

Ethiopia: Congress for Somali Caucus – Press Statement on Worsening Drought in Somali Region (09.01.2022)





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




Yesterday, there was a release of several of high ranking Oromo opposition leaders. This included Mohammed Jawar and Bekele Gerba. There was several of others who was released as well. However, they are skimming the top of the problem and only taking the most notable ones, which they have charged with terrorism. They have never had a proper court trial with and this amnesty can easily be revoked again.
By my calculation without any proper trial or sentencing, they kept Jawar and others close to one and half year in prison. I have little faith in the means to an end at this very point. As there is still a 1000 of political prisoners. We know also that Eskinder Nega was also released as well. Therefore, the state is showing the big names are freed, but they been kept detained as political prisoners.
This release is happening long after the elections and done in a manner of which is very calculated. I don’t believe this release is done in good faith. The FDRE and the Prosperity Party would only do this now to get some credibility and show some good faith. Alas, we know it is only done with a purpose.
You don’t keep people detained for over a year without sentencing and with political charges to release them without some plans ahead. This is either done to disfranchise the Oromo people more. As his putting the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) political leaders out, but not releasing the Oromo Liberation Front-Army (OLF-A) leaders, which is still lingering in jail. Therefore, this is only a marginalized attempt to show “mercy”.
The Prime Minster and his cabinet isn’t sincere with this. As this is done with the preparation of the National Dialogue and the House of Federation planned sessions ahead. They are doing this to buy time and try to forge a narrative of positivity. However, they are the ones that arrested these men, criminalized their activities and was behind the violence in the Oromia region. Where the state is still extra judicially killing civilians, as we speak. Therefore, I have little faith in this move. Unless, the PM hopes the diplomatic community believes in this publicity stunt.
It is positive that the leaders are released. That was about time, but this is a means to an end. The PP and PM wouldn’t do this, if they couldn’t get credit and credibility for it. They want to be praised for releasing their own political prisoners. Which is giving the authorities and the state credit for reversing their oppression.
We know the Prime Minister Abiy will be proud of this. His the one who got them into the spotlight and paid amends. While later he did get them arrested and kept them behind bars for days upon end. Plenty is still behind bars and they shall not be forgotten. Even if some of the big-shots has been released. That is important, but it cannot be the whole story…
This move will only be further scrutinized, as this might be an attempt to alter and split the Oromo people. I don’t see Abiy or his leadership doing this out of goodwill. He might use those words and try to spin it that way. However, his not the man to give them room or let them even properly represent their region. As he blocked them from the recent election and that’s says it all really. If he was sincere… he wouldn’t have used the authorities and the rule book to keep them detained for so long.
That’s why I am not celebrating or thinking this is a victory. They can so easily be detained again or house-arrested for that matter. If these gentlemen doesn’t play along to the songs of Abiy. They will suffer again and so will their parties. That is the reality of this and that is something the PP crowds will never say. Since that means they take accountability for their actions. It was an injustice to arrest them to begin with and they had no real case against them. That’s why the amnesty was easy to announce and to decree from the Prime Minister. However, we know the drill and this isn’t the end of the saga. No, this is just a new chapter and soon the reason for the release will be evident. Since, it has been done for some coins or credit. The PP and PM wouldn’t do this unless they could get something out of it. Peace.







Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali have published a text called: “Heroic people – victorious in his right hand, forgiving and merciful in his left hand!” on the 7th January 2022. This after starting a war in November 2020 and the last phase of that was starting in the end of November 2020. We are now in January 2022 and the war isn’t over. As drones and air-strikes are continuing in Tigray Region. There are reports of murders and mass-killings by state affiliates or part of the Tripartite Alliance. Therefore, the thirst for blood isn’t over and the text revels that.
“One of the challenges that our country’s journey often faces is not properly completing its chapters and ending. As a result, the victories in the process are scattered throughout each chapter; Or they may not be able to achieve the desired results. Any national action must be measured by the process and the outcome. The process and the result must be at the right level and produce the right result. Ever since we started the national revolution, we have said, “Our path is inclusive, our goal is prosperity.” We have shown that peace, forgiveness and love are our core values for the path to total prosperity. Only pursuing a peaceful political path to national peace; Forgiveness of past fragments; And the way forward is for us to strengthen our national unity based on the love of the people. Let’s have a national consultation on our major differences from the beginning; It is because of this principle that our differences are not resolved through war, but through dialogue” (Abiy, 07.01.2022).
Here is trying to sell peace, which is disgraceful at this point of time. He speaks of dialogue, when his people and government is acting indifference and with no intention of talking to all parties. The Prosperity Party and Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia government will not make it possible for talks or anything in association with the stakeholders, which is it’s enemies. That has been deliberate and therefore, the dialogue under Abiy will be as fruitful as the Biya Grand National Dialogue a few years ago. The warfare will continue… and civilians will die, because the Tripartite Alliance are only interested in annihilation of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Oromo Liberation Front-Army (OLF-A). So, at this stage and time it’s hard to believe from a man who has ordered and worked so tirelessly to consolidate all power. Therefore, these words are not trustworthy.
“For the past three years, they have chosen violence and hatred over love; By following the path of war instead of peace; Instead of apologizing, we are plagued by forces that want to use existing fragments for political gain. Still, we chose the peaceful way to solve these problems. But these non-existent elements, apart from hatred and war, strife and division, did not choose the peaceful way. They have bitten the hand of peace that we have stretched out. When we approach them halfway through the principle of forgiveness, they flee, doubling their differences and entering a village of strife. For more than a year, our country has been at war with the terrorist TPLF and the guerrillas. The government’s first choice is always to solve problems in a civilized way. While peaceful roads may seem tedious and tedious, they greatly reduce human and material damage. It also enriches the manpower and budget needed for war. But peace is not just a matter of personal preference. No matter how much we persevere, no matter how hard we try for peace, the enemy’s heart is hardened” (Abiy, 07.01.2022).
Here is the lies of the administration. As it projects everything and all ills on the enemies of the state. Alas, the state did block humanitarian aid and assistance. The FDRE didn’t give budgeted funds to Regional State of Tigray. The FDRE sent commandos in 2018 to assassinate the TPLF leadership. Therefore, the state retaliated against Tigray long before November 2020. As the TPLF didn’t comply or accept to be part of the Prosperity Party, as Abiy and his allies incorporated all other EPRDF parties into the fold.
They are also using the cease-fire of last year, which was bogus. As the blockade continued, Western Tigray has been controlled by Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) and Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano”. They have continued to use violence and kill civilians there. So, the call out of against peace is foolish from the PM. As we are supposed to believe the man that uses drones to kill civilians as we speak. Therefore, his not the peaceful or caring about harm his war has towards others. Nevertheless, he will project all of that on the enemy, which he does so openly.
“Brave people do not hate humility and forgiveness, but bow down to oppression. Winner – Conqueror, humble and merciful. Our people believe that “war is for man, victory is for the Creator.” It is good that we conclude our victory with the three values of Ethiopian victory. Victory, humility, and mercy. We must keep the door open so that we do not lose sight of the fact that we have won. With Ethiopian humility, we will end the war peacefully. On the one hand, we are showing the victorious Ethiopian arm, and on the other hand, we are showing the humble heart of Ethiopians. We hope that our victorious Ethiopian arm will not rise above our soil. With a humble heart of Ethiopia, we say our pride and pride are still open to peace today. We went to war because we could not bring peace by any other means. War is the last resort of peace. It is the ultimate force to bring to the table those who have not been able to come to war. In our culture, the end of conflict is reconciliation and forgiveness. We are a people of values, even to the point of marrying bloodthirsty warriors” (Abiy, 07.01.2022).
Here his praising the path to victory, as we know the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) did strategically retreat. While the ENDF and allies have used the sky to its advantage. As the TDF and OLA was getting closer and had closed in to Debre Birhan, which it was doing in the end of November 2021. Alas, the Prime Minister will not talk of the National Emergency and Martial Law as an effective means to gain control.
He speaks of humility, but his allies and high ranking officials is demonizing and using rhetoric, which resembles genocide and ethnic cleansing. The PP officials and aides has come out with words, which doesn’t speak of humility or any care of heart. They have come out with the blessing of massacres and getting rid of Tigrayan. If not wanting to empty the lake of all youths of Omoro. So, when PM Abiy speaks of concern or humility, I don’t believe it and it isn’t his ways. Neither is that shown by the state … which is clear with how it acts in concern with all the needs and necessities it has blocked to the Tigray region for months upon end. That is far from showing forgiveness or mercy.
“Ethiopian victory also knows Mercy. We pardoned the Italian soldiers captured during the Battle of Adwa. The Italians themselves marveled and marched in praise. That is the great Ethiopian value. Today, Ethiopia is on the verge of victory. We will help Ethiopia win by working together for justice. On the one hand, we must follow the path of mercy, while at the other hand looking at injustice and destruction in the path of justice, and on the other hand giving room for correction and forgiveness” (Abiy, 07.01.2022).
Speaking of justice, how come Tigrayan war-criminals are executed, but the TDF has even sent people back to the Tripartite Alliance after keeping them captive for a while. Who is the one showing mercy and care for the enemies? Not the ENDF and allies, no they kill and arrests civilians of an ethnic group, because the state believes everyone of that sort can be a terrorist. So, it’s hard to see any mercy or humility in the acts of the FDRE under Abiy. His using historical battles to envision himself in the same lane, as he wants so dearly to be the 7th King of Abyssinia. That is very clear here. Using words of unity, but that is only for the anointed ones, as the ones in his way is getting touched or silenced. That is so clear and neither is there any signals of talks with anyone who is a stakeholder on the other side. This is why he couldn’t even care or have time to talk with PM Hamdok to settle grievances with the Sudanese Government last year. That’s the sort of fella Abiy is…
“With victory, mercy and humility, we will make Ethiopia a lasting and lasting winner.
May Ethiopia be ashamed and honored by the efforts of her children and live forever !!
God bless Ethiopia and its people!” (Abiy, 07.01.2022).
Here is his final words and he continues, as he bashes himself in glory of the recent gains. Since his in Alamata in Tigray. The other troops is in Western Tigray. While the border region of Afar Regional State is sealed off for now. While there is no signs of changes in Northern Wollo or such. Therefore, he thinks of victory and that he has secured victory. However, he has no re-entered Mekelle and neither invaded all of the region, as he did so briefly and quickly in November 2020. When he went and spent time at the Mekelle Airport with his puppet government allies, which some of them he has assassinated later. Therefore, we know the drill and this man is spiteful.
That’s why this text is for the ones that believes in the man and still praises his every move. Alas, his a liar and a warlord. This man doesn’t breath in peace or cares for making dialogue. No, he wants total control and get rid of the ones standing in his way. Peace.

I am deeply saddened to learn that three Eritrean refugees, two of them children, were killed yesterday, in an airstrike that hit the Mai Aini refugee camp in northern Ethiopia.
My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the loved ones of those lost in this attack.
According to the information we received, four other refugees were injured. Thankfully, their lives are not at risk. UNHCR is assisting them to receive medical care.
Refugees are not and should never be a target.
While UNHCR continues to gather and corroborate details on the events, I reiterate UNHCR’s call on all parties to the conflict to respect the rights of all civilians, including refugees. Refugee settlements must always be protected, in line with their international legal obligations.