

Society Against Genocide in Ethiopia (SAGE): Statement of SAGE on The Looming Human Catastrophe in Ethiopia in the Aftermath of Artist Hachalu Hundesa’s Assassination (03.07.2020)





“During this legal process, like in the past, we will not pull nails, we will not put people in the dark or we will not torture to investigate. [But] we have to show that no one is above the law; we have to show that no one, outside of peaceful and democratic means, can make us kneel. We have to show what war is to those who know nothing about war [but] want to show us what urban warfare is. It is important to show to those empty dreamers who don’t know how to win but spread their dreams through Facebook that winning through such means is impossible; we have to show them that they can only dream and not read their dreams” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali TV Speech (03.07.2020).
Why don’t I trust the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia now? Well, he says this is about rule of law and says foreign forces are involved, even a militia who is doing this. While his government has put up Command Post in Oromia and around Addis Ababa. While the government have used weapons and killed civilians during the last few days. Direct injustice towards the own citizens who used their feet on the streets voice up their grievances towards the government. A government that is behind the assassination Haacaaluu Hundeessaa.
It is really striking that the government are going against foreign forces and opposition as the trouble makers. When the army and police is all out violent against own citizens. The state is behind the killings and the civilians dying. That is why the state is so mum about details. Just like it have never found the missing link to the “Amhara Coup” either, but was able to install Abiy friendly people there.
No one loud critic was taken out with singer Hundeessaa. Also with the Oromo leadership behind bars indefinitely. They will be blamed together wit the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the party and the people who didn’t join the consoldited Prosperity Party. It is just so fitting to do so, as the whole narrative is controlled and set by the state. A state that has an blackout on the internet and jammed the phone lines in Oromia too.
This is all done deliberately together with the speech today to fix it for the state. It is to make arguments and reasoning to validate the violence, the brutality and the killings of civilians. This has been happening all week. The numbers have varied but is no stagnated around a 100 people who died in association with the demonstrations and state sponsored violence. Then its hard not to speak out. The injustice is deliberate and done with a purpose.
The state could get away with a fake “Amhara Coup” and they hope now to get away with a Oromo Protest getting bloody too. The Prime Minister and team has learned from previous oppressors. They know the techniques and uses the same means. Only under the banner of PP instead of the EPRDF or the Derg. They are using the state machine to be brutal and fatal to own population. While blaming “outside” forces and “opposition”. They are scarecrows and scapegoats for the destruction and violence made from the authorities.
He speaks of not putting people in the dark, but that is what it does. They want to control the situation, both mentally and physically. Trying to manufacturing consent and intimidate the voices of dissidents in the region of Oromia. One hero taken down and arrested the leadership of vital political groups at the same time. Creating political prisoners and blaming them for the violence at the same time. Like they can coordinate that from behind bars.
Like Machiavelli said in the Prince:
“… above all things, a prince ought to live amongst his people in such a way that no unexpected circumstances, whether of good or evil, shall make him change; because if the necessity for this comes in troubled times, you are too late for harsh measures; and mild ones will not help you, for they will be considered as forced from you, and no one will be under any obligation to you for them” – Niccolò Machiavelli – (‘The Prince’ from the Chapter VIII, 1532)
The Prime Minister and team isn’t thinking this through. However, they just rejuvenating old theatrics and means to oppress the public. I cannot see anything else. Only that it used the flag of reforms and prosperity in a “medemer” dogma, which is just a tool to trick the world. I have a hard time seeing difference between what’s happening now and what happened not long ago during the “State of Emergency”. The only difference is who the “enemy” is and “good guy” is. The rest is a similar fashion and the ones dying is still the citizens. That is the dire reality of this.
Also a man of supposed peace has clearly no issues making war towards his own. The Prime Minister declaring war on his own and signalling “outsiders” as trouble-makers. It is as old as Machiavelli the Prince:
“ …a prince ought to have two fears, one from within, on account of his subjects, the other from without, on account of external powers. From the latter he is defended by being well armed and having good allies, and if he is well armed he will have good friends, and affairs will always remain quiet within when they are quiet without, unless they should have been already disturbed by conspiracy…” – Niccolò Machiavelli – (‘The Prince’ from the Chapter XIX, 1532).
Seems like he got the lesson from Machiavelli. He is following it and to a T. Peace.

2nd July 2020 Oslo
Dear Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Abiy Ahmed Ali.
I am writing to you with concern of your citizens. The ones your representing and being the head of state off. It is weird that an outsider has to write this to you, but maybe you would listen, if this coming from an outsider. However, I doubt you would skim the passages and words I put down. Still, I write to you, because I need to do it.
It is in haste and in need, as the military are putting up Command Post in the Oromia Region. As there violent attacks on citizens in Addis Ababa. Gunshots are heard and there is fear, intimidation and death. This is all happening on your watch, Prime Minister Abiy.
Prime Minister Abiy you came in with promise and with flex into your role as the Head of State. However, that promise have withered and the brutality of your rule is now evident. Citizens are dying. Activist and singer Hacaalu Hubdeessaa was assassinated only four days ago. The Oromo leaders are behind bars.
You know how this works. Prime Minister you have seen this darkness before. This sort of oppression, brutality and state sponsored violence against citizens. We know there is injustice going on, when you block the internet and telephone. That is because your worried of the leaks of the vile acts made by the state.
Prime Minister Abiy, do you want to be remembered as a bloody tyrant?
Prime Minister Abiy, do you want to be remembered as a dictator?
Is that what you are looking for? If so, then continue with your ill attempt of misrule. Where you only know how to order the army and police on your own citizens.
I would think you were better, but apparently … you are just like the rest of them. However, Mr. Prime Minster you came in on a lie. You came in on a pledge and breached it. You pocketed goodwill and now your letting it burn.
Mr. Prime Minister your squandering all your earlier efforts. Burning the bridges and only leaving skeletons left on the streets. These being your citizens, the citizens who you are supposed to defend and represent. It is like you have forgotten why you are there.
The deaths, the murders and vicious attempts to get rid enemies are now in the open. You are doing the same as the old oppressors. You are trying to peddle propaganda to cover it up, but you will not win with that. It is only showing that you as an emperor is naked. There is no redemption here, unless you carry the weight of the tormented people. The people that is violently brutalized on your command.
Prime Minister, I hate to say it. Your name isn’t with hope anymore. It’s no pride in your name. There is no trust in progress or in reforms. It is only devastation and destruction. You had your moment and you have already blown it.
Man up, buckle up and know that you have a light a fire, you most likely don’t have the ability to extinguish it.
You could have done so much better Prime Minster Abiy, but you choose differently.
Best Regards
Writer of Minbane

It is now reported that up to 80 people have lost their lives in the demonstrations against the state after the assassination Hachalu Hundessa. There are also added speculations, which isn’t verified but online that the uncle and father of the deceased singer has been shot by the authorities. After discussions with Querro, Authorities and the Family about where the singer should be buried. The initial state plan was in Ambo, but the Querro and family wanted it to be in Finfinne. However, that is yet to be verified.
What we do know is that the authorities continues to crackdown on the opposition. Use them as tools for oppression and excuses for the uprising after the assassination of Hundessa. Today, the high ranking arrest was Eskinder Nega, the journalist and opposition politician. His now being blamed too for “illegal activity” and held at unknown place. The Oromo Leadership and close knitted family is kept in secret locations too and the organizations behind them haven’t been able to contact them after the arrests.
AIGA Forum Update today states this:
“Update 07-01-20 #2- The regime has arrested Eskinder Nega and has accused him of organizing a youth group that was planning to carry illegal activities. The regime has also accused Jawar and Bekele Gerba as key organizers behind the current Oromo protest and many prior killings and disturbances. The looting is still ongoing in Addis Ababa and ethnically motivated killings are on the rise. According to a source many people are being killed daily in Addis.
Stay tuned. Aigaforum Jul 1st, 2020”.
This here says it all about the situation, as dire and bleak it is. While some cry havoc over the government buildings burning and statutes butchered. The same ones aren’t in tears over the loss of lives. Innocent civilians dying, because they speak out in the streets. The ones who dares to walk out and do their civic duty. While the authorities are using their monopoly of violence, police brutality and bullets to silence the public.
Still, with the hardships, the pain and the suffering. The amounts of rising deaths. The uncertainty, the leadership behind bars for the Oromo. The public is still protesting and showing their resilience. They are not accepting the state’s excuses and “alleged conspirators”. Because, the public knows how comes with guns, arrests and assaults them. It is government sanctioned violence against them on their own soil. The ones that supposed to protect them.
We know it’s messed up, when the former oppressors of the TPLF and leaders of the EPRDF says the truth in a Press Release from their Central Committee, which states this:
“WHEREAS, everyone, especially our people, are aware that the regime and its followers, who have found out that a head-on collision with our people and their ruling party is like a head-on collision with iron, have turned to a coordinated campaign mainly by spreading false information through the media and by dispatching mercenaries in order to destroy our internal peace and stop our developmental efforts thereby throwing us to extreme darkness” (TPLF Central Committee, 30.06.2020):
When you see that in the midst of the darkest hour. As you see the bloodshed and hear the news, the dire need for change. The deaths, the use of force and state sanctioned killings. The blind violence against citizens. As they are demonstrating, since they lost one of their heroes and their leaders are behind bars for unknown reasons.
There is also reports that Military Command Post is enforced in Addis Ababa and Finfinne. We just know what that means, as the Command Post under the EPRDF meant blood and terror. This is not new. Show’s how depressing the state of affairs is right now.
We know the Prime Minister is wrong. We know his naked and the truth is dark, grim and despicable. There is no spin to change this. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, this is all on your watch and with your blessing. This blood is on your hands. Peace.

There are sometimes ironies in life. Today that comes from Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. Where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali was supposed to reform things. However, with time that isn’t sincere and today the nail in coffin of that was with a disingenuous law. Laws like these aren’t to save the nations from certain speech, but to muffle critics and opposition.
The Prosperity Party and the Prime Minister are really showing that there is no difference in them compared to the previous regimes, which it came from. This is happening in the months ahead of elections. So, expect the leadership of opposition and journalists to be arrested because of this law. As there are easy steps to be hit by this sort of law. Because of this, I am first dropping the key news about the law, before a simple explanation of the “Medemer” and after that breaking it quickly down.
The State own report on it:
“Addis Ababa, February 13, 2020 (FBC) –Ethiopian parliament today approved a hate speech and disinformation prevention and suppression law. The law was approved with a majority vote, 23 against and 2 abstentions” (…) “It is also intended to control and suppress the dissemination and proliferation of hate speech, disinformation and other related false and misleading information. The law prohibits disseminating hate speech by means of broadcasting, print or social media using text, image, audio or video” (Fana Broadcasting Company – ‘House approves hate speech and disinformation prevention law’ 13.02.2020).
What is Medemer:
“Since reformist Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed came into office, his concept ‘Medemer’ has become a phrase of common currency within Ethiopia’s political landscape. ‘Medemer’ literally means ‘adding’ or ‘being added’ based on how its read, and contextually means to come together. According to the Prime Minister, ‘Medemer’ is a homegrown approach that aims to solve the country’s challenges by bringing together polar views, and finding compromise” (Ethiopian Press Agency – ‘Inside ‘Medemer’’ 13.01.2020).
This law is clearly aimed at the ones not speaking their language or their rhetoric, as they can charge and make their expression illegal. As they will control the media, the public online and elsewhere. That is why this is totally opposite of the ideals of ‘Medemer’, as that was to bring together polar views and find compromises.
Now, the state is instead made way to stifle the voices, instead of listening they can ban and make voices illegal. Even if there are ethnic hate-speech, if there is tribal sentiment growing. This law will be most likely hit the dissidents and opposition.
This is the opposite of finding compromise and it’s actually silencing them. If this would target Mohammad Jawar’s Oromo Media Network or Eskinder Nega for that matter. I wouldn’t shocked, if they got into trouble for something they wrote or stated online. Neither, if some media forums like Tigrai Online or Aiga Forum for that matter. Don’t be shocked, if these would be banned or seen as illegal by the authorities ahead of the elections. Because, they just need to write or state something online, which is deemed as disinformation, hate-speech and you got it cracking.
This wasn’t a move of reform, but of going back. They might renamed themselves the Prosperity Party, but this is the old-EPRDF oppressive style of move. Peace.

The picture isn’t as rosy or hopeful as when he took power. Prime Minister Abiy Ali Ahmed has spoiled his opportunity to make significant changes. Instead he has focused on consolidating power. Ensuring his men is in-charge in Amhara. Continuing to use force and Command Post in Oromia. Still persistent violence in the Ogaden. While, he still has flex and popularity abroad. Which is only there because of the PR and positive press surrounding him.
PM Abiy have reformed the Ethiopian People’s Defence Front (EPRDF), first making it Oromia based and taking away power from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). To now start it as one entity, the Prosperity Party (PP) without the TPLF. The other parties has joined into the one party, but it shows frictions. Not only has the Oromo Liberation Front and other Oromo parties gone into an alliance. Even in Oromia, Mohammad Jawar is ahead and has a grand standing.
That means, both Oromia and Tigray are areas where the Prime Minister standing is weak. As he can only survive there on fear and intimidation. He can only get traction, if he suppress the voters and silence the voices of these regions. While Amhara whose been in conflict too, will cause issues as well. It is like the lid is open to several of places, instead of the man of peace mending these. He amplifying them to gain an advantage. Just like his using the violence of Ogaden to export oil too.
The PM has had the opportunity, but he has squandered the momentum. The killings in Addis Ababa, the horrific affairs in Oromia and Ogaden is a sign of what to come. There is no ending and the Command Post and the Liyu Police are both controlling the regions with fierce force. While the Queerro of Jawar is answering these. All of this doesn’t cease the conflict, but enhancing it. Its like he wants this to ensure enough chaos to rule supreme.
The PM could have found other ways ahead of the elections, but he seems to want it like this. That he wants to usher in new public projects every week ahead of elections. Now deals in the sphere of the horn of Africa. Look good with Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea. While that will overlook the internal problems, which the PM is not solving. His only undermining it and not doing the bidding of the local leaders. The ones whose supposed to follow his medemer.
It seems his making things liberal in the sense of pleasing donors, instead of truly believing in it himself. Doing it to state enterprises to ensure donor support. Some might even call it all a “hijacked revolution”. But at this point, we cannot know.
What we do know is that the elections in August 2020 will either be free and fair or rigged to the smallest detail. Don’t expect PM Abiy to play totally fair, even if he opens up to plenty parties, but that will be for the facade, because he will not loose himself. Then he will loose the power his gained and consolidated in office.
Two years is a mighty long time in office. A lot has happen, a lot of promise and pledges, but not acted upon. The coming months will show, if it was all a play or if it can be a reality. If the PP and Abiy cares about the people or using them as pawns. We can just await, but don’t expect magic, but expect a hard reality. As the forces are still in the fields. The atrocities are still happening and the escalation of it. Is only a few small steps away and that can ordered directly from the PM.
It’s easy to speak of unity and peace, but it’s harder to actually make it happen. When the PM himself hasn’t acted upon those words, but instead amplified it in certain regions. The Ethno-politics are not over, but at a stage where the PM and his folk better be cautious and not reckless.
However, who knows what path he picks, but don’t expect it all to be fair. Instead, expect it to be fanfare and filled with empty promises. As it is not like he has delivered to the hope he spread in the beginning of his term. Peace.

That Prime Minister Dr. Ali Ahmed Abiy are currently loosing a bit of prestige at home and its very visible. His able to get through positive bills, like the recent bill on assembly and such lately. However, that doesn’t overshadow two important things for alliances and to get a bigger picture ahead of upcoming elections in 2020.
He has lost one important party, which was seen as the steering-wheel and the ones behind scenes controlling the old coalition of Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defence Front (EPRDF), which is now created into one party, the Prosperity Party. The other parties in the old coalition has made itself into one, but the ones now joining is the Tigrai People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that has deemed the new party even “illegal”.
If the Prime Minister see this as a minor flinch, he should be wrong. That they are still viable and able to create trouble for him. No one should underestimate the TPLF and what they can do. Even as all the lights and stars are directed at Abiy. His still not walking alone in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE).
What makes him even more alone is from his own region, where there is still reports of killings and oppression from the state. As the endless violence persist. Something, that the former Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) could have reacted to and hasn’t acted upon. That’s why you know he has more trouble ahead. As his nemesis in Oromia, Mohammed Jawar have not only plans to join the race in the elections, but also joined the Oromo Federal Congress (OFC). Just merely a weeks after he did that. His been able to get Oromo Federal Congress, Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Oromo Nationalist Party (ONP) to all be one alliance into the upcoming election.
Therefore, there is not only issues with the Tigray and the TPLF, whose not being a part of the new party. Which is a warning signal in itself. But that Jawar is able to become such a figure in Oromia. Says that Abiy doesn’t have the love in his own region, where OPDO was supposed to reside and represent in government.
I’m not defending the TPLF, no their vindictive and vicious history will be reflected in due time. But however with an upcoming election. Abiy needs as many friends as possible, if he wants to reflect positive on him. Unless, he plans to rig it like there is no tomorrow. Than, all of these movements doesn’t matter anyway. Because he will win and the Prosperity Party will be signed off as the victor. A giant launch of the One-Party State, while the others are allowed only to be mediocre parties locally, who has no say in Parliament or in the Federal system.
We should worry that TPLF and Jawar is doing what he does. Because, the undermine the central government. They are making the PP looking foolish. This is not dialogue and not the talks, this is not the acts of strength, but acts of the weak.
Debretsion Gebremichael might have the ability to sound prestigious with his party. The Press Release was a big-man statement from the Party too. However, that doesn’t change the narrative. Other than they are leaving the EPRDF legacy behind. They are the only boat steaming ahead with non of the former parties. They are becoming an opposition party, instead of being a governing party.
The PP is weaker by this. They have lost one big piece of the EPRDF. One that was historically vital to it all. The Woyane will be missed by some and cursed by others. For all the right reasons. Nevertheless, the loser here right now is Abiy. He needs his buddies. While he gets less and less. Even fewer in Oromia too. Where he get more and more united opposition there. That is what is visible and obvious.
Whatever, Abiy is doing, the state apparatus, the yes-men around him isn’t helping. His not solving or revolving the doors correctly. He is losing, one after another one. There cannot be more sudden rash coup d’etat in the regions. This election has to look real. If he wants to still look like a shining star. However, that star is dimming and its does so slowly. Peace.

There are too many issues, to much outstanding barriers to give way and easily praise the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia. I cannot with an easy heart give way, even as the fanfare and celebration of becoming a Nobel Laurate. That doesn’t overshadow the hardships, neither the wrongs of the state.
There have already been questionable behaviour of the state in Oromia since his inception as the Prime Minister. The sudden coup in Amhara and the killings there. Combined with the killings and violence in the Ogaden Region. Plus the Ethiopian Army involvement in internal affairs in Somalia.
While the deal and peace-agreement with Eritrea isn’t resolved and the issues remaining are vital to fix it. The deal of open border and questions over land still needs to be worked at.
The other issue is the up-coming election, either as it will be a rubberstamping affair or because more tension, as the former party-block of the EPRDF has become the Prosperity Party. That means they will go in as one unit, instead of one the majority of ethnic groups. Which is a honourable approach, but also a way to mask a One-Party if they tune the whole election to their benefit. Instead of letting all the other registered parties and candidates interested involved in the polls.
That is why for me its to quick. There are too many issues to just give away an award on the goodwill and possible changes he can make. Not that he has significantly changed it all. The Police and Army is still violent. The ethnic violence are still appearing and the allies of the PM is dwindling away. Therefore, it is not like he has forever the mantle and love from the public.
The PM might think he got it and he has the stamina to keep up. Nevertheless, at this point, the reforms are maybe only skin-deep. As he couldn’t muster the courage to be questioned in Oslo. He was silent and just took the award, but wasn’t transparent about it. He only wants the praise, but not the questions about his reign.
That isn’t a sign of strength. That isn’t a sign of hope, but of fear and determination to rule. Because, if he was a man of peace, he wouldn’t only spread the word, but his actions would be there too. He would have the balls and the ability to finesse the ones who are spreading the violence within his ranks and within the security outfits that does it. That is why there are so many internally displaced. So, many who has lost their livelihoods and who has family members scorned by violence.
The PM can act and have the swagger, but that does not mean it is real. That the PM got international recognition doesn’t change the questionable activity at home in Oromia, Ogaden or in Amhara. It just amplifying it. Since people feel boggled and wonder why?
So, I cannot salute this man. Not yet, especially when his not brazen or even have the gratitude of questions from the media. That should be easy picking, as so many are automatic bootlickers to the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the realities remain, the unresolved acts and the questionable activity of the Ethiopian forces within Somalia and Ogaden shouldn’t be forgotten. Neither should the questionable behaviour of the state in concern to Amhara either.
That he has made changes, yes he has, but not all has panned out and certainly Ethiopia isn’t in total peace. Neither is the border dispute with Eritrea. That is why, the PP and Abiy has more work to do. That is, if they only play for PR or the façade, but not actually achieve anything substantial in the end. Peace.


GENEVA / ADDIS ABABA (9 December 2019) – In a sharp break from a quarter century of repression, Ethiopia has embarked on a reform process that is both encouraging and fragile, and deserves international support, a UN human rights expert has found after visiting the country.
“Less than two years ago, Ethiopia’s human rights record was atrocious, repressing civil society, crushing independent media, and jailing journalists and activists,” said David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, in a preliminary statement at the end of his week-long mission. Kaye was the first mandate holder of the Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures system to visit Ethiopia since 2006.
Only 18 months ago Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed – who will receive the Nobel Peace Prize on 10 December – initiated change by ending the state of emergency, freeing journalists and human rights defenders, opening up civil society and launching a reform process, Kaye said.
“Ethiopia has made remarkable progress towards freedom of expression,” said the expert. “However, this is only the start of a process that will take years of legal and policy commitment, and persistent dedication to public participation and human rights oversight.”
Kaye noted widespread concern that hate speech, in the broadcast, print and social media, posed a threat to the stability of the reform process. In October, 86 people were reportedly killed in unrest that many attribute, in part, to an environment of hate speech and disinformation, including on social media.
“Into this mix of reform and unrest the Government has introduced an ill-advised draft law on hate speech and disinformation that could well undermine the long-term reform process,” said the Special Rapporteur. “I am concerned that the draft ‘Hate Speech and Disinformation Proclamation’, if adopted as constructed, would threaten freedom of expression in the country and reinforce rather than ease ethnic and political tensions.”
The Special Rapporteur welcomed efforts to counter hate speech and address disinformation, and provided the Government with suggestions for how to approach the topics in a manner consistent with human rights law.
Kaye also expressed concern about the Government’s continuing use of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, which he urged the Government to repeal as swiftly as possible. He also condemned the fact that the Government, without clear authority, had shut down the internet at least eight times this year.
In May 2020, Ethiopia will conduct a major national election. “In sight of the coming election, I urge the Government to renew its efforts to promote and protect freedom of expression, take strong measures to combat any forms of harassment, attacks or violence against journalists, protesters and anyone exercising her right to expression, and strengthen a national dialogue and tolerance across the country,” Kaye concluded.
ENDS
Mr. David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, is part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.