Ethiopians should stand together to replace TPLF

May 7, 2014

Obang Metho’s message

To the Ethiopian people, this is now a call to all of us, to not lose our focus. That means we must refuse to feed on these ethnic or religious problems or we will helped them achieve their goal. Do not be tricked into hating your neighbors–whom we are to love– in order to keep the ethnic apartheid regime of the TPLF in perpetual power. Instead, the rights we all have wanted for the last 23 years are truth, freedom, justice, equality, accountability and prosperity. This is not the right of one ethnic group, but the right of everyone in the country, including those who are not part of the TPLF/EPRDF.

All of us Ethiopians should try to stand together to replace this ethnic hatred regime with a better system where neither the Oromo or the Afar or anyone else is excluded from the benefits of citizenship. Now is not the time to lose sight of the bigger goals, which is a free Ethiopia for all. Because of this, other groups cannot stay on the sidelines. We should have learned how to defeat their favorite manipulative tactics by now, since they use them repeatedly.

We know our beautiful country of Ethiopia is not perfect and we know many of our problems are not only recent, but go back much further than the last 23 years of TPLF/EPRDF rule. To resolve these problems, we must do it as a family. In any family with a conflict, they must come together and talk about the pain, reconcile and make meaningful changes so they can forgive each other and move their family on to a better future. These issues should not be passed on, but resolved by the present, not next, generation.

Whether we Ethiopians agree or not with many issues, our ancestors have given us much in common. They lived together, intermarried and passed on their blood to those now living. This mixture of blood, which runs through the veins of each one of our ethnic groups, gives us life and nourishment to carry on as a one people. Even more importantly, we Ethiopians do not only share the land, language, and customs, but what we really share is the same Maker of our lives, a Holy God who views his children equally, regardless of ethnicity. With God there is no favoritism.

Dear fellow Ethiopians, we cannot give in to ethnic hatred, bitterness, and revenge, which is like giving our lives up for destruction and passing on the curse to our descendants. Worse yet, it is totally misusing the gifts God gave to us; gifts meant to become a blessing to others.

Let the death of these Oromo students and Afar civilians, the pain of those wounded, the grief of family members facing the loss of family, the suffering of those locked up in jail, the hardship of all Ethiopians who are not seeing any future in this country, the mothers who cannot feed their children, the orphans who have no family to care for them, and those Ethiopians living in poverty and misery, bring us to humbly love God and neighbor in ways that will change our land. Let us start seeing others as ourselves. In the eyes of God, there is no us and them for we are all created in the image of God.

As we mourn for these people, let us start talking to each other rather than talking about other. May God heal the hard spots in our hearts where we have been carrying hatred and bitterness instead of loving one another for our humanity has no boundaries. With changed hearts and forgiveness of self and others, a new, more unified and more prosperous Ethiopia for all is possible. Let us stand together for what is right and good, starting today.

May the rivers of love, forgiveness, kindness, acceptance, and justice overflow from our people, bringing life and blessings not only to Ethiopia but to Africa and the world.

http://ecadforum.com/articles/ethiopians-should-stand-together-to-replace-tplf/

Global Alliance condemns recent massacres and mass arrests

May 6, 2014

(Washington DC) The Global Alliance for the Rights of Ethiopians (GARE) is deeply disturbed with the recent massacres and mass arrests of journalists, bloggers and activists in Ethiopia. These barbaric measures provide fresh evidence on the Ethiopian government’s total disregard for the basic rights, dignity and civil liberties of the people of Ethiopia.

GARE is very alarmed by the violent crackdowns on students and civilians in the Oromia region and earlier in Gondar. In light of the fact that the government of Ethiopia is facilitating land grab at the expense of the poor in the Awash Valley, Gambella, Southern region, Oromia and other parts of the country the concerns of the protesters should have been addressed appropriately in a civilized manner. The violent crackdown unleashed by security forces against unarmed civilians, most of whom were young students is totally unacceptable and illegal. The use of excessive force against unarmed civilians has resulted in over fifty people losing their lives and hundreds sustaining serious injuries. Unknown number of people have reportedly been detained and disappeared in many parts of Oromia region.

A few days ago in Addis Ababa four Blue party members were detained while canvassing support for a peaceful rally the party was organizing. Moreover, the arrest of nine bloggers and journalists, who were members of a group known as Zone 9, at a time when the rest of the world was gearing up to celebrate the World Press Day, signals the deterioration of press freedom violations in Ethiopia. GARE strongly believe that the Ethiopian government should respect international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and basic rights that Ethiopia has already incorporated in the constitution, which has never been respected and implemented since its inception.

GARE strongly condemns the repressions, killings, mass arrests and crackdowns unleashed against Ethiopian citizens. We call upon the regime to take the following measures:

- An independent commission tasked to investigate the violent crackdowns that have caused destruction, deaths and injuries must be set up immediately.

- Those who have committed crimes against humanity by killing and injuring innocent civilians must be brought to justice.

- All journalists, bloggers, activists, and dissidents, many of whom have been convicted of trumped-up terrorism charges and languishing in jails, must be freed without any conditions.

- The government, which has collective responsibility for any acts of violence, criminality, massacres and repressions must respect international conventions and its own constitution. – -The human rights abuses that have been and are being committed in many parts of the country must stop immediately.

-GARE demands that land grab schemes, which have displaced, dispossessed poor farmers and indigenous communities in many parts of Ethiopia be stopped.

GARE strongly and firmly believes that the era of impunity in this age of global connectivity is over and is confident that the Ethiopian government will be held accountable for the atrocities committed against defenseless own citizens.

http://ecadforum.com/2014/05/06/global-alliance-condemns-recent-massacres-and-mass-arrests/

Protest Demonstration at the US State Department to condemn the massacre of Oromo Students by the TPLF regime

May 6, 2014

The brutal regime of the TPLF has massacred scores of Oromo students who were protesting peacefully in Ambo, Bale, and elsewhere in Oromo regions of Ethiopia. The repression and killing spree of the regime has intensified in the past few days, as reported by credible media sources.

Civic and political orgs in DC area have organized a demonstration in Front of the State Department to protest and condemn the killing, and call upon the Ethiopia people to wage the struggle in unison against repressive minority regime.

All democracy and patriotic forces and Citizen Ethiopians must stand alongside the legitimate demands of the Oromo students who are protesting the eviction of Oromo peasants from their ancestral land. The regime’s recent move , under the guise of a so called Master plan , is none other than to give away the land to its cronies and sell it to the highest bidder foreign investors at the expense of citizens of Ethiopia as it has been doing elsewhere in other regions of Ethiopia.

The real issue here is that of the fundamental rights of citizens and its continued violation by a brutal ethnocentric regime that has no regard to the rule of law. The real issue is, again, a brutality of a regime that has no basic value and understanding of the sanctity and dignity of human life, and the legitimate demands of citizens that must be respected and protected, as enshrined in the so-called constitution.

Victory to the struggling people of Ethiopia!

Date of Protest: MAY 7, 2014
Time: 9:00 AM
Place ፦ U.S State Department
2201 C St NW
Washington, DC. 20520

For more info- dcjointtaskforce@gmail.com

http://ecadforum.com/News/protest-demonstration-at-the-us-state-department/

Human Rights Watch on Monday urged United Nations member states to put pressure on the Ethiopian government to stop targeting activists and the media under its controversial laws.

Human Rights Watch calls UN review condemns Ethiopia’s crackdown on media, activists

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

May 6, 2014

(ADDIS ABABA) – Human Rights Watch on Monday urged United Nations member states to put pressure on the Ethiopian government to stop targeting activists and the media under its controversial laws.

On Tuesday the UN Human Rights Council begins review on Ethiopia’s human rights record under the Universal Periodic Review procedure, only days after Ethiopian authorities arrested nine news providers.

On April 25 and 26, police arrested six bloggers from the Zone 9 website and three journalists reportedly accusing them of plotting to incite violence and instability in collaboration with foreign activists.

Government officials denied their arrest was in connection with their journalistic duties claiming that they were implicated in ‘serious criminal activities’ without giving further details.

The arrests were made a few days before US secretary of state, John Kerry’s, visit to Ethiopia as part of his tour to three African countries.

The arrests prompted widespread condemnation from international press freedom groups and rights human organisations.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said the mass arrests were one of the world’s worst crackdowns against free expression.

While Amnesty international said the arrests fit into Ethiopia’s long term trend of arresting and harassing human rights defenders, journalists and political opponents.

An Ethiopian political activist, who asked for anonymity, told Sudan Tribune that such arrests against critical journalists and political opponents is not a surprise considering that elections are less than one year away.

Exercising free speech and particularly criticising the ruling government when elections are approaching is considered an absolute crime, he added.

Human Rights Watch in a statement said that UN member states should use the periodic review to openly press Ethiopian government to stop the sweeping crackdown against freedom of speech and respect constitutional and international laws on media freedom.

“The UN review is taking place just as Ethiopia is renewing its crackdown on free speech,” said Leslie Lefkow, Human Rights Watch’s deputy Africa director.

“To make this review meaningful, UN member countries should forcefully tell Ethiopia that its attacks on the media and activist groups are a blight on its human rights record” added Lefkow.

Human Rights Watch said Ethiopia has failed to comply with the recommendations of 2009, when the UN made its first Universal Periodic Review of the East African nation.

The human rights group said that the human rights situation in Ethiopia has deteriorated substantially and the authorities in Ethiopia have shown intolerance of any criticism and they have sharply restricted the rights to free expression and association.

According to international rights organisations, Ethiopia is one among some of the worlds most closed press environments.

The Horn of Africa nation is the continent’s foremost jailer of journalists next to neighbouring Eritrea.

Many critical journalists face lengthy jail terms under the country’s controversial, vague and broadly defined anti-terror legislation.

With 49 journalists forced into exile, Ethiopia is also third worst after Somalia and Iran in terms of forcing an exodus of journalists.

(ST)

http://abbaymedia.com/2014/05/06/human-rights-watch-on-monday-urged-united-nations-member-states-to-put-pressure-on-the-ethiopian-government-to-stop-targeting-activists-and-the-media-under-its-controversial-laws/

HRW: Brutal Crackdown on Protests

Security Forces Fire On, Beat Students Protesting Plan to Expand Capital Boundaries

(Nairobi, May 5, 2014) – Ethiopian security forces should cease using excessive force against students peacefully protesting plans to extend the boundaries of the capital, Addis Ababa, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should immediately release students and others arbitrarily arrested during the protests and investigate and hold accountable security officials who are responsible for abuses.

On May 6, 2014, the government will appear before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva for the country’s Universal Periodic Review of its human rights record.

“Students have concerns about the fate of farmers and others on land the government wants to move inside Addis Ababa,” said Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Rather than having its security forces attack peaceful protesters, the government should sit down and discuss the students’ grievances.”

Since April 25, students have demonstrated throughout Oromia Regional State to protest the government’s plan to substantially expand the municipal boundaries of Addis Ababa, which the students feel would threaten communities currently under regional jurisdiction. Security forces have responded by shooting at and beating peaceful protesters in Ambo, Nekemte, Jimma, and other towns with unconfirmed reports from witnesses of dozens of casualties.

Protests began at universities in Ambo and other large towns throughout Oromia, and spread to smaller communities throughout the region. Witnesses said security forces fired live ammunition at peaceful protesters in Ambo on April 30. Official government statements put the number of dead in Ambo at eight, but various credible local sources put the death toll much higher. Since the events in Ambo, the security forces have allegedly used excessive force against protesters throughout the region, resulting in further casualties. Ethiopian authorities have said there has been widespread looting and destruction of property during the protests.

The protests erupted over the release in April of the proposed Addis Ababa Integrated Development Master Plan, which outlines plans for Addis Ababa’s municipal expansion. Under the proposed plan, Addis Ababa’s municipal boundary would be expanded substantially to include more than 15 communities in Oromia. This land would fall under the jurisdiction of the Addis Ababa City Administration and would no longer be managed by Oromia Regional State. Demonstrators have expressed concern about the displacement of Oromo farmers and residents on the affected land.

Ethiopia is experiencing an economic boom and the government has ambitious plans for further economic growth. This boom has resulted in a growing middle class in Addis Ababa and an increased demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. There has not been meaningful consultation with impacted communities during the early stages of this expansion into the surrounding countryside, raising concerns about the risk of inadequate compensation and due process protections to displaced farmers and residents.

Oromia is the largest of Ethiopia’s nine regions and is inhabited largely by ethnic Oromos. The Oromos are Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group and have historically felt marginalized and discriminated against by successive Ethiopian governments. The city of Addis Ababa is surrounded on all sides by the Oromia region.

Given very tight restrictions on independent media and human rights monitoring in Ethiopia, it is difficult to corroborate the government crackdown in Oromia. There is little independent media in Oromia to monitor these events, and foreign journalists who have attempted to reach demonstrations have been turned away or detained.

Ethiopia has one of the most repressive media environments in the world. Numerous journalists are in prison, independent media outlets are regularly closed down, and many journalists have fled the country. Underscoring the repressive situation, the government on April 25 and 26 arbitrarily arrested nine bloggers and journalists in Addis Ababa. They remain in detention without charge. In addition, the Charities and Societies Proclamation, enacted in 2009, has severely curtailed the ability of independent human rights organizations to investigate and report on human rights abuses like the recent events in Oromia.

“The government should not be able to escape accountability for abuses in Oromo because it has muzzled the media and human rights groups,” Lefkow said.

Since Ethiopia’s last Universal Periodic Review in 2009 its human rights record has taken a significant downturn, with the authorities showing increasing intolerance of any criticism of the government and further restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and association. The recent crackdown in Oromia highlights the risks protesters face and the inability of the media and human rights groups to report on important events.

Ethiopian authorities should abide by the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, which provide that all security forces shall, as far as possible, apply nonviolent means before resorting to force. Whenever the lawful use of force is unavoidable, the authorities must use restraint and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offense. Law enforcement officials should not use firearms against people “except in self-defense or defense of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury.”

“Ethiopia’s heavy handed reaction to the Oromo protests is the latest example of the government’s ruthless response to any criticism of its policies,” Lefkow said. “UN member countries should tell Ethiopia that responding with excessive force against protesters is unacceptable and needs to stop.”

For more Human Rights Watch reporting on Ethiopia, please visit:
http://www.hrw.org/africa/ethiopia

http://ethioforum.org/hrw-brutal-crackdown-on-protests/

Mr. Secretary, where’s the young journalist from Addis? By Efrem Madebo

Mr. Secretary, last year when you went to Ethiopia, for the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU, many Ethiopians including myself expected that your stay in Addis Ababa (other than the jubilee celebration) will include important issues such as human right abuse, torture, freedom, democracy and good governance in Ethiopia. In fact, most of us wanted to see you voice your disagreement with the dreadful human rights record of Ethiopia, or at least rebuke Ethiopia’s dictators whom your department annual report depicts as enemies of liberty, justice and democracy year after year. Mr. Secretary, I remember, in your speech to the AU leaders, you said the following words:

“The United States joins with so many other nations – the Secretary General, Russia, many other friends that are here – all to applaud the remarkable accomplishments, to work together and solve peace, security challenges, trade, defense, democracy, good governance, and human rights”

Mr. Secretary,when I read your government’s promise of working together with others to solve peace, democracy, good governance, and human rights challenges in Africa, I was elated and my expectation grew by the day because I know for sure these are the problems that plagued my native country Ethiopia. In May 2013, I was also moved when I saw your picture with Ethiopian blogger Nathaniel Feleke, one of the founders of the renowned Zone –nine bloggers. Mr. Secretary, last week when you went back to Ethiopia, Nathaniel Feleke whom you gave a big hug with chanting smile was being tortured inside the notorious Makelawi prison.

Mr. Secretary, a week ago, a journalist who actually happens to be a friend of Nathaniel Feleke asked you the following very important question: Is your concern about press freedom real or “just lip service” Here is how you addressed the question: “I make clear to Ethiopian officials that they need to create greater opportunities for citizens. To be able to engage with their fellow citizens and with their government by opening up more space for civil society. And we shouldn’t use the anti-terrorism proclamations as mechanisms to be able to curb the free exchange of ideas” Well, Mr. Secretary, if this is not lip service then what? Besides, what about if the Ethiopian officials are not willing to create greater opportunities for citizens, and instead they keep on arresting and killing innocent citizens like they have been doing since 1991?

Mr. Secretary, a week before your recent visit to Ethiopia started, the Ethiopian regime arrested Blue Party leaders and members. As if this was not enough, just days before your scheduled arrival to Addis, Ethiopia arrested journalists and bloggers, and on April 30 2014 when you were in Addis, the regime killed more than 30 demonstrators and wounded and arrested undetermined number peaceful demonstrators. Mr. Secretary, I still have to hear your public statement on this “In your face” act of the Ethiopian regime that your government has been baby-sitting for more than two decades?

Mr. Secretary, the US government has always been the first to condemn indiscriminate killings by totalitarian regimes around the globe for a long time. In addition to this, the department you lead (the US Department of State), has exposed dictators and human rights violators through its annual human rights reports. But, the US government has abnormally been silent when the TPLF regime has been killing peaceful citizens throughout its twenty two years stay in power. I wonder how many Ethiopians should die before the US government goes beyond publishing annual reports and starts condemning and holding responsible the killing machine in Addis Ababa!

Mr. Secretary, the most recent killing in Ethiopia that ended the life of more than 30 innocent people took place while you were in Addis having good time with the very people that ordered the killing. Millions of Ethiopians who thought your visit will bring at least a temporary change of heart were staggered by the savage killing. Mr. Secretary, It is not just the killing that took millions of Ethiopians by surprise, it is the calculated timing of the arrest and the killing immediately before and after you set your foot on the soil of Ethiopia. Mr. Secretary, this is a deliberate move by the TPLF leaders who are seeking a divorce from the US and looking for another partner in Asia.

Mr. Secretary, while the people of Ethiopia were mourning their death, we heard that you met with PM Hailemariam Desalegn and Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom to discuss efforts to advance peace and democracy in the Horn of Africa. Mr. Secretary, to me this is like teaming up with Cuba to advance democracy in Latin America. It’s also ironic that the United States Secretary of State meets with vicious killers to discuss efforts to advance peace and democracy in the Horn of Africa, in a country where more than thirty people were killed by government forces. I have never seen and I don’t think I would ever see again or hear such insensitivity for a loss of humans, especially from a country that reacts vigorously when animals are mistreated by humans.

I remember, during the 2009 Iranian protest, President Obama condemned the violence against the protesters and said the following two statements that have been travelling around the globe ever since he said them: “It would be wrong for me to be silent” – “The protesters in Iran will be ‘on the right side of history’ ”. Mr. Secretary, does the President’s silence when more than 30 Ethiopians were killed by the Ethiopian regime mean that – it would be right for him to be silent? What about the protesters in Ethiopia? Are they in the wrong side of history?

Dear Mr. Secretary, its geopolitical location, large population size (Christian & Moslem) and diverse ethnicity has made Ethiopia a strategically placed country in the Horn of Africa. If Ethiopia plays its hand wisely, it can be a critical force for good in the region. Unfortunately, ruthless dictatorships that ruled over Ethiopia for the past 23 years have darkened the fate of their own people let alone playing a positive role in democratizing the Horn of Africa.

We believe the relationship between Ethiopia and the United States has to be reconstituted on the basis of shared values of freedom, democracy, and promotion of mutual interests. To realize this, the United, and other democratic countries need a strong democratic partner in the Horn of Africa. The Horn of Africa is a volatile region characterized by political instability, and it is no secret that the TPLF dictators are one of the architects of instability in the Horn of Africa.

Dear Mr. Secretary, from all of its actions, particularly since 2005, it is clear that the TPLF regime has closed all avenues for a peaceful democratic opposition and is determined to stay in power by force including committing the most heinous crimes against its own people. The extra judicial killings in different parts of the country, the 2005 massacre, and the genocide in Gambella are glaring examples of crimes committed by a regime which once was praised as the “Hope” of Africa. Today, it is obvious that Ethiopia’s is not and cannot provide a trusted leadership and the democratic credentials to be a credible partner to the United States and the international community at large. The TPLF regime has become an embarrassment to its own people and to the international community. It is high time for the United States and the international community to embrace change in Ethiopia.

The writer can be reached at ebini23@yahoo.com

http://www.abugidainfo.com/index.php/22458/

Chinese premier starts Africa tour with visits to Ethiopia, AU headquarters

Chinese premier starts Africa tour with visits to Ethiopia, AU headquarters ADDIS ABABA, May 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang started an Africa tour on Sunday with his arrival in Ethiopia, where he will also visit the headquarters of the African Union (AU). Ethiopia is the first leg of Li’s ongoing four-nation Africa tour, his first to the “Land of Hope” since he took office last year and the latest stroke of the frequent high-level diplomacy between the Asian giant and the promising continent. “I am looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral issues and issues of common concern with Ethiopian and AU leaders, and ready to promote further development of relations and cooperation between China and Ethiopia as well as the larger AU,” the Chinese premier said upon his arrival here. He said that as both sides are committed to a profound friendship and the principles of sincere amity, mutual benefit and win-win outcome, they have made across-the-board achievements in their cooperation. During his stay, Li will hold talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, meet President Mulatu Teshome, and sit down with Chinese and African business leaders to discuss the China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. The Chinese leader is also scheduled to pay a visit to the AU headquarters and deliver a speech there to expound his country’s Africa policy and reaffirm Beijing’s commitment to deepening the new type of the China-Africa strategic partnership. Upon his arrival, Li also spoke highly of the rapid development of the China-AU ties in recent years, as well as their close coordination and cooperation in international and regional issues. The AU has become a banner representing the African nations’ efforts to gain strength through unity, said Li. In a joint interview with African media released Sunday before his departure, Li said the trip, which will also take him to Nigeria, Angola and Kenya, will be “one of cooperation and solidarity on the basis of past traditions.” “I will feel the deep friendship based on solidarity and mutual assistance between the Chinese and African peoples, see for myself Africa’s dynamic economic and social development, and listen to the African people’s description of their expectation for good life in the future,” he said. The premier added that he is more than ready to make concrete efforts to deepen China-Africa relations and advance bilateral cooperation in various fields for the greater benefit of both sides. In a press briefing about the trip on Wednesday, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said it will further consolidate the strategic trust between China and Africa, deepen their cooperation in various areas, and lift China-Africa and China-AU relations to new highs. China, Zhang added, also hopes that the visit will help mobilize other members of the international community to pay more attention to and increase their input in Africa, so as to create a good external environment for its development. Adding an extra layer of significance to Li’s trip, it comes upon the 50th anniversary of late Premier Zhou Enlai’s first visit to Africa, a historic feat that created a new era in China-Africa interaction. Respectively as the world’s largest developing country and the continent with the most developing countries, China and Africa are natural partners in pursuing common development. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for five consecutive years, while Africa has become an important market and investment destination for China. As an integral part of the China-Africa ties, the relationship between China and Ethiopia has witnessed steady development since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1970, particularly since they forged a comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2003. “China is considered to be Ethiopia’s strategic development partner,” Teshome said in an interview with Chinese journalists on Wednesday, noting that China has also proved itself to be his country’s “dependable friend” in its fight against poverty. “The multifaceted … relations between Ethiopia and China will continue to grow both in width and depth because of the fact that our bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, mutual understanding and mutual respect,” said the president. For his part, Hailemariam told Chinese reporters on Saturday that Li’s visit to Ethiopia will further deepen the already existing relationship between the two countries. “This witnesses how strong our relationship is, and this relationship is a win-win situation where both Ethiopia and China will benefit,” added the prime minister. http://abbaymedia.com/2014/05/04/chinese-premier-starts-africa-tour-with-visits-to-ethiopia-au-headquarters/