Ethiopia: Eskinder Nega will soon feel the wrath of God…

“Even though Eskinder Nega, the leader and coordinator of the armed group, tried to hide from the area, mainly the defense army and the Amhara region security forces are carrying out a coordinated operation to arrest them. In a press release sent by the Security and Security Joint Force, Eskinder Nega, who has been working under the cover of a political party called Balderas, mentioned that he was trying to create chaos and chaos in Addis Ababa when he couldn’t achieve his goal by ensuring the superiority of ideas” (A statement given by the joint security and security force, 03.06.2023).

The journalist and politician Eskinder Nega, the now militia and rebel leader of Amhara Popular Front have now arrived at his end-game. That is being done because of the fall-out between the Federal Government and the Amhara allies, which was weapon-brothers in the war in Tigray. After the fall-out and plans to reform the Regional Special Forces into the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). The full out conflict between the parties happened and we are now seeing the effects of it.

The Amhara leaders and nationalists are now fighting. They have gotten together, the para-military “Fano” who participated in the Tigray-War and is still stationed with brigades in Western Tigray. In addition, the Amhara Regional Special Forces have also gone together with “Fano” to create the Amhara Popular Front. The new enemy of the state and a military movement to address the misgivings of the current regime.

The leader is Eskinder Nega, a war-hawk and a nationalist himself. He wanted to retaliate and do a scorched earth tactic on the Tigray region. The man has called for prolonging the war and ensure a total defeat of the Tigrayan leadership. That has been done since the “Operation Law Enforcement” in November 2020.

However, now that the state is doing the same in Amhara. The politician and former journalist decided to take up arms himself. He has now become the leader and the head of an ethnic militia, which is fighting for the rights of Amhara.

“When the individual realized that this was not successful, he created an organization called Amhara People’s Front Shimelis Simachew, Seummehon Wertaw and Menberu Kasse and a few other extremist forces of the region, he was working together with the armed forces of the region to recruit, organize and give them the name of the armed forces. The press release that said that the front will be coordinated by a person called Dawit W/Giorgis, who is leading the front both in the country and abroad, has also shown that the joint peace and security forces have been trying to push the people into an unrelenting war” (A statement given by the joint security and security force, 03.06.2023).

We can await the House of Federation and the Prime Minister Abiy coming out with brutal statements. That is clear here… just like he did against the TPLF and OLF. We have seen it before and the likelihood of being called a “terrorist” is very near for Nega. The leadership of the Amhara Popular Front should expect so too. Because, they are fighting a war and doing so on their own merit. Therefore, the regime which is used to use brutal force will have all the reasons to do so. They have called war just to consolidate power and could easily do so again.

This time around… the leaders and the ones with influence is taking up arms. That is a game-changer. It just shows what people is willing to do to get ahead. There isn’t becoming more peaceful in Republic. No, it is become more hectic and chaotic. The ones who was allies of the PM is turning on him and his turning on them too. While his making “temporary” reliefs for his previous enemies. Therefore, things are not moving ahead, but continuing a war-path. Just battlefields and enemies of other kinds. It is just a never ending cycle of violence and the PM is thriving on it.

Nega is following others before him. His not making himself into a villain and a nightmare of the state. The man is doing it for personal gains and belief in the cause. That is done for the greatness of Amhara. It isn’t a kept secret, but just the way it is. They are fighting for self-control and less imposed restrictions of the regional state. The same fashion that the Federal Government wanted to impose itself and hold “elections” in Tigray. Abiy wants his men and his allies on the throne in Bahir Dar or Gondar. He don’t want people who defy or resist him. That’s why there is bloodshed. Just one man, yet again consolidating power. It is that simple and the citizens are the ones carrying the burden.

Nega will only be deemed a hero if APF achieves its goals and objectives. However, the same forces couldn’t defeat the Tigray Defence Forces or complete the “Operation Law Enforcement”. That’s why I doubt these will be able to silence the guns quickly or end the war in a snap of finger. To achieve that… the ENDF or the APF have to do the impossible and I cannot see that coming. This will be prolonged effort and possible along the lines of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). The APF might have to settle in for the long run and become infamous. Nevertheless, don’t expect a quick fix, but expect the “medemer terror” to be re-occurrent issue in Amhara region. That is bound to happen and it has already started. Peace.

Ethiopia: ENAT, AEUP and EPRP calls the government out…

“Even though Biltsigna Party has taken power claiming it has won the election, it is now facing hardship because of irresponsible and irresponsible decisions of the party. Who is the Ethiopian who hasn’t been affected by this? Mass killings, displacement, migration, crying and crying has become the daily news of our poor people. When Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed took power, “killing is losing… “Whatever they say, the thing that is happening in practice is contrary to what they say, the “government” is displacing, persecuting and killing rather than protecting the citizens. They are proving the government that they lead is losing. Especially the destructive act that is being committed on Orthodox Tewahdo and Muslim communities by violating religious values shows how difficult and complicated it is for Ethiopia in the future” (A joint press release from ENAT party, EPRP and AEUP – ‘A country is led by law and order not by force!’ 03.06.2023).

The Three Parties Coordination, which are ENAT (Mother) Party, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) and Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) are now all condemning and calling the Prosperity Party out. They have done it before and their stern words are remarkable. It shows how different things are viewed and what perspective that is outside the corridors of power.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is all about consolidating power and holding a grip on it. He calculates the risks and alliances to further his own cause. When that backfires or doesn’t go his way. He easily orders the guns and causes more conflict. That is what his been doing since getting into office and it hasn’t made things any better.

The Three Parties Coordination isn’t wrong in their assessment today. They are just trying to get their voice heard in the middle of the oppression. The Prosperity Party speaks of rule of law, but comes with arms. The Prosperity Party comes with tales of unity, but easily orders war on certain regions of the Republic.

The parties continued with this: “The shameful action taken by the government security forces in Debre Elias Saint Trinity Monastery and the great Anwar Mosque for Juma prayer should be investigated by an independent party. Until then, he should complete the necessary information and pay compensation to the victims. According to the results of the investigation. We demand that those who committed it be brought to justice” (…) “We urge the government to realize that religious institutions are untouchable and give the necessary respect to the mosques and churches that were demolished by the pretext of development and war and pay the necessary compensation” (ENAT, EPRP and AEUP, 03.06.2023).

The three parties are naming the righteous way out after the bloodshed and the attacks on the religious institutions. There is reports of several of mosques being demolished and Muslim clericals who are killed. Just like the authorities and the state enforcement was behind the massacre at Debre Elias Saint Trinity Monastery. Therefore, the three parties are only doing the right call.

However, saying those things and issuing these sorts of statement only show their defiance. It will not be accommodated or listened too. The state and the leaders will call it “unpatriotic” and lack of “unity” which is the reason for this sentiment. The three parties should be on the barricades behind the government and their actions. Not blame them or ask for investigations into their activity. No, that is the actions of people who are criminal or conspire against the state.

That is what the Prosperity Party does and what sort of way Abiy is playing the political game. Sooner or later these parties will lose everything if they continue to pursuit the righteous things. Because, that is working against the power-hungry Prime Minister and his associates. The ones doing that can easily end up in a firing line or behind bars. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) – A press release given by Oromo Federal Congress (OFCO) regarding the demolition of private houses and religious institutions and killing of innocent people in Sheger city (31.05.2023)

“You can’t make the law to be respected by following an illegal procedure”

Following the establishment of Sheger city in Oromia region after a few months, a large number of individual houses and religious institutions houses are being demolished. Because of this, thousands of houses and villages have been completely demolished and tens of thousands of residents have been displaced and left homeless on the streets. Even though their numbers are different, mosques, churches and Protestant churches have been demolished by destructive forces in a way that violates religious rights and disrespects the believers.

The city administration states that this demolition of houses and religious institutions is focused only on land encroachment and houses of religious institutions built illegally, it is the master plan of the city and law enforcement. However, based on complaints from residents, Ethiopian human rights organizations report and our party’s own evaluation, the demolition of houses and religious institutions in Sheger city is not legal, based on wrong policy, is not current, does not include alternative solutions, and is being carried out in a favorable way and many thousands of citizens. We have realized that it is an illegal act that exposed chaos.

This demolition of private houses and religious institutions has not been done enough research and analysis and it has led to the demolition of private and religious institutions built legally and illegally. Besides this, without the necessary and sufficient discussion with the leaders of the community and religious institutions, it is being carried out without the necessary and adequate discussion as per the law, and without giving the necessary prior warning. It has been understood from the complaints from the residents and the information coming out from the human rights organizations that the demolition of private houses and religious institutions is fair, corrupt and corrupt.

OFC is against the expansion of illegal land encroachment as a party, and it doesn’t support the construction of illegal houses that didn’t follow the plan of the city leader. What makes the issue worrisome is that the government is not respecting the right to get enough housing and building for the citizens guaranteed by the constitution and international human rights principles clean from corruption and irregular bureaucratic procedures, not fulfilling its government duty and without properly stretching the legal lines.

The land administration policy lacks transparency and is exposed to corruption and malicious process. Even though it is said that land belongs to the people and the government according to the constitution, it is actually the personal use of the ruling party and the owners. We believe that the government has not established fair land management and convenient procedures has forced the citizens to follow irregular roads. Taking legal measures against those who couldn’t get a place to build a house legally and who have entered into illegal activities because of lack of a neck brace is both morally and legally unacceptable. Even more than this, while the government bodies are directly and indirectly involved in the construction of houses of private and religious institutions that are being demolished, we understand that demolishing the houses without taking legal action against these bodies is a legal action to hide one’s own mistake. For this reason, he has created a lot of complaints against the people and is making them to protest against the process. There is enough information that many people have been killed by government forces in different places in Sheger city due to the demolition of houses.

The protest of the Muslim people regarding the demolition of religious institutions in Sheger city has been heard peacefully in Finfine and other parts of the country. However, on Friday May 18, 2015, two innocent people were killed by the armed government security forces breaking into the compound of the mosque while the Muslim people were peacefully protesting in Anwar mosque. This government’s security forces action is unnecessary and disgraced religious institutions and followers of the religion. OFC strongly condemns the killing, physical harm and imprisonment of civilians in connection with the protest held at Anwar Mosque. He expresses his deep sorrow for those who lost their lives and suffered physical injuries and wishes condolences for the families of the deceased and the entire Muslim people.

In relation to this, there is a defamation campaign on the Oromo people by the Prosperity Party government and the illegal actions taken by its institutions. The forces who have been trying to change the shape of the issue for their own political purpose have been noticed. Using this opportunity, there are forces that are making a great and coordinated effort to divide the Oromo people by religion and ethnicity. The aim of these forces is to destroy the unity and brotherhood of the people by spreading conflicts and misunderstandings at every opportunity so we urge the people to follow them.

Finally, to solve the grievances created by the people and to find a lasting solution to the problem, and to reduce the tension created by Taizo with the killing.

1/ Sheger city administration and Oromia regional government should immediately stop demolishing houses of religious institutions and private houses and re-examine the loopholes in the legality and implementation.

2/ Before the situations get worse and cause more danger, we call for a solution with the people and the leaders of religious institutions.

3/ We request that the development and leadership plans of cities including Sheger city should be recorded in a way that respects the people’s human right to find housing and the right to organize religious institutions in a fair manner.

4/ We ask the government to investigate the situation of the innocent people following the protest at Anwar Mosque and the demolition of houses by government bodies in different parts of Sheger city and the government to take legal action on the security forces that did the force, and to give clear explanation to the people.

5/ we call on our people to maintain unity and brotherhood with other nations and nationalities without being confused by the propaganda of divisors.

Oromo Federal Congress (OFCO)

May 23, 2015

Finfine, Oromia

Ethiopia: Oromo Federal Congress (OFC) – Press release from Oromo Federal Congress (OFCO) regarding the study presented by Ethiopian Policy Research Institute on the amendment of the constitution of FDRE (29.05.2023)

“In the name of constitutional amendment, negotiations are being prepared to destroy the federalism system and the country to collapse”

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The Ethiopian Policy Research Institute has selected the pillars of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), including the introduction and emblem of the constitution, federal working language (Article 5), sovereignty of nations, nationalities and peoples (Article 😎, the right to organize and the legality of ethnic parties (Article 5). (Article 46) and Finfinee city administration (Article 49) has stated that it has proven that the articles concerning it need to be amended. The Oromo Federal Congress (OFCO) has also followed this issue and evaluated the research method, currentness, lack of authority to conduct research on the case and the risks that this study might cause. Our organization after listening to the opinion of legal, political, historical and similar experts, and the feelings and needs of our nations, nationalities and peoples, this study takes a stand that it is not acceptable and puts its ideas for solutions as follows.

Among the reasons why the study is fundamentally acceptable:

1/OFCO believes that the person that conducted this study has a big mistake in the research method (Methodology) First of all, the representation and coverage of the samples taken for the study is very problematic and puts the results of the study in doubt. To understand the problem of 120 million citizens, the opinion of only 1,123 people was received and only 1 person was made to represent 106,687 people and the opinion of 0.0001% of the people was found to understand the problem of the 120 million citizens. It has been found that the result of the study reduces the trustworthiness to zero.

2/ We have understood that the opinions expressed in the name of research on the articles of the constitution that are said to be improved are not the results of free and scientific research, they are recorded to make you believe the desired results. Especially when we look at the fact that this institution has chosen the articles of the constitution that are said to be improved, the way the questions prepared for the research are recorded and the way the samples of the research are collected, we have understood that this organization is not a free policy research institution but rather a political organization that tries to support its own biased views. Of the constitution that has 106 articles, why only the articles that are the pillars of the federal system were chosen for research? A country where 86% of its population is rural and 79% of the population is urban. This proves that the population of the cities that are collected does not represent the whole country. So this study is not meant to solve problems but to widen conflict and to reflect one group’s wish list so OFCO will not accept the study or the result. Based on this study, it will oppose the idea proposed to amend the constitution because it is wrong.

3/AFCO believes this study is not timely. Our country has been facing a huge political crisis for the past ten years. We believe that Awudami has fought and is still fighting for the past five years; the basis of the civil war is the result of the wrong political line of the Prosperity Party and the efforts to weaken the federal system of the regions to limit the right to self-government. OFCO understands that even talking about constitutional amendment will open a way for the wars that have started to stop and spread. As we learn from the experience of other countries, without stopping civil wars, without identifying the issues that push for the improvement of the constitution, OFCO believes that it is wrong to approach the constitution in a way that looks like it is a mistake to improve the constitution by the interest of one group or party.

4/ We believe that there are problems with the above mentioned research method that reduce the acceptance of this study, the results of the study are full of errors and do not reflect the reality on the ground. Especially from Amhara and Sidama regions, the results presented by pretending that respondents who are included in the study do not support the federal system contradicts the reality. Also:-.

4.1/ While the Amhara forces are currently fighting for their rights by participating in the election and being embraced by the parliament, others are saying that they will not support ethnic group in the name of Fano and by establishing an organization called Amhara People’s Front, it is a shame to say they will not support Ethnic organization.

4.2/ It is far from the truth to say that the people of Sidama have supported the idea that they have been fighting to govern themselves in their own region for years and opposing the right that they respected in referendum two years ago. To understand this, we say it is enough to look at the Sidama Federalist Party’s statement opposing the results.

5/ According to OFCO, this policy research institution which is part of the executive does not have trust from Ethiopian nations, it does not have the ability or responsibility to study or touch the constitution that was found by the blood and bones of the people. The constitutional amendment is not acceptable, even though the concerned body has discussed and agreed upon, this institution opposes any move to amend the constitution based on the research conducted by this institution.

6/ The issues and articles that have been studied saying they need constitutional amendments are the pillars of our federal system. Therefore, making them change based on this study is not only an ordinary constitutional amendment but also changing the constitution from the foundation. Therefore, we will not allow any attempt to change the constitution from its foundation in the name of amending the constitution.

7/ Overall, this study is a way of widening conflict and denying the rights of nations and nationalities that they got after a long struggle, the United Nations Charter, the International Civil and Political Rights Convention, the African Union Charter and Article 13 of the Constitution, and the government budget to suppress the political views of one group in our country. He’s not going to have it.

At the end of the day, OFC doesn’t believe that the constitution should not be amended. However, he believes that there are many things that need to be done before the amendment is made. For our country to get out of many problems like this:-

1/We call on the Ethiopian government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLF-ONS) that are currently fighting and continue the peace negotiations.

2/ OFCO strongly demands that a comprehensive national consultation be held in an honest and free body, and that the issues that cause conflict and war be resolved and to establish lasting peace.

3/ While amending the constitution is necessary, the OFCO calls for a constitutional amendment based on specific issues, based on articles 104 and 105 of the constitution, to establish a special commission for constitutional amendments based on the constitutional amendments and to turn our face towards sustainable peace and comprehensive development.

Oromo Federal Congress (OFCO)

May 21, 2015

Finfine, Oromia.

Ethiopia: Is celebrating Ginbot 20 over or what? [Has it become “salute the ENDF day”?]

Today is May 28^th and every year I have lived there been an anniversary celebrating Ginbot or Genbot 20, when the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) ousted the Derg regime on the 28^th May 1991. However, today it is mostly “radio silence” and a bunch of nothingness.

There is no statements from High Ranking Officials. Neither is there any proof of state functions or celebrations. It is the “national day” and a “victory day” that seems to be forgotten. Yes, people say this day was forced down the necks and the people of the last victor, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). A day of Weyane to celebrate the victory and the start of ethnic federalism and a new constitutional order. However, was that it?

The Prosperity Party (PP) will not continue the tradition and celebrate the end of Derg, which had been ruling the nation between 1974 to 1991. After that the EPRDF and the TPLF in-charge of the political coalition took power.

The current Prime Minister forged out of the old EPRDF a one state party – the Prosperity Party out of most of the coalition parties ahead of the 2020 election in 2019. This means the EPDRF, which had been in existence since 1998 ceased to exist and therefore the TPLF was on the outside. We know how the PM acted on this and went to war to annihilate it. However, that isn’t the story of today.

Today is about another past and how it can seem to get forgotten. The one tale of one dictatorship which ended and some say another type took over. Yes, the Derg, the Marxist rulers lost power in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, TPLF did their bid and they continued with dictatorial practices, which are now perfected by the PP. Therefore, the plights and suffering is never ending.

That is why the EPRDF and the TPLF ended the “red terror” and unleashed their own. Now the next generation is working steadily, which is serving the “medemer terror” on the public. This is maybe why people aren’t celebrating victory or the tanks that was on the streets of Addis Ababa in 1991. The years of suffering under the TPLF is hard enough to swallow and the leaders of that time have never answered for their injustice. Therefore, the people don’t seem to feel or see a reason to celebrate it.

I can see online some celebration of the day, but not considering how big it used to be. There is no real fanfare or gravitas. No, the PP and the TPLF seems to have ditched the day. It isn’t strange if the Tigray region or TPLF is licking wounds or just have enough with getting back-up. As the TPLF and the Tigray is still hurting after the brutal war fought against it.

PP are trying to create a new history and legacy surrounding Abiy. It wouldn’t be fitting to use the heroics of others. That would undermine the “greatness” of the new generational leader. He cannot take the greatness of Meles Zenawi or anyone else. Abiy needs to show his own path and achievements. Therefore, he is not in the realm of seeking the glory of the EPRDF.

The PP can force people to the streets to salute the Ethiopian National Defence Force on this here day. However, we are seeing the PP is using Ginbot 20 to demonstrate in support of the army and the security forces. The PP isn’t celebrating the end of a tyrant and the butcher of Addis, Haile Mariam Mengistu is a footnote in regards too it.

The current regime and Prime Minister can easily write statements, press releases and proudly proclaim things. Nevertheless, today on the Ginbot 20… it is static radio silence and nothing unleashed on the public. Not even a FDRE Government Communication Service vibes.

This year is 32 years since the EPRDF and their rebels stormed Addis Ababa. It is over three decades ago now. That is a long time and one generation can easily forget what the predecessors went through to get there. The EPRDF fought for 17 years to in power and takeover from Derg regime. Therefore, their multi-ethnic federalism was a big game-changer in Ethiopia. It wasn’t perfect, but at least to some extent better then the Derg.

Now the PP is re-inventing the EPRDF in their “one-party” state bonanza. Where the PP is coming with their forces, armies and serving plights to the civilians. Abiy was given the reigns in August 2018 and consolidated power in 2019. While getting “re-elected” in 2021 and swearing himself for his full first term (or his second one). Therefore, this is only the beginning of his reign. Abiy is just beginning in some aspects, even if he already is showing what sort of nation he will achieve.

Certainly, his not a man of the EPRDF and not a man who holds the history of victory high. Since, he isn’t even acknowledging it. That is saying something on the 32^nd Anniversary of it. The PM could have and so could others in government. Instead we are reading slogans, praise and glory on the ENDF. This is what the day means or is used for under his rule.

Abiy is distancing himself and dancing himself away from the achievements of the EPRDF. Even if he wouldn’t have been there or gotten into office without it. Abiy couldn’t have gotten through the ranks and in the position to become the PM without the reforms of the EPRDF. Therefore, it is weird that he isn’t celebrating it or making a statement.

Well, Abiy is the man behind the “medemer terror” and he has unleashed a vindictive way of politics. Which is a far stretch from what the EPRDF tried to do. Yes the EPRDF and the TPLF who ran it did their sins and grievances. The TPLF and the EPRDF has to atone for their misgivings and plight. However, Abiy should do the same and answer for his usage of force. The current regime is using war, conflict and extra judicial killings to furthering his cause. The current regime has no trouble using vile means to get ahead. Therefore, he is replicating the ills of the Derg and is doing it proudly. He don’t mind massacres, starvation and mass-arrests, if it benefits the throne. That’s what Abiy does and will be remembered for.

The EPRDF toppled the Butcher of Addis Ababa. I wonder who will and what it will take to get rid of Abiy. Abiy won’t back down and he will assassinate anyone in his way. He will use all tools at his disposal and silence his critics. The ones who dissent or stands up against him will met lethal means and could easily vanish. Therefore, Abiy isn’t a man who forgives or offers shelter to others. No, he tricks you into trusting him and later he might back-stab you. The ones who deals with him should be careful.

It is just tragic that this has come to this. The legacy and the memory of it is going away. The Ginbot 20 is watered down. That’s done by default by the PP and Abiy. They want to signal that an era is over and they are new big-men in town. Peace.

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.