Ethiopia: Oromo Community of Minnesota – Oromo Community of Minnesota Statement on the Release of Oromo Political Prisoners (09.01.2022)

Ethiopia: International Oromo Laywers Association (IOLA) – International Oromo Lawyers Association’s Statement on the Release of Political Prisoners (09.01.2022)

Ethiopia: Tigray External Affairs Office – Press Statement on Airstrikes on Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) Camp (09.01.2022)

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

Ethiopia: Ezema disowns the PM’s pardoning of some political prisoners

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.

Ethiopia: Vision Ethiopia – Statement on the Amnesty Granted to Terrorist and Extremist Leaders by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia (07.01.2022)

Ethiopia: The Oromo plight isn’t over with the limited freedom of Jawar and Bekele et. All.

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.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF/ABO) – We strongly condemn the mass killing of Oromo people in west Shewa zone, Ona Gindabarat (07.01.2022)

ABO is condemning the killing they did on Oromo civilians in west Shewa zone, Ona Gindabarati. As we know from our source, on January 1, 2022 there is genocide on Oromo people in west Shewa zone, Ona Gindabara. The army of Bilxigina Party led by Dr Abiy Ahmed has cut off the contacts of this place and killed 39 people. This killing also took place in three places. And they are :
1. Gurra kebele Jarjartu killed 17 civilians in one place.
2. Seconnd time they killed 15 civilians in one place in Faji kebele.
3.In Batile kebele killed 7 civilians in one place. In total, they killed 39 civilians in one day in Ona Gindabarati.
We wish strength for their relatives, and all Oromo people.
The killing of Oromo is continuing endlessly and is leading to the destruction that the country can’t get out of. In all Oromia, the killing campaign by Bilixigina government is increasing. At this time, the Amhara special forces and Eritrea soldiers are on the whole Oromia. This force is also committing terrorism on the people in different levels. Robbing people’s property, beating and imprisonment has become worse.
It is clear that killing in private, as family and as a whole continues to be genocide by the way the ruling group is doing. The force of Bilxigina group has entered into a problem that can’t get out of it. This is also the responsibility of genocide (genocide) to stop from this.
In this current genocide, we have to warn that Oromo should stand together and defend themselves. At this time, it is better to understand that Oromo has no other solution than fighting. For this reason, Oromo understands each other from the border and is trying to destroy the enemy, it is the responsibility of all Oromia citizens.
A victory for the people at large!
Oromo Liberation Front
January 7, 2022
Finfine

Ethiopia: Security and Justice for Tigrayans (SJT) – A Call for Peaceful Resolution: An Open Letter to the African Union and the United Nations (06.01.2022)

Ethiopia: FDRE Government Communication Service – The key to lasting unity is dialogue. Ethiopia will make any sacrifices to this end (07.01.2022)