Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) – Benishangul-Gumuz Region: Killings and Displacement (17.09.2020)

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front – OLF Press Statement, Finfinnee, September 13, 2020 (13.09.2020)

The Oromo Liberation Front passionately believes that sustainable and permanent solution to Ethiopia’s complex political problems could only be attained with an All-Inclusive democracy and participation of all political forces. To this effect, OLF had been working with various political forces including those in power of ruling the country and opposition groups to create a national consensus to solve the political crises in Ethiopia. Since, the OLF moved its leadership to the country on 15th September 2018 it committed itself to work with honesty and integrity for the success of the peace process that lead to inclusive true democracy. Although OLF was not happy on how the transition to democracy in Ethiopia was handled by PM Abiy Ahmed’s government from the very beginning, we patiently dealt with the situations with the hope that it would be improved; but not without price.

However, the Political reform started in 2018 have faced huge challenges both internally within the ruling party as well as externally with the opposition groups. The situations are getting worse from time to time and currently it reached at stage where everything is out of control leading the government to collapse. Now there is very alarming instability and fractured political prospect in the country and the public have lost hope and trust from the ruling party.

We observed a clear ‘’constitutional crisis” in the country and the party in power has fallen short of its initial promises and has been using the government organs responsible to protect the Constitution towards its own political benefits. Detaining leaders and members of opposition political parties and gross human rights violations is a day to day job of the Government security forces. Despite the atrocities, OLF and other opposition parties have continued to express their willingness to support the reform, individually as well as jointly.

The recommendations were drafted within the framework of the Ethiopian constitution and considered the fallacies of the change process and the behavior of the ruling party; the current instability and security issues; and the human rights violations. In general, we analyzed the challenges of the reform system in both directions (the ruling party and the oppositions) and proposed workable recommendation that will be implemented jointly by the ruling party and the opposition groups.

The proposed recommendations highlighted to have binding political convention that enables other political parties to take part and to ensure proper oversight of the change process in order to build genuine democracy and help create sustainable peace in the country and would ensure livelihood improvement of citizens in which the Alliance and its member organizations, as well as all other forces would play their part.

The proposed binding political convention include the establishment of:
1. Council of Foreign Relation to inspire domestic trust and gain international legitimacy.
2. Coordinated National Security Council for monitoring the implementation of the Security arrangements in regions.
3. Democratic Building Institution to protect the autonomy and authority of independent judiciary, electoral board and independent media that could hold the executives accountable.
4. A body that resolve conflict and disparity between State building and Nation building to create national consensus on resolving outstanding political problems.
5. A body that would monitor the implementation of the convention to limit the quest of any further extension to the election and set out appropriate election date.

We also indicated the implementation of the recommendations including the details of responsibilities, system, and mechanism by which these parties would operate. We believe implementing these proposed recommendations will help to build democracy and help create sustainable peace in the country. It also addresses the security issues in regional states among themselves as well as the disparity between the government and opposition parties and differences among the oppositions themselves as well as address issue of contradictory stand on “State-Building” and “Nation-Building.
Therefore, we strongly suggest that the Ethiopian government should reconsider these recommendations as we believe it will resolve the current widespread crises. Also, we would like to reiterate our willingness to play our part in genuine democratic process if stakeholders discharge their responsibilities.

In this instance, we would like to appeal to the international community to take serious action to safe Ethiopia from constitutional crises and total chaos. Particularly, we strongly appeal to the African Union’s (AU), the UN bodies, EU, and other international community to urge the Ethiopian government to engage with negotiation with opposition parties and jointly set out a road map to all-inclusive democracy through power sharing transitional government that will prepare and implement free and fair elections.

We praise the African Union’s (AU) role in leading and promoting dialogue-centered approach to conflict prevention and resolution in many African countries to maintain peaceful and secure Africa. We believe that the current crises in Ethiopia demands, more than any other entity, serious attention from the AU. In accordance with the article 4(h) of the Constitutive Act of the AU the Union has a right to intervene in a member state to prevent grave violations of human
rights. The national and international evidence clearly shows the continuous gross violations of human rights are committed by Ethiopian Regime on Ethiopian civilians for the last 27 years and in unprecedented scale in the last two years. In addition, there are Organized and strong armed forces emerging in most regional states that threaten the general governance and bring about security crises throughout the country.

Given the current crises and fast-moving potential conflicts and threats, the AU must intervene and excel its responsibility sooner than later. Also we would like to stress that the current situation in Ethiopia not only disintegrate the second largest country in Africa but also one of the biggest impediments to achieve AU Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 which aspires for “A peaceful and secure Africa”. Moreover, being Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) is the seat of FDRE, capital city of Oromia and the seat of AU headquarters, the security of the AU office and safety of more than
2000 employees working there must be taken into account in line with current peace and instability issues Ethiopia and in particular in Oromia.

We realize the role of UN in averting crises in the world and would like the UN bodies including UN Security Council (UNSC), the UN Human Rights Council, and others play their part in averting the current crises in Ethiopia. Particularly, the UNSC who has primary responsibility, under the UN Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security, should not give a blind eye when one of the second largest country in Africa is encountered with political, social, human rights and economic crises and eventually collapse.

We appreciate the leading role the EU is playing in promoting economic integration, peace, and stability in Ethiopia, whilst supporting the implementation of national reform agenda and forming diversified development cooperation with Ethiopia. However, the Political reform started in 2018 have faced huge challenges, miss managed by PM Abiy and collapsed. This will halt the EU partnership and all the EU ambitions to Ethiopia. So, we believe that the EU will intervene with its capacities to avert the huge political crises that its key partners in the region is facing now.
Therefore:
1. We call up on the AU to intervene into the crises in Ethiopia based on its constitutive right stated in article 4(h) and other supporting articles of the Union.
2. We call up on the UNSC to take appropriate measures in accordance with its obligations stated in Article 39 and 41 of the UN constitutive act as the threats to peace and security is clearly evidenced in Ethiopia. We also appeal to UNHRC to act accordingly to address gross human rights violations in Ethiopia.
3. We call upon the EU to give serious attention to the instability in Ethiopia, especially Oromia, as this is huge conflict of a century and immensely affect the peace and stability in the horn of Africa, and affect the diplomatic and development partnerships of European countries with Ethiopia.
4. We call upon all Political Parties in Ethiopia to seriously take our proposal and work with us to avert looming and eminent chaos.
We hereby also call upon Independent Oromo Political Forces and the General Oromo people to prepare for Transitional Government of Oromia to avert any form of political and Security crisis. The OLF will continue to consult stakeholders on this position at both levels of government.

Victory to the Masses!
Oromo Liberation Front
Finfinnee
September 13, 2020

Ethiopia: HoF ironic use of the Constitution to stop the regional elections in Tigray

Yesterday, the House of Federation (HoF) have answered the state of Tigray and their State Government who is issuing an election on the 9th September 2020. A local government election, which the HoF claims is unconstitutional. However, that is ironic. I will prove that in a second.

First, when a governing body like HoF uses the Constitution it should be air-tight. It shouldn’t be made in doubt… The Prosperity Party (PP) and the HoF is clearing missing the point. As they have earlier in the year done the unconstitutional to suspend the elections itself. So, to stop another poll because of it. Shows that they are using the constitution as they see fit and not as a guiding document, as it should be.

Fana Broadcasting Corporation stated this today: “Addis Ababa, September 6, 2020 (FBC) -The House of Federation said that Tigray regional state’s plan to hold election next Wednesday is unconstitutional. In a statement issued at the end of an urgent meeting held yesterday, September 6, the House unanimously voted not to recognize the results of the election” (…) “As per article 9(1) of the Ethiopian constitution, the decisions and activities will not be recognized and enforced, the statement stated” (Fana BC – ‘Tigray’s planned election unconstitutional: House of Federation’ 06.09.2020).

As we see, they are using the powers of the constitution, because it fits PP and the Prime Minister’s orders of earlier in the year. When they suspended the August elections in 2020. So, they will postpone elections and cling to power without the validation or being proper representation of the public. Since, they are not allowing the public to vote or decide their rulers.

That’s why this one from earlier this year says it all….

National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) stated this on the 1st April 2020: “After engaging in election operation and preparation activities, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) had announced an election timetable. Based on this election timetable, the elections were to be held on August 29, 2020, and the Board was carrying out tasks as outlined in the timetable, and providing updates to the public regularly. Accordingly, several tasks were needed to be completed in March and April 2020; among them are: voter registration; recruitment of poll workers; training and deployment; voter education; and dissemination of voter registration materials, etc” (…) “Understanding that the Board cannot hold elections one month before the current parliament’s tenure ends, as stipulated in the Constitution, the Board will submit this decision and its analysis to the House of People’s Representatives to utilize as input should they choose to take further action” (NEBE, 01.04.2020).

When we know that… and the NEBE knows they are in the wrong suspending the August Elections. The HoF knows they are in the wrong stopping regional or state elections in the Tigray. The HoF used article 9(1). However, there are other articles that defends the Tigray and their will to hold elections in time.

Why aren’t the HoF looking into the Article 88(1): “Guided by democratic principles, Government shall promote and support the People’s self-rule at all levels”.

If the HoF believes in the Democratic Principals and shall promote self-rule at all levels, why are they stopping elections in 2020?

We can also use the Article 54(1): “Members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives shall be elected by the People for a term of five years on the basis of universal suffrage and by direct, free and fair elections held by secret ballot”.

That proves that the NEBE is wrong in stopping their own planned and scheduled elections for August. As the Representatives are soon on overtime and are representatives who are unconstitutional. The same can be said for the Regional Governments like the Tigray. As they are not able to hold elections.

The Federal Government blocking a state like Tigray to hold elections in time. Citing the Constitution. Should know that its easily show how they are wrong and doesn’t need to be legal scholar to prove it either. They must think people are naive and cannot access it.

The Prosperity Party should let Tigray go ahead. They should just do their thing on the 9th September 2020. As they are following the Constitution and keeping the timelines for elections. It is the Federal Government and the Prosperity Party who is breaching the constitution. As they are continuing the term of five year, not holding elections for the House of People’s Representatives.

So, if the HoF should be sincere with Tigray. They should clear the air on their own actions. As they are the ones who is unconstitutional. This is to easy to see and find arguments for. They are not honouring the articles of 54(1) and 88(1), while using 9(1) against the Tigray Regional Government (TPLF). That shows a use of force, but not respecting the same constitution they claim to uphold. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Release on Ethiopian Migrants in Saudi Arabia (03.09.2020)

Ethiopia: Tigray Regional Government Letter to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (02.09.2020)

Ethiopia: 120 killed since 18th August in Oromia.. [and the state sponsored violence continues]

If you ever thought the guns was silent in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Your wrong. The Prosperity Party and Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy continues to use the army and law enforcement to kill protesters. It is happening so rampantly and so easily. That the lives are taken.

There are reports that a pregnant woman was shot and killed, that kids down to the age of 10 years old as well. This is the sort of state of affairs that is going on in Ethiopia. They are cracking down on opposition, dissidents and civil disobedience. All sort of protest is met with arrests, detaining, torture and killings too. This is the reform that the PM Abiy and his men.

Here is what the numbers of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission been dropping today and its horrific how many fatalities and extra judicial killings being done in the region of Oromia alone. Just look at these grim numbers, who are innocent people who gotten into the firing line, because they protested against the government.

Ethiopian Human Rights Commission says there’s have been killings ‘amid protests’ in 13 places in Oromia in past few days.

Other deaths amid protests/communal violence in the past month or so:

– Wolyata (17 deaths)

– Konso (17 deaths)

– Benishangul (14 deaths)” (Kalkidan Yibeltal, 20.08.2020).

Since 18 August 2020:

-Death toll in the Oromia-wide protests is estimated to be above 120

-500+ wounded as hospitals in Hararghe and West Arsi are overwhelmed with civilians.

-Hundreds more citizens detained to quash protests” (Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, 20.08.2020).

That his is happening so easy. That lives are taken without any consideration is worrying. This is the second slaughter for the state in a short amount of time. In early July there was reports of massive amount fatalities and arrests. Therefore, after the protests in July after the assassination of Hachalu Hundessa. Which now continues… and seems like a non-stop brigade of death squads targeting civilians in Oromia.

It is just mere days since the Wolaita Zone and the fatalities there. The PP and the PM is persistent in their ways. They are continuing a destructive behaviour. Still the international silence and lack of response is worrying. Especially, when the head of state is a Nobel laureate. Who shouldn’t kill his own, no one should kill their own, but that is what he does. As the unelected head of state, who has postponed the elections and are using armed forces against his own. That is the sort of man he is.

It is a bloodshed. The amount of deaths are staggering. What is possible, that the numbers are even worse, as there is always some not noted. Also, some are dying later of the injuries made during the protests. Therefore, the numbers are most likely worse, but they shows a pattern and what the state does to its own.

PM Abiy are you proud of killing your own? Prosperity Party is this your legacy and how you want to be remembered? Peace.

Ethiopia: Government of Regional National State of Tigrai – Election 2020 Observation Invitation Letter (August 2020)

Ethiopia: Global Oromo Advocacy Group (GOAG) – The safety and well-being of the Oromo political prisoners including Mr. Dawud Ibsa, chairman of the Oromo Liberation Front, are in grave danger (29.07.2020)

Ethiopia: International Oromo Lawyers Association (IOLA) – Re: PM Mr. Abiy Ahmed (19.07.2020)

My letter to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali: Is this what you aimed for?

16th July 2020 Oslo, Norway

Dear Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Abiy Ahmed Ali.

I am writing to you today, because this is something I need to release out of my chest. I personally think this will never reach you. To be honest, you will never read this, but hopefully some of your supporters to get a outsider perspective.

All the devastation, destruction and violence happen of late … has been on your watch Prime Minister. All the fatalities, arrests and police brutality has been all on your clock. This is for you take account for and stand behind.

The deaths of innocent civilians in the hands of the authorities. All the fatalities and destroyed properties by the use of force from the army. This is all on you, Prime Minister. You can try to shift the blame, try to talk of outside forces attacking the Federal Republic. As A Prime Minister using the victims as the perpetrators. Only reflects a bad light and show your trying to spin the assaults, arbitrary arrests and charges on Oromo leaders.

That the state, your lackeys are supportive of making inaccurate messages. While viral clips, proof of usage of force against civilians are leaking. Even killing family members of Hacaalu Hubdeessaa at his funeral after his assassination. That shouldn’t be possible, but it shows to what extent your government does to prove a point. Your killing family members of a man your government was making a plaque for; and at the same time murdering his kin. That shouldn’t be a thing, Mr. Prime Minister.

As a Prime Minister, kin shouldn’t face the consequences of their parents actions. The parents are the leaders who is adjourned in courts awaiting more investigation. While the state army is still present and the broadband is still not 100% active. This is something you know. You are keeping political prisoners from all the Oromo groups. In a way silencing all your critics.

What you as Prime Minister need to address and be honest about your origin. Because, I heard in the past, that you had one parent, which was Amhara and the other Oromo. However, now you claim both is Oromo. So, you have changed your story there and your own parents, which is a gift us usual mortals cannot do.

Nevertheless, the important matter is the violence. The state sponsored murder of people. The arrests on political grounds and not on criminal conspiracy. The use of the state to silence its critics and intimidate its citizens. Mr. Prime Minister there should never be any use of Command Post against citizens. You are taking away people liberties and freedoms on the alter of your will to cling to power.

You came in with promise of reform, pledge to change the system, but in the end your regress to tyranny. Is that what your heart aspire too? To be a tyrant? To be a dictator? A technocrat with a gun? Is that all your good for?

You will not remembered in good faith, you will not be remembered for delivering hope or prosperity. You are only delivering hurt and despair. Mr. Prime Minister, the blood is on your hands. The souls of the deceased are on your spreadsheet. That is the results of your labour. You shall answer for the victims, the families who has lost their loved ones and the ones who got caught in the cross-fire. That is the ones that is on your tab.

Mr. Prime Minister, before I repeat myself too much. Let me be clear. The fatalities, the victims and the ones scorned is all on you. No one else to blame but you. He buck stops with you. You have the power to order the military, the police and the judiciary to hunt people. You can burn shops, villages and farms across the Oromia region. You can destroy and put false claim on its leaders.

However, you cannot hide the truth for to long. The victims will talk, the people will show what you did and their stories will be told. Mr. Prime Minister, by then reports and statements will condemn and launch campaigns against you. You are losing, but what you have already is the trust and hope.

You have shattered the faith that you would make a difference. The only thing for you is to seal your future. The only thing left is for you to save your title. You don’t have the love or care for your own. You can take easily life and blame the victims. That is who you are.

Your a disgrace of a leader. Who selfishly uses the power to undermine own citizens and their rights for own benefits. This is your legacy. Who would have thought that you ended up here?

It seemed so good, but it was too good to be true.

Best Regards

Writer of Minbane