to change, if his rhetoric is a mirage or a make belief, or if he is the real deal. The citizens deserves that, the great nation of Ethiopia does so too. But will the new PM deliver or will the Council of Ministers stop him? Will the other Committee’s overpower him? Peace.

South Sudan: Twic East Youth & Students Association (TEVSA) – “Subject: Decree for the relieve of TESVA Chief Advisor, Title and Commencement (31.03.2018)

Somaliland MoFA Press Release on Berbera Port and DP World Deal (29.03.2018)

Somalia: National Rescue Plan (31.03.2018)

EPRDF statement speaks of a new Renaissance: Pardon me, but I don’t see it yet!

Today, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defence Force (EPRDF) Council has left a statement on the State Television Ethiopian Broadcasting Company on their Facebook, it is really revealing, that they are trailing and trying to figure the next steps out, as the new chairman and new Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, will have to find away within the coalition structure and with the turmoil that is currently there. The EPRDF have ways to figure this out, the new PM Dr. Abyi can either work for the agenda of the Woyane, since has to trade their water, as well as not insult the wishes for more liberty and freedoms in the regions, where the state is currently battling them with a fresh State of Emergency.

What the EPRDF Council said to today, is revealing, I will take the piece that caught my eye: “The EPRDF Council has evaluated several factors that have not resulted in a timely adjustment of this problem, and its main reason is that the lack of public service in our organization is weakening and the tendency to use and control the power of personal power. Numerous mistakes have undergone the good start of the successful process as the whole of the changes that we have recorded over the past 27 years has been attributed to the strength of our corporate spirit and focus. Anti-democratic propensity has widened our constitutional limitations. With the desire of power, it is possible to create and to abate the interest groups. The persistent views of the leadership of the leadership and the stubbornness of the leadership have resulted in the loss of the organization and the survival of our country. Our institution has gradually expanded the old system of thinking that is led by thinking ability. As a result, the performance of our Growth and Transformation Plan has not reached the desired level of efficiency and efficiency. These problems, above all, are the weaknesses of the highest leadership, the council’s review has been verified, and the executive committee assumes responsibility for the problems and consequences of the collapse. The Council has decided that steps should be taken to ensure that the steps required to ensure accountability are properly and properly implemented” (A statement from the EPRDF Council, EBC Facebook, 30.03.2018).

This part of the message is striking for various of reasons, because it says more than they usually wants. But if I believe it is another matter. Because they have used the force, they have detained and have killed several, dozens and to many citizens to stay in power. They are at the same time proclaiming the people who asking for democracy and freedom, calling them anti-democratic. Not like the EPRDF is really democratic, neither the elections, that has been handpicked man and handpicked parties to run. So the men wished by the Central Government could be Members of Parliament, serve under the EPRDF and the TPLF. Not like Woyane has made progressions in this era. That isn’t a mistake, that is with clear efforts and with meaning to control it all. We know this, because even if opposition critics are drinking coffee in a garden together, they can be detained without any warrants or reason, other than the state are in fear of their voices.

I wonder, how accountable they will be or will review themselves, since they are the initiator and the ones doing the aggression. They are silencing or showing no mercy to dissidents, there is no return if they run to the streets or even start blockades, but if they don’t do that. The Central Government will not see them or care of their existence. Therefore, the only thing they can do, is stay home demonstrations, that even this government has banned with the directions from the Command Post Secretariat.

Hard to believe that the EPRDF will really change or pay amends to the regions of hurt, like Oromia or Amhara. I am saying that, because of what ESAT News reported today: “The twelve member inquiry board formed by the House of People’s Representatives was supposed to travel to Moyale, Southern Ethiopia, on March 25, 2018 and stay in the town for a week. Wazema Radio quoted a member of the inquiry group as saying that they were told by “higher ups” to scrapp their mission. The member of the inquiry board who wish to remain anonymous said they do not exactly know which specific authority has given the order” (Engidu Wolde – ‘Ethiopia: Parliamentary inquiry into Moyale atrocities suspended’ 30.03.2018, ESAT News). So, when the same state talking a fresh start and mistakes. They are not looking to violations and the state sanctioned kilings in Moyale, that led to a civilians fleeing from the area to Kenya. The ruling regime is clearly not taking responsibility for the killings of their own.

That is why, the statement on Facebook is hard to believe and read. That they will review, when they are even scrapping investigation into the killings of Moyale, the state sanctioned massacre. This sort of activity should have consequences, for the ones ordering it and the ones doing it. They shouldn’t walk around in Oromia with the guns, they are merciless killers of innocent citizens.

So with that in mind, it is hard to believe the EPRDF is planning to change it’s efforts. Even stop the State of Emergency, stop the harsh rules and regulations of the measure and also have dialogue with the groups affected by the decision made by Command Post and the EPRDF Council of Ministers.

There are many things, that needs change, but the state is not acting wise if they want to seriously grant the people more than empty hope and gestures. That is shown with the scraping of the misison to investigate in Moyale. We know now, the EPRDF don’t want to be transparent about their misgivings, they can violate the law and make activists into terrorists, but they cannot stand-up and offer change. Unless, the Prime Minister stands up to the Woyane and also the ones “high-up” who controls the affairs.

Since, this is not looking good and make you wonder, if the change of PM Abiy is just a game, the people are the pawns and the TPLF are awaiting their prize. Peace.

South Sudan: SPLM-IO Letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali – “Subject: Protest on the Conditionss Imposed on the Release of Dr. Riek Machar as Stated in the Communique of the 61st Extra-Ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers on the Situation in South Sudan, Addis Ababa, March 26, 2018” (26.03.2018)

CTSAMM is deeply concerned regarding ongoing reports and allegations of hostilities in southern Central Equatoria and areas of Upper Nile (29.03.2018)

Juba, 29 March, 2018, The CTSAMM is deeply concerned regarding ongoing reports and allegations of hostilities in the southern area of Central Equatoria and areas of Upper Nile.

The CTSAMM would like to remind the Parties of their obligations to cease all hostilities and adhere to the provisions of the Agreement of the Cessation of Hostilities (ACOH), including freezing of forces and military movements without prior authority of CTSAMM. All parties committed to implement the agreement “in full and in good faith”. The 61st Extra-Ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers underscored its resolve to bring any violators of ACOH and spoilers of the peace process to account.

The CTSAMM reiterates its mandate to freely monitor the implementation of the ACOH as outlined in the agreement. The CTSAMM continues to monitor these developments and will send Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) to the areas affected as soon as is possible in order to ascertain whether any violation of the ACOH has taken place.

The CTSAMM stresses that any violation is unacceptable and will be referred to the IGAD Council of Ministers and JMEC. The CTSAMM calls on all parties to immediately cease all hostilities, and to investigate and ensure accountability of any breach of the ACOH. Where MVTs are required to conduct investigations, parties are reminded of their obligation to guarantee free movement and unhindered access.

Joint Statement of Afar Liberation Front Party (ALFP) and Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) on current Political Situation of Ethiopia (28.03.2018)

 

The Tigray Peoples Liberation Front/ Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (TPLF/ EPRDF) regime of Ethiopia is in a futile attempt to breathe life in to its dying regime. The regime is trying to do everything possible to restore their supremacy destabilised by popular struggle for freedom and democracy. Under auspices of the state of emergency, the regime’s armed forces assassinate, kidnap and mistreat innocent civilians. In an aim to divert the attention of the peoples from the current crises in the country and deter them from continuing wide spread protests, the regime is trying to sow seeds of mistrust among century long lived brotherly nations. It is in our recent memory that the TPLF/ EPRDF has instigated conflict between Oromo and Ogaden Somalis that costed many lives and displaced a million from both sides. The TPLF/ EPRDF regime committed and will continue to commit such heinous crime against humanity on a regular basis. The Afar Liberation Front Party (ALFP) and Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) noted the recent attempt of the EPRDF force camouflaging itself in eastern and northeast border between Oromia and Afar regions in attacking peaceful civilians on both sides. This recent act of TPLF/EPRDF that was witnessed by local peoples is a direct replica of the drama which they were playing to instigate war among other nations and nationalities throughout the country.

Ethiopian regime has been doing every means possible to divide nations and nationalities in Ethiopia to weaken their liberation struggle for freedom, peace and democracy. To execute its diabolical objectives it is using all means to divide and rule. Both ALFP and OLF strongly condemn and vigorously fight all fiendish attempts that target the unity of both peoples. Both organizations reaffirm their commitment to fight any tendency that weakens both people’s unity.

Hence, the ALFP and OLF want to make the Afar, Oromo and other peoples of Ethiopia to be aware of the intended evil plan of TPLF/EPRDF regime. This dying regime is desperate that it cannot refrain itself from doing all kinds of crime to stay in power.

We ask the international community to a pressure upon TPLF/EPRDF regime instead of replicating conflicts to find all-inclusive solution that enable the empowerment of peoples.

Finally, we call the Afar, the Oromo and other peoples of Ethiopia to be vigilant and cooperate in solving peacefully any conflict that the TPLF/EPRDF instigates among them. We also call all political organisations to play a major role in making peoples aware of these anti-brotherly relations of TPLF and struggle in unison to remove this brutal regime from power.

Peace shall prevail!!

ALFP-OLF

28 March 2018