ADMAS, condemns in the strongest possible terms the arrest and torture of Amhara politicians, journalists and activists that occurred this past weekend in Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.On March 25, 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, members of the Ethiopian security forces re- arrested over a dozen prominent leaders at a private residence while the leaders were celebrating their own release and recent release of many other political prisoners and activists. These leaders are being held in prison for simply displaying the True Ethiopian flag at a private party.
Ethiopian security forces entered the private residence, arrested these leaders, and are now being currently held at Gotera-Pepsi Police Station in Addis Ababa.
This past Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Bahir Dar city, 19 brave Amhara leaders were arrested, severely beaten, and taken to custody simply for attempting to establish an Amhara political party with permission from the National Election Board. These promising young Amhara leaders were arrested while having dinner after completion of a successful General Assembly of the leadership.
Unfortunately, the arrest of the prominent leaders in Addis Ababa and courageous Amhara leaders in Bahir Dar is in line with the policy of the ruling party of Ethiopia, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of targeting Amharas who dare to challenge the system of oppression. The TPLF led government views Amharas as an enemy whose identity, culture, and history must be eradicated.
ADMAS calls on the TPLF led regime to release these leaders including the thousands of Amharas languishing in prisons across the country.
ADMAS calls on the TPLF led regime to end the State of Emergency that is being used as a pretext to suppress the basic rights of Amharas and all Ethiopians.
ADMAS calls on all human rights organization, United Nations, and the U.S. Government to condemn the arrest and torture of Amhara leaders and insist on their release.
ADMAS calls on all Amharas to support these brave leaders and their families during this difficult and uncertain time in Ethiopia’s history.
ADMAS will take all necessary measures to ensure the wellbeing of our leaders and that they are safely reunited with their families and communities.
Listed below are the names of the leaders arrested in Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar:
Arrested in Addis Ababa
Arrested in Addis Ababa
Arrested in Bahir Dar
Arrested in Bahir Dar
Eskindar Nega
Emawayish Alemu
Temesgen Tessema
Addisu Mellesse
Andualem Aragie
Zelalem Workagegnehu
Gashaw Mersha
Mengistie Tegene
Temesgen Desalagne
Mahlet Fantahun
Daniel Abebaw
Bogale Arage
Natnael Mekonnen
Befekadu Hailu
Yusuf Ibrahim
Kassu Hailu
Mamushet Amare
Addisu Getinet
Bellete Molla
Tessemma Kassahun
Sintayehu Checkol
Tefera Tesfaye
Nigatu Asress
Dirsan Birhane
Yidnekachewu Addis
Woyneshet Molla
Desalegn Chanie
Berihun Assefa
Belete Kassa
Fikru Kassew
Sisay Altaseb
Temesgen Berhanu
NOTE: ADMAS is a coalition of all Amhara political, civic, and media organizations in North America established during the first North America Amhara Leadership Conference (NAALC) held in Washington, D.C. from March 9-11th, 2018.
«Everyone who lives ought to be wise; it is as good as receiving an inheritance and will give you as much security as money can..» – (Ecclesiastes 7: 11-13)
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Ideology is an idea. It is a collection of political ideas, ethical ideas, principle and doctrine. Good political ideology concerns itself with how to distribute happiness (not agony, anxiety, sadness, unemployment, poverty and corruption) in the society. Democracy is the best form of government. Autocracy is a form of government contrary to democracy. TPLF is neither a democracy nor an autocracy; not even grasping ‘’sense and sensibility’’ to manage rural windmills. TPLF has no realm – no time and space to think to be wise. TPLF smells money and print it out without a monetary policy. TPLF doesn’t care about infalation because it doesn’t have a meagre knowledge about economics or macroeconomic planning. Ethiopia’s oldest bank – Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) – is out of functioning because one of the TPLF’s gang took over the management imprudently. TPLF has a system of ideas and ideals to form the basis of of looting economy. Sacking, ransacking, plundering, despoiling, despoliation and pillaging are ‘’emerging economy’’ of looting aided by the power of deception and lie.
It is difficult to identify TPLFs politics in the Ethiopian context. No conservatism, no liberalism, no nationalism, no socialism, no capitalism or no religious ideologies (no generousity, no readiness, no liberality). What a pity? ‘’Mendacious or untruth’’ is TPLF’s ideology while ‘’snake manoeuvre’’ is the mechanism by which it makes a motion (change place, position or posture). It is its rhythmic character that enables it pick up foolishes (HDs) and cowards (Aba Dullas) that can sit on its knee and die in shame. TPLF is also bright in ostracizing and incarcerate brave persons. Thus, strengthening its jaws (Security forces) – bite members of opposition political parties and peaceful journalists in the ‘’pretext’’ of ‘’safeguarding the constutition’’. It is a false reason given to conceal the truth. TPLF jeopardised and outmaneuvered the lives of children, youth and the entire people by its venom. Looting is the normative value and principle TPLF holds. Truthfully, it is the ‘’looting ideology’’ what really makes TPLF bad and ugly. TPLF is an ugly snake. By and large, the poisonous and toxic politics of TPLF led to the destabilization of national institutions, intellectuality, universities, schools, principles, ethics and manners.
The current «declaration of death» or «the second state of emergency» or «resource and power commanding» is an embarrassed tactic to protect stolen properties of EFFORT, corruptors, adherents, proponents and burglars. TPLF is not prudent as lions or progressive like cheetahs. TPLF is shrewd as snakes and not harmless as doves. The killing muscles (AGAZI – Defence and National security), connected to its underpart, help TPLF crawl and climb on banks, Ethiopian Airlines and other financial institutions. Similar to most saharan snakes TPLF glide forward to steal money by using its ribs and belly. To divide and rule TPLF uses ‘’ethnic politics’’ as sidewinding of a snake in the sahara. To make an investment in an area of abundant raw material it uses caterpillar movement or rectilinear locomotion. TPLF learned this technique or slower method of movement from a snake. To climb on a roof and kill innocent protesters TPLF used concertina technique. Instead of learning politics from philosophies TPLF learned luring movments of snakes. TPLF is capable of luring Tigrean brothers and sisters away from the path to wisdom and virtues. We are waiting them overcome this in the persuit of thier religion. We know that they are not less capable of rational thought than the TPLF.
What is the reason that TPLF battle for money? What is good for TPLF to spread xenophobia, stealing an election and robbing a bank? Why – TPLF absolutely do not care about Peoples’ livelihood? For how long will TPLF survive by killing? For how long will killings and lootings continue? It is easier to persuade Ethiopians using polite arguments and flaterry than being confrontational. Then why – arrest, captivity, terror, murder, agony and human rights violation? What is the reason that TPLF commits such crimes? What is the nature of TPLF?
TPLFs nature is defined in terms of lack of restraint, expresses itself in defence of ‘money’ and very often focusing on satisfying its ambitions: power, sex and looting. Sinful practices are the distinctive natures of TPLF. The corrupted TPLF is tempted with the pride of sin which in fact is contrary to moral and ethics, TPLF blow its trumpet for luring the international community. TPLF show off for killing a teen age boy for money. In general – TPLFs natural potential for virtue is inferior because looting has no desire or craving for sensibility. TPLF never be ashamed of the scandals such as pornography and sex turism. Rather TPLF is self satisfied in killing and stealing for no regard for consequences or the negative impact on its children, relatives and supporters. Today – TPLF and its citizens live by «not to be ashamed» policy.
‘’Shame’’ is a peculiar phenomena as ‘’not to be ashamed’’ is. But we wish Hitler had felt ashamed of his treatments of Jews. We wish the late Meles had felt ashamed of TPLFs brutal action against Amharas and Oromos. TPLF gave order to an AGAZI soldier (during the first state of emergency) to punish an innocent mother by forcing her sat down on the deceased body of her son. Does the organization consider this a shame? Prejudice among media elites is rampant. Are medias ashamed of their lies? A pupett PM and a coward speaker of parliament – shame or proud for TPLF and its supporters? Alas – there is no ‘’shame’’ because there is no ‘’conscience’’ or ‘’moral sense’’ that restrain looters and their subjects from doing ‘’shameless things’’.
TPLF, the 27 years old usurper, is without an ideology because of absence of prudent politicians within its belly. TPLF can not even adapt itself to the classical African concept of humanist philosophy – UBUNTU – aimed in focusing on people’s interrelation. TPLF instead focused on corruption, deceit, fraud, plagiarism, looting, AGAZI killings and forming shadow and parasite economy. TPLF citizens and its bunch of cowards are foolish and pleasure lovers. They buy sex but not love. They buy computer but not brain. They buy luxuries but not culture. TPLF do not want to learn wisdom because treachery is ignorance and looting does not appreciate knowledge. For TPLF, looting has been common practice throughout recorded history (tracing back from its cave, Dedebit).
Who might give well-meaning advice to TPLF? Its supporters? The superpowers? The UN, The patriarch? Its Medias (EBC, Zami FM, Reporter)? TPLF cannot hear anyone. TPLF carry blood of million innocents in its hands. As a blood reign – it might be difficult to TPLF to handover the power and authority wisely and peacefully.
But there is still a chance; may be a bit of chance. Relying on the word of God – let me try to say this. «Everyone who lives ought to be wise; it is as good as receiving an inheritance and will give you as much security as money can..» – (Ecclesiastes 7: 11-13)
Dear TPLF – if you do not want to hear God – the combination of non-legal factors and unconstitutional conditions will be your demise. Looting combined with lie – corruption combined with terror – power combined with lust and fornication – will be DOWNFALL OF TPLF. Ethiopia will not fall in disarray but TPLF ceased to exist.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Addis Abeba, March 27/2018 – The just concluded meeting by the Council of Ethiopia’s ruling party, EPRDF, elected Dr. Abiy Ahmed Aliy, chairman of the OPDO, as EPRDF’s new chairman. The council has not decided on who will be the deputy.
If the party sticks to its tradition, which is more likely than not, Dr. Abiy will be recommended by the council and be approved by the parliament to become Ethiopia’s next Prime Minister.
The election came three weeks after the executive committee of the 36 powerful bloc of the party began its meeting on March 11 which was then followed by the council’s meeting which began on March 20 and ended today.
EPRDF’s Council has 180 members comprised of 45 members each from the four major parties that make up the ruling party: the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO), the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM), and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Dr. Abiy, 42, has served the national defense force with a rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was instrumental in establishing the Ethiopian Information Network Security Agency (INSA). He was also a one time minister of Science & Technology.
Dr. Abiy was recently elected as chairman of the OPDO by the 81 member of the party’s Central Committee, replacing Lemma Megerssa, president of the Oromia regional state who held the positions of both the chairman of OPDO & President of Oromia region. His election as the new chairman of the OPDO placed him as the favorite front-runner among the major contenders for the premiership.
EPRDF began the search for a new chairman, and by default a new prime minister, following the February 15 resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn from his role as both Prime Minister and Chairman of Ethiopia’s ruling party, as well as his position as chairman of his own party, the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM). The executive committee of both the EPRDF and SEPDM have quickly accepted the resignation, leaving the final and binding decision to the members of Council, which also accepted the resignation. AS
ED’s Note: Exclusive interviews secured by Addis Standard from multiple sources show that both the executive’s and the council’s meetings have undergone through several bruising closed door sessions. Addis Standard will publish a summary of major events from inside both meetings and how these events will potentially shape the time in office of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as the likely Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) – Ethiopia’s ruling coalition late Tuesday named a chairman set to become the country’s new prime minister amid the latest state of emergency in Africa’s second most populous nation.
The young, outspoken Abiy Ahmed is now poised to take power, as the ruling coalition and its regional affiliates hold all parliament seats. A vote by lawmakers is expected on Wednesday.
The announcement followed months of the most severe anti-government protests in a quarter-century and the surprise decision by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn early this year to release prominent politicians, journalists and others from prison to free up political space.
But Hailemariam later announced his intention to resign and a new state of emergency, the second in less than two years, was imposed in one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. Earlier this week, a number of recently freed politicians and journalists were re-arrested and accused of gathering without authorities’ prior knowledge.
Ethiopians had eagerly awaited news of their new leader for days, with many hoping the development would bring calm to the nation of 100 million people after the months of protests demanding wider freedoms.
Abiy will be the first person from Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the Oromo, to hold the post of prime minister since the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front came to power in 1991. The Oromo people, despite their numbers, have long felt marginalized and have played a main role in the demonstrations.
The new leader, who is in his 40s, is widely seen as a fresh face in the ruling coalition, which long has been dominated by the smaller but more powerful Tigray Peoples Liberation Front. Credited with co- founding the National Intelligence and Security Service, Abiy was elected last month as chair of the Oromo People Democratic Organization, one of the ruling coalition’s four core parties, paving the way for his premiership.
“A fair justice system works only when human rights are respected,” he said during a recent meeting in the Oromia region.
“I believe that Dr. Abiy Ahmed is the answer to Ethiopia’s youths’ questions,” Yonas Alemayehu, an activist in the restive region, told The Associated Press.
This will be the third prime minister since the current ruling coalition came to power close to 30 years ago after overthrowing the Derg military regime by force. The ruling coalition on Tuesday also decided to keep Demeke Mekonnen as deputy prime minister.
The outgoing prime minister, Hailemariam, at times had been labeled as weak and in the shadow of former strongman Meles Zenawi, who died in 2012. Others argued that he successfully continued the late leader’s core policies: economic transformation and repression.
In a 2016 interview with the AP, Hailemariam acknowledged that good governance was in decline in Ethiopia, a key security ally of the United States.
“That is the main reason why people are protesting,” he said at the time. “This is really a positive sign. I have recently apologized in front of the parliament for our mismanagement and lack of responsibility that have generated these dissents. We are now taking measures to address those grievances.”
However, the protests have continued to this day.
Yilikal Getnet, a prominent opposition figure, said the declaration of two separate states of emergency and now the change in leadership showed that the tight grip that ruling elites once had over the public was now deserting them.
“This change in leadership is an indication of how unstable the government is,” Yilikal told the AP. “It has got nothing to do with opening up for democratization or a peaceful transfer of power. It’s time for the ruling party to admit that solving Ethiopia’s current woes are beyond its capacity.”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Congratulation on being elected as the chairman of EPRDF (Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front) on 27 March 2018. It is assumed you will be the Prime Minster of Ethiopia in the next few days as per practice of the ruling regime. You are “coming to power” at the most critical juncture of our history as nation. Ethiopia is at cross road. A very challenging and complicated task is ahead of you.
Since you joined the ruling regime EPRDF (TPLF dominated) as child soldier in 1991 at the age of 15 or 16, you have grown up as a man in the military from private (Tegadalay) rank to Lieutenant Colonel until you left the Army in 2007. You managed to ascend up in the rank easily partly your loyalty, willingness & effort to learn, update and your ethnic quota thanks for being smart young man who was born and raised in Agaro and Jimma multi cultural, multi religious regions famous for its coffee cash crop. Your determination to pursue education opened opportunity to be on advantageous position compared to those “Tegadalays” who rather preferred enjoyed the city life after many years of war and field days. Your careful choice to leave the army in 2007 by luck or coincidence, helped also to be politician in civilian way of life with easy ascent in OPDO leadership position in few years time.
Compared to your predecessors, you have many advantage to qualify for the current post. You have experience of working with in the army (very important in country like Ethiopia ) and civilian political post ( from regional to national stage as Minster) which prepare you for this challenging task awaiting you. Remember that it is the uprisings all over the country that resulted this change. Although some people still think you are product of the drama which is directed and produced for this challenging era by TPLF, most of us prefer to be optimist!
The Ethiopia you are to going to lead or “rule” is completely different from Ethiopia of 1991 when TPLF dominated regime control power in Addis Ababa. You are the first person to “assume power” from generation born after the great Ethiopian Revolution of 1974 (1966 Ethio calendar) which ended the Monarchy. The Ethiopia you are waiting to lead (rule) is more than 100 million people who are starved of fundamental democratic right that have been ruled for 27 years by the tyrannical TPLF dominated regime with ethnic, religious and political tension all over the country. The youth of country which are ruled through divide and rule are no longer tolerating tyranny and they are ready to peacefully sacrifice their life to live either in Freedom or Death.
We want to be optimist and something good will come from your leadership (rule) though the task is very complex, challenging and complicated. Although there is great scepticism, we allowed ourselves to be hopeful. We are not sure to what extent you are your own person as it is likely that the TPLF will not allow you to deviate from its safe survival and domination. We will not give up on you from the start as Gorbachov hailed from Communist party who attempted to transform the Soviet with Glasnost and Perestroika. We hope you will come with better outcome than Gorbachov as he demolished the cold war, but disintegrated the Soviet Union.
The Ethiopian people and particularly the youth are very hopeful of you and there is great expectation as well. You have to be clear that it is only radical peaceful transformation of the tyranny to democratic governance that can guarantee the survival of Ethiopia, its regions and peaceful accommodation the Ethiopian people.
You have to reach out to all ethnic members of Ethiopia and also different political opinions to get the trust from the people which will immune you from TPLF attempt to discredit you when you chose the right way. TPLF will not easily give up its domination and will continue its age old sophisticated tactic to derail you if you chose the right way. As man with experience in intelligence and security with in the regime, you are aware their tactic, potential ills and you need to prepare the anti-dote for it. You have to sail this shark full sea with a compass that sails you towards the safe port. Otherwise the People will consider you as second Hailemariam Desalgne if you choose to be TPLF’s puppet and you will have his fate or worse.
In order to sail the dangerous sea safely, here are the agenda (compass) that may help you and the Ethiopian people to reach to their hopeful democratic beginning.
You should reach out to all Ethiopians of different ethnic members, religion, political opinion, ability, gender, age so that the people will be your back bone if in case TPLF try to derail you from peaceful transition.
Set out you transformation plan in clear and bold way in the next few days so that Ethiopians and the “enemy” know it.
Assemble around you people from EPRDF, other political party and neutral professionals who are pro democracy and reform oriented with rightful knowledge, skill and attitude
Encourage for national dialogue, reconciliation & people to people relation.
Encourage and invite all political parties including those banned one to operate peacefully in Ethiopia.
Reaffirm your power as per the constitution to be able to control the military and security, possibly change the current heads of this departments as both can be hindrance for the vision you will come with.
End the corruption of TPLF dominated land grabbing, EFFORT’s domination in the economy sphere and all regime associated nepotism. Establish special commission to investigate economic embezzlement, favouritism and political interference.
With involvement of the opposition parties, intellectuals and elders, transform the election commission to be independent.
Encourage for free press to flourish.
Encourage the Judiciary, Police and Army to be independent of political interference. This is a mammoth task which may be challenging for you unless the regime genuinely wants to change.
Release all political prisoners. Shut down those torture chambers!
If possible (the regime may not allow you), call for peaceful transformation of power to Provisional Council made up of all political parties, prominent elders, religious head, intellectuals, civic organization which will facilitate two years transition for democratic Ethiopia which would prepare Constitution and genuine Election.
If number 12 is not possible, make sure the next election to include all political parties to participate in free and fair way with international observers, without any interference of the security and military in fair election playfield that is better than 2005 (1997 Ethio calendar) election!
Establish weekly in person Radio, Television and Social media address to Ethiopian people about your plan, progress and challenge you face. Communication is paramount at this era!
Establish strong bond with the World and Regional powers. They may help in peaceful political transition.
I have noted the excitement of so many Ethiopian people although they are not sure what the future unfolds, but it shows how the Ethiopian people are desperate for change.
I wish you all the best but remember the safe way is only to democratise Ethiopia that will result in peaceful resolution of most ill of our country and people.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Hailemariam Desalegn
The 180-Council of the EPRDF has unanimously accepted the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn, the second chairman since the organization’s formation in 1989.
The Council is due to proceed to a fresh election of a chairman this afternoon, sources disclosed
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Abiy Ahmed is described as an astute politician
Ethiopians have woken up to a new leader, and a renewed sense of hope.
Abiy Ahmed has been voted in as leader of Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, paving the way for him to step into the shoes of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who unexpectedly resigned last month.
He inherits a country that has seen some of the fastest economic growth in the world in recent years.
But it has also been riven by years of protests by people who feel marginalised, with a government accused by many of human rights violations – including torture and extrajudicial killing of political dissidents.
So is Mr Abiy – praised as an astute politician with impressive academic and military credentials – the man to lead Ethiopia into a peaceful, prosperous and free future?
Who is Abiy Ahmed?
Mr Abiy’s background is crucial to the way people view him.
When he is sworn in, he will become the country’s first Oromo leader – the ethnic group at the centre of nearly three years of anti-government protests, which have left hundreds of people dead.
One of their main complaints is that they have been politically, economically and culturally marginalised for years – despite being the country’s largest group.
The election of Mr Abiy – who is believed to have huge support among the Oromo youth as well as other ethnic groups – may change that.
He is leader of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organisation (OPDO), one of the four ethnic parties which make up the ruling the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Image copyrightREUTERSImage captionThere have been massive protests in Oromia in recent years
The 42-year-old, who was born in the city of Agaro in Oromia and comes from a mixed Christian-Muslim family, joined the OPDO in the late 1980s.
He has served in the military and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, before becoming the founder and director of the country’s Information Network and Security Agency, which is responsible for cyber-security in a country where the government exercises tight control over the internet.
After that he became the minister for science and technology.
What does the opposition think?
Mr Abiy is seen by many as outspoken and competent, with a participatory leadership style. This leaves opposition figures cautiously optimistic about the future – as long as he tackles the issues behind the unrest and unhappiness in Ethiopia.
Jawar Mohammed, the US-based director of the Oromia Media Network, who has been accused of stoking the protests, wrote on Facebook: “This appointment carries a unique opportunity, in the real sense of the term, if he is determined enough to capture it, that can translate into the great and historical responsibility of leading Ethiopia and its peoples into the peaceful transition to democracy.”
Yeshiwas Assefa, who leads the Blue Party, told the BBC: “The main point is he has to be someone who understands the demands of the public and the public’s desire for change… He has to reform institutions in dire need of reform.
“We hope Mr Abiy understands well the public’s demand for change…. [and] guessing from various speeches he personally made, Mr Abiy seems to be someone who has a sympathetic view of those demands.”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
But Bekele Gerba, deputy head of the Oromo Federalist Congress, who was released from prison earlier this year, pointed out that the power to make changes, like lifting the state of emergency, may not lie with Mr Abiy.
“What I think will determine the country’s fate is how much the military and intelligence community work with and obey the new prime minister, how much they’ll become faithful to the constitution. So things must be seen from this perspective,” he said.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Can Abiy soothe Ethiopia’s wounds?
Analysis by Kalkidan Yibeltal, BBC News
Abiy Ahmed has a big task ahead of him.
He has inherited a ruling coalition beleaguered by a power struggle within its four ethnically based parties, and a country where many are unhappy with the status quo.
He also needs to ensure that the government’s promise to widen political dialogue in the country is fulfilled. It appeared to hit a roadblock after a number of recently released politicians, journalist and bloggers were rearrested.
It is not known what Mr Abiy thought of the decision to bring in a national state of emergency, because he was not in parliament to vote at the time.
But the 42-year-old is often seen as being among a group of young reformers. Thus, it is hoped that his nomination could soothe protesters and buy the government some time to address the public’s demands.
However, his critics argue that he’s been a party insider for too long to be labelled as a reformer.
But Ethiopians will have to wait at least until he forms his cabinet for the first hint of what exactly to expect from his tenure.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
What do people think?
Kibour Gena, a businessman who lives in the capital Addis Ababa, told the BBC: “There are priority assignments forwarded by the party that await the new PM; and at the top of his list of priorities will be the state of emergency and bringing peace.
“In order to bring sustainable development and ensure fruitful, long-lasting efforts in the country, peace is of primary importance. So it is necessary to look whether the state of emergency restores or hinders peace.”
But there seems to be some confidence he can fulfil those tasks.
Mohamed Ali, who lives in Weldia, in Amhara region, welcomed news, which came at midnight.
“Every one of us was happy for Abiy Ahmed,” he said. “We believe that he will restore peace and stability in the country. I was extremely happy. I hope that he will manage to make a difference, especially among the youth.”
Mebratu Dubale, who lives in Hawassa (in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region), added: “I know he is qualified given his level of education as well as his experiences and his determination in that regard.
“He will be able to finish what was started and lead the country towards a better direction than the one we are currently in.”
“ Three different friends in Addis who happen to have friends who co-worked, studied and grew up with Abiy described him as a very fair, just, rational, scientific, polygot and friendly person.”
Ethiopia’s ruling dictatorial regime —EPRDF— which is a coalition of four parties organized ethnically nominated Abiy Ahmed(PHD) for premiership.
After the fall of the previous regime, Abiy, 42, became a child soldier in the now Ethiopian National Defense Force , and later he worked in the notorious Ethiopian intelligence and communications department. Polygot Abey grew up in a family with two religions and ethnicity with his father, Ahmed Ali, being an Oromo Muslim and his mother being an Amhara Christian from Wello. Abiy is a christian , and is married to an Amhara christian who he met while he was serving in the Ethiopian Defense Forces. They have three daughters together. Given his multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual background , Abiy stands a good chance of addresing the grievances of the Amhara and Oromo community , which together makes up more than 70% of the population of Ethiopia, orthogonally.
Three different friends in Addis who happen to have friends who co-worked, studied and grew up with Abiy described him as a very fair, just, rational, scientific, polygot and friendly person.
Although Abiy’s nomination is an inter-regime matter, and that it has nothing to do with a change to democracy in Ethiopia, I would like to congratulate him for a glimmer of hope that he’ll be a slightly different captain in leading the country to a new direction.
The nomination of Dr Abey, OPDO has come as a surprise after the dupty prime minister from ANDM — Demeke Mekonnen—declined to accept a bid for the chairmanship of EPRDF in the last minutes. ANDEM and OPDO have unanimously voted for Dr Abiy who is the most competent of the three candidates in the race . TPLF, which is the source and architect of tyranny in the country, didn’t cast a single vote for Abiy while SEPDM casted only a little over a dozen. It’s evident that more than half of SEPDM , and nearly all TPLF, conspired in vain to nominate Shiferaw Shigute, SEPDM instead.
We’ll get to know if Abiy is yet another trojan puppet , or real, in only couple of days after his inauguration ; that he would take new, pragmatic, directions to democracy. Should they have the courage, it’s evident that Abiy, OPDO , Demeke, ANDEM, Gedu, ANDEM and Lemma, OPDO have more synergy, communion, internal support and people power to do the things that matter most wholeheartedly.
We, the people, expect in the coming couple of days that :
—The state of emergency will be lifted immediately.
—All political prisoners will be released immediately.
—The border of Addis Ababa will be marked in bold immediately.
—National grand projects will be audited immediately.
—Anole monument will be demolished.
—Relocate those displaced as a result of Oromo-Somali conflict immediately.
—State finance system will be audited immediately.
—Ethiopia’s Foreign diplomatic staffs will be shuffled immediately.
—National reconciliation committee will be instituted immediately.
—National Transitional Board will be instituted , and its holistic framework for transition to democracy will be pitched, augmented and buzzed through the state media.
— The justice system will be instituted anew.
—The national election board will be instituted a new.
—Ethiopia’s Central Statistics Authority will be checked and balanced.
—That Grand corruption will be taken top down, bottom up and horizontally.
—That Federal power will be fair and balanced.
—Military leadership will be renewed.
—That the disproportionate tax paid by the city of Addis to the Federal government will be earmarked for addressing exacerbating urban destitution in the chartered city.
Meanwhile, the struggle will/must continue as long as what’s outlined above isn’t delivered as a mater of practically.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) welcomes the election of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Chairman of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and as Ethiopia’s incoming Prime Minister. He comes into office at a critical period when the country is facing many domestic and regional challenges. He takes over a divided country, a fractured political system, a broken economy, a frayed social fabric amid a complex regional
environment. The biggest challenge would be bringing about national reconciliation, ensuring justice, citizenship rights and equality for all. Ethiopia has age-old issues as well as new ones and we hope the new EPRDF Chairman would be the prime minister of all the 100 plus million people instead of just the party apparatus and a fraction of society. We wish our country would be one where every Ethiopian is able to live in peace and harmony, where all ideas and opinions are entertained and respected, and where all citizens participate in the affairs of their country and equitably benefit from its resources without any fear or discrimination. We are certain that without genuine democratization, the cyclical crisis that grips the country from time to time won’t go away.
To that end, we call upon the new administration to immediately rescind the State of Emergency, to revoke all laws designed to stifle the human and constitutional rights of citizens, to release all political prisoners, and to launch dialogue with all credible political organizations, both inside and outside the country.
The Ethiopian people have been yearning for freedom, justice and democracy for generations. Countless lives have been lost and ever-diminishing resources unnecessarily squandered in pursuit of these noble goals. The crisis of the last three years and the immense sacrifices paid by the Oromo people in particular and the country in general attest to this. We believe the time has come when Ethiopia embarks in earnest on the course of a
truly democratic transformation. It is our sincere hope that the appointment of the new PM is not going to be just a change of guard, but a harbinger of the meaningful reforms the dire situation demands. We also hope that Prime Minister Abiy would face the challenges squarely and carry out institutional reforms, including those of the judiciary, electoral systems, the media, and the security sector.
We in the Oromo Democratic Front are convinced that Ethiopia’s intricate and complex political problems cannot be solved by the ruling party alone; hence it must open up the political space and allow all stakeholders to play their parts towards resolving the country’s chronic and age-old political and socio-economic challenges.
The ODF is prepared to shoulder its responsibilities in this regard.
We wish the new Prime Minister success in his new endeavor, especially his reform agenda. We would also like to pay tribute to the departing Prime Minister, Ato Hailemariam Desalegn, for his exemplary move in stepping aside from his post to pave the way for change and a fresh start that the country needed.
This change in the ruling party would have been impossible without the sustained popular struggle of the last three years in particular and the sacrifices made. We would also like to take this opportunity to hail the Oromo youth, as well as those of the rest of Ethiopia who have singularly shouldered the role of challenging the authoritarian system with immense costs. We pay tribute to all the martyrs as well as all those who experienced various forms of physical and emotional suffering. At the same time we congratulate the leadership of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization, especially Team Lemma, first for carrying out reforms and change within its ranks, and for courageously facing the challenges along the road.
Likewise we call upon the people of Ethiopia to sustain their exemplary patience and to give the new administration a breathing space by preserving peace and harmony among all communities and by eschewing all acts that may only play into the hands of detractors wishing to derail the reform process.
Freedom and Justice for All! The Oromo democratic Front (ODF)
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) government has finally elected Dr. Abiy Ahmed as its new party Chairman to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. While Dr. Abiy’s election answers the question of who will replace Hailemariam, it also raises two other important questions: whether the replacement represents the usual trickery from the TPLF playbook, or is it a genuine effort by reformists within the regime to address the demands of the Ethiopian people? We will soon learn the answers to these questions.
In the last three years, there has been an internal struggle within the EPRDF between those who are bent on maintaining the status quo and those who want to upend the political system in response to the people’s demand for fundamental change. If Dr. Abiy’s ascendancy to the premiership represents a triumph for the reformist wing within EPRDF to bring about fundamental changes to peacefully transition Ethiopia from dictatorship to democracy, Patriotic Ginbot 7 (PG 7) will view it as a step in the right direction.
It’s no secret that Dr. Abiy’s election comes at a critical time in Ethiopian history. Currently, the country is engulfed by massive protests with people demanding freedom, justice, and respect for fundamental human rights, civil liberties and inclusive governance. In this process, enormous sacrifice has been paid by the Ethiopian people through thousands innocent lives lost and too much bloodshed, agony, and anguish. After all these sacrifices, it must be understood by all that the quest for real change towards a genuine democratic political order shall remain a non-negotiable factor. Any agent of change that does not address this fundamental truth will invite the people’s wrath upon himself.
As the elected chairman of EPRDF, it’s a foregone conclusion that Dr. Abiy will be sworn in as the next Prime Minister. If his premiership is to mean the triumph of reform within EPRDF, it’s imperative to set the right agenda for change and take the following concrete measures starting on day one:
Release our comrade Andargachew Tsege and all political prisoners throughout the country without any pre-conditions;
Revoke immediately the illegal and draconian State of Emergency and lift all restrictions on fundamental human rights and civil liberties;
Stop the killing of civilians and restructure the security forces that have been committing the killings with impunity;
Communicate a clear roadmap to convene a national conference of all stakeholders to discuss about the future all-inclusive transitional arrangement.
While applauding the initial success of the reformist group, we are also cognizant of the fact that there are still powerful elements within EPRDF that are not happy with the result of the election and we expect them to use the deep state within their control to stall and frustrate change. It’s necessary to keep an eye and stand guard against any such potential sabotage.
Since its inception, Patriotic Ginbot 7 has been operating under a firm principle of working collaboratively with change agents from any quarter as long as genuine democracy is their end game. At the same time, until the transition from dictatorship to democracy becomes a reality, we urge the Ethiopian people who have paid immense sacrifice to continue their determined and just struggle for freedom, justice, and democracy until victory.
Justice, liberty, and Unity for the people of Ethiopia!
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – In choosing a 42-year-old polyglot from Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group as prime minister, the ruling coalition is trying to ease ethnic tensions and appeal to the legions of disaffected youth.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Abiye Ahmed addresses a news conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia December 4, 2015. Picture taken December 4, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.
Former army Lieutenant-Colonel Abiye Ahmed, who speaks three Ethiopian languages and co-founded a branch of the intelligence services, is now under pressure to deliver the stability that his Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) craves.
Abiye got the job on Tuesday, succeeding Hailemariam Desalegn who quit to clear the way for reforms.
Oromiya region, which surrounds the capital Addis Ababa, has been rocked by violence since 2015. This is fuelled largely by a sense among young members of the Oromo ethnic group, which makes up roughly a third of the 100 million population, that they are politically and economically marginalized.
Abiye’s Oromo heritage appears to be a calculated attempt to soothe this anger. But his broader room for manoeuvre may be hemmed in by the strictures of the EPRDF, the rebel coalition that took over from the Derg military regime in 1991.
Dissident politicians say the EPRDF, which holds all 547 seats in parliament, is not yet ready to allow more freedom in what remains one of Africa’s most tightly controlled states.
“Attempts to enact change will depend on the coalition’s readiness,” said Merera Gudina, an Oromo opposition leader and former parliamentarian who spent a year in jail on charges of inciting unrest. “Some of its leaders may still be thinking within their own box and seek cosmetic changes that will not take the country forward.”
The EPRDF has chosen Abiye as chairman of the coalition, meaning he automatically becomes prime minister. However, he still has to be officially sworn in as premier by parliament on a date which has yet to be announced.
“PART OF THE SYSTEM”
Abiye’s rise to lead the coalition was challenged by members of the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a party from the northern Tigray region which dominates the coalition.
Abiye’s Oromo People’s Democratic Organisation (OPDO) and the TPLF are often at odds within the coalition.
“Abiye is part of the system. But it is change in the sense that the OPDO had to fight the TPLF and the system to get where they are now,” an EPRDF member who spoke on condition of anonymity told Reuters.
Street protests in Oromiya began three years ago over land rights and grew into calls for broader political and personal freedoms.
Security forces killed hundreds of people and arrested tens of thousands in what has become the biggest threat to the EPRDF since it seized power. The unrest has also deepened tensions between Ethiopia’s main ethnic groups.
Around 10,000 mainly Oromos crossed into Kenya earlier this month, according to the Kenyan Red Cross Society, after several civilians were killed in what the Ethiopian military said was a botched security operation targeting militants.
Shortly before the Abiye announcement, Oromo refugees at a camp in the Kenyan town of Moyale said a prime minister from their own community might change things.
“If our government changes and we have a good government I will go back home, but for now I cannot,” said Karu Guyo, who crossed into Kenya with all eight of her children.
Oda Asse, a university student said the Ethiopian military targeted young men like him “because we are likely to be active in the resistance”.
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“We would love to get a prime minister from the Oromo community because we are largest community,” he said.
The violence and internal EPRDF disagreements over the pace of political reforms were reasons for Hailemariam’s abrupt resignation last month.
Abiye will become Africa’s youngest leader, half the age of Cameroon’s Paul Biya, who is 85, and much younger than East Africa leaders such as Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is 73.
He served in the military for a decade after joining the EPRDF rebels at the tail end of the rule of Derg leader Mengistu Haile Mariam, who was toppled in 1991.
CLOSED SYSTEM
The new prime minister’s background as a party insider could allow him to push reforms. “Abiye has an opportunity to enact change from within as it is a closed system where the line between the civilian and security components is blurred,” said political analyst Berouk Mesfin.
Abiye co-founded the Information Network Security Agency, which conducts online surveillance of citizens, and served as its deputy chairman until 2010.
He also faces the task of further democratising a country long accused by rights groups of clamping down on dissent.
Since January, the government has released thousands of dissidents to placate simmering anger, but it re-introduced a state of emergency the day after Hailemariam resigned. Laws curbing civil society and the press remain.
Abiye must also grapple with unemployment in a country where at least 70 percent of the population is below the age of 30.
Even the officially sanctioned press has not pulled its punches about the difficulties ahead.
“It is incumbent on the incoming premier and his administration to be cognizant of the specter of catastrophe hanging over Ethiopia and do whatever is necessary to provide the kind of leadership which pulls the nation back from the brink,” the Addis Ababa-based Reporter said this month.
Cc: Abadula Gemeda, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representative
29 March 2018
Your Excellencies,
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The undersigned international, regional and national human rights and development organisations write to express our grave concern over the recent arrest of 11 Ethiopian journalists, bloggers and political opposition leaders amid a new crackdown on fundamental freedoms. Such measures undermine the Ethiopian government’s international human rights obligations as well as recent political commitments to initiate an era of widespread democratic political reform. As you assume your position as Prime Minister, we urge the Ethiopian Government to immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders, political activists and journalists, including the 11 individuals detained this week.
On 25 March 2018, Ethiopian police and security forces arrested journalists Eskinder Nega and Temesgen Desalegn, Zone9 bloggers Mahlet Fantahun, Befekadu Hailu, blogger Zelalem Workaggnhu and political activists Andualem Arage, Addisu Getinet, Yidnekachewu Addis, Sintayehu Chekol, Tefera Tesfaye and Woynshet Molla.
The arrests were carried out while the defenders were attending a private meeting in Addis Ababa at the home of journalist Temesgen Desalegn. The private gathering was held in recognition of the recent release of thousands of political prisoners amidst ongoing and widespread protests against political marginalisation and land grabbing in the Oromia and Amhara regions which began in late 2015. The eleven are currently being held at Gotera-Pepsi Police Station in Addis Ababa.
Days earlier on 8 March, authorities arrested Seyoum Teshome, a prominent blogger and university lecturer. Teshome, who is a frequent contributor to Ethiothinkthank.com and was detained for three months under the previous State of Emergency, is currently being held in the notorious Maekelawi Prison in Addis Ababa.
While the authorities have not publicly indicated if charges will be brought against the defenders, under the February reinstatement of the national State of Emergency, groups and individuals must seek permission from the Command Post to host public gatherings.
Prior to their release in February, several of the defenders had previously been imprisoned for periods ranging from two to seven years in relation to their legitimate work as journalists, bloggers and political activists. Eskinder Nega and the Zone9 Bloggers are recipients of international awards celebrating their contribution to independent journalism and human rights.
The arrests follow the declaration of a national State of Emergency on 16 February by the Cabinet for a period of six months. The State of Emergency includes a number of draconian and overbroad provisions. Among other worrying violations of fundamental democratic freedoms, the State of Emergency imposes a blanket ban on all protests, the dissemination of any publication deemed to “incite and sow discord” including those who criticise the State of Emergency and allows for warrantless arrest.
Such measures are contrary to international human rights law and the Ethiopian Constitution and are counter-productive to peace and security. The invocation of the State of Emergency criminalises dissent and persecutes human rights defenders, protesters and journalists.
We urge the government of Ethiopia to: (i) immediately release all human rights defenders, political opponents and journalists detained for exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly; (ii) end all forms of harassment against journalists and all citizens with critical views on national matters and; (iii) review and amend the State of Emergency to ensure that any limitations on fundamental rights are in line with international human rights obligations.
Sincerely,
Access Now
African Law Foundation (Nigeria)
ARTICLE 19
Asia Democracy Network (ADN)
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Asian Legal Resource Center (ALRC)
Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE)
Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
The Article 20 Network
Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN)
Bytes4All Pakistan
Caucasus Civil Initiatives Center
Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Commonwealth Human Right Initiative (CHRI)
DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
End Impunity
Endorois Welfare Council (Kenya)
Ethiopia Human Rights Project (EHRP)
Freedom House
Front Line Defenders
Karapatan (Philippines)
Global Participe (Republic of the Congo)
Greenpeace Africa
International Civil Society Centre
International Service for Human Rights
JOINT – Ligas de ONGs em Mocambique (Mozambique)
Odhikar (Bangladesh)
OutRight Action International
Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum
PEN International
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights
Sengwer Indigenous Peoples Programme
Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF)
West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)
West African Human Rights Defenders’ Network (WAHRDN)
I did not like how the election of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as the chairman of the EPRDF and as the Prime Minister designate of Ethiopia, pending approval by the Parliament, is being framed and set up by both local and international media and the implication of his election on the demands of the Oromo people in Ethiopia.
Irrespective of whichever media outlet’s one may read, the following five key connections are either implied or purposely made about the connection between the election of Dr. Abiy and demands of the Oromo people. And they are all wrong.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
1. Dr. Abiy was not elected to represent the Oromo people. He is an Ethiopian Prime Minister representing the entirety of the Ethiopian people including the Oromo people. The Oromo people never nominated nor elected him to represent them in the Office of the Prime Minister. He is elected as an individual, possibly, representing the OPDO, the Oromo wing of the EPRDF. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that Dr. Abiy is becoming the chairman of the EPRDF and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia by representing the Oromo people.
2. Dr. Abiy was not elected to calm down and sooth the Oromo people and the Oromo protests. To begin with, the demands of the Oromo people was not to elect Dr. Abiy to the office of the prime minister. Second, it is wrong to assume that the Oromo people will be calmed down and being soothed by the election of an Oromo individual to the office of the Prime Minister unless the office Dr. Abiy represents, the Office of Ethiopian Prime Minister, responds to the demands of the Oromo people and all the demands of the #OromoProtests are addressed. In fact, the Oromo protests will continue their struggle until the political, economic and social exclusion and marginalization of the Oromo people in Ethiopia ends. The Oromo people knows he is an Oromo but he does not represent the interests of the Oromo people alone. As a Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy represents the interests of all Ethiopian people. The Oromo people will not expect either specific favor other than what he could do for all Ethiopia’s or being disappointed if he fails to deliver any of his promises. But, with Dr. Abiy in the office of the Prime Minister, the Oromo people will work with him to end those marginalization and exclusions. The same holds true about the demands of all other Ethiopian people. Simply put, the struggle will continue including by working with him to address the demands of our people for justice, equality and freedom.
3. Dr. Abiy’s success or failure as the Prime Minister is not Oromo people’s success or failure. Dr. Abiy’s success or failure as the Prime Minister is just that. It is his individual success or failure. The Oromo people will not be praised for his success nor condemned because of his failures. But, will I be, as an Oromo, happy at his success? Triple Yes! Yes! And Yes! In fact, I will do everything in my power for him to succeed to advance the causes of equality, justice and freedom in Ethiopia. I believe the Oromo people, the same as all other Ethiopians, will do the same and work hard for his success. Other than that, attributing his failure or success to the Oromo people will be totally wrong.
4. Dr. Abiy, as an individual, is not a superman to do miracle in solving Ethiopia’s multifaceted problems. Rather, his administration, the ministerial cabinet and other executive authorities he appoints, the support of progressive forces in the EPRDF, and the support his administration gets from the Ethiopian public including from those in the opposition will determine whether his administration succeeds or fails. Therefore, instead of focusing what Dr. Abiy could do or not do, let’s look into what we could do both as an individual and as group to help him and his administration bring the much needed transformative regime change in Ethiopia.
5. Dr. Abiy is not an Oromo Prime Minister. He is an Ethiopian Prime Minister. Designating him as an Oromo Prime Minister is a tacit attempt to imply that the Oromo people assumed political power in Ethiopia. That is simply wrong. The Oromo people, together with other Ethiopians, are struggling to establish the government of the people for the people by the people in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian people’s political power to elect and remove from office their representatives through democratic elections are not yet to be secured or even formally acknowledge by the current Ethiopian regime. Therefore, implying as if the election of Dr. Abiy signifies the transfer of the political power to the Oromo people is totally wrong.
I hope both the international and local media will not make these and similar mistakes as they continue to report on this issue.
Ethiopia’s incoming prime minister must prioritize addressing the deep-rooted human rights crisis in the country, said Amnesty International, following the election of Abiy Ahmed as chairman of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) party.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.‘‘If approved as prime minister, Abiy and his government must take urgent measures to address the human rights crisis in Ethiopia, through concrete and genuine reforms,’‘ Salil Shetty, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.
Abiy’s elevation to the helm of the ruling coalition comes at a time when the country has declared a state of emergency, the second of its kind in less than two years, imposing severe restrictions on the exercise of human rights and freedoms.
If approved as prime minister, Abiy and his government must take urgent measures to address the human rights crisis in Ethiopia, through concrete and genuine reforms.
The state of emergency has met stiff resistance from the people in the Oromiya and Amhara regions and has been criticised by many of Ethiopia’s allies in the West.
In one of the most shocking incidents since the announcement of the state of emergency on 16 February, security forces killed at least 12 civilians and wounded many more in the southern town of Moyale.
The Command Post for the state of emergency admitted wrongful killings of civilians in Moyale, alleging it was caused by “mistaken intelligence report”.
Political prisoners including opposition leaders, bloggers and journalists who were recently released as part of reforms advanced by the former premier, have recently been arrested and detained without charges.
‘‘The killings of civilians, re-arrest of recently released political prisoners and the new wave of arrests bodes ill for the long-promised reform agenda in Ethiopia,’‘ added Shetty.
“Abiy’s new government must start by releasing all prisoners of conscience and reforming or repealing all repressive laws, including the draconian Anti-Terrorism Proclamation and the Ethiopian Charities and Societies Proclamation, which have played a significant role in rolling back the human rights gains in the country.”
Parliament will convene on Monday April 2 to confirm Abiy as the country’s new prime minister.
Ethiopia on Wednesday was poised to welcome a young, outspoken new prime minister as many in Africa’s second most populous nation hoped for an end to the most severe anti-government protests in a quarter-century.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.The East African nation’s ruling coalition late on Tuesday named a new chairperson, 42-year-old Abiy Ahmed, and a vote to install him as prime minister is expected in the coming days in parliament, where the coalition and its regional affiliates hold all of the seats.
The announcement follows months of protests that left hundreds dead and the surprise decision by outgoing Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn early this year to release prominent politicians, journalists and others from prison to free up political space.
But tensions continued and Hailemariam later announced his intention to resign, and a new state of emergency, the second in less than two years, was imposed in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Earlier this week, a number of recently freed politicians and journalists were re-arrested and accused of gathering without authorities’ prior knowledge.
Ethiopians had eagerly awaited news of their new leader, with many hoping the development would bring calm to the nation of 100 million people. Many Ethiopians on social media at home and abroad erupted in cheers after hearing of Abiy’s selection – a rare sight in the increasingly polarized political environment.
Hailemariam on Wednesday urged the nation to support the ongoing reforms and “refrain from anti-peace activities and contribute your share for the ongoing democratization in the country,” the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported.
Abiy will be the first person from Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the Oromo, to be prime minister since the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front came to power in 1991. The Oromo people, despite their numbers, have long felt marginalised and have played a main role in the demonstrations.
People in major towns across Oromia took to the streets on Wednesday and slaughtered animals in celebration.
Ethiopia’s new leader is widely seen as a fresh face in the ruling coalition, which long has been dominated by the smaller but more powerful Tigray Peoples Liberation Front. Credited with co-founding the National Intelligence and Security Service, Abiy was elected last month as chair of the Oromo People Democratic Organisation, one of the ruling coalition’s four core parties, paving the way for his premiership.
“A fair justice system works only when human rights are respected,” he said during a recent meeting in Oromia.
“I believe that Dr. Abiy Ahmed is the answer to Ethiopia’s youths’ questions,” Yonas Alemayehu, an activist in the restive region, told The Associated Press.
This will be the third prime minister since the current ruling coalition came to power after overthrowing the Derg military regime by force. The ruling coalition on Tuesday also decided to keep Demeke Mekonnen as deputy prime minister.
A Cabinet shuffle might be coming, the coalition’s general secretary, Shiferaw Shigute, hinted on Wednesday.
The outgoing prime minister, Hailemariam, at times had been labeled as weak and in the shadow of former strongman Meles Zenawi, who died in 2012. Others argued that he successfully continued the late leader’s core policies: economic transformation and repression.
In a 2016 interview with the AP, Hailemariam acknowledged that good governance was in decline in Ethiopia, a key security ally of the United States.
“That is the main reason why people are protesting,” he said at the time. “This is really a positive sign. I have recently apologised in front of the parliament for our mismanagement and lack of responsibility that have generated these dissents. We are now taking measures to address those grievances.”
However, the protests have continued to this day.
Yilikal Getnet, a prominent opposition figure, said the declaration of two separate states of emergency and now the change in leadership showed that the tight grip that ruling elites once had over the public was now deserting them.
“This change in leadership is an indication of how unstable the government is,” Yilikal told the AP. “It has got nothing to do with opening up for democratisation or a peaceful transfer of power. It’s time for the ruling party to admit that solving Ethiopia’s current woes are beyond its capacity.”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Addis Abeba, March 30/2018 – Journalist Temesgen Desalegn, who has been rearrested last sunday along with ten other here in the capital Addis Abeba, is admitted to Zewditu hospital due to sever back pain he developed during his jail time in recent past, according to family members.
“Temesgen did not have the break he needed to recover from the back pain he developed when he was in Ziway federal prison and was following with treatments after his release,” a family member who was on her way to the hospital told Addis Standard. “I don’t know what he did to deserve this.”
Ten others who are detained with him under the state of emergency are all kept in inside the Gotera police station in “inhuman” condition where around 200 detainees “are packed in a 5 by 8 meter room divided in three sections,” according to a note written and sent out by journalist Eskinder Nega, who was recently released along with hundreds other political prisoners. A hostile police officer at the prison told Addis Standard’s reporter to “not show up again” and “direct all queries to the command post authorities.”
During the last weekend, more than 30 people have been detained in Addis Abeba, Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara regional state, and in cities in east and west Hararghe zone of the Oromia regional state, among others. The detainees included university professors, former prisoners who were recently released, religious figures as well as local administrators.
Journalist Temesgen is among the 11 individuals detained on Sunday March 25 during a lunch party organized by his mother to celebrate the release his colleagues and friends. Others included journalists Zelalem Workagegnehu, and Eskendir Nega and opposition politicians Andualem Aragie and Woynishet Molla. The list also includes bloggers and rights activists Mahlet Fantahun and Befekadu Hailu of the zone9 blogging collective, as well as Yidnekachew Addis, Sintayehu Chekol, Addisu Getaneh and Tefera Tesfaye.
The weekend detainees also included a group of 19 academicians and journalists who remained in prison in Bahir Dar. According to information from family members, the 19 are still kept without being brought to court. But unlike the group held in Addis Abeba, they are kept in relatively better condition and do get visits from family members and lawyers.
Among them, Assistant professor Desalegn Chane of the Bahir Dar University, Temesgen Tessema, former Wello university lecturer-turned-lawyer, author Gashaw Mersha who is currently a practicing teacher in Addis Abeba, Belete Molla, associate professor at the philosophy department of the Addis Abeba university, journalist Nigatu Asres of the Amhara mass media agency and journalist Belete Kassa, former editor-in-chief of the now defunct ‘Yekelem Kend’ newspaper.
Here is list of names of 17 detainees in Bahir Dar, #Ethiopia. Detainees are mostly university instructors, journalists and lawyers. They are on the process to establish regional political party in Amhara region. https://t.co/1GXzNWjacp
Yesterday, Ethiopian netizens once again took to social media using the hashtag #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners to highlight the conditions the detainees are held in and to demand their release.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. “#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners” by @addisstandard
As new round of crackdown by army in #Ethiopia saw more than 30 academicians, bloogers, journalists, & opposition politicians jailed, netizens once again took to social media to demand their release https://t.co/5wZGata56O
We in the Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia (SMNE) would like to congratulate Dr. Abiye Ahmed Ali, the newly elected chairperson of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front, (EPRDF), soon to become Prime Minister of Ethiopia.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.We also congratulate the people of Ethiopia who have a new opportunity to shape their future for the betterment of all. This is a time for wisdom, diligence, strength and restraint so it is not wasted.
Countless Ethiopians have contributed to this favorable moment, giving us hope for a better future. We must thank them. Others had fought for change in the past.
In our present struggle, many Ethiopians were wounded, imprisoned, tortured, sacrificed their lives or had to flee the country, simply for standing up for greater freedom and justice. These people were from every region of the country, from every walk of life, and of different ages, religions, genders and cultural backgrounds. Among them are Ethiopia’s finest voices for freedom, activists for justice, political leaders, journalists, religious leaders, elders and particularly our youth. Unfortunately, the valiant efforts of the past have not yet produced the fruit for which we still hope.
Our struggle continues today against the lack of justice, freedom, rights and opportunity. The projected image of the country does not match the reality and must be challenged with truth. Powerful gatekeepers block economic participation based on ethnicity.
Laws meant to stifle freedom continue, like the Anti-Terrorism Law and the Charities and Societies Proclamation (CSO). Despite claims of a booming economy we are in the midst of a serious cash flow problem in the country. Hunger levels are high in many places. Corruption is rampant and regime force is still taking the lives of our civilians. We are better than this; however, today we see a glimmer of hope that things could get better. Sadly, many of the valiant forerunners who fought for this day, are no longer here with us. We should never forget them for they left us a legacy that remains with us today.
Now, a new and promising leader, Dr. Abiye Ahmed, has entered the scene. He is someone who has broken across ethnic lines to see the larger picture of our shared humanity; however, he has come into this leadership position at a challenging time of uncertainty, not only for the EPRDF, but for all of us. Ethiopia is at a very critical point, which many fear could lead to an explosion of ethnic-based violence and to the disintegration of our country into a failed state. This must be averted, but cannot only be the work of one leader and a few around him, but will require our whole nation to take responsibility. Every sector of society has to do its share, including many in the Diaspora.
We Ethiopians already seem to know that the problems before us must be solved by us, not by outsiders. We are the ones that created it and now we are the ones responsible to collectively steer the country into a better place. It will require humility, thinking beyond ethnicity or other differences and goals that are bigger and greater than ourselves. We need a new paradigm, meaning we must uproot our habit of advancing our own ethnic-based politics or some other replica of the same. We have to come out from this. It will not work. Ethiopia is for ALL of us; and, if the name offends, it is only because the name has been misused for so long. Let us bring a new and more positive meaning to it. Yet, the TPLF emblem on the plain Ethiopian flag is meant to provoke rather than focusing on the bigger issues that will lead to greater harmony. Let us work together in these days as many are already doing and should be commended for it. This includes ouryouth, like the Fano and Qeero, who have maintained the course for nearly three years.They, along with others, should continue to help bring democratic change to everyone— it is their future.
Former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn also deserves credit for what appears to have been a deliberate attempt to advance the prospects for democratic reforms by stepping down from his position.
Obo Lemma Megerssa is among other excellent Ethiopian leaders who forthrightly called for a rejection of the nations and nationalities driven structure and policies of the EPRDF’s ethnic-based federalism, a model that has failed.This “experiment” of ethnic federalism has not achieved the objectives it claimed would be accomplished— greater representation and independence of each nation and nationality— but instead, actually produced the opposite result— the domination by one minority, the TPLF, over all others and increased division, distrust, conflict and hostility among diverse groups, sometimes incited by the TPLF. This ethnic-based model even created conflicts and isolation within families, communities and regions of mixed ethnicity as it grew into such a hot social issue that it provoked new anger and hostility, even over age-old grievances. Loyalty to tribe or ethnicity was given a higher value than what was right or wrong, suffocating the life out of efforts to work together; yet, making the powerful thrive while the majority struggled to survive.
Lemma is an example of someone who broke the barrier of “tribalism gone wrong” by speaking about the nation as a whole—including others outside his ethnicity. He inspired many by declaring: “ethnicity has no human soul.” This one statement speaks a huge message regarding the primary importance of what makes us human— that every human being is created in the image of God with an individual soul. He and Oromo elders reached out to Amhara leaders and elders by meeting with them in the Amhara region, living out his beliefs.
Some other seeds of unity were planted during the first protests in the Amhara region in late 2015, following the killing of so many Oromo youth. After a religious service in the Amhara region, an Ethiopian Orthodox priest had faced security forces after speaking out at this religious gathering regarding the shared blood between the two groups. It was also declared by Amhara youth who bravely stated, “Oromo blood is our blood, their suffering is our suffering and their pain is our pain.” A Muslim leader said the same at the Ethiopian Soccer tournament in 2016.
Many others are doing their share to cross lines of ethnicity, like the soccer teams from the Amhara youth, welcoming the Oromo to their matches. Even musicians like Teddy Afro and others of differing backgrounds are using their voices, lyrics and talents as bridges of reconciliation and affirmation of one another.
The momentum of this movement has brought a new and stronger voice to the public square— the voice of conviction. Consider the recent vote to approve the State of Emergency in the Ethiopian Parliament. It only passed because it was rigged, while an unprecedented number of members either boycotted the vote, abstained from it or voted against it.
Now with this recent election of Dr. Abiye Ahmed, the TPLF failed in their attempt to control the vote, only agreeing to “give” the vote to Abiye if he agreed to become a puppet, with no control of the military. When he refused, the TPLF endeavored to turn the vote, but it did not work. Instead, other coalition members crossed ethnicities and voted for the candidate they believed would bring change— Abiye Ahmed.
All of these we mention, but there are many more, some seen and others unseen, supported by the prayers of the people. We must appreciate and thank them for their efforts, but also know that these glimmers of hope can encourage and uplift others to do the same.
We must not fail to even appreciate the EPRDF for releasing so many prisoners, even despite the implementation of a State of Emergency, which never met the criteria of the law.
We also should recognize the current dilemma of the TPLF and give them acknowledgement for what appears to be restraint. Allegedly, they were strongly opposed to the election of Abiye for chairperson of the EPRDF and the position as prime minister that it entitles him to assume. They could have used the power of the gun to overturn the results, followed by a decision to take absolute military control of the power, but they did not and reluctantly accepted the outcome. They should be commended for this even if we disagree with them on other matters.
Finally, the future of our beloved country of Ethiopia is in the hands of all of us from every ethnic and religious groups. Each of us has to do our share. As for us in the SMNE, we commit to doing ours. This is why we are giving our stance on the situation, even if some disagree with us. From the beginning, the SMNE was formed on the basis that a better and more just, united and strong Ethiopia could only be formed through actually “talking to each other rather than about each other,” in order to start humanizing our family of Ethiopians. This means implementing a plan for an inclusive national dialogue, national reconciliation (also utilizing our faith-based leaders), and restorative justice.
The Ethiopia that we seek to build for our future should be based on God-given principles where the humanity, freedom and rights of all our people are valued and respected— for no one is free until all are free. This is what we stand for and hope for in the coming days, months and years although it will not be easy. We in the SMNE believe that Dr. Abiye has demonstrated the kind of worldview that can further these principles; however, as mentioned before, a new Ethiopia is the job for all of us.
Once Abiye Ahmed swears as a new Prime Minster and appoints his cabinet, we call for immediate action on lifting the State of Emergency and releasing all political prisoners. This would be followed by holding a national dialogue with all stakeholders, national reconciliation, and democratic reforms, including the repeal of laws like the Anti-Terrorism law, the Charities and Societies Proclamation, and the repressive press and media laws, all of which would strengthen our institutions. A longer term goal would be to work towards establishing the foundation for a free and fair election where all parties can compete for office.
This new prime minister comes as a result of pressure from the people; now he has to advance the heart and desire of the people for freedom and justice. May God help him, those in positions of influence and all of us in the days and months ahead, helping us to see the humanity of others and holding firm to the truth.
On March 25, 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, members of the Ethiopian security forces re- arrested over a dozen prominent leaders at a private residence while the leaders were celebrating their own release and recent release of many other political prisoners and activists. These leaders are being held in prison for simply displaying the True Ethiopian flag at a private party.
