Economic and development analysis: Perspectives on economics, society, development, freedom & social justice. Leading issues in Oromo, Oromia, Africa & world affairs. Oromo News. African News. world News. Views. Formerly Oromia Quarterly
International Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948. Crafted in the shadow of the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II, the Declaration gave the world the vision it needed to stand up to fear and the blueprint it craved to build a safer and more just world. Its single premise is: “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
Human Rights Day Message:United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein’s message for Human Rights Day 10 December 2014.
In observing Human Rights Day, its important to highlight the horrific going on in 2014 in our world. The following document is the summary of horrific repression going on against Oromo people by tyrannic Ethiopian regime:
” data-medium-file=”” data-large-file=”” class=”alignleft wp-image-4426″ src=”https://qeerroo.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/hrlha.jpg?w=151&h=151″ alt=”HRLHA” style=”margin: 0px 7px 2px 0px; padding: 4px; border: none; float: left; display: inline;”>February 26, 2017The Ethiopian Somali Liyu Police led by the Ethiopian Federal government’s killing squad have been engaged in a cruel war for the past six months against the Oromo nation in fifteen districts of Oromia. The Oromia districts that have been invaded by the two aforementioned forces are in east and east- west Hararge Zone, Eastern Oromia, Guji, Borana and Bale, South Oromia zones, Southern Oromia of Oromia Regional State.
In his interview with VOA, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Tom Malinowski discussed the current Ethiopian situation and his concerns regarding human right protection. He said, “It’s a very difficult situation. The country is under a state of emergency, and a state of emergency by definition means that certain rights are suspended. Due process is suspended. And however much the government may feel that the state of emergency has brought calm temporarily to the country, it also brings with it certain risks. It risks adding a new layer of grievances to those grievances that initially led people in Oromia and Amhara to come out onto the streets. At first they were concerned about land seizures and lack of jobs and representation, all of which the government has acknowledge to be real and legitimate. But now they’re also upset about the arrests and the violence. And the longer this continues, the more those grievances are likely to build. At the same time, it risks giving greater power to the security apparatus in a way that could delay the introduction of the reforms that the Prime Minister and the government have, to their great credit, said are necessary.” Listen the first part of VOA interview at: http://bit.ly/2h3kmYO https://www.facebook.com/us.emb.addisababa/posts/1372399152802454
An Ethiopian government directive under a state of emergency contains overly broad and vague provisions that risk triggering a human rights crisis, Human Rights Watch said in a legal analysis. The government should promptly repeal or revise all elements of the directive that are contrary to international law. 31 October 2016.
“Internet mobile irrati fayadamuuf mali argameera… akkas agodhani qeeroon Setting..more network….mobile network… access network name…. harka mirgara + kan jedhu tuqu… name kanjedhu … et.wap… APN… et.wap…. proxy…10.204.189.211… port…9028…. authentication… PAP or CHAP kan jedhu guutu… kana booda qeerroon mirgaan galte Mobile jam Tplf irraa hanu… sanan fayadama jira amaan kana.” #OromoRevolution.
For those following the Feyisa Lilesa and #OromoProtests in Ethiopia: Sifan Hassan on his demonstration – “He’s my hero.”
Kana malees barattoonni hagi tokko magaalaa gadi dhiisanii baadiyatti baqataniiru. Barattoonni kutaa 10ffaa fi 12ffaa ammoo qormaata xumuranii gara maatii isaanitti deebi’aniiru.
Mana hidhaa magaalaa Amboo fi buufata leenjii poolisii Oromiyaa Sanqalleetti kanneen hidhamanis heddu ta’uu nutti himtee jirti.
Loltoota Wayyaaneetiin wayta ammaa kana guutumatti nagaa fi tasgabbiin dhabameera kan jettu barattuun magaalaa Amboo tun rakkoo kana irra aanuuf ammoo gaaffiin ummata Oromoo deebii argachuu qaba.
Ba’aa gabrummaa Wayyaaneen nurratti feetee jirtu ufirraa qaarisuu qofatu fala jechuun ni dubbatti.
Barattoota barumsa isaanii hordofuudhaaf gara mana barumsaa deemanitti danqaa uumuun loltoota Wayyaanee haarawa akka hin taane himtee, inni ammaa garuu sodaa jabaadhaan kan guuttameedha.
Bittootni Itophiyaa seenaan ummata Oromoo, aadaa fi afaan isaa akka hin dagaagne, hin baratamnee fi hin beekamne taasisuu irratti baroota dheeraaf hojjatan. Dhabama aadaa, afaanii fi seenaa ummata Oromoo irratti kan ofii dagaagfatuun akeeka bittootaa waan tureef wanneen eenyummaa Oromoo mul’isan hundi ugguramoo kan ittiin hin baratamne, ittiin hin hojjatamnee fi ittiin wal hin quunnamamne taasifamuun dhabamaatti dhiheeffamaniii turan.
Bittootni eenyummaa Oromoo dhabamsiisuuf yaalii ol aanaa godhan illee beektotni Oromoo garuu matayyaanis tahe gareen dhabama irraa hambisuuf gumaachi godhan ol aanaa dha. Afaan Oromoo afaan quunnamtii qofa osoo hin taane Afaan hojii fi barnootaa akka tahuuf yaaliin baroota dheeraaf adeemsisan milkaa’ee Afaan hojii fi kan barnootaa kan tahe waggoota 26n dura bara 1991 keessa tahuunis ni yaadatama. Continue reading
‘People like TPLF leaders are those who never change no matter how much one tries to explain to them about the brutality of their ruling system and barbaric actions of their military and special commandos. This article expose the failed policy of the TPLF and their new destructive plan to slow-down the Oromo people movement for freedom.’
“The government’s repression of independent voices has significantly worsened as the Oromo protest movement has grown,” said Yared Hailemariam, Director of the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE). “The international community should demand the end of this state-orchestrated clampdown and the immediate release of peaceful critics to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.”
UNPO: Oromo: Protesters Achieve Postponement of University Exams
After an exam paper had been leaked by Oromo protesters, the Ethiopian Ministry of Education had to cancel upcoming university entrance exams. Mostly student-led protests over the rights of the country’s marginalized Oromo people have effectively led to the months-long closure of the region’s high schools. Therefore, Oromo students had less time to prepare than students in other parts of the country. The leak of exam papers by Oromo students, thereby buying more time for students to prepare for university entrance exams, is thus a major success for the beleaguered movement.
The Oromo people in Ethiopia have long complained of being marginalized. Addis Ababa expansion plans which sparked fresh protests have been scrapped but the conflict continues to simmer.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken condemned the lethal violence used by the government of Ethiopia against hundreds of Oromo protesters. #OromoProtests
HRW: Foreign Policy In Focus: Deafening Silence from Ethiopia:The Ethiopian government is cracking down on journalists and NGOs. Where’s the outrage from the international community?
Why Have Oromo People Been Clashing With The Ethiopian Government For So Long? http://www.afrizap.com/en/why-have-oromo-people-been-clashing-with-the-ethiopian-government-for-so-long
France 24: Focus: Anger among Ethiopia’s Oromo boils over.
Residents protesting as the fascist Ethiopia’s regime is to demolish their houses in Hanna Furi, Finfinnee, 29 June 2016. Roads are blocked. ” ታሪኩ የተባልው የአፍራሽ ግብረ ሀይሉ መሪ በህዝቡ ተገድሏል.”
OromoProtests 29 June 2016: Oduun Waxabajjii 29 bara 2016 nannoo Finfinneeti qaxxamuree Asi ga’e akka ibsuuti humni polisii wayyaanee kan meeshaa waraanaa hidhatee jiru humna Ummata Oromoo kan meeshaa Uumama ykn dhagaa hidhate jiru wajjiin warrana gaggeeffamaa ture irratti loltun diina 17 ajjeefamanii hedduun immoo hojiin ala akka ta’an Odeessii gamaa sanaa ifa godhee jira. Garuu soba polisii amma kana miti kan du’e jechuun motummaan kan ufiin jettu fashitii wayyaanee wakkachuu akka jirtus himame.
17 Armed fascist Woyane officers killed and seven civilians injured in a clash at Hanna Furi Area, Lafto Subcity of Finfinnee (Addis Ababa). Residents have been protesting the governments decision to demolish some 30,000 houses in the area with the aim of giving the land to TPLF. The commander of the woyane police was ambushed and his motor cycle was burned down as you see below.
June 28 /29 2016: #Oromo protests in Oromia (finfinnee, Hanna Furi) as the regime engaged in destroying residential houses for land grabs.
This is not just a political slight of hand. This is downright tragic. This is simply brutal. This is an act of state terror. This is bureaucracy deployed to disrupt life and terrorize poor citizens. This is a heartless exposure of people to a miserable death on the streets in these dark rainy days. You can’t call out women and children to a meeting and yet demolish their houses in their absence. We say NO to this in the strongest possible terms! NO! to a continued infliction of unnecessary suffering to poor people! Tsegaye Ararssa.
Rakkooleen kun wayta adda addaatti jiraattota irratti raawwatamaa jiraachuu kan nuuf himani jiraattoonni inni ammaa kun haalaan hamaadha jedhanii jiru.
Godina Arsii aanaa Diksiis magaalaa Hamdaa keessatti guyyaa har’aa mormii barattoonni mana barumsaa sadarkaa tokkoffaa godhaa oolani.
Kana malees ummanni Magaalaa Asaasaa fi naannoo ishee mormiirra ooleera mormiilee isaanii keessatti ajjeechan gara jabeenyaa kan addatti ummata Oromoorratti raawwataa jiru haa dhaabbatu nuti wayyaanen hin bullu soba Wayyaanee hifanne jechaa oolaniiru, Arsii magaalota hedduu keessatti waraana akka cabbiitti gadi naquun ummata sochii dhoorgaa jiru.
TPLF’s delegates being escorted by police in Rotterdam, Netherlands after their planned event was forcefully cancelled by #OromoProtests, 25 June 2016.
Lukkee Wayyaanee bifa kanaan poolisiin Holland ummata jalaa baasee geggeesse.
Honderden demonstranten blokkeerden zaterdag een zaal in Rotterdam waar leden van de Ethiopische ambassade aanwezig zouden zijn. De emoties liepen daarbij hoog op.
De activisten zijn woedend op de Ethiopische leiders. Die zouden zich schuldig maken aan ‘genocide’ op de Oromo, de grootste etnische groep in het land.
”Duizenden Oromo zijn gearresteerd en in hechtenis”, staat te lezen in flyers, die door demonstranten werden uitgedeeld aan de Tamboerstraat in Rotterdam.
Eieren De sfeer tijdens de protest was gespannen. De activisten bekogelden een busje met vertrekkende ambassademedewerkers met eieren.
Het vertrek van de Ethiopische functionarissen ging verder gepaard met veel gejoel en geschreeuw. De politie moest de aanwezige demonstranten in bedwang houden.
Voor de jonge bezoekers in het aangrenzende kinderwerkplaats de Ontdekhoek was de demonstratie even schrikken. Zij moesten enige tijd binnen wachten.
Veiligheidstroepen Mensenrechtenorganisatie Human Rights Watch sloeg eerder deze maand alarm over het gewelddadige optreden van veiligheidstroepen in het Afrikaanse land.
Zij zouden sinds november vorig jaar tijdens demonstraties zeker vierhonderd activisten hebben gedood. Ook zouden tienduizenden mensen zijn opgepakt.
De Oromo demonstreren volgens de activisten in Rotterdam tegen illegale landroof door de regering, die boeren hun land zou afpakken.
OromoProtests in Asaasaa, Arsi, Oromia, 25 June 2016.
Akkuma amaleeffatee fi baratee mootummaan wayyaanee fi ergamtuun wayyaanee OPDO’n ilmaan Oromoo bulchiinsa waraanaa jala jiran irratti loltoota agaazii bobbaasuun Oromoo nagaa hojjetatee of jiraachisuu fi mormii keessatti illee hin argamiin itti dhukaasanii ajjeesuu itti fufuun Shaamarree Oromoo kan hojii buna daandii irratti danfistee ittin of jiraachiftuu fi maatii ishee tajaajiltuu dubree Sabrina Abdallaa jedhamtuu Harargee Bahaa magaalaa Calanqootti itti dhukaasuun, lubbuun ishee wareegame jira.
Kana malees Godina Harargee Bahaa fi Lixaa keessatti bakkoota garaagaraatti yakki waraanaa ummata Oromoo irratti gaggeeffamaa jiraachuun walqabatee Qeerroo fi ummatni wal ta’uun addatti warraaqsa Biyyooleessa Oromiyaa FXG daran jabeessuun dura dhaabbachuu qofatu furmaata jechuun waamicha warraaqsaa waliif akkasumas guutuu barattoota, dargaggoota/qeerroo fi ummata Oromoo cufaaf dabarsaa jiraachuun ibsamee jira.
Injifannoon uummata Oromoof
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#OromoProtests 22 June 2016: Ajjeechaan Sabrina Abdallaa kan dhagahe hunda Sabrii dhowwate. Ajjeechaan mucittii miskiina kana irratti hidhattoota mootummaatiin raaw’atame ergaa guddaa Oromoof dabarsa. Ajjeefamuuf Oromoo tahuun qofti gahaa akka tahe nutti hima. Sabriinaan dhagaa darbitee miti yookiis qawwee baattee hidhattootatti dhukaaftee miti kan ajjeefamte. Oromoo waan taateef qofa. Bakki ajjeechaan kun itti raaw’atame ammoo Calanqoo lafa lafeen Oromoo kumaatamaa lafa jala ciiftu. Tarkaanfiin Wayyaaneen Shashamannee fi Baha Oromiyaatti ummata Oromoo nagaa irratti fudhataa jirtu godaannisa madaa gaafa Calanqo fi Aanoolee daranuu billawa itti horfee dhiigsuun tarkaanfii maayyii fi murteessaaf Oromoo qopheessa malee hin callisiisu!
#OromoProtests 21 June 2016, the Road to Dire Dawa has been closed by commandeered bus at Chalanqo in protest against the barbaric killing of Sabrina Abdalla.
Daandiin gara Dire Dhawaa deemuu ganama kana Calanqorratti cufamee jira.
18 years old young Oromo woman Sabrina Abdalla was shot by fascist Agazi of the TPLF Ethiopia’s regime on 20 June 2016 in Chalanqo, East Hararge, Oromia. She has died at upon arrival at Harar hospital. She was shot in a small hut she uses to sell tea and coffee.
Body of Sabrina Abdalla (18 years), the 10th grade Oromo female student who was gunned down in the night of 20 June 2016 byfascist Ethiopia’s regime soldiers in Chalanqo, East Hararge, Oromia.
#OromoProtests 20 June (Waxabajjii) 2016: Students in Shamene staged mass protest against the killing of their classmate, Harun Haji Tusu, who was murdered by unknown assailants. The students marched through the town and paid a mass visit to Harun’s family. Students have demanded those responsible must be identified and held accountable at the court of law. Shashemene Police has announced arresting several.
#OromoProtests 20 June 2016: 12 grade students rally in Qobo town, East Hararage, Oromia complaining that the government is not providing with necessary support needed prepare for exam.
Waxabajjii 16-17/2016 Godina Lixa Shagar Ambootti Goototni Barattootni Oromoo M/B Amboo Sadarkaa 2ffaa Fi Qophaa’inaa Qormanni Kutaa 12ffaa Utuu Nuti Hin Baratiin Nuuf Kennamuuf Jiru Kun Kan Keenyaa Adda Ta’uun Nu Midhuuf Kan Karoorfamedha Jechuun Warraaqsaa
FXG Finiinsan.
Qormaatni Biyyoolessaa kutaa 12ffaa utuu hin baratiin nuuf kennamuuf jiru kun akka guutuu biyyattiitti j`alqaba baatii Adoolessaa kennamuuf kan jiru Kana Godina keenyaa Addatti M/B Amboo sadarkaa 2ffaa fi Qopha’inaa fi Maneen Barnootaa tokko tokkoo keessatti guyyaa adda ta’eetti kennuuf karoorfachuun kan nu miidhuuf karoorfamee fi nu shororkeessuu malee bu’aa tokkoo iyyuu hin qabuu waan ta’eef yoo kan qoramnu ta’ee haaluma wal fakkaatuun qoramna malee ofumaa itti fakkeessiif guyyaa adda ta’etti qabuun kun bu’aa hin qabu jechuun gaaffii mirgaa dhiyeeffachuun deebii waan dhorkatamaniif warraaqsaa keenyaa daran jabeessuun itti fufuun uummata Oromoo hundaaf furmnaata jechuun Warraaqsaa biyyoolessaa Oromiyaa FXG bifa adda ta’een Waxabajjii 16/2016 irraa eegaluun kan qabsiisaan guyyaa har’a Waxabajjii 17/2016 warraaqsaa FXG daran jabeessuun sagalee daadannoo guddaa gaaffii mirga abbaa biyyummaa fi kabajamuu mirgoota dimookiraasii fi dhala namaaf deebiin nuuf kennamuu qaba, abbaan irree qawween nu bulchaa jiruu aangoo irraa haa kaafamu jechuun mormii isaanii jabeessan.
Motummaan bakka bu’insa uummataa hin qabne abbaan irree Wayyaanee akkuma amala isaa loltoota agazii barattootatti ol seensisuun gaazii
summaa’aa nama imimmeessuun irratti dhukaasuun barattoota hedduu akka malee reebuu fi madeessuun, kaan immoo hidhatti ukkaamsuun gabaafame jira.
Director M/B sadarkaa 2ffaa fi Qopha’inaa kan ta’ee Namni Ambassee Tulluu jedhamuu waraana agaazii barattoota qalama malee waatu of harka hin qabnetti seensisuun yakka waraanaa barattoota irratti rawwachisaa jira. Namni Ambasee Tulluu jedhamu kun asiin Fuldura bara 2013 yeroo Directora Mana Barumsaa Geedoo sadarkaa 2ffaa fi Qophaa’ina turettis barattoota Oromoo 30 Ol barnootarraa guutummaatti kan arii’achaa turee fi bara kana illee Barattoota Oromoo 8 M/B Amboio sadarkaa 2ffaa fi Qopha’inaa irraa maqaa barattootni kun shororkeesitoota jedhuun dabarsee diinatti kennuun kaan hiisisee kaan barnootarraa arii’achuun daba daangaa hin qabnee barattoota Oromoo fi barsiisota Oromoo irratti dalaguun kan beekamu waan ta’eef uummatni Oromoo sabboontootni Oromoo lukkee diinaa kana irraa of eegachuu fi bakka argameetti gumaa barattoota Oromoo bara dheeraa akka bahaattan dhaamsii Oromomummaa isiniif dabarfamee jira. Warraaqsii itti fufa, garboomsaan ni kufa!!
#OromoProtests 11 June 2016: The Oromo and Ogaden protesters in action in Canberra, Australia; they forced cancellation of TPLF’s meeting, 11 June 2016. All ‘presidents’ forced to leave through emergency door….then the room was left only by protesters.
#OromoProtests 11 June 2016: Guyyaa Har’aa walgahii Wayyaanee Canberra, Australia’tti godhame hawaasni Oromoo fi Ogaaden harkaa fashaleessanii jiru.
three people have been arrested from Rift Valley University, Labu Campus today.
1. Chalchisa Damtew
2. Gololcha Bali ( Dean of the College, an Italian educated academic who returned to the country with hope of serving his people)
3. Abiyot Nugissie Head accountant
OromoProtests 9 June 2016: Residents Qarsa and Kontoma villages in Lafto Subcity of Addis Ababa who are facing eminent eviction from their homes marched to the prime minister’s palace to plead their case. But they were stopped near a place called ‘Total’ where several of them have been arrested. Its reported that the people have been protesting for the last four days. Over 7,000 homes have been marked for demolition.
OromoProtests 9 June 2016: The brave faces of Dill University Oromo students who were incarcerated at Maekelawi for four months and now being tried at local court in Dilla. Hundreds of students gathered at the court house but the session was adjourned without any hearing at the prosecutor continues to ask for extension.
Waxabajjii 9 bara 2016: Barattoonni Oromoo Yunivarsitii Dillaa kan baatii afurii oliif Maakkallawiitti rakkifamaa turanii gara mana murtii Dillaatti deebifman kunoo har’as dhihaatanii turan. Barattoonni hedduun mooraa mana murtiitti deeggarsaaf argamanii turan. Garuu abbaan alanagaa yeroo dabalataa waan gaafateef dhaddachi osoo hin taa’amin hafee jira.
#OromoProtests 9 June 2016: The emergency meeting of Oromia Regional Parliament ( Caffee) has removed presidents and vice president of the Supereme Court, Damoze Mame & Boja Tadesse. They have been replaced by Addisu Qabeneessa ( President of SW Shawa High Court) and Hussien Adam ( president of Arsi Supreme Court) , respectively. The change of guard at supreme court is a result of TPLF’s accusation of the Oromia judiciary of being lenient towards Oromo Protesters. The parliament also removed immunity for Zelalem Jemaneh, former OPDO executive committee member and head of the agricultural department.
#OromoProtests 9 June 2016 (Waxabajjii 9, bara 2016): Yuuniversitii Haromaayyaatti dhiyoo doormiin barattoota dhiiraa gubatuu irraa kan ka’e mooraan yuunniversitichaa humna waraana Wayyaaneen kan toohatamee fi buufata waraana tahe gabaasuun keenya ni yaadatama. Haala kanaan barattootni waggaa tokkkoffaa baratanis mootummaan wayyaanee akka galan dirqisiisee akka galan taasifameetu jira. Guyya doormiin barattootaa gubatee kaasee barattootni hedduunis yeroodhaa yerootti hidhaatti guuramaa jiraachuunis hubatamee jira.
barattootni hedduunis kan gara qe’ee galan mooraa alatti tika diinaan butamanii mana hidhaa darbamaa jiraatuunis Qeerroon gabaasee jira.
#OromoProtests 9 June 2016: Dhaamsa hatattamaa qeerroo guutummaa oromiyaa keessa jirtaniif .Konkolaataan abbaan qabeenyummaa isaa kan tujaarota tigirootaa ta’e kun gidduu kana magaalaa naqamtee keessatti tarkaanffiin irratti waan fudhatameef mootummaan wayyaanee sodaa guddaa keessa seenuun humnoota federaalaa konkolaatota kanaaf ramaduun akka isaan dirqiin oromiyaa keessa hojjetan gochaa jira.Nuti qeerroon guutummaa oromiyaa keessa jirrummoo konkolaataa kana duwwaa irratti xiyyeeffachuu hin qabnu.Maaliif yoo naan jettan konkolaattonni kanneen akka
star bus, sky bus, tata fi kanneen albuuda oromiyaa saamuuf kutatanii ka’an fakkeenyaa dhagaa daalattii kan jedhamu kan naannoo mandii keessaa ba’u .Dhagaan kun albuuda oromiyaan yeroo ammaa kana albuda qabdi jedhamee abdatamu keessaa isa guddaadha.Kanaaf nuti qeerroon guutuu oromiyaa keessa jirru yeroo kamiyyuu caalaa tarkaanffii qabeenyaa diinaa fi lukkee lee diinaa irratti fudhachuuf qoophii ta’uu qabna.Kanaaf adaraa keessan yeroo tarkaanffii fudhannu bifa qindoomina qabuun hojjechuummoo akka qabnu isiniif eeruun fedha.
#OromoProtests 8 June 2016: Naqamtetti Waxabajjii 08 bara 2016 qabeenyaa TPLF kan ta’ee fi SELAM BUS bakka kan bu’e Kan GOLDEN BUS jedhamu akka malee caccabsanii jiru. karaa Cinasaa fi Fuula duraan caccabee wajjira Polisii Ganda 07 fuldura dhaabachaa jira.
5. Ulee diinaa ta’uun Ilmaan Oromoo sadarkaa hundatti lafarraa fixaa kan jiran keessaa Muktaar Kadir, Bakar Shaallee, Asteer Maammoo, Kumaa Dammaqsaa, Abbaa Duulaa fi fakkaattoota isaanii ta’uu hubachuun sabboontootni ilmaan Oromoo sirnicha keessatti argamtan gadi fageenyaan caasaa sirna kanaan ijaarame irraa akka of eeggattan. Sirni kun akka diinaaf tolutti maqaa OPDO jedhamuun diinni namoota isaaf amanamoo fi ergamtuu ta’aniin ijaarrate kun ilmaan Oromoo kamiif iyyuu diina malee qaama mirga keessan kabachiisuu fi isin bakka bu’u akka hin taane hubachuun sirna badaa fi hirmii uummata keenyaa ta’e kana of irraa gara galchuu irratti akka fuulleeffattan dhaamsa keenya!!
6. Master Plan Finfinnee fi Magaalota addaa Oromiyaa ifaan ifatti ibsi fi labsiin baldhaan mootummaa Federaalaa irraa kennamee akka haqamu gadi jabeessuun gaafatna!!
7. Ilmaan Oromoo sababaa Oromummaa isaanii fi Sochii Warraaqsaa FXG Oromiyaa keessatti hirmaattee jirta jedhamuun sobaan himatamanii hidhaatti guuraaman hidhamtootni Oromoo hundi haalduree tokko malee hatattamaan akka hiikaman kallattii hundaan ilmaan Oromoo Poolisii, mana murtii, abbootii alangaa, abbootii seeraa hojjettoota fi ogeessootni sadarkaa garaagaraarratti argamtan dhiibbaa barbaachisu roga hundaan akka gootaan gadi jabeessuun waamicha lammummaa isiniif dabarsina!!
8. Manneen kondominium Magaalota naannawaa Finfinnee fi Naannawaa Finfinneetti Ijaaramanii jiran Hundaa kan hirmachaa jiruu fi carraa itti fayyadamuu kan argataa jiran sadarkaa 1ffaatti ilmaan Tigrota, sadarkaa 2ffaatti dabballootaa fi ergamtoota sirna wayyaanee dhalootaan Oromoo hin ta’iinitu itti fayyadamaa jira. Ilmaan Oromoo biyya abbaa isaanii irratti akka lammii 2ffaatti ilaalamuun hirmannaa qabeenya abbaa isaanii keessaa illee moggaatti dhiibaman. Oromoon sirnichuma keessatti ogummaa fi hojiilee garaagaraan argamu carraa kana dhorkatamee kan jiru ta’uun hubatamee waan jiruuf, Sochiin ijaarsa manneen kondominium fi ijaarsi kamuu fedhii uummata Oromoon alatti gaggeeffamaa jiru bakkuma jirutti akka dhaabbatuu fi manneen ummataa humnaan diiguun qe’ee irra buqqisaa waan jiranuuf uummata qe’ee irraa hin buqqaanu jedhee qe’ema isaa irratti dhumaa jiruuf dirmachuun qe’ee fi qabeenyaa isaa irratti sabni keenya wareegamee akka falmatuu fi carraan manneen kondominium ijaaramanii jiran carraan dursaa abbaa qe’eef akka eegamu ummatni keenya bakka hundaa harka wal qabatee ka’uun haa falmannu.
Injifannoon Ummata Oromoof!!
Gadaan Gadaa Bilisummaa Oromoo ti!!
Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo
Oromiyaa, Finfinnee!!
Waxabajjii, 2016
#OromoProtests 7 June 2016: What could be the reason why OPDO gave 30 million birr to Mekelle Technical and Vocational Education and Training college? The source say its a payment for the demands made by ‘people of Tigrai’ during the organizations 25th anniversary which was when they were forced to admit they were founded in Adet, Tigray rather than Darra, Oromia. J.M.
#OromoProtests June 6, 2016: Fascist Ethiopia’s regime set fire on Kotobe University college on the night of 5 June 2016. Several Students were injured as fire razed the University College.
Tarkaanfii loltoota ishee irratti fudhatametti kan aarte wayyaaneen ABO tu itti gala waan ta’eef, bosonni kun gubachuu qaba waan jeetteef ummatni nu fixxu malee bosonni kun hin gubatu jedhanii akka dura dhaabbatan gabaafameera.
On 4th June 2016 Oromo national Tesfaye Erena Elema was killed by cruel fascist Agazi/TPLF Ethiopia’s regime forces bullets in Kattaa near Burrayyu at 7:30 PM.
#OromoProtests 5 June 2016: This piece of paper contains plight of four Dire Dawa University students who are being held underground at one of the military camps. They appeal to their fellow citizens to save them. The letter was found on street near the camp.
The letter lists four students, their department, year and place of birth)
1. Gada Ebisa, English 2nd yr ( from Mandi, West Walaga)
2. Amanuel Etefa, Sport 3rd yr ( Dambi Dollo, Qellam Walaga)
3. Oli Zewde, Law 2nd yr ( Mandi, West Walaga)
4. Bedhasa Endale, Biology 2nd year (Naqamte, EastWalaga)
#OromoProtests News (3 June 2016):In another dramatic turn of events, Bekele Gerba attended court naked ( only underwear) and not even shoes and socks. The took this unusual step after they were prevented from wearing black color cloths.
#OromoProtests News (3 June 2016): The TPLF regime expels the entire class of 1st year engineering students of Haramaya University. This decision is passed in the name of the university senate but sources tell us that the faculty including the president are strongly against it. The decision is attributed to the security command post using the chairman of Board of Governors Mr Sileshi ( Minister of Fish) to over rule the faculty. The students are vowing not to leave campus until the entire university is closed down. You might recall that students have been boycotting class for the last three weeks demanding release of their classmates and removal armed forces from campus.
The Oromo people in Ethiopia have long complained of being marginalized. Addis Ababa expansion plans which sparked fresh protests have been scrapped but the conflict continues to simmer.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken condemned the lethal violence used by the government of Ethiopia against hundreds of Oromo protesters. #OromoProtests
HRW: Foreign Policy In Focus: Deafening Silence from Ethiopia:The Ethiopian government is cracking down on journalists and NGOs. Where’s the outrage from the international community?
Why Have Oromo People Been Clashing With The Ethiopian Government For So Long? http://www.afrizap.com/en/why-have-oromo-people-been-clashing-with-the-ethiopian-government-for-so-long
France 24: Focus: Anger among Ethiopia’s Oromo boils over.
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken condemned the lethal violence used by the government of Ethiopia against hundreds of Oromo protesters. #OromoProtests
HRW: Foreign Policy In Focus: Deafening Silence from Ethiopia:The Ethiopian government is cracking down on journalists and NGOs. Where’s the outrage from the international community?
Why Have Oromo People Been Clashing With The Ethiopian Government For So Long? http://www.afrizap.com/en/why-have-oromo-people-been-clashing-with-the-ethiopian-government-for-so-long
France 24: Focus: Anger among Ethiopia’s Oromo boils over.
Growing public dissatisfaction with ‘rent seeking’ and corruption in the ruling party and government culminated recently in the unprecedented Oromo protests.
Oromia & Ethiopia: #OromoProtests: With whom are the European Union, the United States, and the African Union Officials meeting to discuss and end the exclusion and marginalization of the Oromo people in Ethiopia? April 8, 2016
This is a hand written defense statement of Okello Ukuay, former president of Gambella region who was recently sentenced to 9 years imprisonment. In this defense statement he explains that he left his presidency in 2004 because Meles Zenawi and his regime pressured him to lie saying the massacre of over 400 people in the region was caused by enter-ethnic conflict between Agnuak and Nuer groups.Instead he asserts that the massacre was planned by TPLF leaders and carried out by the army. Okello also claims that the Ehtiopian regime was able to capture him in Juba ( South Sudan) by paying 23 million dollars to buy him and 6 Oromo refugees. This is an interesting read which gives us some insight about the ongoing conflict and mass killing in Gambella region. Source: Social Media and Jawar Mohammed
(SBO Bitootessa 19 Bara 2016) Koongirasiin Amarikaa Dhimma Dhiitamiinsa Mirga Dhala Namaa Oromiyaa keessatti geggeeffama jiru irratti bakka ummatin oromoo BiyyaAmarikaa Kutaa Bulchiinsa gara garaa, Biyya Kanadaa kutaa Ontaarihoo Magaalaa Ottawaa fi Torontoo argamanitti rakkoo Saba oromoo irra mootummaa TPLFn gahaa jiru dhaggeeffachuun mootummaan Amarikaa dhimma kana kan yeroo kamii caalaa xiyyeeffanaa itti kennuun akka faana bu’anu Kongiras Tom Lantos dubbatan.ummatin kumaatamaan waltti dhufe kun Daandiiwwan Washington DC gurgguddoo cufsiisuun Hiriira Nagaa guddaas geggeeffataniiru.
“There is nothing as powerful as an idea whose time has come. The Oromo’s time has come. What the Oromo did yesterday in Washington honored the sacrifices of the #OromoProtests in Oromia.”
Bonnie Holcomb
Qeerroon biyaa ambaa Bosaaso jiran mormii sanii dhageessisan. #OromoProtests 7 April 2016#OromoProtests, 7 April 2016 in Hirna, West Hararge, 3 people including Beyan Abas were shot and wounded. The people protested and disrupted celebration of OPDO’s 26th founding anniversary. Similar protest have been taking place all across the province in towns and rural areas of Xullo, Dobba, Daro Labu, Miesso and Burqa Tinitu districts.
Mormii Ebla 7 bara 2016 aanaa xuulloo magaalaa Hirnaatti godhamerrati namooni hedduun miidhamani akka jiranii fi kanis hidhamani akka jiran beekamee jira. Warra rasaasaan rukutame keessaa tokko Bayaan Abbaa kan jedhamu yoo ta’u yeroo ammaa kana hospitaal Ciroo keessatti waldhaanamaa jira. Mormiin kun ayyaana OPDO kan 26 hin feenu jechuun kan ka’e yoo ta’u aanaalee godinachaa hedduu keessatti godhamaa jira. Jiraattonni anaanalee Xuulloo, Mi’eessoo, Daaro Labuu, Doobbaafi Burqaa Tindhitu keessatti mormiin akka jiru gabaasni nu gahe ni garsiisa.
#OromoProtests: International Community Alarmed as Ethiopia Crisis Worsens
DW NEWS:NGO highlights plight of Oromo in Ethiopia
Human Rights Watch says security forces are continuing to persecute members of Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the Oromo. Hundreds have allegedly been killed in recent protests over a government plan to expand the capital Addis Ababa into Oromo land.
The Oromo people see the government’s violence as part of a systematic attempt to oppress and marginalise them. As Amnesty International (AI) states in its report ‘Because I am Oromo’: “thousands of Oromo people have been subjected to unlawful killings, torture and enforced disappearance.” People without any political affiliation are arrested on suspicion that they do not support the government – “between 2011 and 2014, at least 5,000 Oromos have been arrested”. Amnesty asserts that recent regime violence was “the latest and bloodiest in a long pattern of suppression”. This description of government intimidation and brutality will sound familiar to most Ethiopians.’http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/02/19/ethiopia-unity-in-opposition/
ETHIOPIA: FURTHER INFORMATION: DETAINED OROMO PROTESTERS MUST BE RELEASED
By Amnesty International, 17 February 2016, Index number: AFR 25/3437/2016
The Ethiopian authorities arbitrarily arrested and detained a number of peaceful protesters including journalists and opposition party leaders in recent brutal crackdown on protesters in the Oromia Region. Those detained remain at risk of torture and other illtreatment and should immediately and unconditionally be released. Amnesty International considers the peaceful protesters arrested to be prisoners of conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising their right to peaceful assembly. They continue to be at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.
Read more at:-https://oromianeconomist.wordpress.com/2016/02/18/ai-urgent-action-detained-oromo-protesters-must-be-released/
“Every social injustice is not only cruel, but causes economic waste and generational loss. Equality, free expression, justice, peace, and freedom are key for the generation’s continuation and for changing the world.”
n a letter written to the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry [equivalent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs], U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken (both from the State of Minnesota) requested Sec. Kerry for a full review of the situation in Ethiopia in order for the U.S. Congress to take “immediate actions” to protect innocent Oromo civilians in Ethiopia. The full 2-page letter is attached below.
News Fulton County (#OromoProtests Global Rally) : Oromians in SA protest in Pretoria over killings at home. Demonstrators say government scheme to expand capital Addis Ababa endangers farmers
European Parliament resolution on the situation in Ethiopia (2016/2520(RSP)). European Union strongly condemns the mass killings in Oromia. January 19, 2016
Appeal of Oromo Student’s Union (OSU) to International Community
February 10, 2016, Finfinne (Addis Ababa), Ethiopia
To:
Multinational organizations (UN, EU, AU, and others)
Countries supporting the Ethiopian regime in the name of development, peace and security, education, science and technology (USA, European countries, Canada, Australia, and others)
Human rights organizations (Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Human Rights League of the Horn of Africa, and others)
Oromo political organizations
Oromo studies Association (OSA)
Oromo community organizations all over the world and all other concerned bodies
We members of Oromo Student’s Union (OSU) appeal to the international community that we are currently living under difficult conditions. It is evident that the Ethiopian regime is committing genocidal crime on the Oromo people in general and the Oromo students in particular by deploying its military and police force and terrorizing us for peacefully protesting demanding our rights asking the legitimate and rightful questions of our people. Our questions are the questions of our people. Our demands are the demands of our people. Our demands can be divided into two major categories:
Basic human rights must be respected. While the Oromo constitute the majority of the Ethiopian population, Oromia constitute the largest territory, and the region is the economic backbone of Ethiopia, the Oromo people have been marginalized in every arena. Over the past 24 years the Oromo people do not have proportional power and economic share in the country and have been ruled under the EPRDF which in essence is maneuvered and completely controlled by the TPLF party. Since the mass base of the TPLF/EPRDF is the minority Tigrean population, it has been in constant conflict with the Oromo people in Oromia. The Oromo people are ruled under the barrel of the gun being constantly killed, arrested, tortured, students dismissed from schools, civilians kidnapped and disappeared, are forced to leave their country and become refugees in several countries around the globe. Therefore we demand that the basic human and democratic rights of the Oromo people be respected and a system based on equality, justice, democracy, and a government based on the needs of our people be established.
Master Plan must be stopped. Starting from 2014 we protested against the so called Master Plan of the TPLF/EPRDF regime, a plan which incorporates several Oromian towns into the capital Finfinne (Addis Ababa), evicts Oromo farmers from their ancestral land, eradicates Oromo culture, language and identity, planned to sell Oromo land and plunder Oromia’s natural resources, divide the map of Oromia into two, and causes pollution and environmental degradation. We presented our appeal in writing several times requesting that the Master plan be stopped. Instead of answering our request to stop the Master plan, the regime announced another plan to incorporate major Oromian towns which is another plan to incorporate the entire of Oromia under the jurisdiction of the federal government which on the other hand is controlled by the TPLF. When our requests fell into deaf ears we protested peacefully. The answer to our peaceful protest has been brutal killings, beatings, mass arrests, kidnappings and disappearances, inhuman torture by the regime’s so called Agazi troops. In addition to some 80+ people who were killed in 2014, more than 200 peaceful citizens, mostly students have been killed since November 2015. Thousands others have been wounded. Countless others have been jailed and are under severe torture. Read More:- Oromo Student Union appeal to International Community Feb 2016 (1)
UNDSS internal memo regarding the situation in West Arsi formerly known as East Shewa. 16 Feb. 2016
UNDSS: CLASHES IN EAST SHEWAS – WEST ARSI / OROMIYA
At least two protesters and five police officers were killed in the latest clashes in East Shewa, Oromiya.
First reports of protests date back from 8 February in the village of Amaro. Yesterday, a UN road mission was blocked by heavy clashes in Aje. In nearby Loke Kecha a bridge was destroyed and in Siraro a court office was damaged.
The town of Shashamane on the main road is tense and people fear violent protests could spread to their town.
The cancellation of the Addis Ababa Masterplan has not removed the underlying grievances that lead to the protests in Oromiya between November 2015 and Jan 2016. The volatility continues and one event or overreaction of police officers can trigger chains of retribution by angry protesters.
We currently recommend to avoid any private road travel any further south than Langano Lake. For official UN road missions please check situation with local counterparts. However, when planning road missions bear in mind that reliable real time situational information is not available. Police will usually block roads to protest sites and you should know the return time or nearest safe havens for your road trip when you are blocked from continuing your travel.
Oromo Protests have spread to southern Oromia since last week to “stop the leeching tycoon and monopolist Alamoudi,” according to the protesters. Al Amoudi is a famous monopolist of many businesses in Oromia – including gold mining, cement factory (Derba query), tanneries and farms. Al Amoudi is one of the richest persons in Africa and the world, according to the U.S.-based Forbes magazine.
Al Amoudi’s companies are criticized for failing to share profits with indigenous communities they work around (especially, in the gold mining in Guji Zone and the Derba cement query in Shawaa), and for failing to give back to the community in general; other business owners in Oromia, especially local small-business owners, also accuse Al Amoudi’s companies for receiving preferential treatments from the government and for engaging in predatory business practices to monopolize sectors of the economy. No where is this predatory practice evident than the dairy business; Oromo smallholding dairy farmers in Shawaa, especially those around Finfinne/Addis, were recently attacked in a vicious way by falsely propagating, through state-owned and government-affiliated media, that the milk from these smallholding dairy farmers causes cancer – this was done, in part, to promote Al Amoudi’s dairy company, Shola Milk, and also to drive the Oromo smallholding farmers out of their land through bankruptcy. Oromo Protesters say such abusive and predatory business practices must stop.
The government is also blamed for evicting thousands of Oromos, without compensations, to make land available to Al Amoudi’s companies whenever they request for it – especially in the gold mining region in Guji and the Derba query in Shawaa. In addition, Al Amoudi’s companies are said to have no regard for the environment; for instance, the leather/tannery and flower/horticulture companies in Oromia release toxic cancer-causing chemicals without any environmental treatment.
In many ways, Al Amoudi epitomizes what’s wrong with the current federal arrangement of Oromia in Ethipia, according to the Oromo Protesters; Al Amoudi is given the green light to “develop” in Oromia by the Federal Government in Addis Ababa – which itself is controlled by Tigrean elites of the TPLF/EPRDF ruling party; in many, if not all, cases, the business arrangements between the Tigrean-headed Federal Government and Al Amoudi are not transparent to the Federal Regional State authorities of Oromia.
The following is a report on the ongoing Oromo Protests against the “leeching tycoon and monopolist Alamoudi” in the gold-rich Guji Zone of Oromia; the protests have been staged since the mid of last week (starting around February 4, 2016, according to media reports). The government, as usual, relied on brute force to respond to the protests; the latest report says at least 1 Oromo person was killed, and 3 Oromo persons were critically wounded by the government’s special force, Agazi. Read more at:-
#OromoProtests: February 5, 2016 Oromo Protests continues in various districts of Guji Zone against Medroc Exploitation. Farmers from various villages march to the town chanting ” Okkote is our land, Al Amudin is our enemy”. Okkote is one of the mineral deposit sites that is to be given to Medroc/ Al Amudin.
Ummanni Godina Gujii mormii saamicha albuudaa jabeessee itti fufee jira. Kan agartan kun yeroo ummanni baadiyyaa dhaadannoodhaan gara magaalaa bayaa jiruudha.
Okkoteen lafa teenya Alaamuddin diina keenya
Lagi Dambi lafa teenya, Alamuddin diina keenya” jechaa deemaa jiran.
On February 5, 2016 fascist TPLF security forces and Agazi were terrorizing people of Ginici (Ginichi) town in fear of protests; every corners was under military siege.
Suuraan armaa gadii kun kan magaalaa Gincii kan Shawaa Lixaa keessatti argamu irraati . Guraandhala 5 bara 2016 humni waraanaa fi agaazii egumsaa cimaa magaalicha keessatti gochaaoole; humni dbalataas ergamee jira.
#OromoProtests in Girawaa (Doguu town), E. Hararghe, Oromia, 5 February 2016Oromoonni Harargee Bahaa, aanaa Gurawaa, magaalaa Doguu dabablloota OPDO qaanessan. Akka dabablleen OPDO olola jalqabdeen ummanni walgahii dhiitanii bahan; dargaggoo fi baratoota magaalaa wajjiin waliti makamuunis mormii qaban dhagesisan.Ummati Oromoo jajjaboo kunneen walgahii gaafa Guraandhala 4 bara 2016 DhDUOn waamte irratti diddaa fi mormii isaanii mul’isuun ololli fi sobni OPDO akka fashalu godhan.
#OromoProtests, (3 February 2016, Gujii, Oromia)
#OromoProtests in Sabbaa Boruu district of Guji zone, Oromia. In addition to the national agenda, protesters are marching exploitation of minerals by Al Amudin without no benefit to locals.
#OromoProtests ,Nuunnuu Qumba, Waamaa Adaree, East Wallaggaa, Oromia.
3rd February 2013
Last evening around 11 PM local time,Agazi soldiers raided a wedding in Adare town, Nunu Qumba District in East Wallaga and attacked youngsters who were partying during weeding. They told them not to sing particular song. Clash erupted Agazi soldirs shot one young man who is in critical condition and villagers destroyed vehicles that brought the Agazi’s. Tense situation remains in the town as farmers have closed all roads leading to the town.You might recall the news about Agazi raiding a wedding in Arjo Gudetu near Naqamte wounding three people one of whom died later. Similarly in Elu ababor, they shot Fitsum Abate on the eve of his wedding for playing music to entertian his groomsmen. Groom survived the headshot but reportedly blinded.
The person who was shot in Adare town, Nunu Qumba district of East Walaga has been identified as Desalegn Fikadu. Currently the Agazi is terrorizing people forcing residents to vacate the town seeking refuge in neighboring rural villages.
Amajii 27/2016
Arsii Bahaa magaala Asallaatti mootummaan wayyaanee Qeerroo dargaggoota lama ilmaan isaa ajajuun barattoota lama kana irratti gocha suukkanneessaa raawwatee kan jiru Qeerroon kan gabaaseedha.
Akka Qeerroon gabaasetti barattootni Yuunivarsitii Asallaa Amajji 21,2016 halkan 5:00tti barattoota lama: Isaanis
1.Kamaal Abubaker barataa saayinsii fayyaa waggaa3ffaa fi dhalataa harargee bahaa naannoo Dadarii kan tahee fi
2Tasfaayee Tashoomee barataa saayinsii fayyaa waggaa 1ffaa fi dhalataa Arsii Bahaa naannoo Boqojjii kan ta’an namoonni 4 ol tahan hucuu civil uffachuudhaan eeggatanii yeroo ijoolleen kun lamaan mana fincaanii seenan achi keessatti cuubeen waraananiinii gatanii erga deemanii booda barattoonni kun hospitaala seenuun yaalamaa jiru.
Wallaggaa lixaatti manneen barnoota sadarkaa 1ffaa irraa kaasee hanga qophaayinaatti cufamee jiraachuun Qeerroon gabaasee jira.
Maddeen oduu Qeerroo irraa akka hubannutti wallagga lixaa Aanaa Boojjii Birmajjii magaalaa Biilaa mana barumsaa sadarkaa lammaffaa Biilaatti barattoonni Amajji 22,2016 sa’a3 irratti Fincila Xumura Gabrummaa (FXG) kaasuun ni yaadatama. Yerooma sana irraa kaasuun wayyaaneen humna ishee gara barattootaatti ergiteen barattootni barumsa dhaabuun gabaafamee ture. Guyyaa kanaa kaasuun barattootni mana barumsaa akka hin deebine yoo tahu akka walii galaatti godinicha keessatti barattootni barumsa dhaabuu irratti argamu..
Magaalaa Najjootti barattoonni man barumsaa sad.2ffaa Amajji 25,2016 FXG haaressuuf gara mana barumsaatti wal gahanii turan, barattootni hunduu hirmaanna barumsaa dhaabuudhaan yaadaa fi ejjennoo tokkoon FXG itti fufna malee barumsa hin barannu jechunis barumsi hanga har’aa hin gaggeeffamin jira.
#OromoProtests 26 January 2016: Oromo political prisoners are on a hunger strike in Ma’ekelawi
According to media reports, Bekele Gerba, other imprisoned leaders of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), and other Oromo political prisoners are on a hunger strike in Ma’ekelawi, the notorious prison in Addis Ababa. The report said the political prisoners started their strike on Friday, January 22, 2016, and have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met. Some of their demands, which they have communicated to the prison’s officials, include:
1) access to legal counsels and visitations by family as guaranteed by the Constitution and internationally accepted rights of prisoners;
2) cessation of torture of political prisoners in Ma’ekelawi;
3) access to proper medical care for all political prisoners.
It has not been possible to verify how many political prisoners are taking part in the strike. However, it has been confirmed that the following leaders of OFC are part of it: Bekele Gerba, Dejene Tafa, Desta Dinka, Addisu Bulala and others. Since November 2015, thousands of Oromos have been taken to Ma’ekelawi in connection with the ongoing Oromo Protests against the lack of adequate self-rule for Oromia (of which the Master Plan is an example), and the decades-old marginalization of the Oromo people in the political, economic, social, linguistic and cultural spheres in Ethiopia as a whole. In addition to those thousands arrested in prisons and concentration camps across Oromia and Ethiopia, more than 160 Oromo persons were killed, and thousands of Oromo persons have been wounded by the Ethiopian Federal armed forces – including tens of Oromo children.
It is to be remembered that the Ethiopian government brought Bekele Gerba, Dejene Tafa, Addisu Bulala and others to a federal court in central Addis Ababa on January 22, 2016 (listen to the report in Amharic below) – this date is the same date on which the hunger strike reportedly began; many human rights organizations, such as the Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, accuse the Ethiopian government of using draconian laws to prosecute peaceful and legitimate political dissidents in biased courts to silence voices critical of the government’s violations of human rights and unjust policies.
#OromoProtests Support Group in Switzerland organized a successful rally at the UN Office in Geneva on January 25, 2016.
The rally was attended by Oromo peace activists in Switzerland as well as other Ethiopian Nationals concerned about the deteriorating human rights violations in Oromia and across Ethiopia. The Ethiopian government’s response to the peaceful Oromo Protests has so far been violent, which has negatively contributed to the increasingly unstable political and security conditions in Ethiopia in the fragile Horn of African region. In an attempt to calm the peaceful Oromo Protests through military means, the Ethiopian government has, over the last two months alone, gunned down more than 160 Oromo persons who took part or had been suspected of taking part in the Oromo Protests, which have been staged in Oromia since April 2014, and quite intensely since mid November 2015, against the lack of adequate self-rule for Oromia (of which the Master Plan is an example), and the decades-old marginalization of the Oromo people in the political, economic, social, linguistic and cultural spheres in Ethiopia as a whole. At least 17 of those killed and wounded are Oromo children.
The following are some photos from the Geneva solidarity rally (reported byOromiaTimes.org).
In East Walaga, Digga district, Arjo Gudetu village, Agazi soldiers have fired on protesters wounding the following people last night
1) Gamachu Alamu Tasama, shot on his back
2) Zerihun Jiregna Bayana, shot on his stomach
3) Birhanu Kebede Sando, shot on his leg
These victims are currently being treated at Naqamte Hospital. Two of them are in critical condition.
https://www.oromiamedia.org/2016/01/24/omn-gabaasa-oolmaa-oromiyaa-ama-23-2016/Oromo youth and families in Gincii (Ginchi) conveyed their remembrance to Aschalew Worku Bayi. #OromoProtests, 24 January 2016.A commemoration of Aschalew Worku Bayi who was killed in Ginchi on 13 December 2015 and his remembrance service took place on 24 January 2016 at the presence of tens of thousands of people near Cillimo.Amajii 24 bara 2016 ummanni Oromoo Aanaa Giincii yaadannoo sabboonaa Oromoo Aschaaloo Warquu Bayii geggeessan. Aschaaloon Mudde 13 bara 2015 humna Wayyaaneen Gincitti wareegame. Amajii 24 bara 2016 wayita siidaan yaadannoo isaaf dhaabbate eebbifametti ummati hedduun argamuun yaadannoo kana irratti mallattoo diddaa Oromoo agarsiisaa oolan.
The PAFD extends its most sincere gratitude to the EU Parliament in general and to those who were the sponsors of the Ethiopian resolution, including members from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and Greens/European Free Alliance (G/EFA) of the EU parliamentary groups in particular.
The resolution the European Parliament has adopted on 21 January 2016 offers great support to the millions oppressed in all parts of Ethiopia and gives them courage for a better democratic and just future.The multitude of committed genocides and unfolding atrocities in Oromia, Ogaden, Gambella, Sidama, Omo, Benishangul and other parts in Ethiopia will continue, unless the international community takes some urgent practical measures to stop them. The Ethiopian government has often ignored international calls for remedy of its human rights violations, knowing that there would be no follow up or significant repercussions. In 2007, for example, the UN called for an urgent investigation into the Ogaden war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the Ethiopian government embarked on an all-out campaign of extermination and collective punishment of civilians in the region and the international community looked the other way. Similarly, the killings in Gambella and Sidama, as well as those in Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) were also condemned by the international community, while the regime shrugged its shoulders and continued its massacres and curtailment of all democratic rights, while being rewarded with more money under the pretext of development.
History has shown that development at the expenses of democratic rights has ended in disasters and grave consequences. The Ethiopian situation is much more complex than other areas which aggravates the matter further because of unresolved historical injustices.
The PAFD calls upon the UN, AU and EU to follow up to their own resolutions and send independent commissions of inquiry to look into the massive human rights allegations that have been and are being perpetrated by the Ethiopian government against the civilian population and take appropriate measures to stop any further acts. All types of Ethiopian security forces must immediately withdraw from Oromia, Ogaden, Gambela and other areas into their barracks.
The PAFD calls upon all peoples in Ethiopia to stand together and act in unison against the atrocities committed by the regime, in order to regain their denied rights to democracy and true self-determination.
Issued by The Peoples Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (PAFD)
January 23, 2016
OFFICE OF PRESIDIUM
Breaking news: there has been reports of heavy gun fire exchange in Waddessaa area near Ambo since yesterday
January 23, 2016
(Oromia Press) — There has been reports of heavy gunfire exchange in Waddessaa area near Ambo since yesterday. Particularly localities such as Haro-Xirro, Wadessa-Galan, Xulle are said to be like war zones. Civilians have been trying to escape the fighting. Residents in nearby districts confirm Agazi special forces have been moving into the area in tens of cars since the night before yesterday. It is not clear who they are fighting or firing at as network in the area is down. Source claim the clash might have been caused when the army tried to disarm local government militia suspected of being disloyal. The conflict is said to have been intensified today and heavy casualties are feared. The military has prevented ambulances that tried to reach the area from nearby towns.
Amajjii 19,2016 , Barattooti kun yeroo jalqabaaf 24 ka ta’an yoo ta’u,amma barattoota shan kan himataa jiru yeroo ta’u, adeemsi heeraa fi Seeraa kan hin eegamneefi maqaa Oromoo fi ABOtiin yakkamanii murna bicuu TPLF Tigiraayin humatamaa jiru. Barattooti kun amma mana yaalaa dhirkamuun,baay’ee kan miidhaman yoo ta’e illee haamileen oromummaa isaanii mana hidhaa maa’ikelaawwi fi Qilinxootiin utuu hin cabin mana Murtii Wayyaanee kanatti sodaa tokko malee uffata aadaa Oromoo uffatanii dhiyaatan
Himatamtoota Wayyaanee kana keessaa Barataa Magarsaa Warquu dhukkubaa fi dararaa irratti raawwatameen baay’ee hubamee kan jiru yeroo ta’u, Afaan Wayyaanee abbaa alangaa ka ifiin jettu himata irratti dhiyeessite gocha isaanii akka hin taane ibsaniiru.
Rage in Miesso following the killing of 6 peaceful protesters on 17 January 2016. has erupted in Asabot town West Hararge. #OromoProtests also in Asabot town West Hararge. Farmers from the region have moved to the city condemning the killing in neighboring Miesso town.
The 6 people killed in Miesso has been identified as:
1) Yasino Abdala Ali
2) Abdella Hassan
3) Mussa Hassan
4) Abdulhakiim
5) Ahmad
6) The six person has been badly disfigured as he was hit with grenade and hard to conclusively identify at this time.
The attack was perpetuated by TPLF’s mercenary in Somali region, the notorious Liyu Police. On Friday TPLF’s chief os intelligence for the Eastern region warned administrators of the two Hararge provinces that he will deploy Liyu police if they cannot stop the ongoing protest. As promised following yesterday’s march of farmers on Miesso town, 7 truck loads of Liyu police entered Western Hararge. This morning they invaded Miesso attacking peaceful protesters. You might recall that Liyu police attacked protesters last week in East Hararge as well.
The United States is increasingly concerned by the continued stifling of independent voices in Ethiopia, including the detention of Oromo political party leaders. These arrests have a chilling effect on much needed public consultations to resolve legitimate political grievances in Oromia.
We support the Government of Ethiopia’s December commitment to public consultation with affected communities. For these consultations to be meaningful, all interested parties must be able to express their views freely.
We reaffirm our call on the Ethiopian Government to refrain from silencing dissent and to protect the constitutionally enshrined rights of all citizens, including the right to gather peacefully, to write, and to speak freely as voices of a diverse nation. We call for the release of those imprisoned for exercising their rights, such as political party leaders and journalists.
#OromoProtests: Ethiopian Protesters Use Social Media to Bring Attention to Deadly Government Crackdown on Dissent – Atlanta Blackstar, 9 January 2016 https://shar.es/16IaqD
#OromoProtests January 10, 2016, Al Jazeera English: Holonkomi, Oromia (Ethiopia) – Security forces have killed at least 140 people during a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations in Ethiopia in recent weeks, activists and rights groups say.
The merciless fascist TPLF forces destroyed students dormitories at Madda Walabu University 9 and 10 January 2016, in the night. Soldiers have also taken away hundreds of students on the night to unknown places.
EU called emergency meeting for Monday to discuss the unrest in Ethiopia & the dire case of the Oromo people
January 7, 2016
Breaking news! Sources from European External Action Service (EU Foreign and Security Policy Branch) has indicate that European Union will convene a meeting to discuss Ethiopia with regard to ongoing #OromoProtests on January 11 (Monday) 2016. Representatives from all 28 EU member countries will attend the meeting. Fascist TPLF juntas representatives have not been invited to the meeting.Gamtaan Awurooppaa(European Union) walgahii hatantamaa waa’ee dhimma Oromoo irratti guyyaa wiixataa, 01/11/2016 waamuu beeksise!Waa’ee Oromoo irratti walgahii akkasii waamuun yeroo jalqabaa ta’us, Gamtaan Awurooppaa gochaan duguuggaa sanyii mootummaan woyyaanee ummata oromoo irraatti gaggeessaaru akka daraan isaan yaaddesseefi falmitootni mirga dhala namaa kan Akka Amnesty International walgahicha irraa qooda akka fudhatan beekameera.INJIFANNOON UMMATA OROMOOF! Falmattu malee Adunyaan dantaa kee hin qabdu..
#OromoProtests, Participants of study seminar from USA and other Philipino friends show solidarity with Oromo Student protest going on in Ethiopia here in Manila. ‘Injustice any where is injustice every where.’ 7 January, 2016.
China Town Manila, Philippines. Credit: Asefa M.Wakjira, Green Movement through social network.
#OromoProtests, Asabot ( West Hararage) Jan 7, 2016.
A 4th year Food Science Oromo student at Wallaggaa University, Horaa Banti Irranaa, was arrested on Monday January 4, 2016 by Agazi from campus. His body was found in Hadiyya on January 6, 2016. He was taken to Nekemte hospital for autopsy then his body was sent to his birth place which is Gachi, near Baddalle in Ilu Abbaabooraa.
Maqaan isaa Horaa Bantii Irranaa Yunivarsitii Wallaggaatti barataa Food Science waggaa 4ffaa tureeyyuu. Gaafa Amajjii 4 bara 2016 mooraa irraa poolisootaan fuudhamee guyyaa Amajii 6 bara 2016 ajjeefamee laga keessatti reeffi isaa gatamee argame. Horaan dhaloonni isaa Godina Ilu Abbaa boor magaala Gachii ti.Reeffi isaas garas geeffamaa jira.
Daraje Tsegaye Kitaba, Oromo teenager, kidnapped by TPLF (Agazi) forces on 26 December 2015. His whereabout is unknown. He is from Central Oromia (Xiqur incinni).
Mucaan kun Muddee 26 bara 2015 agaaziin ukaafame hangaa har’aati gara inni jiru hin beekamu. Maqaan isaa Daraje Tsegaye kitaba jedhama. Lixa shawwaa, annaa xuqur incinnii irraati.
OromoProtests: 5 January 2016 in Awaday, E Hararge, Oromia students at all levels ( elementary to preparatory) have have walked out of school informing school administrators they will not return until the military leaves school compounds, arrested students are released, those who killed students brought to justice. Students who come out of town have returned to their villages.
Amajjii 5 Bara 2015, Awwadaayii, Hargee Bahaatti Barattoonni sadarkaa hundaatu ( elemantarii hamma piripaaratorii) barnoota dhaabuun gara maatii isaanii deemanii jiran. Hamma waraanni mooraa mannaan barnootaafi araddaalee keessa bahuu, gaafiin ummataa deebi’uu, warri hidhame hiikkamuufi warri nama ajjeese seeraan gaafatamuu hin dachaanu jechuun bulchiinsita manneen barnoota hubachiisaanii jiran.
#OromoProtests, Masalaa town, West Hararghe, Oromia. 5 January 2016.
#OromoProtests continues, on 3rd January 2016 at Ambo University Waliso Campus.
Barattoonni Amboo Universitii, Kampaasii Walisoo mormii fi gadda obboleewwan isaanii kan wayyaaneen dhumaniis nyaata lagachuun yaadatan.
#OromoProtests, students in Shashamene Say No to the Master Plan and the Mass Murder, 2nd January 2016
The main road connecting Finfinnee with Eastern Region ( Harar, Dire Dawa, Jigjiga) has been closed at various villages near Hirna. 2nd January 2016, #OromoProtests
Daandin Finfinnee irraa baha biyyatti geessuu naannawa Hirnaatti araddaalee hedduu keessatti bifa kanaan cufamee jira, Amajjii 2, bara 2016
OromoProtests 2nd round continues January 1, 2016: Fichee (Salaalee), Shambuu, Dire Dawa city (LegaHarre High school), Sibuu Siree, Rift Valley University Gulale Campus, Burka Dhimtu ( East Hararge), Gimbi
Hanna Doja, Oromo child, 7 years old, 1st grade student in Kombolcha town, Horroo Guduruu, Oromia. Attacked by fascist Ethiopian regime forces ((Agazi) on 31st December 2015.
The Agazi are armed recruits from rural Tigray, TPLF’s rocky homeland. The Agazi are uneducated fascist forces trained from young age to hate, attack and kill people of non Tigray nationalities
Read more on Reports on OromoProtests in Nov./Dec. 2015 at:-
Declaring war on its own citizens. Commandos shooting live bullets into unarmed crowds of mostly children and teens (See it to believe it – a short video by AJ+ (1 min) https://goo.gl/gbg9tf). That’s the current situation in Oromia, the largest and economically most important region in Ethiopia. School children, farmers and residents across Oromia, have been peacefully protesting for weeks against the government’s plan to expand the capital city by evicting millions of farmers and local residents.
However, instead of listening to their legitimate concerns, the government’s response to this mark of democracy was to gun down the peaceful protesters. More than 120 have been killed so far with hundreds injured and many more are currently being beaten and imprisoned. Even though major media outlets have not been able to cover the emerging crisis due to the government’s long standing policy of shutting down access to journalists and muzzling free press, citizen journalists are distributing information via videos and pictures on social media, some of which are included below. Please note that some are highly graphic and disturbing.
Unless the actions of the government are exposed, these horrific and violent attacks against civilians will continue and many more lives will be lost. Because of the fact that the current Ethiopian regime is minority led, much like that of Syria, we are fearful that similar bloodshed could occur and lead to the destabilization of the region.
These latest killings of unarmed protesters follows a similar massacre of students that happened in May of 2014. More than 70 students were estimated to have been killed by government forces and many more wounded or arrested without charges. Pictures below tell a similar story from 2014.
In mid-December of 2015, Oromos in the Diaspora demonstrated in their host countries to request their respective governments to stop supporting the Ethiopian regime by turning a blind eye to the human rights abuses.
The call by the diaspora community was also echoed by their respective state representatives.
…with all this going, the silence in major media outlets is deafening. Here are the few who broke from the norm and decided to speak up. Please join them…
Dispatches: Yet Again, a Bloody Crackdown on Protesters in Ethiopia “Student protests are spreading throughout Ethiopia’s Oromia region, as people demonstrate against the possibility that Oromo farmers and residents living near the capital, Addis Ababa, could be evicted from their lands without appropriate – or possibly any – compensation. Social media is filled with images of bloodied protesters; there are credible reports of injuries and arrests in a number of towns; and local police have publicly acknowledged that three students have died so far.” https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/12/05…
“Because I am Oromo” Amnesty International interviewed nine people arrested for actual or suspected participation in individual protests on a wide range of issues and received information from other sources about further protest-related arrests. Another 10 interviewees told Amnesty International their problems with the government had begun when they participated in a peaceful protest in previous years. https://www.amnesty.org/download/Do…
Ethiopia: Lethal Force Against Protesters “The Ethiopian government’s response to the Oromia protests has resulted in scores dead and a rapidly rising risk of greater bloodshed,” said Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The government’s labelling of largely peaceful protesters as ‘terrorists’ and deploying military forces is a very dangerous escalation of this volatile situation.” https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/12/18…
Crackdown Turns Deadly In Ethiopia As Government Turns Against Protesters “What’s at stake is the use of land in the Oromia region, home to the country’s largest ethnic group. They are disturbed by expansion plans for Addis Ababa, the capital. But in the last few days the protests have grown in size, and in grievance — and the government’s crackdown has become more violent.” http://www.npr.org/2015/12/19/46041…
What Is Behind the Oromo Rebellion in Ethiopia? “The Ethiopian government is now faced with unprecedented rebellion from the Oromo ethnic group, consisting 35% of the Ethiopia’s population, which it disingenuously claims is inspired by terrorism. The immediate pretext is the Addis Ababa Master Plan encroaching and displacing Oromo farmers, but this masks a deeper grievance which has been brewing for at least two decades under this regime, and for over a century under successive highland Ethiopian rulers.”http://www.huffingtonpost.com/yohan…
Qonnaan bulaan Godina Harargee Lixaa keessa aanolee jiran maratti ukkaamama mana hidhaatti guuraama kaan ammoo bakka buuteen isaanii ammo bakka buuteen isaanii dhabamaa akka jiru odeessaan nu gahee jira.
Baha wallaggaa Giddaa Ayyaanattis yeroo ammaa kana fincilli barattootaan itti fufee galgala kana illee itti fufee jira,ABO fi WBO faarsuun magaalaa keessatti uumatii fi barattooti wallisaa fi dhadachaa jiru.
Seenaa darban keessatti FDG barana Sadaa fi Muddee 2015 keessa gaggeeffamaa jiru seenaa Oromoo keessatti iddoo olaanaa tahee yaadatamuu fi dubbifamuu akka qabu hubachaa wareegamni FDG amma gaggeeffame keessatti wareegamni lubbuu, qabeenyaa fi diinagdee guddaa tahus Injifannoon galmawaan daran guddaa fi gammachiisaa akkasuma uummata Oromoo kan boonsuudha.
Egaan FDG amma gara xumuraatti dhufnee jirra. Qeerroon fincilli isaa kana booda itti fufuu qabu maqaa kana ofirraa jijjiiruudhaan FDG- Fincila Diddaa Gabrummaa kan jedhu gara
FXG-Fincila Xumura Gabrummaatti jijjiirruun qabsoo isaa Bilisummaadhaan xumuratuu fi yeroo gabrummaa ofirraa xumuru yeroo kana tahuun sochiiwwan yeroo ammaa gaggeeffamu irrraa kan hubannuudha.
Yeroo kanaa akkuma beekamu hidhaan uummata Oromoo irratti raawwataa jiru hammaachaa, gocho mootummaa shororkeessaa wayyaaneetiin godhamaa jirus suukkanneessaa shamarran Oromoo irratti gudeeddaa dirqiin raawwataa jiraachuu osoo argaa jirru, rasaasaan kan ajjeefaman daa’imaa hanga maanguddootti dhibbaan lakkaawam mul’ataa fi dhokaatatti beekame, ilmaan Oromoo yeroo ammaa kana mana hidhaatti guuramaa jiran kumaataman lakkaawamaa jiran kun gonkumaa qabsoo keenya duubatti osoo hin deebisnee Qeerron Bilisummaa FXG mirkaneeffachuun isaa amma tahuu wal hubachisuudhaan waamicha itti fufiinsaan qabsoo keenya dhaabuu hin qabnee taasisna.
Seattle: Protests over civil rights abuses in Ethiopia: The protesters, many of them members of the East African community — want Washington senators to pressure Ethiopian leaders or cut U.S. aid in the wake of the ongoing mass killings that they say are targeting ethnic Oromos in Ethiopia. #OromoProtests
Oromia: Partial list of Oromos mainly students that have been killed by Ethiopian regime police, security agents, Special and armed force during peaceful demonstration of last three weeks (updated stand. 26 December 2015). #OromoProtests
Courageous High School Oromo Students in second round silent protest and resistance inside the room after prevented by soldiers from marching outside. #OromoProtest in Adama at high school, 28 December 2015.
Barattoonni Mana Barnoota Sadarkaa 2ffaa Adaamaa keessatti argaman kutaa isaanii keessatti diddaa fi mormii callisaa daree fi gabatee gurraacha irratti mul’isan. Barattooti kunneen ala bahuun mormii isanii mul’isuuf fedhii qabaatanis, humni waraanaa gad bahuu waan isaan dhorkeef tooftaa isaanii jijjiiran.
#OromoProtests December 28, 2015 Akkoon mormii irra jiru
Mulu Rafiisa, Col Alemu Kitessa’s 90 years old cousin says enough!
Aadde Muluu Raffisaa, dubriin Kol Alamuu Qixxeessaa gabrummaan nu gahee bu’a nurraa takkaa gadi si harkifnaa jedhu.
#OromoProtests Second Round at General Tadesse Biruu School, Ejere town, North Shawa December 28, 2015
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Mormiin Oromoo marsaa lammaffaa mana barnoota janaral Taaddasaa Birruu kan magaalaa Ejeree ( Shawaa Kaabaa) keessatti bifa kanaan eegale
Members of U.S. Congress write to Secretary of State Kerry on Oromo Protests in Ethiopia
The following is a letter written by members of the U.S. Congress: Reps. Keith Ellison (MN), Betty McCollum (MN) and Tom Emmer (MN), to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24th, 2015
Ellison, McCollum, Emmer Send Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding Protests in Ethiopia
WASHINGTON DC – Reps. Keith Ellison, Betty McCollum, and Tom Emmer sent the following letter to Secretary of State John Kerry regarding the student protests in the Oromia region of Ethiopia calling for stronger action against human rights violations:
December 23, 2015
The Honorable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Secretary Kerry:
We are writing in regards to the recent student protests in the Oromia region of Ethiopia that have erupted in response to the Ethiopian government’s Master Plan to expand Addis Ababa into surrounding farmland. Minnesota is home to the largest Oromo population in the United States and we have been contacted by hundreds of constituents concerned about the violence and intimidation these protesters have faced from government security forces. We would like to commend you for condemning the recent killings and violence against peaceful Oromo protesters. However, our constituents feel that stronger action is required to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
The United States and Ethiopia have shared a long, fruitful relationship and are partners on a number of issues important to the region. This ongoing relationship, coupled with the extensive foreign assistance that the United States provides Ethiopia each year, should be used to leverage the United States’ position that inclusive democracy be practiced in Ethiopia.
Numerous reports from organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Committee on the Protection of Journalists have revealed the growing practice of government security forces using arbitrary arrests and prosecution to silence journalists and Ethiopian citizens who are simply exercising freedom of expression—a fundamental right and the cornerstone of a democratic society. These individuals are often charged under the draconian 2009 anti-terrorism proclamation. The continued mistreatment and displacement of the Oromo ethnic group in the Oromia region is especially troubling. Furthermore, the Charities and Societies Proclamation (CSO law), enacted in 2009, has made it nearly impossible for non-profits to operate in Ethiopia.
Similar protests last year left dozens of Oromos dead and hundreds arrested. This year, there have already been five officially recorded deaths, although constituents close to the issue have informed us the true number of deaths is much higher with a death toll of at least 75. Recently, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that authorities “will take merciless legitimate action against any force bent on destabilizing the area.” This aggressive approach to peaceful protesters is cause for major concern by the United States and we therefore urge you to engage the Ethiopian leadership in a serious dialogue in order to prevent further loss of life and to ensure that Ethiopia is adhering to democratic principles.
The United States Congress has already sent a strong message regarding Ethiopia’s response to protests. The 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill has provisions to ensure that the U.S. funding to Ethiopia cannot be used to support forced evictions in the country. Furthermore, the bill requires U.S. assistance to be used to support local community initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and be subject to prior consultation with affected populations. The bill also opposes U.S. funding to international financial institutions such as the World Bank for programs that could lead to forced evictions in Ethiopia.
We respectfully ask you to conduct a full, thorough review of this ongoing situation. We cannot look the other way when our allies are violating the human rights of their citizens. If during your investigation you find violations of the Leahy Law, we ask that you respond by taking appropriate action. Thank you for your attention to this important human rights matter.
Sincerely,
Keith Ellison
Member of Congress
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
Tom Emmer
Member of Congress
Cc: Susan Rice, National Security Advisor, White House
Samantha Power, United States Ambassador to United Nations
Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives
Congressman Elliot Engel, Ranking member of Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives
Family of Ob Bekele Gerba Speaks to OVR/RSO about the process of re-arrest from his resident, Adama, on 24 December 2015. He was arrested on 24 December 1:30 PM local time in Adama by 21 uniformed and armed Federal Police.
Yeroo ammaa kana magaalaan Mandii dargaggootii fi jaarsoliin hawaasi kan keessa hin jiraanne ta’uun beekamaadha!
No taxation to Tyrannic Ethiopian regime (TPLF).
20 December 2015: #OromoProtests:has continued in various area in Oromia. Today the people of Tokke Kutaye West Shawa, farmers from several villages marched. They have now promised to boycott market and refuse taxation.
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Mormiin ummata Oromoo akkuma itti fufetti jira. Har’a qonnaanbultoonni gandoota heddurraa walitti dhufan Godina Shawaa Lixaa, Aanaa Tokkee Kuttaayee keessatti mormii godhaat oolan. Bittaa gurgurtaa gabayaa dhaabuufi gibira kafaluu dhaabuuf waliin galanii akka adda bayan beekameera. Source; Social Media via Jawar Mohammed.
‘The political leaders of the Ethiopian Government have a policy of killing all opponents who take to the streets to demonstrate against them. Other opponents who do not demonstrate but make public statements instead, are sent to jail for long periods.’ Kank Cohen http://www.cohenonafrica.com/homepage/2015/12/18/on-ethiopia
An unknown group hacked and vandalized Ethiopian Ministry of Defense website. Graphic images from the recent Oromo student protests were posted on the site.
Africa Confidential (Vol 56, No. 25 December, 18, 2015):
Human rights groups have accused the security forces of killing more than 40 people in Oromia state after renewed student protests broke out over the planned expansion of Addis Ababa. The protests spread to more than 100 towns, leading to confrontations with armed police. Gruesome photos of injured protesters were widely shared on social media with the hashtag #OromoProtests.
#OromoProtests: The United States Concerned By Clashes in Oromia, Ethiopia
Press Statement, Washington, DC December 18, 2015
The United States is deeply concerned by the recent clashes in the Oromia region of Ethiopia that reportedly have resulted in the deaths of numerous protestors. We greatly regret the deaths that have occurred and express our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives.
We urge the government of Ethiopia to permit peaceful protest and commit to a constructive dialogue to address legitimate grievances. We also urge those protesting to refrain from violence and to be open to dialogue.
US ambassador calls on Ethiopia to ‘use restraint’
BBC Africa, 18 December 2015
The US ambassador to the UN has described the Ethiopian prime minister’s reaction to the recent Oromo protests as “concerning”.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said on Wednesday that the government “will take merciless legitimate action against any force bent on destabilising the area”.
Mootummaan gabroomsaa fi nama nyaatan Wayyaanee ummata hirira baherratti gara jabeenyan humna Agaazii fayyadamuudhan rasaasa roobsaa oolen qotee bulaa shan ajjeesuudhaan kudhanii ol akka malee madeessun lubbuun isaanii du’aaf jireenya gidduu kan jiruudha.Namoonni wareegaman maqaan isaanii
1.Obbo Mokonnin Guddisaa
2.Obbo Daadhii Kumsaa
3.Obbo Kumaa Leenjisaa
4.Obbo Abarraa Dhaabaa
5.Haga ammaa Maqaan kan nun gahin battalatti kan du’an yoo ta’u,kan lubbuun hafan magaala walisoo hospitaala Kaatoolikii luqaas,Finfinnee fi Hospitaala tulluboollotti yaalamaa kan jiraniidha.
Ummanni oromoo bakka hundaa waltumsee mootummàa Lubbuu ilmaan oromoo akka malee duguugaa jiru kana waloodhan ofiirra darbuu qaba.Qabsoon itti Fufa.
1. Barasiisaa Deebisaa Bayyanaa Tolasaa , Hayyuu Oromoo Uummata Oromoo miliyoonotaan jaalatamu,Sabboonaa Oromoo nama bara afaan Oromoo dubbachuun akka yakkatti lakka’amu nama yeroo jalqabaaf Qubee afaan Oromoo Uummata Oromoo Calliyaa fi naannoo ishee barsiisuun seenaa guddaa uummata Oromoo keessatti qabuu fi Barsiisaa Afaan Oromoo fi Paartii mormituu KFO bakka bu’uun Mana mare Bakka Bu’oota uummataaf Aanaa Midaa Qanyii irratti yeroo filmaata darbe irratti kan dorgomee, Aanaa Midaa Qanyii irratti guyyaa Safaa Wayyaanee harka 100%n Injifatee boddarra Mootummaan abbaa irree humna waraana agaaziitti fayyadamuun sagalee uummataa kan irra garagalchatee ofii mo’adhe jechuun labsate, Barsiisaa Deebisaa Bayyanaa jalatamaa fi Kabajamaan hayyuu Oromoo Ogeessa Afaanii fi Barsiisaa Qubee afaan Oromoo Abbaa maatii 8ti kan ta’ee guyyaa kaleessa humna Waraanaan ukkaanfame.
2. Barsiisaa Kabbadee Camadaa , sabboonaa Oromoo dorgomaa paartii KFO Aanaa Calliyaa Mana Maree Naannoo Caffee Oromiyaaf filmaata darbe irratti dorgomee sagalee guddaan kan injifate, mootummaan Wayyaanee sagalee uummataa humnaan garagalchachuun ofii mo’uu kan labsatee yoo ta’a’uu Sabboonaa Oromoo barsiisaa Kabbadee Camadaa balleessa tokko malee Oromummaa isaan yakkamee ukkanfamee eessa buuteen isaanii kan hin beekamne ta’uun gabaafamera. Kana Malees ilmaan Oromoo nagaan Gaaffii Mirgaa karaa nagaa gaaffachuun yakkamanii hidhaman Magaalaa Geedoo keessa namootni 40 ukkaanfamuun hidhamuun gabaafamera.
#OromoProtests @Finfinnee (AAU) breaks over kidnapping of two female students by Fascist TPLF (Agazi) forces. Their name is Lomitu Waqbulcho ( 3rd year Afan Oromo & Hirut Tule (2nd year Chemical Engineering). 18 December 2015
Ethiopia security forces kill up to 50 people in crackdown on peaceful protests
17 December 2015
Attempted land grab by Ethiopian government has led to violence against ethnic group
Attempted land grab by Ethiopian government has led to violence against ethnic group
People from the Oromia region, close to Addis Ababa, have been discriminated against by Ethiopia’s ruling ethnic groups Reuters
Human rights groups say an attempted land grab by the federal government has seen violence flare in the Oromia region, with up to 50 protesters killed by security forces so far this month.
Campaigners from the Oromo ethnic group say they have been labelled “terrorists” by Ethiopian authorities as they fight the government’s plan to integrate parts of Oromia into the capital Addis Ababa.
“The Oromo protest movement burns out of the general socio-economic and political marginalization and exclusionary features of the current regime.”
“The party [Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front] looks to have neither developed the society — we are begging food aid now — nor democratized the state-society relationships in Ethiopia.”
Protesters and opposition party members say they are fighting against an urban plan — commonly referred to as the master plan — that would link infrastructure development in Addis Ababa with that of surrounding towns in Oromia, including Burayu. Critics say the plan threatens the sovereignty of Oromo communities.
“The request of the Oromo people is this: Do not expand Addis into Oromia,” said the Burayu resident who asked that his name not be disclosed.
“The government has admitted that it didn’t do enough to introduce the master plan,” said Hallelujah Lulie, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Addis Ababa. “However, beyond the issue of the proposed master plan, the protests are caused by broader issues, including the proper implementation of federalism and the capital’s relationship with the Oromo community that surrounds it. The movement, which is informed by historic injustices, also targets bad governance and calls for respect for human and political rights.”
There have been tensions in Ethiopia’s Oromia region and political organisations representing the Oromo people-have been banned. Over the last few weeks, thousands of students have been protesting and they say, many have been killed in clashes with the police. The tensions are over the plans to expand the capital Addis Ababa. So why are they against this master plan? Henok Gabisa is a visiting international law fellow at Washington and Lee University School of law and also president of the Oromo Studies Association in Washington DC. He spoke to Focus on Africa’s Audrey Brown. BBC Africa, 15 December, 2015
Freedom House: In response to the ongoing protests in Ethiopia’s Oromia regional state and authorities’s violent response, killing and injuring several peaceful protesters.
Les Oromos d’Éthiopie se rebellent contre Addis Abeba
For 10 days, violent clashes took place between police and protesters in the Oromia region in Ethiopia. The activists, many of them students, denounce a project “land grab” led by the government.
Depuis 10 jours, de violents affrontements ont lieu entre les forces de l’ordre et des manifestants dans la région d’Oromia en Éthiopie. Les militants, pour beaucoup des étudiants, dénoncent un projet “d’accaparement des terres” mené par le gouvernement.
Ethiopian police killed 10 Oromo students who were demonstrating peacefully overplans to integrate the capital, Addis Ababa, with surrounding towns in Oromia region in the past three weeks. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-10/ethiopian-opposition-say-10-oromo-students-killed-at-protests
Mudde 14,2015 Goototni Qeerroon Barattootni Oromoo Yuunibarsiitii Madda Walaabuu Sabaa fi Sablammoota Biyyattii Hunda dabalachuun halkan Guutuu FDG finiinsaa Bulan. madda Walaabuutti Warraaqsii Biyyoolessaa Oromiyaa FDG jabaatee itti fufe. Barattootni Ilmaan sabaa fi sablamoota biyyattii Mooraa yuunibarsiitii Madda Walaabuu barattoota Oromoo waliin ta’uun sagaalee dhaadannoo dhageesisaa bulan. humni waraana wayyaanee Agazii jedhamu barattoota dura dhaabbachaa kan jiruu fi Akka Magaalaatti gadi hin baane humnaan Ittisaa jira.
#OromoProtests @Buraayyuu (C. Oromia), to obstruct the movement of fascist TPLF Ethiopia’s forces (Agazi), elementary school students blocked roads, 14 December 2015. Muddee14 Bara 2015 barattoonni sadarkaa 1ffaa Burrayyuu socho’ina loltuu fshistii wayyaanee danquuf daandii cufan.
#OromoProtests 4th round@ Wara Jiru town, Najo District , December 14, 2015
#OromoProtests @ Qobboo (Eastern Oromia), 14 December 2015
TESFANEWSDECEMBER 13, 2015 Death toll in the ongoing #OromoProtests in Ethiopia’s Oromia region exceeds 60
Clashes between the military force and protesters in Ethiopia’s Oromia region today left 25 people killed, according to the Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT). The army that took over the mandate of the regional police used live ammunition against the demonstrators.
The students were protesting against a controversial proposal, known as “the master plan”, to expand Addis Ababa into surrounding Oromia state, which they say will threaten local farmers with mass evictions.
The death toll so far had reached more than 55.
The protests first started on November 20 in the Western Oromo region cities of Ambo, Ginchi and Western Welega, and gained momentum within schools and other educational institutions.
It is now spread to more than 100 Oromia towns and villages.
Protests against the plan first turned violent in April 2014. At least 47 people were killed when security forces used excessive force and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
By some estimates, there were as many as 20,000 Oromo political prisoners in Ethiopia as of March last year.
As always, the local and mainstream media has paid little attention to the ongoing #OromoProtests. Demonstrators have been taking to Facebook and Twitter to report the clashes, with additional coverage coming from diaspora media.
Oromos make up the largest chunk of Ethiopia’s 95 million people, and their language is the fourth most widely spoken African language across the continent. Yet Oromo is not recognized as a federal working language in Ethiopia.
The ruling elite and members of government are mostly from the Tigray region, which is located in the northern part of the country.
The Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) will hold peaceful demonstrations in all major cities and towns of Oromia tomorrow (Saturday, December 12, 2015 – or Muddee 2, 2008 ALH). The cities’ or towns’ major gathering venues (such as squares and stadiums) are expected to accommodate the peaceful demonstrations. The demonstrations are said to be for all: students and the general public.
Here’s a sample permit letter written for the Bule-Hora town.
Barattoonni yunivarsitii haramayaa bifa gaddaan mormii isaanii agarsiisaa oolan. Baahir Dara, Debre Tabor, Axum fi Samaarattis haaluma kana fakkaatu raawwatan.
@Haromaayyaa University Oromo students staged silent mourning in protest of master plan, 9 December 2015. Similar protests staged in University of Bahir Dar, Debre Tabor, Axum and Sumaara.
UNPO: Oromo: Attack on Protesting Students by Government Forces Caught on Video
Citizens from all over Oromia have been protesting for months against the Addis Ababa Master Plan, which would see Oromo farmers around the capital evicted from their land with the city’s expansion. Marches have intensified since the events at Haromaya University last week, where Oromo students, protesting peacefully against the government plans, were shot at by the Ethiopian Federal Police, killing at least three and injuring many more. The attack was recorded on a video, which can be viewed from the link below.
The following video shows as the Ethiopian Federal Police, known as Agazi and part of the elite force of the ruling Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), shooting at Haromaya University’s Oromo students – who were out protesting against the Addis Ababa Master Plan in late November 2015. According to media reports, at least three were killed and many more were wounded. The students were protesting against the Addis Ababa Master Plan, whose goal, they say, is to expand the City of Addis Ababa by many folds by evicting Oromo farmers from their land around the City of Addis Ababa in Oromiyaa. The Oromo people, especially students, have been expressing their protests against the Addis Ababa Master Plan, ever since it was unveiled by TPLF officials in April 2014. As a result of the Oromiyaa-wide protests against the Addis Ababa Master Plan, over the last year and half, more than a hundred Oromos were killed by the Agazi force, including the four who had been reported dead at the recent Haromaya protest.
The students, pronounced dead, and those others protesting, come from all sections and all zones of Oromiyaa for their higher education at Haromaya University.
Unveiled by the ethic-Tigrean-dominated Federal government of Ethiopia in April 2014, the Addis Ababa Master Plan intends to expand the borders of Addis Ababa by many folds into the adjacent Federal State of Oromia.
The City of Addis Ababa, known as Finfinne by Oromos – who make up the largest ethno-national group in Ethiopia, is itself part of the State of Oromia, but the Federal government instituted a “Charter City” status (self-governing status) over the city in 1995 without the approval of the State Representative Council of Oromia (known as Caffee Oromiyaa). Through the “Charter City” status, the city has become a self-governing region, but, to fend off the ethnic Oromo opposition to this secession of Addis Ababa from Oromia, the 1995 Constitution, in Article 49, has recognized the “Special Interests” of the Federal State of Oromia over Addis Ababa (Finfinne). However, experts say this Article 49 of the Constitution has never been put into effect, rather, what has happened over the last two decades since 1995, they say, is essentially the opposite. Caffee Oromiyaa and many other vital State institutions of Oromia, which used to be located in Addis Ababa, had been forced out of Addis Ababa and relocated to elsewhere, especially, to Adama, by the Tigrean-dominated Federal government, which has become the governing body of the City of Addis Ababa.
Over the last two decades, Oromo institutions had been cleared off from Addis Ababa: Oromo music bands, Oromo civic societies (such as, the Macha-Tulama Self-Help Association), Oromo newspapers, venues for expression of Oromoness (such as, Hawi Hotel) and so on, were criminalized and banned on fictitious accusations that these institutions of Oromoness had connections with the outlawed Oromo Liberation Front (OLF); today – Addis Ababa has become a ghost town from the Oromo view – a city cleansed of its Oromo ethnic origin and features. Opponents of the Master Plan say, it is this “City of Addis Ababa” that wants to expand into the rest of Oromia by cleansing Oromos and Oromoness along its way.
What the Federal government proposed in April 2014 in its “Addis Ababa Integrated Regional Development Plan,” known in short as the Addis Ababa Master Plan or the Master Plan, was essentially expanding the “Charter City” of Addis Ababa beyond its current limits by taking more land from Oromia. Opponents of the Master Plan say, this is a gradual, but definite, trampling of the Constitution as well as a threat to the existence of the Federal State of Oromia as a region (Addis Ababa sits in Central Oromia; if allowed to expand with a “Charter Status,” it will ultimately cut off the Federal State of Oromia into two: East and West – see the map drawing attached here). Opponents have counter-proposed their own plan, which supports the development of the region without the expansion of the “Charter City” of Addis Ababa and the restoration of Addis Ababa (Finfinne) as an integral part of the Federal State of Oromia. However, the Tigrean-dominated Federal government seems to use the mantra of “development” for its main objective of expanding the “Charter City” in order to decapitate the Federal State of Oromia as a coherent region.
What has become more appalling to the opposition is the way the Master Plan is being put into effect. The Addis Ababa Master Plan of the Tigrean-dominated Federal government intends to expand the “Charter City” by depopulating the region of its ethnic Oromo population and settling non-Oromo ethnic people. Since the ethnic Oromo population of the region lives on farming, the Federal government’s “development” mantra, with a focus on ‘industrialization,’ has meant the eviction and removal of the ethnic Oromo farming population, while those being settled there as an ‘industrial population’ are of non-Oromo ethnic groups, especially from the dominant Tigrean ethnic group. Therefore, by covering the Master Plan with “industrialization” and “development” buzz words, the Federal government has, albeit unsuccessfully, hidden its genocidal agenda against ethnic Oromos in the region. Opponents say the ethnic Oromo farming community itself must be supported to industrialize, instead of be evicted from its land and thrown to become homeless, as a new non-Oromo ethnic community take over the ethnic Oromo land through the Federal government’s apparent militarized implementation of the Master Plan.
In addition to the Addis Ababa Master Plan, the Federal government has recently outlined a new comprehensive Master Plan for all cities and towns in Oromia to be given “Charter City” statuses under the disguise of “development.” With the “Charter City” status comes the project of cleansing these towns and cities of their Oromo residents and Oromoness.
The past weeks’ Oromo protests, which are currently being waged by Oromo students, come with this background of life-and-death for the Oromo people in the Oromian region adjacent to Addis Ababa and other major towns, and Oromia itself as a coherent region. The Oromo protests have been staged all over Oromia; the following are some pictures from the week’s Oromo protests against the Master Plan.
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Reports say the latest Oromo protests against the Master Plan were triggered when Federal authorities, using the State of Oromia’s officials as vehicles, started an indoctrination campaign to force the Oromo people to accept the Master Plan. Another event that led to the escalation of the Oromo protests was the cutting down of an old-growth (virgin) forest in Ginchi, known as the Chilimo State Forest, for “development;” residents opposed it in light of the drought and famine risks associated with deforestation; the government, as it fails to feed the 15-million people affected by the recent drought, continues its deforestation policy in the name of “development.”
In late November 2015, residents of Mendi in Western Oromia blocked the road to make the town inaccessible for an entourage coming in for the indoctrination. The Federal government, in overreaction, according to observers, sent in its Special Federal Paramilitary-Police force (known as Agazi) to quell the tension … see the pictures in this link:- http://gadaa.net/FinfinneTribune/2015/12/two-weeks-in-pictures-oromo-protests-against-the-master-plan/
#OromoProtests (5 December 2015): has continued across Oromia with population from villages participating. Here is the picture of protesters against the genocidal master plan of the TPLF at Gujee Gafarsaa village ( in Buraayyuu, central Oromia). Source: Jawar Mohammed (Social Media)
Mormiin Oromoon Muddee 5 Bara 2015 hirmaannaa jiraattotaanOromiyaa ganda heddutti itti fufee jira Suuraa kanaratti kan agartan mormii atileetonni ganda qonaan bulaa Gujee Gafarsaa kan naannoo Burraayyuutti.
Silent sit-ins in the campus arena as protest (#OromProtests) in Arba Minich University, Walaita Sodo University, Waldia & Maqale University. #Oromo December 2015, Dec. 2015.
#OromoProtests, Dec. 4 2015: Oromo Students at Bule Hora University held demonstrations. Fascist TPLF/Agazi/forces broke into the campus and injuring several students.
Shashemene Prep School students walked out when prevented from staging a demonstration. Oromo students in university of Walyita Sodo, university of Hawwasa and in Holota, Burqa Harbu school, Gaasaraa, Awaday (East Hararghe), Meettaa (Gooro Mixii, East Hararghe) Hara Qallo school ( Goro Dola) in Guji zone held their protests against genocidal master plan.
Guyya Jimaataa Muddee 4 Bara 2015 akka lakkofsa habashatii ganama sa’aa 2 irraa eegalee baratoonii Oromoo mana barumsa qopha’inaa Shashamanee master pilaanii Finfinee akka hojii irraa hin olee jechuudhaan mormii isaanii cimsanii dhagessisani jiru .waarri opdo bakka bu’ee dhufe kootaa laybrariisenaa ni mari’anaa jedhanisi barattooni isin woajjiin mar’annee homaa debbii hin arganu jechuun wal-gahii jarrii waammatte tuffatanii itti dhisaan.Humnii waaranaa polisii fi agaziin mana barumsa marsee jira .woyanneen lola kasuuf polisoota keessaa tokko barataa fakkatee osoo sura kasu barattooni harkattii qabani rebanii warri kaabinee dhufee fudhe lixeen baratooni hiriraa nagaha bahani naghummani gara mana isaan debi’aniiru. Hirirri mormii nagaan xumarame.
December 3, 2015: Oromostudents and residents of Haromaayyaa marching through the city denouncing the Master Plan and the recent TPLF’s brutal crackdown against the University students.
Godina Baha Oromiyaa, Haromaayaa Keessatti Ummanni Oromoo Barattoota Tumsuufn Diddaa Sirna Abbaa Irree Wayyaanee Irra Jira.
The Ethiopian Federal Police, known as Agazi and part of the elite force of the ruling Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), responded heavily when young students of an elementary school in Chancho (Sululta) protested against the Addis Ababa Master Plan on Wednesday, December 2, 2015.
Ethiopian Federal Police shooting at protesting students in Haramaya University | November 30, 2015
Opposition party Oromo federalist Congress once again denounces the Addis Abeba integrated Master Plan, excessive police response to fresh student protests
The Federal High court 19th criminal bench in Addis Abeba has today passed a guilty verdict on five of the six Oromo university students who were under policy custody since May 2014. Only one was set free.
Dec. 3, 2015 #OromoStudents Protest against the master plan staged at Burayu Secondary and Preparatory school. Agazi/ TPLF’s federal forces cruelly attacked the students.
Muddee2,2015 Gabaasa Qeerroo Sulultaa.
Godina addaa Oromiyaa naannawa Finfinnee aanaa Sululta magaala Caancoo mana baruumsa Caancoo sad.1ffaa keessatti guyyaa har’aa gaasii summaa’aan biifuun barattooti balaa dhibee tasaa mudachuun barattoonni 40 ol gara mana yaalaa fi hospitaala Finfinneetti guurama jiru.
Oromo Schoolchildren Protesting Against the Addis Ababa Master Plan Met with Federal Police’s Violence in Chancho
Parents and residents of Chancho, a small town in Central Oromiyaa, returned to their children’s elementary school on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, to sort through the aftermath of the Ethiopian Federal Police’s, known as Agazi and part of the elite force of the ruling Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), violent response when Oromo young students of an elementary school in Chancho (Sululta) protested against the Addis Ababa Master Plan on Wednesday, December 2, 2015. The following are photos from the incident.
See Photos in the links: Sululta in the Aftermath of Violent Federal Police Response at Elementary School
Muddee 02/2015 Godin a Kibba Lixa Shaggar Aanaa Walisootti Wa rraaqsii FDG Goototn i Qeerroon Barattoot ni Oromoo M/B sadark aa 1ffaa, 2ffaa fi Q ophainaa Diilallaan Jabaatee Itti Fuf.
Fascist TPLF (Agazi) is attacking peaceful students and residents in City of Naqamte , Oromia today (1st December 2015). Similar situation is happening in Haromayyaa, Madda Walabuu and in different parts of Oromia. #OromoProtests.
Maanguddooliin akkasuma gaaffii barattootaa ni deggerra jechuun daandii bahan. Sagalee barattootaa dhaadannoo dhageessifameen sirbootni qabsoo sa’a kana ganama irraa kaasee kan itti fufeedha. Godinaalee mara magaalota keessattis haaluma wal fakkaadhaan itti fufee jira.
Roobee ( Baale) irraa: Odeeffannoon Mudde 1, bara 2015 akka jettutti humni federaalaa guddaan ganama kana magaalaa Roobee (Baalee) tti gadi naqamee jira. Akkuma gayaniin “akka ummanni Adda baabayii J.Waaqoo Guutuu bira gadi hin dabrine poolisaa ittifamaa jira.Karra Koollejji Barsiisota Roobee, Manneen Barnootaa Madda Walaabuu,Gaalamaafi Highschool Robe duratti Poolisa gadi naquun Roobe Cinqaa guddaakeessa jirti!” jedha. Ummata baadiyyaa gara magaalaa dhufaa jirus of duuba deebisaa akka jiranis ragaan ijaa tokko nuuf barreeessee jira. Barattoota Yunivarsitii Madda Walaabuufi poolisii jiddutti walitti bu’iinsi uumame oduun jettu amma nu geesse garuu hin mirkaneeffanne. Adda baafannee isinitti deebina.
( suuraa kanarratti kan gartan poolisiin federaalaa yeroo daandii badiyyaarraa gra magaalaaa fidu cufuudha)
Protest at Madda Walabu University in Bale on Monday 3oth November evening around 8 PM.
Student chanted slogans denouncing the Master Plan and the killing at Haromaya University and dispersed. There was no confrontation with police as campus security refrained from calling reinforcement.
Sadaasa 30 bara 2015 Galgala, Baale, Yunivarsitii Madda Walaabuu keessa hiriira mormiitu ture. Barattonni irbaata booda walgahuun dhaadannoolee Maastar Pilaanii mormaniifi ajjeechaa Haramayaatti raaw’atame balaaleffatan erga dhageessisanii booda nagayaan gara doormii galanii jiran. Jeequmsi uumame akka hin jiraatins beekmee jira.
On Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, young Oromo protesters demanding a halt to Addis Ababa Integrated Regional Development plan, also known as Addis Ababa Master Plan, swarmed Ambo and Mendi towns, located in the western parts of Ethiopia.
According to social media updates, roads were blocked by burning tires and rocks in Mendi, a town located 350 miles to the west of Addis Ababa, in Oromia Regional State. Read more at:- http://thehornpost.com/ethiopian-towns-rocked-by-protests/
Mormiin barattoota godina Shawaa lixaa aanaa Daandii magaalaa Gincii keessatti torbaan darbe jalqabamee ture babaldhachuun godina Wallagga lixaa aanaalee hedduu keessatti itti fufee akka jiru barattoonni dubbataa jiran.
Mormiin barattootaan eegalame kun jiraattota hedduu kan makate yoo ta’u, mormii kana dhaabsisuuf hunootiin kora bittinneessaa fi poolisoonni Oromiyaa tarkaanfilee reebichaa barattotaa fi jiraattotarratti geggeessaa akka jiranis himameera.
Wayta ammaa kana mormiin kun jabaachuun, guyyaa hardhaatis godina Wallagga lixaa magaalaa Najjoo keessatti itti fufee ooluu isaa barattoonni OMN tti himan.
Mormii kanaan haga ammaatti miidhaan nama irra dhaqqabe kan hin jirre yoo ta’u, barattoonnis mooraa mana barumsaatiin alatti bahuun magaalaa keessatti mormii isaanii cimsanii itti fufaa akka jiran akkasitti ibsa.
Barattoota mormii nagaa geggeessaa jiran kanarratti poolisoonni Oromiyaa ammaf tarkaanfii reebichaa kan irratti raawwataa hin jirre ta’uullee barataan kun nutti himee jira.
Barattoonni fi jiraattonni magaalaa Najjoo tokko ta’uudhaan, wayta ammaa kana daandii magaalattii hunda keessa naannahuun, dhaadannoolee adda addaa dhageesisaa akka turan barataan kun ni dubbata.
Itti dabaluun, wayta ammaa kana magaalattii keessa humnootiin kora bitteenneessaa fi kanniin meeshaa waraanaa hidhatan heddumminnaan jiraachuu kan nuuf hime barataan kun, garuu barattootarratti rakkoon uumame ammaf hin jiru.
Mormiin kun magaalaa Najjoo keessatti guyyoota sadiif kan itti fufe yoo ta’u, mormii kaleessa geggeeffameen ammoo, humnootiin kora bittinneessaa fi poolisoonni Oromiyaa barattootaa fi jiraattotarratti reebicha hamaa geggeessaa akka turan barataan kun dubbatee jira.
Haaluma wal fakaatuun, magaalaa Jaarsoo keessattis mormiin barattootaa kan itti fufe yoo ta’u, mormii kana dhaabsisuuf humnoonni kora bittinneessaa heddumminnaan gara magaalattiitti kan bobbafame ta’uu barataan tokko akkasitti nuuf himee jira.
Gaafilee fi mormiin barattoota Oromoo kun bakka hundatti kan wal fakkaatu yoo ta’u, keessumattuu, Karoorri Mastar pilaanii Finfiinne hujii irra ooluu hin qabu.
Labsii Caffeen Oromiyaa dhiheenna kana baaseen, magaallaawwan Oromiyaa gara Federaalaatti makuuf karoorfame, murtii haqaa akka hin taanee fi, kana gochuuf yaaluun mootummichaa guutumatti eenyummaa Oromoo dhabamsiisuuf kan qindaayee waan ta’eef ni mormina kan jedhu ture.
#OromoProtests Continue – Bekele Nega under house arrest
ayyaantuu.net, December 31, 2015
Arsi University Asella Campus December 31, 2015
Mormii barattota Yunivarsitii Arsii Damee Asallaa
#OromoProtests soldiers firing on protesters in Machara town ( West Hararge) December 31, 2015
Seenaa Oromoo keessatti Onni Daaroo Labuu madda gootota Oromoo kan akka Raggaatuu Roobaa, Aslii Oromoo fa’aa tan biqilchite ta’uun beekkamti.
#OromoProtests 2nd round continues in Gidda Ayana High school December 31, 2015
In Burrayyu students walk out of school stating they will not attend class until their arrest classmates and teachers are released and soldiers vacate school compound
#OromoProtests message from Bekele Nega, OFC’s General Secretary who was placed under house arrest and his phone is confisticated. As you read this note, keep in mind that this is an elderly person who is put through such shameful abuse – December 31, 2015
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Protesters in the Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa demand TPLF stop killing Oromo students. Photo be Gadaa via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
The Ethiopian government is reportedly undertaking a massive clampdown on dissenting citizen voices in relation with the ongoing Oromo student protests in Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest administrative region.
The regional political party known as the Oromo Federalist Congress reports that upwards of 80 people have been killed over the past four weeks by government forces. The government has yet to release its own updated numbers, but said on December 15 that five people had died.
Alongside increasing tensions around protests, security forces have arrested two opposition politicians, two journalists, and summoned five bloggers — all members of the Zone9 collective, who were acquitted of baseless terrorism charges just two months ago — to appear in court on December 30.
The government has also reinforced censorship campaigns against US-based Ethiopian satellite TV channels as well as protest songs that were produced in solidarity with Oromo protesters.
Torture marks on musician Hawi Tezera after she was arrested for supporting Oromo student protesters with music. Photo shared on Facebook by Jawar Mohammed.
Protesters of the “Master Plan” to expand the capital city, Addis Ababa, into Oromia fear that the proposed development will displace large numbers of farmers mostly belonging to the Oromo ethnic group. Since demonstrations across the region began, the Ethiopian government has tried hard to stifle any kind of information about the outcry.
However, photos, videos and audio materials captured on mobile phones of the protests and of police brutality have made their way out of the country and are widely shared on the US-based satellite TV channels ESAT and Oromia Media Network (OMN).
These two channels reach tens of millions of Ethiopians who don’t have access to the Internet but who do have satellite dishes and depend on the two channels for news, analysis and views about the protest in Amharic and Afan Oromo, two of Ethiopia’s major languages.
Executives from the satellite channels report that Ethiopian authorities attempted to prohibit their broadcasting services. Jawar Mohammed, executive director of OMN, wrote on his Facebook page:
Notice: OMN is NOT back on satellite yet. It was NOT jammed either. Transmission was discontinued by the service provider under duress. The satellite we were on Eutelsat 8WB is still not jammable. Stay tune for details as soon as piece it together.And the promise remains the same; OMN will be back on air very soon one way or another!
Meanwhile, ESAT posted the following on their website:
The management of the Ethiopian Satellite Television and Radio (ESAT) said the regime in Ethiopia has jammed one of its two satellites, Eutelsat E8WB @ 8West starting the morning of Saturday December 19, 2015. .This latest move by the regime came at a time when ESAT has been widely covering the growing protest against the tyrannical regime in Ethiopia. Ethiopians rely on ESAT for news and information about their country. The regime, known for muzzling press freedom and one of the top jailers of journalists in the world, is spending millions of dollars on jamming equipment to deny people access to information.
Citizen reports on Facebook indicate that Ethiopian authorities have started to frantically send security forces around to remove satellite dish receivers from the rooftops of residents particularly in Oromia region.
Photo taken from Facebook page of Getachew Shiferaw
Getachew Shiferaw, editor-in-chief of the online newspaper Negere Ethiopia, wasarrested. Two days earlier, he had shared a photo showing satellite dish receivers on rooftops (above) with the following note on Facebook:
They [Ethiopian government] are wrong if they think all these satellite dish receivers are set up to watch their tired propaganda.
The War on Satellite Dishes Continue. If the regime thinks it can cut our audience off from receiving OMN news and programs, they are too dumb to understand what we are made off. Just as we beat them time and again during their 10 jamming in the last 18 months, we will beat them again by staying several steps a head of them. Even if they take down every dish in the country, we will still find a way to reach our audience. Time for them to give up and face up to the truth!
Both ESAT and OMN say that in the past, they have moved their signals to other satellites that are harder for the Ethiopian government to jam. They both frequently notify their audiences in Ethiopia and advise them to re-position their dishes accordingly.
The Ethiopian authorities see these channels as mouthpieces of outlawed oppositions groups engaged in destabilizing the country. Although the government usually denies jamming satellites services, media outlets such as France24, Deutsche Welle and BBC have all condemned Ethiopian authorities for interfering with their broadcasting abilities.
Ethiopian authorities’ satellite jamming is similar to Internet censorship, whereby the government blocks access to websites, blogs and online radios, which are mostly set up by journalists and activists living in exile. Ethiopia tops the list of countries forcing journalists to flee into exile for fear of persecution.
Videos – International Issues: Oromo Lives Matter: The Oromo Popular Resistance Against the Infamous Addis Ababa Master Plan (Video only – exclusive production from Radical Citizen Media)
Escalation of Human Rights Violations in Ethiopia Must Stop and an independent investigation is Required
Ethiopia is once again witnessing another round of mass crackdowns by the authorities as scores of protesters have been killed and hundreds arrested in recent weeks. The government must be held accountable for these murders, provide redress, and most importantly of all allow citizens’ the right to express their grievances and demands.
Students and other members of Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group, the Oromos, have been staging protests in many parts of Oromia regional state since mid November 2015. The protests were originally sparked the previous year and resulted in the death and arrest of numerous protestors. The protests arose from a draft plan called the “Addis Ababa and Oromia Special Zone Integrated Master Plan” which protestors insisted would see the displacement of communities and farmers dispossessed them from their lands, without prior consultation and proper compensation.
“Land rights are crucial when it comes the realisation of other human rights especially for people whose economic, social and cultural lives are strongly attached and dependent on the land. In light of this, the students’ demand a constructive consultation process and the initiation of an adequate compensation scheme in Ethiopia as a start when it comes to acknowledging basic rights.” said Robert Hårdh, Executive Director at Civil Rights Defenders
The excessive use of force by armed police and military personnel has inflamed the situation turning the peaceful protests into violent clashes which has subsequently led to death and the destruction of property.
While the main opposition party in the region, the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), put the number of people killed at 85, Civil Rights Defenders accessed a list of victims compiled by activists who quoted the numbers at 119. The Government, meanwhile, has vaguely stated the casualties as being “high in numbers.”
Silent protests and sit-ins have continued to materialise in several areas and institutions while house-to-house searches and widespread detentions have taken place throughout the Oromia region, according to local residents. Some students, suspected of taking part in the demonstration, have been reportedly expelled by University administrations although to date this has not been verified by independent sources.
In a late but noteworthy move, the Ethiopian government recently announced that the ‘Master Plan’ would not be implemented without consultation from the public, and even admits that the demonstrators’ have a legitimate right to protest.
Despite this symbolic gesture, senior government officials have also engaged in contradictory provocative rhetoric.
The government is consistently labeling the protestors as having links with “terror groups” with aim of attempting to spark a “revolution.” Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn accused the protesters as being misled by “destructive forces” whose aim is to “destabilise the area.”
Another senior official has likened the protesters to genies “let out by OFC (Oromo Federalist Congress), Ginbot 7 and OLF (Oromo Liberation Front)” that should be put back in the bottle. The later two groups are based outside Ethiopia and have been branded as “terrorists” by the parliament.
Allegations such as these echo previous incidents where the Ethiopian authorities have used the “terror label” to silence critics and civil society groups and thus constitute a worrying development.
The killing of peaceful protestors, harassment and mass arrest of those suspected of organising protests will only harm the already shaky human rights record of Ethiopia. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which Ethiopia is party to, provide that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly includes the right to participate in peaceful assemblies, meetings, protests, strikes, sit-ins and demonstrations.
In a further act, which has led to the escalation of the crisis, the government has also attempted to limit the flow of information to and from the areas affected by the protests. In some areas government operatives have been seen removing satellite dishes from the rooftops of private residences.
Last week, the head of the nation’s Broadcast Authority told a parliamentary committee that he has warned media houses to pay attention to the content of their reports of the protests coming out of the Oromia region.
A foreign correspondent based in Addis Ababa recently wrote that a translator who had traveled with him to one of the protest areas was subjected to interrogation and mistreatment. A journalist working for the state owned broadcaster, Fikadu Mirkana, was also arrested during the week. Known for persecuting journalists, few independent reports are available about developments in Ethiopia particularly in times such as this. Social media, particularly Facebook, remains the principal source of information and exchange though the country’s Internet penetration rate is among the lowest in the world.
“The flow of independent information can be an influential tool in avoiding public unrest, while acting as a catalyst in exposing human rights abuses especially in times of protests. Furthermore, denying people access to information contravenes Ethiopia’s obligation to respects citizens’ rights regarding access to information,” added Robert Hårdh
The international community needs to pressure the Ethiopian government to halt land grabs and respect human rights, an opposition party leader has said after two prominent opposition members were arrested for inciting protests in Oromiya earlier this week.
Oromiya is the largest region in Ethiopia. Groups such as the OLF, accuse the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition of marginalising ethnic Oromos.
Bekele Nega, secretary of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), said security forces have killed at least 86 people since protests began earlier this month over government plans to create an investment and industrial zone near the capital, Addis Ababa.
“They have killed 86 and wounded thousands [and are] imprisoning people and political leaders including our vice-chairman Bekele Gerba,” Nega told Al Jazeera.
Merara Gudina, OFC chairman, said police detained Gerba on Friday and the party’s assistant secretary, Dejene Tafa, a day earlier.
“They suspect that our party and some of our members are part of the protest movement, that we have been inciting the demonstrations,” he told Reuters news agency, denying that the OFC had incited violence.
The protests are being described as some of the biggest in Ethiopia in recent times [Reuters]
“We do not know when Bekele and Dejene will be released or be charged for anything.”
Opposition leaders and activists said the “Addis Ababa Integrated Development Master Plan” designed to merge certain rural areas into Addis Ababa will result in land grabs and the displacement of farmers.
Hailemariam Desalegn, Ethiopia’s prime minister, told parliament on Friday that people had a legitimate right to oppose Addis Ababa’s plan, but that the government would take “unflinching measures” against those who incite violence.
Hailemariam said “anti-peace forces” had incited violence by spreading false information about the plan.
The government has accused the secessionist Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and opposition group Ginbot 7 of involvement in the protests. Both organisations are regarded by the state as terrorist entities.
Amnesty International, the human rights monitor, said earlier in December that protesters have been labelled “terrorists” by Ethiopian authorities “in an attempt to violently suppress protests against potential land seizures”.
The Ethiopian government has neither released an official death toll nor confirmed how many people were arrested since the protests started.
‘Impartial investigation’
Betsate Deneke, the head of the the Human Rights Council (HRCO), said his organisation was currently collecting information on how many were killed and would announce their findings next week.
He told Al Jazeera that HRCO demanded an “impartial investigation into the killings of people” takes place.
Earlier this week, the opposition said the government had rejected, for the second time, an application to hold a public demonstration on December 27 to protest against the Addis Ababa Master Plan.
Four out of five Ethiopians still live in rural areas even though the country has witnessed tremendous growth over the past 10 years.
Ethiopia has also faced significant criticism for forcibly removing tens of thousands of people from their homes to make way for large scale commercial ventures, often to the benefit of foreign investors.
Opposition leaders say some 86 people have been killed over the past four weeks at the hands of security forces [Reuters]
Bonnie Holcomb: OSA’s Board Chair – message regarding the unlawful arrest of Bekele Gerba of OFC
Bekele Gerba was arrested last night 7:30 PM local time in Adama by 14 uniformed and armed Federal Police. They came with a paper callng for the arrest of “Bekele Gerba Tuji.” Bekele was reading at his desk in the company of his wife and son. He responded peacefully that this is not his proper name, that he had broken no law and refused to go with them or allow them to search the house. They brought another two intelligence people in civilian clothing who led a search the house without a stated purpose against his objection that his rights were being violated. He was taken by force without a charge in front of his wife, son and three witnesses who were EPRDF members. He was put into the back of a Federal Police vehicle and taken away. At that point his wife was told not to follow them and that she could visit him at the Makelawi prison after 24 hours.
This is the highly-respected man with a reputation of utmost integrity who translated the speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr into Oromo language while serving and a prisoner of conscience from 2011-2015. He is an official in the legitimate Oromo opposition party in Ethiopia. He delivered the keynote address at the 2015 Oromo Studies Association calling upon Oromo protest peacefully to assert their rights. I personally accompanied him to visit the State Department Ethiopian Desk officer, State Department Democracy Rights and Labor representative who also reported to the African Desk officer. He spoke with members of the Atlantic Council at a session on August 27, with National Endowment for Democracy, RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, Freedom House, offices of Congressional Representatives from Minnesota and the House Subcommittee on Africa. He was interviewed by NPR and Al Jazeera. At all meetings he spoke clearly about the crisis the Oromo were facing with violation of all rights guaranteed by the Ethiopian constitution, the outright confiscation of land, the closure of all political and social space for expression. He urged support for peaceful demonstration by Oromo in Ethiopia, and received assurances that the United States fully supports democratic expression. Now is the time for all who heard and understood his message to stand in support of Bekele and the Oromo protesters who peacefully demonstrated in response to illegal land seizure and egregious violations of their rights.
Members of U.S. Congress write to Secretary of State Kerry on Oromo Protests in Ethiopia
The following is a letter written by members of the U.S. Congress: Reps. Keith Ellison (MN), Betty McCollum (MN) and Tom Emmer (MN), to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24th, 2015
Ellison, McCollum, Emmer Send Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding Protests in Ethiopia
WASHINGTON DC – Reps. Keith Ellison, Betty McCollum, and Tom Emmer sent the following letter to Secretary of State John Kerry regarding the student protests in the Oromia region of Ethiopia calling for stronger action against human rights violations:
December 23, 2015
The Honorable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Secretary Kerry:
We are writing in regards to the recent student protests in the Oromia region of Ethiopia that have erupted in response to the Ethiopian government’s Master Plan to expand Addis Ababa into surrounding farmland. Minnesota is home to the largest Oromo population in the United States and we have been contacted by hundreds of constituents concerned about the violence and intimidation these protesters have faced from government security forces. We would like to commend you for condemning the recent killings and violence against peaceful Oromo protesters. However, our constituents feel that stronger action is required to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
The United States and Ethiopia have shared a long, fruitful relationship and are partners on a number of issues important to the region. This ongoing relationship, coupled with the extensive foreign assistance that the United States provides Ethiopia each year, should be used to leverage the United States’ position that inclusive democracy be practiced in Ethiopia.
Numerous reports from organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Committee on the Protection of Journalists have revealed the growing practice of government security forces using arbitrary arrests and prosecution to silence journalists and Ethiopian citizens who are simply exercising freedom of expression—a fundamental right and the cornerstone of a democratic society. These individuals are often charged under the draconian 2009 anti-terrorism proclamation. The continued mistreatment and displacement of the Oromo ethnic group in the Oromia region is especially troubling. Furthermore, the Charities and Societies Proclamation (CSO law), enacted in 2009, has made it nearly impossible for non-profits to operate in Ethiopia.
Similar protests last year left dozens of Oromos dead and hundreds arrested. This year, there have already been five officially recorded deaths, although constituents close to the issue have informed us the true number of deaths is much higher with a death toll of at least 75. Recently, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that authorities “will take merciless legitimate action against any force bent on destabilizing the area.” This aggressive approach to peaceful protesters is cause for major concern by the United States and we therefore urge you to engage the Ethiopian leadership in a serious dialogue in order to prevent further loss of life and to ensure that Ethiopia is adhering to democratic principles.
The United States Congress has already sent a strong message regarding Ethiopia’s response to protests. The 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill has provisions to ensure that the U.S. funding to Ethiopia cannot be used to support forced evictions in the country. Furthermore, the bill requires U.S. assistance to be used to support local community initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and be subject to prior consultation with affected populations. The bill also opposes U.S. funding to international financial institutions such as the World Bank for programs that could lead to forced evictions in Ethiopia.
We respectfully ask you to conduct a full, thorough review of this ongoing situation. We cannot look the other way when our allies are violating the human rights of their citizens. If during your investigation you find violations of the Leahy Law, we ask that you respond by taking appropriate action. Thank you for your attention to this important human rights matter.
Sincerely,
Keith Ellison
Member of Congress
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
Tom Emmer
Member of Congress
Cc: Susan Rice, National Security Advisor, White House
Samantha Power, United States Ambassador to United Nations
Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives
Congressman Elliot Engel, Ranking member of Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives
In an interview with DW, a spokesman of the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Unity Forum accused the government of abusing the country’s constitution with its plans to expand the capital Addis Ababa.
Violence and chaos gripped Ethiopia this week as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in protest against government plans to expand the capital Addis Ababa. Human Rights Watch said at least 75 people were killed in a bloody crackdown by heavily armed security forces. The demonstrations have spread to several towns since November, when students spoke out against plans to expand the capital into Oromia territory, a move the Oromo people consider a land grab. DW spoke to Merara Gundina, chairman of the opposition Oromo Federal Congress, in Addis Ababa.
DW: What exactly are you demonstrating against?
Merara Gundina: The Addis Ababa Master Plan is part of a larger land grab by the Ethiopian government around Addis Ababa, which has displaced not less than 200,000 people. Secondly, under federalism all the boundaries are being eroded by the ruling party which is bent on taking the land. People are very angry with the government and people who wanted to see change are frustrated.
Under the Ethiopian constitution all land belongs to the state, with people living there legally considered tenants. Doesn’t this allow the government to carry out any developments that may serve the interests of all Ethiopians?
No, no, the government is misusing it. The constitution says the land belongs to the public so it doesn’t allow the government simply to tell the people “go away” and it takes the land. No, it says there are bonds of state in the name of the people and there are individuals owning the land. It is the ruling party that is misusing the constitution. In fact, the state itself is privatising the country.
We understand you have vowed to continue the demonstrations despite the killings and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn declared on television that the government would act without mercy. Is it not better to solve these issues through talks?
We continue to support the cause of our people. We continue our peaceful struggle. We cannot be intimidated as the government has done. We have popular support, we have millions of people behind us. The government cannot silence us easily. We are following the constitution but we are against the arbitrary misuse of the constitution by the ruling party. Our people will continue.
Is it true that your organization is getting support from outsiders?
The diaspora is far away. It’s school kids, high schools and universities and the government is simply accusing the left and the right. Probably the diaspora is very active in the media because the local media are totally controlled by the government. We have no access to the media and the diaspora have some media outlets and they report what is happening in the country. But a diaspora of a few thousand cannot move millions of people.
Ethiopian migrants, all members of the Oromo community of Ethiopia living in Malta, protest in Valletta against the Ethiopian regime’s plan to evict Oromo farmers to expand Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, Dec. 21, 2015.
Marthe van der Wolf, December 23, 2015 3:22 PM
GINCHI, ETHIOPIA—Schools are closed, businesses have just reopened after being closed for almost a week, and there is tension in Ginchi, Ethiopia, one of the first towns where the Oromo people began protesting last month against a plan to expand the capital, Addis Ababa.
Police are on the main road in Ginchi, which is about 80 kilometers west of Addis Ababa. Interviews have to be conducted on the basis of anonymity and on the outskirts of the town.
A waitress says that despite the reopening of the cafe where she works, life is not back to normal yet: She says that there is not an official curfew, but that young people risk being randomly detained if they are out in the evening.
The most recent protest in Ginchi was last weekend, after a funeral. Citizens said security forces killed three people before the protest took place.
The Addis Ababa master plan is a blueprint to expand the capital into the Oromiya region. The protesters believe that the expansion will lead to land grabs without proper compensation and a loss of the Oromo culture and language.
A shop owner, who participated in the protests, says those who created the master plan do not understand that life is tough and that people like him will not benefit from the promised development. He says there is no benefit for the people to have outside investors who take their land.
Established in 1991
The Oromiya region was established when the current government came to power in 1991. The federal system was divided along ethnic lines. The Oromos are the largest ethnic group in the country.
Bekele Gerba, leader of the opposition Oromo Federal Congress, lives in Adama, the former capital of the Oromiya region. The city, about 60 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, has also seen protests in recent weeks.
Gerba says Oromos have never been treated like equals by Ethiopia’s leaders, but he believes the current government is the worst.
“The ruling classes, usually, they think that Oromo is a threat,” he said. ” ‘One day they can overwhelm us. Therefore, they have to be treated in such a way so that they won’t have any power.’ Therefore, for example, we don’t have any power in the military. All the military commanders belong to a different ethnic group.”
Gerba’s party says more than 75 people have died since the protests began, and that many of his party members have been detained. Rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch say the government is using “excessive lethal force” on the protesters.
A government spokesman, Getachew Reda, told VOA on Wednesday that security forces had exercised restraint, “even under circumstances where they found themselves overwhelmed.”
The current uprising is a culmination of systematic injustice perpetrated against the Oromo.
As is often the case, oppressors are blind to what they perpetrate on their victims and surprised when the oppressed rise up defiantly.
Even the African Union, with its headquarter in Addis Ababa, while rightly concerned about a potential genocide inBurundi, is conspicuously silent on the massacre taking place against the Oromo right on its doorstep.
World Post: What Is Behind the Oromo Rebellion in Ethiopia?
By Yohannes Woldemariam, Associate Professor of International Relations and Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College
The Ethiopian government is now faced with unprecedented rebellion from the Oromo ethnic group, consisting 35% of the Ethiopia’s population, which it disingenuously claims is inspired by terrorism. The immediate pretext is the Addis Ababa Master Plan encroaching and displacing Oromo farmers, but this masks a deeper grievance which has been brewing for at least two decades under this regime, and for over a century under successive highland Ethiopian rulers. In the following, I will try to provide some context and offer some analysis of the danger Ethiopia and the region are facing.
Background
The late Ethiopian Prime Minster, Meles Zenawi, achieved power in 1991 as “the first among equals” in a ruling coalition. After the 1998-2000 “border war” with Eritrea, he moved to consolidate his power by rewarding loyalists and weakening or imprisoning his rivals. Meles institutionalized one-party rule of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and his Tigrayan inner circle, with the participation of other co-opted ethnic elites who were brought into the ruling alliance under the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).
The EPRDF consists of four groups: the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO), the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), the South Ethiopian Peoples’ Democratic Front (SEPDF) and the Tigrayan Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF). The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) decided to withdraw from the EPRDF coalition in 1992 and was pushed out after unsuccessfully trying to assert its independence from the TPLF within the coalition. The role of OPDO, ANDM and SEPDF is simply to rubber stamp TPLF’s agenda. In North American parlance, one can describe the members of OPDO, ANDM and SEPDF as the uncle Toms of Ethiopian society.
Zenawi’s violent crackdown on the 2005 demonstrations protesting the widely believed rigged election was a clear indication of his determination to hang on to power. In the 2010 elections, the EPRDF won 499 out of 547 parliamentary seats — with all but two others going to EPRDF-allied parties — and all but one of 1,904 council seats in regional elections. Despite the semblance of parliamentary rule, those elected were irrelevant to the governance of the country, since the TPLF and PM Zenawi maintained near absolute control over the country’s politics.
If there was any doubt in 2005, in the 2010 and 2015 elections, it became clear that this was a one-party rule with a vengeance, ensuring the triumph of repression, the squashing of dissenting voices and the shutting down of independent media. Elections in Ethiopia are shenanigans to show complete EPRDF control rather than engagement in democracy. There is a clampdown on internet access, and the arrest and sentencing of political opponents and journalists. Even two Swedish journalistsreporting in the Ogaden were imprisoned on terrorism charges.
Succession Not Transition
There was a speculation that Meles’s passing in august 2012 could touch off an internal power struggle expected to take place within the ranks of his loyalists. But the succession of a new prime minister turned out to be an uneventful affair and at least outwardly peaceful. The number of Tigrayans in the cabinet decreased, but key posts remain in the hands of aging Tigrayan loyalists. The talk of “generational change” over the past few years was simply a charade.
Among the exceptions is the current PM Hailemariam Desalegn, the relatively unknown ex-Deputy Prime Minister. Desalegn’s ethnicity gives a superficial semblance of balance and cover for the Tigrayan oligarchy. Desalegn is a Wolayta, a somewhat marginalized ethnicity in the periphery of Ethiopian society, and a born-again Christian in a country where the dominant church is Ethiopian Orthodox. He never participated in the armed struggle that brought the various factions of the EPRDF to power. His status as an outsider was perceived by many to be an asset that gave him broader legitimacy, insulated him from criticism, and allowed him to present himself as an underdog protected from the historical baggage of the Amhara and Tigrayans.
Yet, in his three years in power, Desalegn has announced few new policies. Some suggest that he is a mere figurehead and that real power is still within a core TPLF group shadowing him. In any case, party leaders seem lost without Zenawi. They govern on autopilot, following the vision and templates he left behind. In effect, Zenawi is ruling from the grave. Yet developments like the Oromo uprising expose the limits of ruling from the grave. Regime officials seem confused. Different officials say different things and contradict each other. They look like deer caught in the headlights. As is often the case, oppressors are blind to what they perpetrate on their victims and surprised when the oppressed rise up defiantly.
Resistance to EPRDF Rule
While opposition and discontent have been growing in Ethiopia, the security apparatus is ever vigilant against them . Rioting Muslims were effectively contained. The TPLF marginalized both the legal and the extra-legal opposition, leaving little option but to protest as in the current Oromo uprising. The few co-opted Oromo elites within the EPRDF have little credibility, and protesters scoff at statements coming from Oromo leaders serving the regime.
Other ethnic groups deeply dissatisfied are the Ogadenis, Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz. The Ogaden national liberation Front (ONLF) in Ogaden is waging an insurgency exacerbated by forcible relocations to allow oil and gas exploration. Similar insurgency rages in Oromia led by the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). Oromia was incorporated into the Ethiopian empire in the 1880s by emperor Menelik IIduring the time the European scramble for Africa was underway.
Resentment to TPLF rule extends even among parts of Tigray, where a part of the population feel left out by the TPLF elites interested only in making money and investing it in the capital or abroad. The EPRDF has unsuccessfully lobbied the U.S. government to label the ONLF and the OLF as terrorist organizations. Nevertheless, the controversial use and abuse of the Anti-Terrorism Law is applied with impunity. The government attributes the ongoing Muslim and Oromo protest to infiltration from Saudi Arabia, Eritrea and the opposition Ginbot 7 movement.
Despite a dishonest attempt to externalize the issue, Ethiopian Muslims, who number anywhere from 40% to 50% of the population, and the Oromo have historically been marginalized, and the protest is very much homegrown and rooted in a long list of grievances.
Ethiopia, the U.S. and its Western Allies
Ethiopia is a key strategic ally for the War on Terror, which insulates it from any UScondemnation. Ethiopia receives the largest aid in Africa — an average $3.3 billionper year. The government abuses aid money to the extent that even government-provided seeds and fertilizer is denied to farmers who are not party members. Regarding the current uprising, the United States has issued a statement of concern. However, the regime itself is noticably unconcerned because it knows these statements by the U.S. are accompanied by little or no action. Even the African Union, with its headquarter in Addis Ababa, while rightly concerned about a potential genocide inBurundi, is conspicuously silent on the massacre taking place against the Oromo right on its doorstep.
The late Zenawi had the wit to position himself as an indispensable ally of the West in the fight against “terrorism.” Ethiopia is seen as a bulwark against extremism and the chaos of Somalia. From the U.S. point of view, Ethiopia is a military bridgehead to contain Al Qaida infiltration in Somalia and even across the Red Sea in Yemen.
International aid subsidizes about 50 % of Ethiopia’s national budget. United Kingdom funding of $4.9billion for a brutal resettlement scheme was only withdrawn this year. Germany continues to aid Ethiopia for “strategic” reasons despite voicing concern about human rights violations. The regime has deepened its economic relationship with China (which is tight-lipped on human rights issues) by utilizing its comparative advantage: capitalizing on the availability of plentiful cheap labor and Chinese subsidies for projects encroaching in Oromia.
The Economy
Zenawi engineered Ethiopia’s success in securing aid from the European Union and the U.S.; he was adept at maneuvering and securing money from Western financial institutions that even his detractors acknowledge. He counted among his admirers big names such as Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Harvard as well as Professor Joseph Stiglitz of Columbia University and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics. The country’s rulers have perfected the culture of begging and dependency and are now appealing for a $1.4 billion to feed the 10.2 million drought victims even though they engage in the business of leasing fertile land to foreign investors who export everything they grow. Drought does not have to lead to hunger and famine, if a government plans for it. Poor governments can store grain when there is good harvest in preparation for such emergencies.
Consistent with the notion of state-directed developmentalism espoused by the EPRDF, it aspired to oversee the development of roads, rail, electricity and telecommunications, boasting double-digit growth although the IMF disputes those figures and puts the growth rate at 7.5 per cent . It did succeed in Addis Ababa getting sub-Saharan Africa’s first light-rail network. However, the government’s claim that its socio-economic policies have helped the poor is disputed by critics, who point out that the primary beneficiaries are the political elite and that the gap between the elites and the poor is ever wider. The Oromo uprising is partially resentment over displacement and over environmental damage in the name of development.Corruption is rampant in the country. Theft from state enterprises and participation in the black market, including widespread graft is all too common.
Federalism
Ethiopia under the EPRDF was officially declared a federal state. In states with true federalism, regions enjoy political primacy, as it is they who consciously decide to form the state, unlike centralized states where the constituting units come into being in line with EPRDF administrative requirements from the center. The strong center in Ethiopia never allowed for the true spirit of federalism to emerge. The country could never rid itself of the lingering grievance of the regions, of not getting their share, commensurate with their resources. There is a whole list of such claims, such as, misuse of river waters and cheaply leasing of indigenous land to foreign capitalists, urbanization (as in Addis Ababa’s Master Plan), and increasing Deforestation.
The TPLF military and the future
The Ethiopian military as an institution has acquired unprecedented power. Under any conceivable scenario, the military will continue to be a key and decisive player. Yet, it is not a truly national army; at the officer corps level, it is heavily dominated by Tigreans. Historically, the rank and file soldiers come mostly from the Oromo nation and have been the cannon fodder in the country’s numerous wars under Haile Sellassie, Mengistu Hailemariam, and now under the TPLF dictatorship. There is deep grievance within the army resulting in high profile desertions from the Air Force and other branches.
Control of key economic sectors by the military under the EPRDF have made it difficult to limit its role to a strictly military one. The military’s role has other consequences of spiraling ethnic conflicts which have reached a boiling point in the current uprising. EPRDF rule has engendered profound hatred and resentments among different groups with Ethiopian society and among the former ruling classes of the Amhara ethnic group.
The Ogadenis have a longstanding group grievance that is part and parcel of their indomitable desire for self-determination, which has never been addressed. The current uprising is a culmination of systematic injustice perpetrated against the Oromo. Resistance in Ethiopia in the absence of political space for cross-ethnic alliances is being channeled along ethnic and religious lines, potentially setting the stage for the balkanization of the country. In the 20th century, highland monarchist absolutism, Stalinist dictatorships and today’s make-believe “democratic federalism” may contribute more to fragmentation and dismemberment than nation-building. The legacy of dictatorship, from Menelik II, Haile Selassie, Mengistu Hailemariam to Meles Zenawi has endangered the country.
Social media is full of images of dead and injured students from Ethiopia’s Oromia state. At least 50 protesters have been killed, hundreds injured and thousands more arrested in monthlong protests across the region. Tensions escalated sharply this week after authorities accused the demonstrators of terrorism and confirmed deploying military forces.
The government continues to take a hard line. On Dec. 17, Communications Minister Getachew Reda described the protesters as “terrorists” and “demonic.” Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has threatened to take “merciless action against any force bent on destabilizing the area,” echoing pronouncements by the country’s counterterrorism task force, which has promised “legal and proportionate” measures.
This is an old tactic in Ethiopia, where protests and public proclamation of dissent are criminalized. Addis Ababa often dismisses genuine local grievances as evil designs of anti-development elements. Over the last decade, the government in Addis Ababa used the “war on terrorism” and the rhetoric of development to silence independent voices and curtail democratic debate. The press is effectively muzzled, and independent civic and political organizations face an array of government tactics, including manipulation, co-optation and violent repression.
The immediate trigger for the crisis is the Integrated Regional Development Plan for Addis Ababa and the Surrounding Oromia Region, commonly known as the Master Plan, which aims to expand the Ethiopian capital’s jurisdiction to Oromia. But the movement is a reflection of long-simmering ethnic tensions and deeper historical injustices. The Oromo, who constitute nearly half of Ethiopia’s 100 million people, have long been pushed to the periphery of Ethiopia’s economic, social and political life. The anger and defiance of the last few weeks is a spontaneous response to decades of systemic and structural marginalization of the Oromo.
Despite the government’s claim, the ongoing largely peaceful protests pose no threat to Ethiopia’s economic or national security interests. However, the government’s heavy-handed crackdown on protesters and the implementation of the Master Plan presents a clear and present danger to the well-being of the Oromo.
Why are Oromos protesting?
These protests are not new. In April and May 2014, similar protests broke out when the government unveiled the controversial Master Plan. Dozens of people were killed and many more wounded. Authorities insist that the draft plan will better coordinate development activities and facilitate the delivery of public services to remote areas. The protesters say it is a blueprint for annexation and will displace millions of Oromo farmers.
Addis Ababa, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, faces a population explosion. The city has sprawled into neighboring Oromo villages, farmlands and forests. In the last 10 years, more than 150,000 Oromo farmers have been evicted from their ancestral lands without adequate compensation and proper relocation. Displaced farmers are becoming daily laborers on lands taken from them. Oromo activists and opposition politicians fear that the Master Plan will lead to a new and unrestrained land grab that could radically alter the region’s demographics and cultural makeup. The protesters say such expansion would cleanse the Oromo people and culture from the area.
Oromo protesters want a human-centered development that places people at the center of government policies and programs and allows everyone to get a fair share of what belongs to all.
Addis Ababa lies in the heart of Oromia. The Ethiopian Constitution recognizes the state’s “special interest” over the city and mandates Parliament to enact laws that would regulate the “provision of social services or the utilization of natural resources” between Oromia and Addis Ababa. However, two decades after the constitution’s adoption, no such laws have been enacted. Meanwhile, Addis Ababa’s expansion into surrounding Oromo towns continues unabated. This advance, which is in part fueled by demand for land by foreign and private investment, has had serious economic and ecological consequences for the area.
Human-centered development
The government has appealed to developmental goals to silence such concerns, but its approach to development is narrow. Ethiopia follows a developmental state model that doesn’t guarantee democratic participation and representative procedures necessary to scrutinize the legality, viability and proportionality of state-led projects. Its five-year Growth and Transformation Plan is mainly funded by foreign aid, including from the United States. The plan envisions the relocation of people from lands slated for infrastructure construction, industrial parks and large-scale agricultural development. These programs are often implemented through intimidation, violence and other repressive tactics.
Ethiopia happens to be a key U.S. ally in the “war on terrorism.” In 2006 the U.S. provided technical and financialsupport for Ethiopia’s invasion of Somalia under the pretext of targeting the Somali armed group Al-Shabab. Since 2011, the U.S. has been flying armed reaper drones from bases in Ethiopia as part of its counterterrorism mission in East Africa. Washington acknowledges the ruling party’s increasingly authoritarian tactics but has consistently ignored human rights concerns. The U.S. State Department on Friday expressed concern about reports of deaths and urged the Ethiopian government “to permit peaceful protest and commit to a constructive dialogue.”
The protesters oppose policies that disregard the will of the people. They are calling for a system grounded in fair processes, driven by equitable outcomes and the effective participation of affected communities in defining the scope of development programs. In short, they want a human-centered development that places people at the center of government policies and programs and allows everyone to get a fair share of what belongs to all.
These protests are unprecedented in many ways. They are broad based and resilient as well as creative. They are using roadblocks, sit-ins, lunch boycotts and striking hand gestures and other symbols of civil disobedience to capture asymmetries of power and governance.
Their nonviolent resistance transcends deep political fault lines and is building interethnic solidarity among Ethiopia’s key political players. Over the last two weeks, several non-Oromo political parties and civic organizations have expressed solidarity with the protesters. This in and of itself is a remarkable achievement in a country sharply divided along ethnic lines.
This movement may not end the subordination of the Oromo people and the displacement of its farmers, but its legacy will endure. It leaves behind traces and reminders that will serve as the seedbed of indignation and frustration, providing inspiration for future struggles for equality and justice in Ethiopia.
Awol Allo is a fellow in human rights at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Military Deployment, Terrorism Rhetoric Risk Escalating Violence
(Nairobi) – Ethiopian security forces have killed dozens of protesters since November 12, 2015, in Oromia regional state, according to reports from the region. The security forces should stop using excessive lethal force against protesters.
Protesters in Oromia region, Ethiopia, December 2015.
Police and military forces have fired on demonstrations, killing at least 75 protesters and wounding many others, according to activists. Government officials have acknowledged only five deaths and said that an undisclosed number of security force members have also been killed. On December 15, the government announced that protesters had a “direct connection with forces that have taken missions from foreign terrorist groups” and that Ethiopia’s Anti-Terrorism Task Force will lead the response.
“The Ethiopian government’s response to the Oromia protests has resulted in scores dead and a rapidly rising risk of greater bloodshed,” said Leslie Lefkow, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The government’s labelling of largely peaceful protesters as ‘terrorists’ and deploying military forces is a very dangerous escalation of this volatile situation.”
Protests by students began in Ginchi, a small town 80 kilometers southwest of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, when authorities sought to clear a forest for an investment project. Protests quickly spread throughout the Oromia region, home of Ethiopia’s estimated 35 million Oromo, the country’s largest ethnic group.
They evolved into larger demonstrations against the proposed expansion of the Addis Ababa municipal boundary, known as the “Addis Ababa Integrated Development Master Plan.” Approximately 2 million people live in the area of the proposed boundary expansion and many protesters fear the plan could displace Oromo farmers and residents living near the city.
Since mid-November, the protesting students have been joined by farmers and other residents. Human Rights Watch received credible reports that security forces shot dozens of protesters in Shewa and Wollega zones, west of Addis Ababa, in early December. Several people described seeing security forces in the town of Walliso, 100 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, shoot into crowds of protesters in December, leaving bodies lying in the street.
Numerous witnesses told Human Rights Watch that security forces beat and arrested protesters, often directly from their homes at night. Others described several locations as “very tense” with heavy military presence and “many, many arrests.” One student who took part in protests in West Shewa said, “I don’t know where any of my friends are. They have disappeared after the protest. Their families say they were taken by the police.”
Local residents in several areas told Human Rights Watch that protesters took over some local government buildings after government officials abandoned them. Protesters have also set up roadblocks to prevent the movement of military units into communities. Some foreign-owned commercial farms were looted and destroyed near Debre Zeit, 50 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, news media reported.
Human Rights Watch has not been able to corroborate the precise death toll and many of the details of individual incidents because of limited independent access and restricted communications with affected areas. There have also been unconfirmed reports of arrests of health workers, teachers, and others who have publicly shown support for the protest movement through photos and messages on social media.
Ethiopia security forces kill up to 50 people in crackdown on peaceful protests
Independent, 17 December 2015
Attempted land grab by Ethiopian government has led to violence against ethnic group
People from the Oromia region, close to Addis Ababa, have been discriminated against by Ethiopia’s ruling ethnic groups Reuters
The violence-torn Horn of Africa is seeing a fresh wave of repression as Ethiopian authorities crack down on protests by the country’s largest ethnic minority.
Human rights groups say an attempted land grab by the federal government has seen violence flare in the Oromia region, with up to 50 protesters killed by security forces so far this month.
Campaigners from the Oromo ethnic group say they have been labelled “terrorists” by Ethiopian authorities as they fight the government’s plan to integrate parts of Oromia into the capital Addis Ababa.
Some Oromo protesters fear that they will be forcibly evicted from their land as part of the rapid expansion of the capital, which they call a federal “master plan”.
The government has claimed that the protesters are planning to “destabilise the country” and that some of them have a “direct link with a group that has been collaborating with other proven terrorist parties”.
International observer groups have condemned the violent crackdown on protest movements, however.
“Instead of condemning the unlawful killings by the security forces, which have seen the deaths of more than 40 people in the last three weeks, this statement in effect authorises excessive use of force against peaceful protesters,” said Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International’s regional director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.
“The suggestion that these Oromo – protesting against a real threat to their livelihoods – are aligned to terrorists will have a chilling effect on freedom of expression for rights activists,” he said.
The latest round of protests, now in their third week, has seen the federal government mobilise its Special Paramilitary Police units from other states, as well as army units, against the ethnic Oromo people, Ethiopia’s biggest ethnic group of about 25 million people out of a population of approximately 74 million.
Statement of Oromo American National Foundation (OANF) on the Massacre of Oromo Youth by TPLF/EPDRF Regime
The monsters in the Tigre ruling goons committed an odious and grisly massacre on Oromo youth who were peacefully demonstrating against the expulsion of Oromo farmers from their ancestral lands. The demonic thugs spilt the blood of courageous Oromo youth who had fortitude and backbone of steel to resist the ravenous land-grabs from Oromo farmers in the vicinities of Finfinnee/Addis Ababa! The bloodbath of our youth and other innocent victims of their crime will not be forgotten or forgiven! The roaring wave of the spilt blood of Oromo youth will drown them and the next generation of our gallant fighters will avenge the dastardly acts of the TPLF henchmen and their Oromo quislings!
These rapacious vultures have sold already millions of acres of Oromo lands to foreign speculators and to their own supporters that have come from their desolate land in Tigre province! They are hoodwinking the international community and other citizens of the Empire that Finfinnee/Addis Ababa is becoming overcrowded and congested due to population influx from the far-flung of the decaying Empire and to rectify the growth of the Capital city, they want to evict Oromo Farmers and confiscate their lands outside of the Capital City limits to build, a modern metropolis! They call their devilish scheme “The Integrated Regional Development Master Plan”
The Oromo Youngsters showed them the courage and lessons in honoring the sacred lands by paying the ultimate sacrifices of dying in the fields of battle against the rodents who came to dig into our sacred Dachee (sacred lands) that for centuries has been the inheritances of the Gulalee, Gaalan, Ekaa,Mettaa and other clans of the Oromo Nation!
The brutality and grotesque acts of these intruders eclipses civilized international standard of crowd control! They used live bullets to quell teenagers whose only weapons were their love of their lands and Oromo farmers who have been forcefully evicted from their farms! Wayannee’s vulgar acts of expelling Oromo peasants from their ancestral lands will be defended to the last drops of our blood! The smoldering anger of the Oromo nation will devour Wayannee thugs and their Oromo collaborators, and the inviolability of our sacred lands will be honored by continuous resistance and sacrifices of a new generation of Oromo youth.
In the depth of their protest lies the beauty of their youth and love of their Nation. They had no fear of death—it was and is an honor for them to fight the barbarians who came to claim Oromo lands under various pretexts! They paid the ultimate martyrdom for their country without the privilege to know that they were beautiful young men and women whose promises were to grow-up and be exemplary citizens as well as to love their lands and Oromummaa. They fought a fearless fight with courage and valor!
Their resistance and martyrdom made them the stars of our Oromia sky, the succeeding generation to this struggle will inherit and defend their dignity in martyrdom and our youthful fallen angels will be honored with badge of courage and reverence to and of heroes! Dry your eyes friends, their souls are soaring because they died for unbound freedom of farmers and all other Oromo citizens. We must draw upon their courage and confront the Tigre leeches and their Oromo collaborators who oppressor our Nation!
Brothers and sisters, the vultures whose decaying Empire is crumbling will not stop their ravenous plunder of our lands, we need to be united and confront the barbarians, the dawn of our freedom will come, and the sun will rise on our struggle against these depraved criminals!
For now, we need to reckon with the supreme sacrifices of our best and brightest youth, shut their gazed eyes of death down, and honor them with grace— to die for ones cause is an honor and privilege!
Oromo-American National Foundation (OANF) condemns the vile and gruesome massacres of Oromo Youth by the TPLF regime, we make an earnest appeal to all international community and other citizens of the Empire for solidarity and express their utter disgust and denounce the Wayannee massacres of Oromo youth!
It’s been said that cowards die a thousand times while a hero dies only once—it is the ignoble coward’s fear of the Oromo nation that will die a thousand times ! The Oromo youth’s valiant courage, to confront the Wayannee’s ghoulish act without fear is a testament to the heroic ethos of Oromo élans who continue to confront the Tigre thugs and their Oromo traitors all-over Oromia undaunted!
The revolting massacre of our youth is our anguish, but in any struggle, lives will be lost. The struggle and its glory, like a diamond will sparkle, and the memory will live in the villages, farm fields, valleys, and mountains of Oromia for generation to come! The best, the brightest and the courageous will continue to be martyred for the dignity of our nation. We inherit our courage to confront the enemy from our forefathers and mothers! Oromia with its brave sons and daughters will be defended with a revolutionary zeal! All the spilled blood of Oromo martyrs will soak the fertile farm soil of Oromia to rise up like the seeds of spring to bloom our farm lands, hills and magnificent valleys of Oromia to urge us to fight-on! The Wayannee lunatics and their Oromo collaborators hoped to kill our nobility and the splendor of our youth. Lunatic may kill an Oromo revolutionary, but they cannot kill the revolutionary idea of free Oromia! The idea of free Oromia will never die! A new generation of gallant Oromo youth will pick-up the torch for the next thousand years or till Oromia becomes a freeland!
Hence the struggle to free Oromia will continue and these new generation of Oromo youngsters are willing to pay any price, confront any foe, engage friends and allies of our cause until the political, cultural and social conditions of our people is emancipated! And so, all the Oromo youth and countless Oromo martyrs, we are proud that in this struggle, your valiant life will be celebrated, your heritage be honored.
Today, it is the Oromo people, once they’ve done with the Oromo, other citizens of the Empire will be next! We appeal for solidarity from all citizens of the Empire in general and to the 2nd largest ethnic group of the Empire—the Amhara citizens in particular.
Pastor Martin Niemöller, a German anti-Nazi theologian/activist during WWII, lamented the following observation regarding the complicity of German protestant churches through their silences about the Nazi atrocities:
In Germany they first came for the communist, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist
Then they came for the Jews, I didn’t speak up because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the trade unionists, I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a protestant.
Then they came for me – and by that time no one was left to speak up. !
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the distinguished African American theologian and civil rights activists of the 1950 and 60’s in the Jim Crow South of the United States, said in his letter from Birmingham Jail, “injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere”
William Ernest Henley, an influential British poet of Victorian era wrote an inspirational poem titled “Invictus” or unconquered as testimony to one’s responsibility to one’s destiny and freedom. We dedicate a version of this poem to the Oromo youth who are refusing to be bowed to the Wayannee monstrosity!
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul
Oromo-American National Foundation (OANF)
Some version of this statement was issued in May 2014 when the wicked Wayannee slaughtered Oromo Youth.
Ethiopia opposition tells government to stop killing protesters
From left: Ethiopian opposition Medrek party Vice-Chairman Merera Gudina, Chairman Beyene Petros and Public Relations head Tilahun Endashaw at press conference in Addis Ababa December 15, 2015
By ANDUALEM SISAY | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The Opposition has accused Ethiopian security forces of killing at least 32 people in Oromia in the outskirt of Addis Ababa in the past few weeks.
The dead, claimed the opposition, include the Oromo students who took part in two demonstrations.
Presenting the names, the relatives and the homes of the victims, the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Unity Forum (Medrek), urged the government to stop the killings as they were a violation of the constitution.
Medrek urged the government to respond to the demands of the protesters in a peaceful and civilised manner. Their brothers
“How could the military shoot and kill children demonstrating against the killings of their brothers and relatives? We keep on recording such crimes of this regime, and will one day bring the people who committed the crimes before an international court to account,” said the Medrek Chairman, Prof Beyene Petros,
Medrek came third in the May General Election in which the ruling party and its allies won with a landslide.
Expansion plan
A 10-year-old boy was among the protesters killed by security forces in Burayu Monday, according Dr Merera Gudina, the Vice-chairman of Medrek.
The Oromo students have been protesting against the Addis Ababa city’s expansion plan, which they claim will encroach on the land owned by smallholder farmers in Oromia.
Dr Merera claimed the government was buying one square meter of land for 4 to 5 birr (a quarter of US dollar) and selling it to the so called investors for 20,000 birr ($1,000) per square metres.
“Where is this money [profit] going? Is it really going to change the lives of the farmers who used to live on that land? Are we doing something that sustains the lives of the farmers, such as helping them to own bank shares that protect them from becoming beggars after finishing the money?” Dr Merera asked.
The death
He claimed that some 150, 000 farmers were evicted from around Addis Ababa following the disputed May 2005 General Election in which 193 demonstrators were killed.
The government maintains that the new Addis Ababa masterplan aimed at benefitting the Oromo people living around the city through better infrastructures, among others.
A week after the protests erupted and the death of some students was reported, the government also indicated in public media that the masterplan was at a draft stage and would not be implemented without consultations with the people.
Students mourning at Haromaya University. Photo shared widely on social media.
Over the past two weeks, students in Ethiopia’s largest regional state, Oromia, have been protesting against a government plan to expand the area of the capital, Addis Ababa, into Oromia. Reports suggest security forces used violence including live ammunition to disperse crowds of peaceful demonstrators in the compounds of universities in Oromia.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least three students were killed and hundreds were injured across the region as security forces used excessive force to disperse student protesters. Other reports put the number of students killed up to ten. Although protesters are primarily university students, in some instances, high school and primary school children were also reportedly involved in intense confrontations with government forces.
At least nine students were killed by government forces in May 2014 while protesting over the same issue.
The persecution of Oromo people
The students argue that the controversial plan, known as “the Master Plan”, to expand Addis Ababa into Oromia state would result in mass evictions of farmers mostly belonging to the Oromo ethnic group.
It wouldn’t be the first time the government has uprooted members of an ethnic group. Thousands of ethnic Amharas in western Ethiopia were expelled from the country’s Benishangul Gumuz region in 2013 in what critics called “ethnic cleansing”.
The students have other demands such as making Oromo a federal language. Oromo, the language of the Oromo people, is the most widely spoken language in Ethiopia and the fourth largest African language. However, it is not the working language of the federal government.
According to Ethiopian Constitution, Oromia is one of the nine ethnically based and politically autonomous regional states in Ethiopia. Oromo people make up the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia. However, the group has been systematically marginalized and persecuted for the last 24 years. By some estimates, there were as many as 20,000 Oromo political prisoners in Ethiopia as of March 2014.
A 2014 Amnesty International report on repression in the Oromia region noted:
Between 2011 and 2014, at least 5000 Oromos have been arrested based on their actual or suspected peaceful opposition to the government. These include thousands of peaceful protestors and hundreds of opposition political party members. The government anticipates a high level of opposition in Oromia, and signs of dissent are sought out and regularly, sometimes pre-emptively, suppressed. In numerous cases, actual or suspected dissenters have been detained without charge or trial, killed by security services during protests, arrests and in detention.
The ruling elite of Ethiopia are mostly from the Tigray region, which is located in the northern part of the country.
Social media fills in the gaps
Even as the Ethiopian drought and impending food crisis makes a rare appearance in local—and some international—headlines, little attention is being paid to the student protests in Ethiopian media. But despite Ethiopia’s highly controlled online environment and the government’s firm grip on communications infrastructure, social media users are reporting on the issue, particularly on Facebook, with additional coverage coming from diaspora-based media.
Photo widely circulated on social media, taken from the Facebook page of Jawar Mohammed.
One Facebook user, for example, hopedfor the world to hear stories of the student protesters’ inspiring actions:
The silence has truly been deafening. We need to see and hear the inspiring actions undertaken by huge numbers of #Oromo in #Ethiopia. Tell their story, enable the world to be swept up in their story.Considering the complete absence of freedom to criticize the government or report opposition stories from within the country, people around the world reading about it can help greatly by doing everything possible to amplify this story.
Another Facebook user, Aga Teshome,took note of the political power of Oromo youth:
…#OromoProtests a call for all oppressed people in #Ethiopia to support the ongoing protest against #landgrabing
….the Oromo youth are a powerful political entity capable of shaking mountains. This powerful political entity is hell bent on exposing the [ruling party] EPRDF government’s atrocious human rights record and all round discriminatory practices.
We call upon the media to investigate the conditions that these students died trying to expose and resist, to draw attention to these concerns. Oromia needs a new kind of reporting by the international media, which gives voice to the voiceless Oromo people, who for a very long time have been killed, mistreated, abused, neglected and repressed in Ethiopia. Going forward with the current plan, which ends up displacing tens of thousands of poor farmers, destroying their livelihood and depriving their identity, is a tragedy. It deserves attention. These students put their lives on the line to draw attention to the farmers’ plight.#OromoProtests
Although social media reports are pivotal in letting the world know about the protests, they miss a huge chunk of nuance that would help observers understand how this dispute is unfolding. Notably, the fact that the student protests combine delicate ethnic politics, urban land grabbing and Ethiopia’s diaspora community’s involvement in home country politics.
Given Ethiopia’s highly controlIed environment, one might wonder how the students managed to get organized to express their grievance in the mid of highly controlled environment. Despite the firm grip on communication infrastructure there are constant update on Facebook and Twitter about the protest.
Dubious development practices
The story is unpleasantly familiar, as students are protesting for the second time in less than two years.
In April and May 2014, the protests began in response to the government’s plan to implement the “Integrated Masterplan for Addis Ababa”. As Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is an enclave within Oromia regional state, students primarily from Oromia state accused the Ethiopian government of attempting to take over land owned by local farmers in the name of integrating adjacent Oromia towns into the sprawling city of Addis. The students further alleged that if implemented, the Masterplan would result in Addis Ababa further encroaching into the territory of Oromia.
The government rejected the accusation, claiming that the Masterplan was intended only to facilitate the development of infrastructure such as transportation, utilities, and recreation centers.
When the protests began the students’ main demand was the complete halting of the Masterplan. In May 2014, the government did momentarily halt the plan in order to abate the protests after at least nine were killed and hundreds of ethnic Oromo students were imprisoned. But when the government decided to resume plans to implement the Masterplan in November this year resentment boiled over again, resulting in the currently two-week-old student protest leaving at least ten people dead and many injured.
Since the highly contested 2005 national election, forceful evictions and urban land grabbing have become frequent in Addis Ababa. The capital city’s rapid growth has resulted in increasing pressure to convert rural land for industrial, housing, infrastructure, or other urban use.
Diaspora-based advocates say the unrest in Oromia is just a part of the general unhappiness that prevails in the country. They accuse the government of working for the benefit of a few people at the expense of others. They even suggest that the Ethiopian government covertly encouraged informal settlement on the outskirts of Addis Ababa so that they could later find a way to intervene under the guise of rebuilding the slums and lease the land to real estate developers.
Ermias Legesse, a high profile government defector, traces the cause of the Oromo student protest to events that took place 15 years ago. In his book, “Addis Ababa: The Abandoned City”, Ermias notes that since 2000 the Addis Ababa city municipality, with the support of the federal government, enacted five different pieces of legislation to “legalize” the informal settlements, and then sold the “legalized” lands to private property developers.
Most informal settlers on the outskirts of Addis Ababa manage to establish themselves for a period of time until they are displaced by government. “Sometimes the informal settlers are given only a few days’ notices before bulldozers arrive on the scene to tear down their shabby houses and lay foundations for new investors,” Ermias said in an interview with a diaspora-based television channel.
Waxabajjii 29,2017/Yuunversiitii Wallaggaa keessatti sirna eebbifamtoota bara kanaa irratti diddaan ka’uu. mala jechuun Wayyaaneen baratoota ba’aaf gala dhorkaa jiraachuu Qeerroon gabaase.
Waxabajjii 30.2017/ Godina Arsii Aanaa Shirkaa Magaalaa Gobeessaa keessatti Dargaggoonni Oromoo hidhamaa jiru. Godina Arsii Aanaa Shirkaatti Ayyaana Iidalfaxriitti Ummanni Akka mormii godhuuf waamicha karaa adda addaatin godhaa turtanii jirtu jechuun Ilmaan Oromoo mana isaanitii guuramuun hidhatti darbatamaa jiru. Akka gabaasni Aanicharraa nu gahe addeessutti dargaggoonni hanga ammaatti mana hidhaatitti darbataman Muhammad Jabboo Aliyyii, Huseen Amaan Gaaradoo, Turaa Jamaal Waakkannee, Ibraahim Jamaal H/ Hasan, Reeduwaan Sh/ Amiin Turee, Awwaloo Ahmad Aloo , Abdii Muhaammad Jamaal, Mahdii Muhaammad Amiin kanneen jedhaman kan keessatti argaman ta’uu maddeen keenya Shirkarraa gabaasanii jiru.
Biiroon Barnoota OPDO Oromiyaa keessatti tartiiba qubee Afaan Oromoo A B C E F….Z ture jijjirudhaan tartiiba haaraa L irraa eegalu uumee kitaaba barnootaa maxxansee barsiisuu eegaluun wal qabatee gutummaa Oromiyaa keessatti 
Gurraandhala 23,2016 Ummati waanjoo gabrummaa baachuuf dhiitichaa abbaa irree damdamachuun nufisiisee lubbuusaa aarsaa gochuun diinasaa kan ta’e Shorokeessitoota Waayyaaneet bol’a qotuufsochii rog hundaan godhaa jiru jabeessuun har’a baha Wallaggaa bakkeewwaan hedduutti diinasaa hudhee kan dhaabe ta’uu bakkeewwan Leeqaa Dullachaa,Bonayyaa Boshee,Habashaa Sanbataa,Naqamte (Kibba Waachaa,Bordii,Dargee fi Mana barumsaa Qassoo) kan magaalaa Naqamteetti argaman keessatti mormiin dhiittaa namoomaa of irraa fonqolchuu ittu fifeera
Guyyaa Har’aa Amajjii 29,2016 Godina Wallaggaa aanaa Gidaamii fi Jimmaa Horroo akkasumas ganda Burii jedhamu keessatti FXH haala jabaa ta’een gaggeeffamaa oole,Warraanni Wayyaanee haala kanatti rifates jiraattotaa fi barattoota qabee hidhuu fi gidirsuu itti haa fufu malee uummanni naannichaa jabinaan loltoota Wayyaanee of irraa dhorkaa oolanii jiru jedha Qeerroon.
Barattotni magaalaa Naqaamteef jiraattonni magaalatti gabrummaa of irraa fonqolchuuf wayiita carraqanitti dhamsuuf humna waraanaa
Biraanee Fiqruu Mul’isaa jedhamti dhimma mormii MP fi FDG Oromiyaa keessattin deemamaa jiruun walqabatee godina kibba lixa Shaggar aanaa Daawootti mana hidhaa aanichatti dararamaa jirti.Kan hidhamte gaafa guyyaa 27,12,2015ti ture ergasi beellama si’aa 2irratti gaafatan yoo ta’u yeroo lachuu guyyaa 9 sagaal irratti gaafatani turan. Ammas hanga 28/1/2016tti tursisan kan akkas rawwachisa jiru immo bulchinsaa aanaa kan ta’e obboo Fayyisaa Dhaabaa jedhamu, wajjirri poolisii aanaa fi mannii murtii anichaas hojii seeraa dhisaani hojii siyaasa dalagaa jiran.
John Kirby
Dhumaa jaarraa 19ffaatti, yeroo gabrummaa Impaayera Ixoophiyaa jalatti kufe irraa eegalee,biyya abbaa isaa Oromiyaa irratti: bilisummaa,nagaa fi gammachuun jiraatuuf mirga seeraanis ta’e uumaan qabu sarbamee ummatni Oromoo inimmaan osoo irraa hin qoorre hanga har’aa jiraataa jira. Bara Minilik Oromiyaa weeraree ummata Oromoo miliyoona shan fixe; hedduu ammo harkaa fi harma muree fafeesse, Oromoon miliyoonni shan gadi hafee kanneen dhumaniif inimaan buusee kan dhiise qofa osoo hin taane, inimmaan isaa guyyaa tokko gabroomfataa dhiqee Oromiyaa keessaa akka baasu osuma inimmaan buusuu illee raagaa tureera. “Guyyaa itti diinni biyya keenya irraa buqqa’ee ilmaan keenya nagayaa fi gammachuun keessa jiraatan ni dhufa” jechuun kan Roobaa Bultum raage, Minilik ummata Oromoo miliyoona shanii, kan harki 70 dardaraa fi shamarrani eerga fixee booda. Kan yeroo san Roobaa Bultum raage, ummata Oromoo shanyi duguuginsa irraa hafaniif ;akeeka ittiin qajeelfaman, hawwii fi abdii bilisummaa ta’ee hanga har’aatti itti fufee jira.
Amajjii 13/2016 Warraasii FXG Gootota Qeerroo Barattoota Oromoo Yuunibarsiitii Jimmaa Haalaan Jabachuun Mooraa Main Campus keessatti haalaan itti fufe, Waraannii Wayyaanee Dhukaasaa guddaa barattoota Oromoo Yuunibarsiitii Jimmaa irratti Banuun Mooraa Yuunibarsiitii Jimmaa dirree Waraanaa fakkeesse jira,
Oromiyaa guututti FXG Amajii 1, 2016 irraa kaasee baadiyaa fi magaalaa, dhaabbata barnootaa fi amantaallee dabalachuun itti fufeera.
Dargaggoon Fiqaaduu Shuumataa Waaqtolaa baatii Sadaasa 2015 keessa FDG Wallagga magaalaa Madiitti gaggeeffame keessatti hirmaachuun dhadatnoo mirga namoomaa fi mirgoota saba Oromoo kaasu dhageessisuun barattootatti onnee horee nama turedha, dhadatnoo isaan booda suuraaleen inni gaafas ka’e marsaalee hedduu keessatti faca’uun Oromoota biyya alaa fi keessa jiran qalbii hortee akka ture beekama.
FDG Shaggar Kibbaa lixaatti har’a Muddee 28,2015 aanaalee hundumaa uummata qonaan bulaa hanga baadiyaatti dabalatee finiinaa jira.
Mudde 12/2015 Goototni Barattootni Oromoo Yuunibarsiitii Jimmaa Warraaqsa Biyyoolessaa Oromiyaa FDG jabeessuun itti fufan, Mooraa Yuunibarsiiti Jimmaa Arfan keessatti warraqsii jabachuun itti fufe. Guyyaa kaleessaas itti fufuun akkuma warraaqsa finiinsuu egalaniin
Muddee 9, 2015 Godina Bahaa wallaggaa Aanaawwaan Heebantuu, Giddaa Ayyaanaa, Haroo limmuu, Limmuu Galiilaa, Diggaa saasiggaa,Guutoo Giddaa(Ukkee), fi Gatamaatti Goototni Barattootni Oromoo Mana Barumsaa Sadarkaa 1ffaa,2ffaa fi Qopha’ina Uummata Waliin Walitti Dhufuun Warraaqsaa FDG jabeessuun finiinsan . Gaaffiin mirga abbaa Biyyummaa, Kabajamuu Mirga Namummaa fi Mirga Dimookiraasii Gadi jabeessuun Gaafatan, Karoorri Master Pilaanii Finfinnee fi Labsiin Magaalota Oromiyaa haqamuu Qaba jechuun Mormiin uummataa haalan
Mudde 8,2015 Guyyaa Har’aa FDG Itti Fufuun Magaalaa Waliisoo,Ada’aa Bargaa, Ejeree,Geedoo fi Shashammannee Keessatti Jabaatee Itti Fuee Jira.
qabsiisaniin sirna gabroomfataa mootummaa Wayyaanee balaaleffataa jiru,gaaffii mirga abbaa biyyummaa fi mormii maaster plaanii Finfinnee jabeessanii kan itti fufan yeroo ta’u barattoota hidhamani akka gadhifamanii fi kanneen rasaasaan rukutamanis warri loltoota Wayyaanee kana taasisan seeraan akka gaafataman gaaffii kaasan keessa jira.Kana malees walleelee warraaqsaan diddaa isaanii dhageessifataa jiru.
Shaggar Sulultaa keessatti diddaan sirna abbaa irree Wayyaanee jabaatee itti fufuun uummanni gamtaan ka’uun sa’aa ammaa kanatti guutummaatti FDG gaggeessaa jira.Kana malees har’a Muddee 7,2015 Godina Bahaa Wallaggaa Aanaa Heebantuu, Giddaa Ayyaanaa ,Kiiramuu fi Nuunnuu Qumbaa keessatti Warraaqsii FDG Gootota Qeerroo Barattoota Oromoo fi Uummata Qonaan Bultoota Oromoon Haalaan
Barattooti Oromoo Yunivarsitii Dillaa guyyaa har’aa FDG itti fufanii jiru.Barnooti guutummaatti dhaabbatee jira. Kana malees Yuunibarsiitii Walqixxees sagalee isaanii dhageessisuun mootummaa Wayyaanee uummata Oromoo daguugaa jiru balaaleffatan. Qeerroon Yuunibarsiitichaa har’a ganama obboroo walga’uun gaaffii aabbaa biyyummaa erga bulchiinsa mooraa Yuunibarsiitii Walqixxeef dhiyeessaniin booda,humni tikaa itti bobbaafamuun barattoota Oromoo gaasii summii,uleedhaanis kan caccabsan ta’us,biyya abbaa keenyaa kabachiisuuf wanti dugduuba nu deebisu hinjiru jedhaniiru Humni tika qabeenya barattootaa saamaa kaan mana hidhaatti guuraa kan jiru yeroo ta’u, Barattoonni barnoota dhaabanii jru.
Muddee 7,2015 Gootonni Barattooti Oromoo godina Harargee Aaanaa Ciroo sirna mootummaa abbaa irree Wayyaanee balaaleffachuun guyyaa har’aa hiriira mormii guddaa bahuun gaaffii mirgaa kaasan, kana malees Godina Lixa Shaggaritti warraqsii FDG Guddaan Uummata Oromoo Magaalaa Amboo , Yuunibarsiitii Amboo, Qonnaan Bultoota Amboo fi Magaalaa Gudar, Qonnaan Bultoota Aanaa Tokkee Kuttaayee fi Barattoota Oromoo Magaalaa Gudar Dabalatee Warraaqsii Seenaa qabeessi bifa adda ta’een gaggeeffama jira. Gaaffiin mirga abbaa Biyyummaaf deebiin haa kennamu fi Karoorri Master Pilaanii Finfinnee fi Labsiin
Ummatni magaala Dambi Dolloo walgahii aangawoonni OPDO Wayyaanee yaaman diduun diddaa fi jibbiinsa sirna mootummaa Wayyaaneef qaban ifatti muldhisaa jiru.
Gootichi Barataa Yuuniversitii Haromaayaa Department Cooprative Waggaa 2ffaa Kan Baratu Barataan Gazzahinyi Oliiqaa Rasaasa Wayyaaneen Wareegame.
Godina Wallaggaa aanaa Jaarsoo keessatti FDG haala jabaateen itti fufuun barattooti Oromoo aanichaa mormii master Plaanii Finfinnee fi gaaffii mirgaa Oromoo walii galaaf jecha diddaa sirnichaa jabeessanii jiru. Haala kanaan barattooti Oromoo hedduun waraana Agaazii Wayyaaneen sababaa qabamanii hidhamanii fi haala sochii mirgaa irraan kan ka’e uummati naannichaa fi qonnaan bultooti diddaa jabeessanii hanga yeroo ammaatti dabbaloootaa fi milishoota naannoo aanotaa fi gadoota hunda keessaa arihanii uummatichi ofiin of bulchuu filataa akka jiru Qeerroon gabaasee jira.
FDG Oromiyaa keesatti yeroo ammaa kana mormii MP wal qabatee ka’ee jiruun Wayyaanee daran sodaachisee jira. Kaleessa lixa Wallaggaa Mandiitti diddaan ka’e Wayyaanen uummata naga irratt dhukaasa bante namoota 3 madoo goote 2 kan biro ammo ukkaamsuun bakka bu’an hin beekamu. Haala Kanaan diddaan kan itti caalu malee kan laaffate miti.Kanumatti fufuudhaan halkan edaa ergamtoota wayyaanee magaala Gimbii keessaa adamsanii Oromiyaa hin gurgurtan jechuun gootonni Oromoo tamsaasaa jiru.
Oromian Economist 
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