TEA 2017a

The Ethiopian Affair
Editor-in-Chief
Asnake Demena
/ Deputy Editors
Abebe Abidie
Daniel Moges
Daniel Shitie

Assistant Editors

Amin Rejawu

Tewachew Derebe

Secretary

Liya Nigussie

Coordinator
Daniel Kassa
Cover Design
Genet Tesfahun
Cartoonist
Alex Tefera
Biruk Mengist
!
Waldstrae 42A, 63589 Lisengericht
Mobile: 004915218187672
Email:
ethiopianaffair@gmail.com
Germany
2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3
Content
3 Part II English 13
3 Mission statement 13
4 Editors Note 14
5 EPRDF's Dysfunctional Politics 15
6 TPLF: the main cause of Ethnic Conflict in Ethiopia 15
Ethiopia's Anti-Terrorism Law:
6 Security or Silencing Dissent? 16
7 Oromo People Struggle 17
7 Human Rights Abuses in Oromo people by TPLF 18
Our Flag: symbol of Liberty and dignity 19

? 8
Rent Seeking in Ethiopia 20
? 8
Killings and Arrests of Oromo Protestors in Ethiopia 21
9
Hidden agenda of the TPLF to destroy
the Ethiopian orthodox Church 21
! 9
Massacare of Oromo people 24

! 10 Challenges of Semayawi party 25
11 Unity for Democracy and Justice arrests and tortured 26
12 We Demand justice 27
Detantion & Torture in Peacful Protesters 29

12
Impacts of Water Hyacinth Invasion on Lake Tana 30
Corruption in Ethiopia 32
August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2
2009 .
2007 .

/

-

-

/

/

!
.

3

1840

8 85
66 50

67
100 200

13

13

() ... 2014 Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve
(water Hyacinth)
6 2003 .
50

Asnake Demena
Editor-in-Chief
2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3 4


Genet Tesfahun (Aschaffenburg) .

......
()

::

-

::

15

? ?
.
?

/

-
:: ?

?
?

-


5
26

!! // //

Girum Kelemu & Netsanet Mamo

26

-

?

...

Bruk Getahun (Hanau)

26 26

/


6

24

80

Tizta Alemayehu (Ginsheim)

26

49
1

500

Helen Belete


7
?
Neguse Meles Alemayehu (Switzerland)

26

!!
26
?

Mulugeta Ayalew (Niedernhausen)

/

/ 2002

/

26

26

/


8

22

( )

35 45
50
22

/

/

/ 26

/

35 66

!!

Amin Rejawu !
Dereje Chekole

411
5540 1972 .
17

9

5 "
2008 . !"

"
!"
" !"

"
!"

2002 . 12,000 -
!

- "!
!

( )

!"

"
!"
5 2008 .

!! ( )

! "
Liya Nigussie !"


10
USAID (
)
( ) " !"
( )
"!"
()

?

"
!"

! !

Getu Tibebu
( )

()


11

!!

Kidest Wondifraw (Darmstadt)
26

Aynalem Gebrekrstos (Mnchen)

10000
26

? ?
!!


12
Part II English The Ethiopian Affair
Mission Statements
The Ethiopian Affair is a quarterly private Magazine established in September, 2014. It is voice
of the voiceless Ethiopians initiated by determined individuals to be published in Amharic and
English in Germany as well as beyond. The Ethiopian Affair is a print and online publication
dedicated to publishing latest information together with significant proposals. We used images
of three keys on the cover of this Magazine to symbolize mistrusts among Ethiopians, the
regime in power and opposition political parties. It is an obvious fact that Keys have been used
to lock away secret information and most valuable things of the greatest significances for
centuries. Consequently, we used images of the three keys to symbolize the ultimate quest of
Ethiopians for freedom, justice and democracy. Thus, our aim in this volume is to unlock the
range of political, social, economic and environmental issues that are locked before twenty
years but still affect all of us.
Editorials of the Ethiopian Affair strongly believe that information is a key to maintain power in
this twenty first century. Thus, we are committed to increase the circulation of information to
have a direct and positive effect on political, social, economic and environmental affairs of
Ethiopia in order to create a more inclusive democratic political system that involves all
stakeholders in it. Therefore, we encourage all Ethiopians regardless of their political, ethnic
and/or religion affiliation to actively participate in all affairs of the country without any
restriction. However, the opinions expressed in this Magazine are not necessarily those held by
Editorials of the Ethiopian Affair. Indeed, contrary views are most welcome to enhance further
discussion.

The right Magazine in the
right place at the time!
Established in September, 2014
Established in September, 2014
13
Editors Note
Institutionalized corruption
in Ethiopia
The artificial nature and the failure of representatives; local people dont have the
the countrys transformation to democratic power to rule themselves or vote corrupt
governance and its legacy to the deficit of the officials out of public offices. As the
political system once again open the door to consequence, like its hegemony in the
corruption and facilitated the political arena of the country, TPLF made
fertile breeding ground for the political itself to dominate the economic scenery of
gangrene. Ethiopias political landscape the country and monopolizes the economy of
seems to be dragged into a bottomless grave Ethiopia. Socially, the undesirable corruptive
by the EPRDF political cadres. Ethiopia is behavior is rampant in the country.
governed under a centralized form of Generally, corruption describes an
government and in the contemporary ailing economy that corruption is an outcome
Ethiopia corruption flourishes as institutions. of a weak state administration or ineffective
The significant causes of political governance. That is why currently the people
corruption in Ethiopia of Ethiopia defiantly refused to pay
are poor governance, lack of accountability shakedown taxes to the TPLF regime and
and transparency, low level of anti-tax movement against the TPLF with the
democratic culture and tradition, lack of slogan 'Taxation with out representation' is
citizen participation, lack of clear spreading throughout the country. Over the
regulation and authorization, low past years, the people of Ethiopia have
institutional control, extreme poverty and engaged in massive acts of civil resistance to
inequality. The citizens of the country are not the minority corrupted TPLF rule.
allowed to democratically elect their
Abebe Abidie /Deputy Editor

14
EPRDF's Dysfunctional Politics together; it is the only choice that avoid risk of
conflict and build our modern country.
Abebe Abidie
The minority regime has believed and TPLF: the main cause of Ethnic
put in practice a fatal ruling system. As a Conflict in Ethiopia
minority to rule Ethiopians (majority) is by Daniel Shitie
dividing, making it weak and disorganised True leaders are willing to die for their
thorough its divide and rule policy. It has dreams. They dont oppress with ignorance; they
created a structure that facilitate this division in impress with visions. That was Nelson
form of federal boundaries. It has formulated Mandelas famous quote and everybody agree
policies that ferments inflammatory remarks, on the idea of having a leader that impress the
false history, exaggeration and divisive acts people with a powerful vision but the reality in
among different ethnicities and religion to wage most African countries is an absolute inverse.
division, animosity and war among ourselves. Leaders struggle day and night to keep the
Protests in Oromia, Amhara and South power for life time and try so hard to be
regions are viewed as indications that EPRDFs surrounded by their tribe members and finally
model of governing through complete control after they make sure that the power is in full
over all levels of political and economic life could control they start preaching about how free and
soon reach its breaking point. The governments democratic their government is.
intolerance of alternative political views is The problem of power consolidation and
pushing the countrys diverse ethnic and political tribalism has been a plague in allover Africa for a
communities to take to the streets to air their long time from the oldest nation like Ethiopia to
grievances. the youngest nation like South Sudan. Many
That is why world condemns the killing of scholars raise a common reason for this
peaceful protesters and excessive use of force by predicament, which is most of the leaders in
Ethiopian security forces; the detention of Africa came to power through either with war or
journalists, students, activists and political coup de tat. But most of those wars and coups
leaders who exercise their constitutional rights bear a slogan of freedom and democracy but the
to freedom of assembly and expression through question is what kind of freedom and what kind
peaceful protests; and the abuse of the Anti- of democracy? Even those leaders who came to
Terrorism Proclamation to stifle political and power with election suddenly stop preaching
civil dissent and journalistic freedoms. about free election and persist on oppressing
In Ethiopian politics, that simply EPRDF's opposition parties and lead them for civil war.
politics means when a regime exerts a force on Being on power for life time can easily be
the people; exercising dectatorship, corrupting associated with personal ego and refusal for the
the resources, preparing false election, idea of subordination of personal interest from
propagating failed development agenda and national interest. And to make sure to stay on
detaining activists used as making safe political power for life time the common formula for
environment that is why when people raised whole African leaders is to be surrounded by
peaceful questions it declared state of their own loyal tribesmen. When the
emergency. But no emergency decree can ever government keeps on focusing tribalism as a
change people's revolutionary activities unless main criterion for recruiting government
the regim replaced with the new democratic and positions, people will suddenly start to
public government in Ethiopia. differentiate themselves based on tribe and
And for those of us Ethiopians struggling suddenly tribal and ethnic incidents will arise.
against this tribal fascist regime today and When ethnic group become the primary
fighting not only for democracy but also for the criterion for government position democracy
fundamental structure that holds the nation and free election will disappear and parties will

15
start to reshape based on ethnic group and if other ethnic groups start organizing
sense of nationalism will start to diminish. themselves based on ethnic group but I am not
It is not a crime for someone to show saying it is right, it is completely wrong but what
belonging for his or her ancestors and ethnic I am trying to pinpoint is the main source of the
group but the problem is when one ethnic group problem. The main source of the problem is the
began to oppress the other. Hundreds of government. We should have stopped it years
thousands Africans have lost their precious lives ago when the government started putting ethnic
and millions have displaced due to ethnic wars groups on our personal identification card. We
and conflicts. Even if there are many reasons should have protected our nationalism years ago
that can be raised as a main cause for ethnic when the government started to organize
conflicts, personally I blame governments. A political parties based on ethnic groups. I dont
government is responsible for building up think it is too late we can get back our
nationalism in the mind of the people and a nationalism after we get rid of this undemocratic
government has to be an example in the idea of tyrannical regime.
subordination of ethnic interest from national Ethiopian government has to stop
interest. A government is responsible to lead the segregating Ethiopians based on their Ethnic
people in a strong sense of putting the country group. For multinational country like Ethiopia
first. Ethiopian ethnic idea of ethnic interest and Ethnic freedom will never be a long lasting
established to free single ethnic group from a solution, our freedom will become real when we
country with over 80 ethnic groups. For the sake get rid of this ethnic government. Our freedom
of loyalty of ethnic interest almost all top will be real when we all become free together.
government positions and majority of middle Our people has been suffering with different
and lower level positions are granted to people kinds of problems for many years, enough is
from a single ethnic group. Ethiopia ethnic and enough, we do not have to sit and watch when
tribal issues started to since TPLF came to the so called Ethiopian government throw away
power. our nationalism and cheer us kill each other.
Now almost all Ethiopians have learned Ethiopia's Anti-Terrorism Law:
how to differentiate people based on Ethnic
group and surprisingly it has become quite
Security or Silencing Dissent?
normal. The government is fully responsible for Eyob Melaku (Troisdorf)
the consequences of this severe problem Terrorism is a term used in its broadest
because it has as a main policy for more than sense to describe the use of internationally
two decades without anticipating the complete indiscriminate violence to create terror or fear,
negative result just only for the sake of keeping to achieve a political, religious or ideological
an absolute power. aim. Terrorism comes from the French word
Sometimes it is difficult to blame certain Terrorisme, and originally specifically to state
ethnic group for putting their ethnic group first terrorism as practised by the French government
after they suffered a lot based on their ethnic during the 1793-1794 reign of terror. The French
group. The Ethiopian government is the main word terrorisme in turn derives from the Latin
reason for the problem of tribalism and its verb terrere meaning to frighten. The Jacobins
future consequences because it is the coming to power in France in 1792, are said to
have initiated the reign of Tertor after the
government that first throw away nationalism
and started running a policy of tribalism. Jacobins lost power "terrorist" become a term of
As we all know Ethiopian government is abuse. Although "terrorism" originally referred
not nationally elected government rather it is an to acts committed by a government, currently it
usually refers to the killing of innocent people
ethnic group which came to power by force and
for political purpose in such away a spectacle.
segregate the rest of the people based on race
The definition of terrorism has proven
and ethnic group. It shouldnt be quite surprising
controversial, various legal systems and

16
government agencies used different definitions institutions of the country. It is a law with
of terrorism in their national legislation. For breath-taking wide provisions especially its
Ethiopia proclamation of anti- terrorisom definition of terrorism," Gordon said. The
designed the right of people to live in pace, dictatorial regime of the country always believes
freedom and security must be protected, at all by power when the people ask political question
times, from the threat of terrorisom but Laws in or write something differ from the regime
Ethiopia designed to prosecute terrorism are opinion in meeting stage or other situation they
increasingly being used to silence political send spying to betting, violence or arrested with
dissidents, opposition party members, contacting proclamation of anti-terrorism.
journalists and others in civil society. At this Ethiopia's anti-terrorism law is not security of
moment when anybody want to write the nation and nationality people of Ethiopia
weakness of government on Facebook, magazine because it's silence political dissidents,
or other social media based on political opposition party members, journalists and other
democracy of the country is not possible in civil society.
because the dictatorial regime of the country
said anti -terrorism and send to prison without
Oromo People Struggle
any precondition. Let us see evidence, Yonatan
Eliyas Ebrahim Chota
In November 1991, Amnesty
Tesfaye, a former spokesman of the Semayawi
International reported the killing of at least 20
(Blue) party, was detained in December 2015 on
demonstrators who were protesting against the
charges under Article 4 of Ethiopia's Anti-
new EPRDF government. Over the years, Oromo
Terrorism Proclamation. Eleven statements from
protests have been broken up multiple times by
his Facebook page were used as evidence. His
the police and the military. On 4 January 2004
posts were critical of the way the Ethiopian
for instance, dozens of protesting Oromo
government handled the crackdown during the
students were arrested and transferred from
protests throughout the Oromia region. The
Addis Ababa University to an undisclosed place
Ethiopian government charged him with
of detention. They were participating in a
planning or inciting terror acts but Yonatan was
peaceful demonstration by members of the
only expressing his thoughts, which are
Oromo ethnic group. In another incident, scores
protected by the constitution. The court decided
of people were arrested near Jimma in the
six years and six months in prison. Lewis Gordon
Oromia region, over 300 kilometers southwest of
is the executive director of the Environmental
the capital Addis Ababa, on 26 August 2004.
Defender Law Centre, which helps people in
They were detained at Agaro Prison without
developing countries who face threats due to
access to a lawyer or their families and without
advocacy for the environment or human rights.
charge or trial. The students were not brought to
He said the Ethiopian law was enacted in 2009 as
court within the 48-hour period.
an anti-terror measure, but he believes its real
During the Oromia protests against the
aim was something different.
Addis Ababa Master Plan in April-May 2014,
"There's ample evidence that it was
Amnesty International documented the use of
designed more as a tool to stifle legitimate
excessive force by police and security officials.
dissent to policies of the government there," he
During and after the protests, police and security
said. The main evidence is that the wording of
officials beat hundreds of people, including
the law is extremely vague. For instance, Part 2,
protesters, bystanders and parents of protesters
Section 3 of the law describes a terrorist group
for failing to control their children, resulting in
as "intending to advance a political, religious or
hundreds of deaths and injuries in locations
ideological cause by coercing the government,
including Ambo, Jimma, Nekemte, Wallega,
intimidating the public or section of the public,
Dembi Dollo, Robe town, Madawalabu and
or destabilizing or destroying the fundamental
Haromaya. A woman who attended a protest in
political, constitutional or economic, or social
Guder town told Amnesty International: On the

17
third day of protests, the military came to the opposition political party members, students
street and were waiting for them. When the kids and other dissenters, including independent
came to protest again, the military just started journalists and advocates of reform, were
shooting at them. Oromo protests against the arrested.Members of Oromo political
Addis Ababa Master Plan erupted again in late opposition parties were arrested by security
2015. The government labelled the protesters as forces in August and September 2011, as well as
terrorists and escalated its response against a number of students in August 2011. More than
them, resulting in deaths, injuries and the mass 75 students from Wallega and Adama
arrest of protesters, opposition party leaders universities and Gimbi town were arrested that
and journalists. The ATP permits up to four following December. In 2012-2013, Muslims in
months of pre-trial detention, which Ethiopia staged a protest against alleged
contravenes international human rights government interference- the government
standards. Amnesty International has sponsored teaching of al habash
documented the widespread use of torture and interpretations of Quran- in Islamic affairs.
other ill-treatment of protesters during this Amnesty International received reports of
lengthy pre-trial detention period. The Federal several incidents in which security services used
police, regional police and the military killed excessive force against peaceful protestors,
children as young as twelve years of age during including firing live ammunition on unarmed
the protests. The security forces and the military protestors, beating up protestors and in some
have discharged live ammunition, and beaten up cases, bystanders resulting in deaths and
protestors, wounding hundreds of people. They injuries. After security forces forcibly dispersed
have also conducted mass arrests during the the protesters, perceived leaders of the protests
protests as well as its aftermath. In May 2005, were subsequently arrested and prosecuted.
widespread protests broke out in Addis Ababa Restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly of
and other towns over contested results of the political opposition parties intensified during
Federal and Regional Parliament election. Police campaigns in the run-up to the May 2015
and other security service agents conducted general elections, in which the EPRDF won 100
mass arrests of political opposition party percent of the votes. For instance, on 19 May
activists as well as journalists and civil society 2015, Bekele Gerba and other members of the
activists. Thousands of people were detained Oromo Federalist Congress were campaigning in
and many were beaten, tortured or otherwise ill- Oromia when police and local security officers
treated, and detained without charge or trial for beat, arrested and detained them for a couple of
significant periods of time. In December 2005, hours. More than 500 members of Medrek, an
131 opposition leaders, journalists and civil umbrella group of political opposition parties,
society activists were charged with a range of were arrested at various polling stations in the
capital offences, including treason, incitement to Oromia region on 24 and 25 May 2015. Security
armed uprising and genocide against an ethnic officers beat and injured 46 people during the
group and members of the ruling party. elections; six people sustained gunshot wounds
Regional and Federal Police also and two were killed.
conducted pre-emptive arrests following the Human Rights Abuses in Oromo
Arab Spring in North African and Middle
Eastern countries. Amnesty International
people by TPLF
observed: In early 2011, the authorities made Jemila Abbaraya
large-scale arrests which appeared to be pre- Almost three year ago, the Ethiopian
emptive to prevent demonstrations from government announced the Addis Ababa Master
Plan, which proposed an expansion of Ethiopias
taking place. Hundreds of students and
capital into surrounding farms within the Oromia
opposition political party members were
region. The Oromo, who make up 40% of
arrested across Oromia, large numbers of
Ethiopias population, frequently complain about

18
their lack of representation in the capital, and, 800 people have been killed. The police have
following the announcement of the master plan, responded to peaceful protests with violence,
Oromo demonstrators gathered to show their exacerbating the existing tensions: reports that
disapproval and anger. The protests quickly in one instance, the police fired tear gas and
turned violent. On December 16, 2015, Prime warning shots at a group of protesters attending
Minister Haile Mariam Desalegn declared that he a religious festival. When the protesters turned
would show no mercy towards the protesters. to run away, several people were crushed to
In January, after 140 people had been death, leading to a total death toll of
killed, the government decided to withdraw the approximately 100 according to human rights
plan. In a statement government officials groups, and 55 according to the government.
claimed to have huge respect for the Oromo Furthermore, the government has conducted
and explained that the opposition to the plan mass arrests as part of a larger campaign to
was based on a misunderstanding. For many silence civilians. , more than 11,000 people have
protesters, this response was too little, too late. been arrested since the demonstrations began
According to an amnesty international report, last year. Of these, more than 300 are women.
even after the master plan was scrapped, the The government has also restrained free speech
Ethiopian government continued to imprison by shutting down all mobile Internet to prevent
Oromo leaders and marginalize members of the communications and isolate those dissidents
Oromo ethnic group. Protesters refused to go outside of prison. the government partially
back home, and their demands broadened to restored Internet, but social media and
include fair political representation and basic messaging platforms are still blocked throughout
human rights protections. Though Ethiopia the country.
claims to be a democracy, countless hurdles Unfortunately, the government refuses
impede the formation of rival political parties to acknowledge the valid concerns of Oromo and
and their attempts to obtain power. For the Amhara dissidents and the legitimacy of their
Oromo, their oppression at the hands of the protests. Rather, they have denounced
Tigrayans, who make up only 6% of the countrys dissidents for disturbing the peace. In a recent
population, is unacceptable. It is also nothing sttatement
new. The Oromo have been marginalized since These protests have the ability to lead to
before 1973, which is when they formed the political change for the first time, the Oromo
Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).When the and Amhara oppositions have coalesced into a
Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic single force against the government, and now
Party (EPRDF) came to power in 1991, the OLF pose a greater threat to Ethiopias political
joined the transitional government. leadership. The authoritarian regimes increasing
Unfortunately, it was not long before the EPRDF fear of subversion could make it more
created another Oromo party, the Oromo responsive to its citizens needs. The Oromo
Peoples Democratic Organization, in order to need a stable government just as much as the
weaken the OLF. Now, the Oromo are back on government needs the Oromia regionthe
the streets, fighting for their rights. source of much of Ethiopias food and most of its
In July, the protests worsened, coffee
expanding into Ethiopias Amhara region. After Political change in Ethiopia is critical. The
the Oromo, the Amhara are the second largest Oromo are a historically oppressed group that
ethnic group in Ethiopia, and over the past few have not been offered the same economic and
months, tens of thousands have come together political opportunities as the Tigrayans. It is
to demonstrate against government oppression unlikely that the protests will end until the
and ethnic violence. government acknowledges their legitimacy and
The governments response has been agrees to implement reforms. For now, it is
brutal. Since the protests began, approximately unlikely that the opposition will trust the current

19
ruling coalition, the EPRDF, to make necessary principles of liberty, equality, united Ethiopia
changes. For years, it has simultaneously where there is justice for all.
promised to implement reforms and violated That is why I have a dream one day our
human rights. Until they are truly held flag: Green,Yellow and Red stripes (without the
accountable to their people or a new coalition Satanic symbol in the middle) will waves freely in
comes to power, hundreds more Ethiopian the wind and above our ancient land. I have a
dissidents will likely be mercilessly killed and dream of a new and United Ethiopia where all
tortured, and thousands imprisoned. the citizens can live in harmony and in a country
Our Flag: symbol of Liberty and which values freedom above all else. May God
protect all our precious people. May the
dignity Almighty God free our grand country from the
Teketel Beyene (Sweden) ethnic terror or dictatorship and letting our flag
It is time to prepare for the unknowns continue waving freely until the end of Time.
of tomorrow for when it comes, we must
confront it, first as people of shared humanity Rent Seeking in Ethiopia
and then as Ethiopians; not by our differences, Heaven Muane
but by what unifies usour homes, the land we As we know we all hear in different media or
all share and the mixed blood of our ancestors . government agenda about rent seeking. What is
In order to confront our tomorrow, we rent seeking is earing beyond normal profit or max
should all be standing together as one family, profit but rent seeker are individuals, group, or civil
the Ethiopian family to demand a New Ethiopia servant in one way or the other transfer wealth
where everyone is included; where my justice without contributing any significant wealth creating
will not come without the justice of my activities. They are companies in rent - seeking by
neighbor. using their capital to contribute to political and also
Every ethnic groups in Ethiopia are our there are people who used their power so as to
beloved brothers and sisters; valued and twist the decision of government in favor of
treasured by God Almighty who created all of us. themselves to create different law and regulations.
They are us! We Ethiopians are not like TPLF Said Rent - seeking behavior include bureaucratic,
we all we are one Ethiopian. corruption, political violence, lobbing, abusive
Yes, those who committed crimes of judicial and influence the decision and policy of the
destruction under the TPLF/EPRDF will face government. In the present of Ethiopia who is rent
justice, but for anyone else, the New Ethiopia seeker individual,company, political parties, or
will include all our Ethiopian brothers and sisters government of Ethiopia. Government of Ethiopia or
in a more human, more God-honoring Ethiopia. ruling party itself is rent seeker by abuse power, by
Whenever I look at our magnificent and pure making different law and regulations to benefit
flag of Green,Yellow and Red (without satanic party company, owned by ruling party, ruling class.
symbol of ethnic hatred regime TPLF/EPRDF in Government of Ethiopia duty to rent seeking
the center) my heart swell with the splendor. behavior monopolized the market affect the
Nothing more honorable, than to love economy reduced competition this led to affect
your people, your country and embraced your people welfare. Nowadays, they reach 80
humanity. I love seeing our Ethiopian flag waves company owned by TPLF and under the control of
proudly over our ancient land. Nothing more EFFORT. Now a days not only control political but
dignifying than weaving one owns country's also the economy of the country in every aspect
flag. It is inspiring to see our Green,Yellow and industry business , finance and banking . In
Red waves in the breeze with pride. banking sector, new company own by TPLF enter to
Nothing more coveted than Freedom. the finical and banking sector like, lion,
And that is why I choose to fight against injustice debubglobal, etc. To those company in favour
and defense Ethiopia unity and believe in the national bank set rule and regulations to other
private bank. National bank makes forces to buy

20
bonds, other private bank can't make transaction, Ethiopias estimated 35 million Oromo, the
because capital so tight, they can't give loan to countrys largest ethnic group. The decision of
other and other activities so they will run out of the authorities in Ginchi to clear a forest and football
market. When we come to the other companies field for an investment project triggered protests in
owned by effort and the way expanded by directly at least 400 different locations across all the 17
transfer from government to effort or through zones in Oromia.
purchase or bid from government with list price, Security forces, according to witnesses,
also they can buy through loan of government shot into crowds, summarily killing people during
bank. When we come to other business activities, mass roundups, and torturing detained protesters.
for those who have connection with TPLF or Because primary and secondary school students in
indirectly owned by, they can import without Oromia were among the early protesters, many of
taxed this led to prices differntion in the market, to those arrested or killed were children under the
those inter material without taxed get higher profit age of 18. Security forces, including members of
also they can sell any price or Lower one, those the federal police and the military, have arbitrarily
taxed are unprofitable, difficult to compute with arrested students, teachers, musicians, opposition
them, run of the market. even taxed payment politicians, health workers, and people who
from revenue for government also different among provided assistance or shelter to fleeing students.
company. For many company difficult to resist. Although many have been released, an unknown
In general ruling party (TPLF) highly involved number of those arrested remain in detention
interacted the business activity they can shift any without charge, and without access to legal counsel
law & regulations in terms of their benefits, high or family members.
corrupted, they can destroy the other company or This report is based on more than 125
existed in market. For one country to develop it interviews with witnesses, victims, and government
need open market, free competition but Not officials. It documents the most significant patterns
monopolized, for the society it creates many of human rights violations during the Oromo
problems, increasing gap between rich and poor, protests from late 2015 until May 2016.
increasing unemployment, capital it led also In November 2015 when the protests
capital hold by in fewer hands that affect the started, protesters initially focused their concerns
economy etc. They affected both social, on the federal governments approach to
economically but they benefit under the expanse of development, particularly the proposed expansion
Ethiopia people. Now a day they control not of the capitals municipal boundary through the
only politics but also the economic, the TPLF Addis Ababa Integrated Development Master Plan
become more powerful rent seeker und dictator. (the Master Plan). Protesters feared that the
Killings and Arrests of Oromo Master Plan would further displace Oromo farmers,
many of whom have been displaced for
Protestors in Ethiopia development projects over the past decade. Such
Fatiyaa Awel Mustefa developments have benefitted a small elite while
State security forces in Ethiopia have used having a negative impact on local farmers and
excessive and lethal force against largely peaceful communities.
protests that have swept through Oromia, the As the protests continued, the government
countrys largest region, since November 2015. in mid-January 2016 made a rare concession and
Over 400 people are estimated to have been killed,
announced the cancellation of the Master Plan. But
thousands injured, tens of thousands arrested, and by then protester grievances had widened due to
hundreds, likely more, have been victims of the brutality of the government response,
enforced disappearances. particularly the high death toll and mass arrests.
The protests began on November 12, 2015,
Farmers and other community members joined the
in Ginchi, a small town 80 kilometers southwest of
protesting students, raising broader economic,
Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa, which is
surrounded by Oromia region and home to most of

21
political and cultural grievances shared by many in are also expelled from serving the church, down-
the ethnic Oromo community. graded or sent to exiled in border town away
Hidden agenda of the TPLF to from their childrens and families. To collect
money from the follower priests from Tigray
destroy the Ethiopian orthodox were hired in each churches of Addis Ababa.
Church Obliteration of our church will continue until
Tabor Mekonnen TPLF is in power. So, we all Ethiopian people are
According to affirmation given by expected to say enough for TPLF rules.
Aregawi Berhe, one of the founders of Tigray Those disciples graduating from different
Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) destroying the theological college in degree and master
oldest Ethiopian orthodox Tewahido church is program are influenced not to preach gospel in
hidden agenda of the front for many years. their mother tongue or forbid advocating the
Why should our Holly Ethiopian orthodox followers not to give Waldeba Monastery for
Tewahido church was set under the domination none-believers. On the contrary the movements
of single ethnic group from the patriarch to of protestant are expanding from time to time.
cleaner? Why should the resources and finance In each church within the capital city starting
department of the church was set under the rule from the leader each position was occupied by
of those who came from Tigrigna speaking Ethnic Tigregna speaking men. Oromo and other
group? Like other governmental and none- Ethiopian are marginalized harshly by this group
governmental institution within the country as a result. As an example, even though question
(Ethio-telecom, National and commercial banks, was raised by the regional government and
armies and federal policeetc) the highest many others; leader of Kulubi Saint Gabriel
administrative position of the church is given to church lead the church for about 24 years.
Tigregna speaking priests and popes. As a result, Sacking the administrator from Kulubi Church
they believe no one should ask them for fault was impossible for TPLF because the official
and fraud they commit inside the church. Due to bank account of the church shows in the month
this they make themselves busy in transferring December and July at the celebration of the
themselves from shanty house residents to Villa Angle Gabriel more than 90 million Ethiopian
owner by embezzling our church; rather than birr was collected. It is huge income.
providing service expected to provide for the The effort and struggle to destroy
followers. Ethiopian Orthodox Church is here and there
At his stay at Sheger FM 102.1 radio with throughout the country. Destruction movement
the known journalist Meaza Biru; when asked observed in Tigray regional state (Shire, Adwa,
about the rampant of corruption inside the Adigrat and Mekelle) is not accidental
church surrounding; holy patriarch answered, movement rather it is a planned and obviously
let leave it, the issue is so hard and trying to intended by allocating budget for it. In Adigrat
abolish it means trying to snatch meat from the University wearing Netela or t-shirt that has
chin of lion. So, it is impossible to eliminate churchs catchword is forbidden. The origin of
corruption found within the administrative of Ethiopian Orthodox Church is obviously known in
the church due to the above-mentioned reason. the country. So, to destroy the church in totality
Those who engaged in this criminal practice are destroying Orthodox Church found in Tigray or
from ruling party ethnic groups. These people the origin is taking is essential for TPLF. Waldeba
are not asked by law for the crime they commit, Monastry is sample that shows destroying the
they are not sent to correctional institutions for ancient Orthodox Church will be the long-term
their misdeed. Those Sunday school students plan of TPLF. Without losing arable land in each
who oppose leader involved in such crime were corner of the country destroying Waldeba
tortured by police officers and sent to jail. Their Monastery for the sake of sugar industry
school was closed due to their opposition. Clergy
men who oppose those corrupted church leaders

22
development is disregarding 50 million followers On the bases of this the church has the power to
of the church. use national flag as a symbol. This is also
In his PhD dissertation paper which is common in national army.
later published as a book; Aregawi Berhe, one of The third point is that the legitimacy of
TPLF influential members at the beginning of any king to rule the country is approved by the
their revolt uttered the hidden plan of church. Crowning the king is take place in Tigrie
destruction of the church. Until he was banished Axum Zion church. In return, the kings pay
out by Sibhat Nega due to the split that takes tribute for the church. Samon is land the
place within TPLF; Doctor Aregawi Berhe was government had granted to the Ethiopian
one of the nucleus of TPLF. But in 1985GC with Orthodox Church in perpetuity (time without
other members of the party Gidey Zereatsion, end). Based on this the church owns one third of
Doctor Aregawi Berhe was expelled from the the total farm land in the country. The local
party with a tape Gangrin. people also give their land for the protection and
The arrangement of TPLF how to destroy continuation of service provided by the church.
and demolish the Ethiopian orthodox Tewahido The priests were paid in kind or land for the
Church clearly stated on the book The political service they give for the church. Since land is
History of the Tigray peoples Liberation Front very essential ingredient in feudal community
(1975 -1991) Revolt, Ideology and mobilization economy most young people become a priest to
in Ethiopia by Aregawi Berhe PhD July 2009. gain farm land found under control of the
The book or dissertation consist many truths. church. Land found under the control of the
But I preferred to focus and contest basic church was administered by a priest known as
premise raised on Ethiopian Orthodox Church Gebez. Any layman can become a Gebez. The
from page 244 to 246. According to Aregawi, person who becomes Kese Gebez was elected
TPLF is trying to apply a policy of Neutralizing by the follower and then approved by the
the Church and mobilizing Muslims Neutralize church.
meaning: make (something) ineffective by In 1974GC when the military junta
applying an opposite force or effect. This and regime introduced socialism and abolishes
other factor makes the relationship between the feudalism; it becomes an end for church
church and TPLF ridiculous. government relationship. By 1974 proclamation
In Ethiopias long history as statehood, incorporation of all national land under
the church is dominant and central in social life government control the socialist Dergue
of the society in each corner of the country. inherited all land found under the church
Marriage, epiphany, graving ceremony and even control. The then patriarch of the Ethiopian
dispute resolution among member of the society Orthodox Church his Holiness Abune Tewoflos
is held within the compound of the church. So, was assassinated by ruling elites. In 1975GC the
to provide service for the followers of the church falls under great hullabaloo raised
church, many priests were found there. Each between Marxist Leninist ideology promoter and
family has his own holly father(priest)which the north rebellions. The church observed its
follows the familys religious life. So, the church hope on right wing ideology promoter like EDU.
has highest attachment with the society. Stand But there is nothing gained. So, the church
side by side with past kings. Starting from local stands on cross road like TPLF.
neighbourhood to the national level the church TPLF observed the crucial role that the
has highest integration. This becomes socio- church has on social and cultural life of the
cultural bases of the country. The church has community and unity of the country. The front
also played prominent role in resolving quarrels also observed the collaboration between the
happened between kings and rival by involving church and opposition parties due to inheritance
as negotiator. The church preaches its follower of church land by Dergue government. So the
respects of king and officials ruling the country. church is standing on the ways of the front and it

23
must be kept sympathetically. Even though within the church. In order to weaken the
TPLFs is promoter of Marxists ideology it will churchs power intelligent group lead by Sibhat
not be anti-church practically. But there will be a Nega was established. The members of the
need to make the church under its control. To group change themselves into monk and
make the church passive and reluctant on interred into those monasteries found in Tigray
political issues TPLF takes many massive and worked hard to pressurize the church to
destruction measures on the church. accept TPLFs ideology. Between 1979 and 1981
The first measure is not to return back clergy men assembly was held on those towns
the inherited church land by the Dergue liberated by TPLF. To establish Tigrian Orthodox
government. So it will weaken the economic church office was opened at Woreda and
capability of the church and will abolish the Regional Level. Due to this the church,
hope of coming back of many revolt parties like administrative body was divided into two
EDU. The long lasting economic strength of the practically. The first work under the regime and
church was broken due to inheritance of the other worked under TPLF. Both churchs
churchs land. The regime faces opposition due administrative body are working till 1982 EC.
to its inheritance of church land. The fear When TPLF controlled Mekelle the regimes
initiated by societys opposition on inheritance administration retreated to Diese. The
of church land make TPLF vow for protection of administrative office found in librated area
church land. Because of this the church was comes to Mekelle. It was stayed there until TPLF
forced to establish new social compulsion with came to power in 1983EC .
its followers. Farmer started to plough priests Dr. Aregawi Berhe tries to show as
land for the service they receive from the interference of TPLF within churchs
priests. administrative body within 3 pages. He tries to
The second measure taken was to show as the invisible confront that TPLF putted
changing the attention of association outside the on Orthodox Church up to 1983 E.C. Starting
church arena. The administrative and social role from 1991 GC Ethiopian Orthodox Church is
of the church was replaced by cooperatives and facing severe challenge and destruction for
associations. Even duties and right of the church about 26 years under TPLF regime. It this is
fall under associations decision. So, the visible for all Ethiopian and world people.
influentiality of the church was weakened due to Ethiopia is land of God. We Ethiopian people
these reasons. The church loses its conflict oppose the hidden agenda held by TPLF to
resolution capacity and involvement in familys destroy the Ethiopia Orthodox church.
life. This is because the newly coming leaders of Reference: Aregawi Berhe, 2009.The Tigray
the country does not want it. Peoples Liberation Front (1975-1991): Revolt,
The third measure taken was that Ideology and Mobilisation in Ethiopia.
starting from 1977GC consecutive meetings and Massacare of Oromo people
panel discussion was held with selected church Abdulshukur Nesru Jemal
leader with the core objectives of promoting Baga ganna nagaan baatanii booqaa
Tigrien Nationalism on the minds of others to birraa argitan. Good that the rainy season is over
separate the Tigrean church from the vast for you and that you came to see the spot of the
Ethiopian Orthodox church. sunny flowering season. The expression signifies
The abused Tigray people nationalism
the end of one season and the beginning of another
was a challenge to the church. Those panel
season, which incidentally is the beginning of a new
discussions held at Wereda level was given by
year according to Oromo time reckoning. This is not
the one of the then orator, TPLF member and
the only expression in Irreecha festival as the event
theology graduates G/Kidan Desta . The
objective of the panel was to replace the church is characterized by vast and varieties of expressions,
leadership by Tigrean and place in TPLF ideology stories and sequences of cultural displays.

24
Thanksgivings to God (Waaqa) the creator especially the mass murder it has committed
(Uumaa). against Oromo people at Irrecha National Thanks
Genocide against Oromo The TPLF has giving Holiday on October 2, 2016.
committed people by murdering in a broad day Challenges of Semayawi party
light peaceful people who gathered at Bishoftu to Yohannes Tikahere
Celebrate Irrecha, the Oromo National Thanks The Semayawi Party staged several
Giving Festival celebration on October 2, 2016. The protests in 2013-2014 during which a number of
TPLF attacked peaceful people on the ground and the demonstrators and organizers were arrested
from the air by killing hundreds and wounding and temporarily detained (AI 26 Apr. 2014).
thousands. At Irrecha, Oromo from all corners of Similarly, Freedom House reported that the
Oromiya dressing their cultural clothes and caring Semayawi party said that the government arrested
olive branch as sign of peace and prosperity get large groups of their members and held them
together to celebrate their national holiday. without charge (Freedom House 2014).
The TPLF fascist regime which intoxicated The US Department of State's Country
with the blood of innocent Oromo people for the Reports on Human Rights Practices for
last 25 years, particularly for the last 11 months has 2013 indicates that some people were arrested in
ordered its army on the ground and the Helicopter connection to a 17 March 2013 protest organized
from the air to attack peaceful innocent people by the Semayawi Party (US 19 Apr. 2014, 15).
who gathered at Hora Arsadi, Bishoftu for national Further information about this protest could not be
found among the sources consulted by the
Irrecha Celebration.
Research Directorate within the time constraints of
The Oromo Liberation Front strongly
this Response.
condemns this callous massacre by the TPLF
Several sources report that on 2 June 2013,
Regime , and resolute that the TPLF regime will be the Semayawi Party organized the first
accountable for the genocide it has committed government-permitted public protest since 2005
against Oromo people who came together from all (The Guardian 3 June 2013; US 19 Apr. 2014, 15;
corners of Oromiya to Celebrate and thank their IHS Global Insight 4 June 2013). The protest
Almighty at Hora Arsadi , Bishoftu, Oromiya. occurred in Addis Ababa (ibid.; The Africa Report 3
The murderous regime of TPLF should June 2013; The Independent 5 June 2013). The
know that it will not control oromiya and its number of protesters ranged from government
resources by killing its people. The glorious Oromo estimates of 2,000 (VOA 3 June 2013), to 4,000
people will hunt the TPLF Regime down to make (The Economist 8 June 2013), to estimates by
sure that they will pay for all crimes they have organizers of 15,000-20,000 (VOA 3 June 2013).
committed against Oromo people in particular and Sources report that the protest was peaceful and
Ethiopian peoples in general. the police did not intervene (The Economist 8 June
We call upon all Oromo and other political 2013; SMNE 5 June 2013). Rally participants
organizations to be united to dismantle The TPLF included people from different parties, ethnicities,
callous & fascist regime. There remains no moral or religions and regions (ibid.). Similarly, VOA reported
legal justification to demand the respect of that participants represented "a broad spectrum of
peoples rights from the regime that used machine Ethiopian youth" (VOA 3 June 2013).
Sources indicate that the protesters called
guns on the ground and on the air against peace
for the release of imprisoned journalists and
full people. All Ethiopian people should use all
political activists and government action to address
means necessary to dismantle the genocidal and
unemployment, corruption and inflation (The Africa
murderous TPLF regime and its collaborators. Report 3 June 2013; IHS Global Insight 4 June
The OLF will do everything to make sure 2013; The Independent 5 June 2013). They also
the TPLF will not get away with all crimes it has called for the stop of state "interference in religious
been committing against peoples in Ethiopia, and affairs" (IPS 6 June 2013; SMNE 5 June 2013).

25
According to IHS Global Insight, in June and Head of Women's Affairs, a member of the Central
July of 2013, the Semayawi Party staged protests in Committee, a member of the Central Council and
the northern Amhara and Southern Nations five other members (Ethiopian Review 12 Oct.
Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) regions against 2013).
the "harassment of opposition members and the According to the Semayawi Party website,
controversial land redistribution system" (IHS 14 members of the Semayawi Party, including the
Global Insight 30 July 2013). They also threatened Organization Affairs Head, the Legal Affairs Head,
to increase the frequency of protests if the the Public Relations Head, and the Youth Affairs
government did not release political prisoners by Head, were arrested in the town of Gonder in
August 2013 (ibid.). Corroborating and further February 2014 for attempting to hold a peaceful
information about these protests could not be public demonstration (Semayawi Party 17 Mar.
found among the sources consulted by the 2014).
Research Directorate within the time constraints of Sources report that in March 2014, seven
this Response. female members of the Semayawi party were
Sources report that on 31 August 2013, arrested after they chanted slogans calling for
authorities raided the Semayawi party's freedom, justice and the release of political
headquarters (US 19 Apr. 2014, 15; Ethiomedia 1 prisoners during a run to mark International
Sept. 2013; AI 5 Sept. 2013). According to AI, Women's Day (Mariam 16 Mar. 2014; AI 26 Apr.
federal police and intelligence officers forcefully 2014). According to AI, the women were released
entered their office in Ginfle in Addis Ababa while without charges after spending ten days in
members were preparing for a demonstration the detention (ibid.). Al Mariam, a professor of political
following day and all members present (estimated science at the State University of California at San
at 60-90) were arrested and detained, but were Bemadino who specializes in constitutional law and
released without charge several hours later (ibid.). African politics and is a self-declared supporter of
A number of the party members who were the Semayawi Party, indicated in a blog article that
detained told AI that they and many others were the women were victims of threats and physical
"severely beaten" and sustained injuries while in assaults while in detention (Mariam 16 Mar. 2014).
custody (ibid.). Sources report that 60-100 people Sources indicate that in March of 2014,
were temporarily detained and some were beaten security officials at the Addis Ababa airport held
(ibid.; US 19 Apr. 2014, 15; BBC 2 Sept. 2013). In the chairman of the Semayawi Party and prevented
addition, the police reportedly confiscated him from traveling to the US to attend a US-
equipment from the office (AI 5 Sept. 2013; Human sponsored training session for African leaders
Rights Watch 2014). Human Rights Watch reports (Ethiomedia 22 Mar. 2014; Semayawi Party 22 Mar.
that the planned protest was cancelled as a result 2014).
of the raid (ibid.). AI indicated that a government AI reported that the Semayawi Party told
spokesperson denied the action against the them that 20 of its members were arrested on 24
Semayawi party, but AI noted that the allegations and 25 April 2014, including the Vice Chairman of
"fit a long-standing pattern of credible reports of the party, and were detained in multiple police
intimidation of peaceful protestors and of political stations in Addis Ababa (AI 26 Apr. 20 14). The
opposition parties" (AI 5 Sept. 2013). Corroborating chairman was also reportedly detained at this time,
information could not be found among the sources but later released (ibid.).
consulted by the Research Directorate within the All and Human Rights Watch reported that
time constraints of this Response. on 8 July 2014, Semayawi member Yeshewas Asefa
According to the Ethiopian Review, the was arrested, along with three members of other
following leaders and members of the party were political parties, on "'terror"' charges (Human
detained by authorities as they left the office on 11 Rights Watch 19 July 2014; AI 10 July 2014).
October 2013: the Semayawi Party Chairman, Vice According to AI, he was being held in the Maikelawi
Chairman, Head of Legal Affairs, Head of Office, federal police detention centre in Addis Ababa but

26
Semayawi party members who tried to visit him in protests. The planned demonstration in Mekele
detention were denied access until after the police and the public meeting in Walaita zone
investigation was concluded (ibid.). According to AI reportedly had to be cancelled due to the
and Human Rights Watch, detainees at Maikelawi extensive harassment faced by the party
are sometimes subject to "torture" during members. Protesting against protest-related
interrogation (ibid.; Human Rights Watch 2014). AI arrests Among the issues both the UDJ and Blue
also states that "'terror"' charges are "commonly parties are protesting about, is the government
used as a pretext to put dissenters behind bars in repression of the peaceful Muslim protest
Ethiopia" (AI 10 July 2014). According to Freedom movement, and the detention and prosecution
House, in 2011, more than 100 members of of key figures of the movement. For over 18
opposition parties had been detained under the months, large swathes of Ethiopias Muslim
2009 antiterrorism law. population have staged regular peaceful protests
Unity for Democracy and Justice against alleged government interference in
Islamic Affairs. The protests have been met with
arrests and tortured repressive tactics including hundreds of arrests,
Tewachew Derebe the prosecution of the movements leaders on
According to Amnesty international terrorism charges, and several incidents of
report the opposition Unity for Democracy and alleged excessive use of police force which
Justice party (UDJ) has also reported that resulted in the deaths of many protestors.
numerous members of the party were arrested The government has continually
in various locations around the country during
attempted to discredit the movement and to
July and August 2013. All were reportedly
associate it with extremism and terrorism. A few
arrested whilst distributing flyers promoting a
days before the Blue Party demonstration
series of demonstrations and public meetings planned for 1 September, the government-allied
and a related petition demanding the Inter-Religious Council announced that a
amendment or abrogation of the Anti-Terrorism demonstration would take place on the same
Proclamation and the release of UDJ and other date and in the same location against Muslim
political leaders, religious leaders and journalists
extremism. The UDJ and Blue party
currently imprisoned under the law. The UDJ
demonstrations are also protesting against the
says that in the last two months, members of the
continued imprisonment of a number of political
party have been arrested in Mekele, Gondar, opposition party members and journalists,
Dessie, Walaita zone, Fiche town in North imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom
Shewa, and Addis Ababa. 62 party members of expression, in many cases in relation to
were reported to have been detained in Addis peaceful protest movements. Both parties are
Ababa in the last two weeks, after distributing calling for the release of journalist Eskinder Nega
flyers. Most of those arrested were reportedly and UDJ leaders Andualem Arage and Nathnael
released without charge after several days Mekonnen, who are serving lengthy prison
detention. However, several people reportedly sentences on terrorism charges after they
remain in detention in various locations. One discussed at a public meeting whether the
person is reported to have been detained Middle East and North Africa style uprisings
without charge for 12 days. A UDJ representative could spread to Ethiopia. The parties are also
told Amnesty International that organizers of
calling for the release of journalists Reyot Alemu
demonstrations and public meetings in Bahir and Woubshet Taye, and opposition leader
Dar, Arba Minch, Gondar and Walaita zone also Zerihun Gebre-Egziabher, who are also serving
experienced other forms of harassment by prison sentences under the Anti-Terrorism
government authorities, including the
Proclamation for their alleged involvement with,
confiscation of loud-speakers, tearing down
and [journalistic] reporting on the Beka!
posters, and a party member being expelled
(Enough) movement in 2011 that called for
from his job due to his involvement in the

27
peaceful protests to take place. The UDJ is military strategy to make a corridor with its host
particularly focusing its protests and petition on the Sudan. It subdued the people and other
the misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, resistance movements in the area in its military
which has been used in all of the above cases, might. So this TPLF might become a right now
and calling for the amendment or abrogation of after it toppled the military government in
the proclamation. Amnesty International has grabbing the land and displace the people in the
repeatedly expressed concern about the vague area and start to relocate and settle its own
provisions in the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, ethic groups Tigrians. Although the people in
which continues to be used to prosecute and these areas had contributed significantly to
thereby silence dissenting and critical voices. topple the military government, sadly TPLF had
We Demand justice managed to settle more than three hundred
Ahmed Fentea thousands of Tigre farmers in its first stage, and
TPLF recent declaration of war and an continued settling in these fertile lands of
act of terrorism perpetrated against the Amhara Wolkayit-Tsegede, Humera and Tselemit, and
people in Gonder. The Agazi special TPLF killing associated areas by replacing the native with the
squad, armed to its teeth have been killing, new comers from Tigre and consequently
torturing, imprisoning, and dislocating the changed the demographic nature of the land.
Amhara people and the rest of Ethiopians from
their natural dwellings for the last 25 years. The Following this event, the natives had
Amhara and other Ethiopians have to do exerted many efforts to lodge their complaints
everything to stop this rapacious regime to live and objection their demographic change and
in peace, security and prosperity. requesting their national identity to be
We are torn by this great tragedy and respected as an Amhara. For that effort the
join the world wide protest to express our people in the area had set up an 88 committee
outrage and condemnation of this ferocious act members and send them to Addis Ababa more
driven by enmity against the Amhara people and than eleven times. Nevertheless, some months
their struggle for freedom and justice. We find it ago they were bared to enter the city 35 km
very disturbing that before any investigation of away for several days. Subsequently, the
these crimes, the TPLF government continues to government started to fan through its media
use vindictive rhetoric of discord and distrust outlets and characterized the legitimate
directly on the Amhara especially on the committee setup as terrorist or has connection
Wolkayit-Tsegede-Humera-Tselemit who defend with terrorism.
their Amhara root and their natural The Ethiopian government spokesperson
habituations. Getachew Reda accused the committee
Historically, Wolkayit-Tsegede & members of kidnapping, murder and being in
Humera-Tselemit were distinct regions of possession of arms with an intent of staging
Northern Gonder since ancient times, in which it terrorist attacks. Despite Ethiopian human right
was annexed by force into Tigray in 1991 in the committee grim report publicizing that in 34
form of subjugation. In all historical books, in all people were murdered 93 were abducted and
ancient maps, in tradition, culture and language, many has been dislocated from their usual
their psychological make up and norms of these domicile the area by the government and its
people were never been part of Tigray. They affiliated clusters.
were always part and parcel of the Dembeya The repressive regime in Addis Ababa has
together with quara, janamora, semen and the not only condemned the committee (Amharas)
rest form North Gonder ethnically identified as as guilty as usually it does to other Ethiopians,
Amhara. such as the Oromos the Gambelias etc. who
During TPLF armed insurgency the group had peacefully protested for their rights. It is
used the above mentioned subjugated areas for now asserting that Wolkayit-Tsegede, Humera

28
and Tselemit Amharas have been collaborating authorities introduced reforms. However, these
with terrorism and labelled them as terrorists failed to address the protesters grievances,
trained by its untrustworthy enemy and including those relating to: economic, social and
infiltrated from Eretria. It is clear that cultural rights; respect for the rule of law; and
the regime in Ethiopia is trying to cripple the the release of prisoners of conscience. In late
peaceful legitimate protest of these Amharas July, people in Amhara region protested against
for their rights. This is a protest that has now the arbitrary arrest of members of the Wolqait
peacefully gone on for more than thirty four Identity Amhara Self-Determination Committee
years and is opposed to the regimes gross and and demanded additional regional autonomy in
illegal mutilation and merge the Wolkayit accordance with the Constitution. After the state
community and its land into the neighbouring of emergency was declared in October, protests
Tigray Regional State. subsided but human rights violations increased.
Finally, we demand the government The security forces used excessive and
authorities who are perpetrators of this heinous lethal force against protesters. By the end of the
crime and those who gave an order of this year, the security forces had killed at least 800
nature and cause a loss of life expeditiously as people since the protests began in November
possible so that responsible be brought to 2015. On 6 and 7 August, for example, when an
justice. open call to protest was made in Addis Ababa,
Detantion & Torture in Peacful government forces killed at least 100 people.
More than 1,000 protesters were arrested and
Protesters taken to Awash Arba military base, where they
Getnet Yoseph were beaten and forced to do strenuous exercise
Tens of thousands of protesters have
in hot weather.
flooded the streets of Gonder in the Amhara The crackdown on human rights
region of northern Ethiopia on Sunday defenders, independent media, journalists,
demanding a change of government due to the bloggers, peaceful protesters as well as
unfair distribution of wealth in the country. The members and leaders of the political opposition
protest, reported to have been staged in
intensified during the year, often using
defiance of a government order, is also in
provisions of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism
solidarity with the Oromia protests held
Proclamation (ATP). The declaration of the state
between November last year to March 2016 in of emergency signalled further restrictions on
opposition to a government development plan in freedom of expression, including intermittent
the region which could affect poor farmers. blocking of the internet. Under the state of
Images posted by protesters and other emergency, more than 11,000 people were
eye witnesses on social media show hundreds of arrested and detained without access to a
thousands of people carrying Ethiopian flags and lawyer, their family or a judge. Among those
placards singing and chanting against the arbitrarily arrested were Befeqadu Hailu, a
governments regime. Prolonged protests over member of the Zone-9 blogging group; Merera
political, economic, social and cultural Gudina, Chair of the Oromo Federalist Congress
grievances were met with excessive and lethal (OFC); Anania Sorri and Daniel Shibeshi,
force by police. The crackdown on the political members of the former Unity for Democracy and
opposition saw mass arbitrary arrests, torture
Justice Party (Andinet); and Elias Gebru, a
and other ill-treatment, unfair trials and journalist. Four members of the national NGO,
violations of the rights to freedom of expression This time in July last year, anti-
and association. On 9 October, the government government protests in Gondar and Bahir Dar
announced a state of emergency, which led to
saw the death of hundreds of protesters at the
further human rights violations.
hands of security forces. In the city of Bahir Dar,
In response to sustained protests in
at least fifty people were killed in one day as
Oromia and Amhara regional states, the

29
security forces shot indiscriminately at the most important wintering areas for Central and
protesters. The protests in the Amhara region Northern European migratory bird species. Rare
came after a year of similar protests in the bird species such as the endemic Wattled Crane
Oromo region againsts years of economic and and Black-crowned Crane also use the wetlands
political marginalization that protesters blamed surrounding the lake. Vast undisturbed reedbeds
on the kleptocracy of the regime. The protests in serve as breeding, feeding and roosting sites for
the Amhara region was sparked when the people these resident crane species and are essential for
of Wolkait, Tegede and Telemt confronted their survival.
authorities on the annexation of their land to Furthermore, Lake Tana is well known for
the Tigray region. The people in Gondar say
its unique concentration of endemic fish species
those areas were historically Amhara and were
due to the lake's isolation from other water bodies
annexed by the ruling Tigrean elite for their
separated by the Tis Abay falls. Approximately 70%
wealth in natural resources.
of the 67 different fish species recorded in Lake
Tana are endemic and the lake is home to the only
Environmental Issues remaining intact flock of Barbus fish in the world.
Hippopotamuses, and reptiles like the Nile
Crocodile and Nile Monitor also populate the lake
and its surrounding areas. Papyrus, one of the
Impacts of Water Hyacinth characteristic features of Lake Tana, grows along
Invasion on Lake Tana the lake's shoreline. There are a few patches of
Asnake Demena original forest vegetation that have been protected
Introduction by churches and monasteries in the area. These
remnant church forests are islands of biodiversity,
At an altitude of 1840 meters above sea providing refuge for over 100 tree and plant
level, Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia, with species, many of them indigenous and rare. These
a surface area of 3,673km2. Lake Tana is a shallow sites are invaluable pools of genetic resources for
lake with a maximum depth of 14 meters, but the example of wild coffee and field crop varieties. Lake
average depth is 8 meter. Around, 40 rivers and Tanas global importance originates not only from
streams flow into Lake Tana from its large biodiversity perspective but from hydro-politics
surrounding watershed area of about 15,000 km2.
point of view, being the source of the Blue Nile
The lake is one of Africa's most unique wetland
River.
ecosystems and the source of 50 percent of
Besides these, Lake Tana area has a unique
Ethiopia's freshwater, located in the Amhara region
cultural, historical and aesthetic value with
of north-western part of the Ethiopian Highland.
numerous monasteries and churches dating back to
The unique wetland ecosystems around Lake Tana
the 13th century. Culturally, the lake is very
has a high level of biological diversity and support
important as it is home to many unique churches
many endemic animal and plants species.
and monasteries of the Ethiopian Orthodox
According to a study conducted by NABU in
Tewahedo Church; some date back to the 13th
2012, Lake Tana is internationally recognized as an
century. These churches and monasteries contain
Important Bird Area (IBA). Its wetlands provide a valuable treasures of the Ethiopian Christian faith.
habitat for many endemic and migratory bird In general, Lake Tana is a mystical place where time
species which depend on the area for feeding, and history run deep. For these reasons, the United
nesting and roosting. Due to its location at the horn Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
of Africa, the lake is an important stopover and Organization (UNESCO) designated the Lake Tana
wintering site for many migratory birds on the Biosphere Reserve in 2014. Given the scenarios
flyway between Europe, Asia and Africa. The discussed above, this article explores
marshes and shallow areas of the lake are some of environmental and socioeconomic impacts of

30
Water Hyacinth invasion on Lake Tana. The article (Epstein, 1998). This spontaneous propagation of
also suggests ways to overcome the invasion of the water hyacinth can result in detrimental effects,
lake. including exhausting oxygen in water, interfering
Origin of Water Hyacinth with navigation, recreation, irrigation, and power
It is widely reported that water hyacinth is generation, which in turn may have negative
indigenous to Brazil having been first described effects on the environment, human health and
from wild plants collected from the Francisco River economic development (Epstein, 1998).
in 1824 (Monsanto, 1996). On the African The socio-economic effects of water
continent, water hyacinth was first reported in hyacinth are dependent on the extent of the
Egypt in 1879; in South Africa in 1908; Zimbabwe in invasion, the uses of the impacted water body,
control methods and the response to control
1937; Sudan in 1957; Senegal in 1964; Nigeria in
efforts. Ecosystem-level research programmes that
1983 and Uganda in 1987 (Makhanu, 1997). It is
simultaneously monitor the effects of water
now popularly believed that water hyacinth
hyacinth on multiple trophic-levels are needed to
entered Lake Tana in 2011. After being recognized further our understanding of invasive species.
in September 2011, water hyacinth invaded 50 Water hyacinth is very difficult to eradicate by
percent of Lake Tana, despite the fact that the lake physical, chemical, and biological means, and a
is important for the regions inhabitants through substantial amount is spent on their control
the supply of drinking water, power generation, annually throughout the world. It is also a very
fisheries and food security, transportation, and sturdy species. It cause blockage of irrigation
provision of other ecological goods and services. channels affecting the flow of water to fields,
The Lake Tana basin supports a population of more making fishing difficult, and almost makes any
than 3 million people. The question is: how did place inhabitable and inaccessible. They may block
Water Hyacinth get to Lake Tana? And why did the hydroelectric turbines causing enormous damage,
TPLF regime neglected the invasion of the lake with which are vital for economy and green
this dangerous weed? Answering these questions environment. They out-compete almost all other
didnt require detail analysis: there are only two species growing in their vicinity thereby decreasing
possibilities for Water Hyacinth to enter into Lake biodiversity (Crafter et al. 1992). They destroy the
Tana, either by the TPLF regime itself or by the beauty of a given place, and sometimes can be a
Egyptian government. Since it is part of the breeding ground for disease causing insects and
biopolitics of water and Lake Tana is located in the pests. They also can accelerate the process of
evaporation from water bodies. They tend to
so-called Amhara region, it is intentional for the
absorb nutrients quickly thus making the
TPLF regime to neglect the infestation of the Lake
ecosystems less fertile.
for the last 6 years.
There is a great discrepancy among policy
Negative impacts of Water Hyacinth makers, environmental agencies and research
Water Hyacinth is one of the most dangerous scientists on the way to control this invasive
weeds on earth. It poses serious socioeconomic species and the practical benefits that can be
and environmental problems for millions of people obtained (Lu et al. 2008). There is a need for
in riparian communities and is, therefore, an added sustainability and a new perspective when it comes
constraint on development. It has a strong capacity to managing this species and understanding and
for propagation, especially in eutrophic water implementing their marketability as an ornamental
bodies with plenty of nutrients, mainly nitrogen or in their alternative products or as a newly found
and phosphorus (Bricker et al., 1999). Water biofuel crop. A recent study conducted by Goraw
hyacinth takes between 6 and 28 days to double in and Shimelis (2017), revealed that while
weight, and between 4 and 58 days to double in researchers continue to investigate the perceived
number based on field measurements; and a mat potential uses of water hyacinth, the current
of medium sized plants may contain 2 million negative impacts of the weed far outweigh its
plants per hectare that weigh 270 to 400 tons

31
benefits. The use of water hyacinth as raw material To increase awareness of the spread and
in cottage industry should not encourage negative socioeconomic impact of water-
propagation of the weed, but rather help to control hyacinth infestations in the region; and
its growth. Changing land use practices in the To stimulate the search for effective
catchment communities through watershed mechanisms for water-hyacinth management
management will help to reduce agricultural runoff in the region.
as a mechanism for controlling the proliferation of Refrences:-
water hyacinth. This is considered by many as one Bricker et al., 1999, National Estuarine Eutrophication
of the most sustainable long-term management Assessment: Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in
actions. The key issue to be addressed is lowering the Nations Estuaries.
of the nutrient level in the water bodies. This is to Crafter et al. 1992, Wetlands of Kenya: proceedings of
say that appropriate standards must be observed the KWWG Seminar on Wetlands of Kenya
Epstein, 1998, Weeds bring disease to the east African
for the dumping of both industrial and domestic
waterways
wastes into receiving waters. The high level of G. Goshu and S. Aynalem, 2017, Problem Overview
sediments in the Inflow Rivers should also be of the Lake Tana Basin
reduced by implementing a number of K. S. Makhanu, 1997, Impact of water hyacinth on
sedimentation control measures such as proper Lake Victoria
farming methods and construction of sediment Lu et al. 2008, Performance of a water hyacinth
trap reservoirs. system in the treatment of wastewater from a
Summary duck farm and the effects of using water
The Environmental and socio-economic hyacinth as duck feed
Monsanto, 1996. The Integrated Control &
impacts of water hyacinth are dependent on the
Management of Water Hyacinth.
extent of the invasion, the uses of the impacted
water body, control methods and the response to
control efforts. Ecosystem-level research
programmes that simultaneously monitor the
effects of water hyacinth on multiple trophic-levels
are needed to further our understanding of
invasive species. It is clear from the foregoing that
water hyacinth is one weed which man had better
do away with. Three of the methods have been
discussed and adopted in various regions in the
world: mechanical, chemical and biological
removal.
In Ethiopia, mechanical removal has been
tried by the local community. However, the
ongoing and accelerating spread of weed
infestation indicates that the region has been
unable to control the invasion. As a result, 50
percent of the lake already invaded by this
notorious weed. Therefore, I strongly suggest that
the need for launching Lake Tana Biosphere
Initiative to assess the extent of the water-hyacinth
problem across the region. The initiative should
have the following specific aims:
To identify the main bottlenecks impeding
effective control of water hyacinth in Lake
Tana;

32

TEA 2017a

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

TEA 2017a

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Ethiopian Affair

7 Oromo People Struggle 17

7 Human Rights Abuses in Oromo people by TPLF 18

Our Flag: symbol of Liberty and dignity 19

11 Unity for Democracy and Justice arrests and tortured 26

Detantion & Torture in Peacful Protesters 29

August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3 4

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

The Ethiopian Affair

Established in September, 2014

Abebe Abidie /Deputy Editor

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

2009 . August 2017 Volume 3 Issue No.3

You might also like