“The Regime in Ethiopia doesn’t have regard and respect for the sacred.”
“Our town of Bishoftu has been turned into a scene of blood bath.”
 “Irreecha Massacre is a turning point in the ten- month old social uprising.”                                  

It was meant to be a sacred and joyous religious holy-day where millions gather with their families and loved ones to give thanks. Within a few hours of the start of this sacred holiday, the TPLF regime’s security forces fired tear gas and live bullets on the crowd, killing and wounding hundreds. It was mayhem, while the regime’s security forces went on their killing spree.

This recent development, according to political observers, could be the tipping point in the ten-month social uprising that has been demanding fundamental change in the political and economic order of the country. The evolutionary development of the popular uprising has been gaining momentum, turning from a localized, small-scale movement into a more coordinated national uprising.

“We came here just to celebrate and give thanks, but our celebration has been turned into a grief and horror by these people who know nothing but killing,” said one young women in her mid-twenties. Another woman said, “I saw five dead bodies around me. I ran through the woods as they were firing at us.” “How do they do this to their fellow human beings? Are they really humans? Do they have any regard to human life?” Asked another man. People could be heard screaming, crying and parents calling out their children. The injured are left on the wet grassland as security forces blocked ambulances from entering the scene.

Some witnesses say that the government has used helicopter gunships against unarmed civilians simply demanding their rights while celebrating their holiday. In one instance, the helicopter directly fired at the crowd and many can be heard screaming for help. According to witnesses, families are still looking for their loved ones, going to hospitals to see if they are among the wounded or dead.

Ethiopia, for the last twenty-five years, has been effectively a security and surveillance state. While such a system of rule obviously benefited the ruling elite, this brutal and oppressive system of rule is slowly unravelling as members of the army, policy and intelligence are defecting and leaving.

The situation in the country has reached a critical point. Thus, the urgency of political solution is the most pressing matter for the country, and all stakeholders must act quickly and swiftly to save the country from a catastrophic crisis. If not resolved quickly (all indications are there is not much time), the crisis could spiral out control evolving into a full blown collapse with a reverberating implication on the region and global peace and security. The regime seems committed to kill its way out of the ongoing political crisis, at the same time, those who are demanding fundamental change appear to be determined to continue their struggle unless their demands are met, including a complete overhaul of the political and economic conditions that marginalized the majority and benefited a few.

The overall security environment is changing for the worst faster than anyone has imagined. The international community can no longer pretend to be a silent observer or a bystander. Thus, all international stakeholders must immediately call an international crisis meeting on Ethiopia and assist the country into a new caretaker government with a limited term to organize a free, fair and democratic election that will lead the country into a new political, economic and social path.

Alem6711@gmail.com

TPLF (Tigray People Liberation Front), a minority  parasitic regime  terrorizing Ethiopians for the last 25 years is once again let its killing machine on bloody Sunday  02 October 2016  in Bishoftu against peaceful  people who were celebrating Irreecha!  This heartless regime which is under megalomaniac delusions  continue to believe ruling under iron fist by mass killing, torturing and imprisoning. It has rejected intellectuals and concerned elders advise for peaceful transition and reconciliation.

TPLF has ruled Ethiopians through hate, fear, divide and rule policies. It has monopolised the economy, military, foreign affair, security and all sector of the society. It has killed, tortured, imprisoned, looted, destabilised large sector of Ethiopian society principally the Amahra and Oromo people.

It is  exhausting all its dirty political tricks to survive longer ruling Ethiopians. It is mobilizing all the money and resources  it looted from Ethiopians to galvanise its security services, Agazi “killing machine” army, propaganda outlets and mercenary agitators. But the new generation said “No” and  “Enough” resisting it peacefully with bare hand in peaceful demonstrations.

TPLF’s propaganda outlets in Ethiopia and overseas are drumming day and night with false information, confusion, disinformation, exaggeration  in a manner typical of manic patient  disorganised thoughts, pressure of speech and grandiose delusions. The culprits, mostly paid mercenaries continue futile attempt to damp the struggle of the Ethiopian People against TPLF.

Those who betrayed the Ethiopian people and sold their sole for money are serving as TPLF microphone on social media, pal talk rooms  and conventional media outlets.  They deprived their  human morality  for their selfish endeavours. They shift gears every time TPLF is wounded and their “Joseph Goebbels” commands them. Part of their tactics include;  lying, smearing, exaggerating, insulting, blackmailing and singing the TPLF “growth and transformation”.

These  TPLF propagandist  and spies  live  overseas as refugee or foreign citizen under false pretext and identity. These dangerous scavengers  defend TPLF’s killings, torture and imprisonment of Ethiopians. They  should be identified and reported to the host nation for their crime and false  asylum claim or citizenship.

The new generation has no fear to their killings, imprisonment and torture. A generation which has been doctrine  at school their false history, propaganda and illusion woken up to the reality! The new  generation revolt on their dirty tricks and polices of “Divide and Rule”, “Carrot and Stick”, “ Phantom federation and Direct rule”, “Blackmail and make them  work” etc.

The Agazi killing machine may continue to kill with guns bought by Ethiopians tax money, looted property, military aid from some countries and diverted funds from famine aid. They may kill more but they wouldn’t finish all Ethiopians.  Most of these soldiers are fed with false propaganda and denied of the information they deserve as human being. All round effort should be  made to penetrate the wall to inform these citizens about what the TPLF is doing to Ethiopians; most will abandon it, some may point the gun against TPLF and only few psychopaths will remain as killing machine.

The Ethiopian people should continue and intensify the struggle against the TPLF regime. TPLF is on cliff edge. A popular well organised and united push from Ethiopians of different nationalities, faiths, educational status, ability, income, gender and  age  will bring the demise of TPLF.

The Civil servants: Rise up and take part in  industrial action and strikes  to fracture TPLF’s spine.

The Students:  Demand your right and demonstrate for  equal citizenship and opportunity which TPLF denied you  and  gave it for “The special citizen and its supporters”

The Diplomats: Give up the TPLF missionaries and join the people. Inform the world the crime  and atrocities of TPLF against Ethiopians.

The Business people: Demand for change and fairness in the competition against  TPLF companies which owns more than 70% of nation wealth which  controlled all the playing field.

The Police: Rise up against TPLF which  used you as a tool for TPLF to criminalise, arrest and even kill innocent brothers and sisters of your own.

The Army: Demand your  role is not to kill your own people but protect Ethiopian territory against invading foreign army. Point your gun against the TPLF generals and senior officers who are “herding” the army for killing against its own people.

The Religious leaders of all faith:  Stand up against the TPLF’s disunity, merciless killing, torture and  imprisonment. Stand up for truth!  Stand up for your “lambs”! Denounce the suffering! Stand up  for your God’s given right for your followers.

The Farmers: Rise up against TPLF. The TPLF owns all land in Ethiopia. TPLF  sells your land  anytime to highest bidder, to foreigners. On your land, you will be  a slave for the “investor”. Your land is all yours where you labour on and harvest under God’s will. Protect your land from TPLF.

The Journalists, writers, bloggers, media experts: Stand up against TPLF which denied your God given rights  to express yourself and the world around.  Stand up  for your people. Stand up for your country which is under  TPLF internal colonization.

Intellectuals: Support your fellow citizens in the struggle against TPLF. Provide them the knowhow, the skill, the knowledge, the wisdom to destroy TPLF and build bright future for Ethiopians.

The Opposition Political parties: Narrow your differences and  unite against TPLF oppression.   Don’t fragment by TPLF wicked drama. Stand up for your people and country! Guide and direct the oppressed people.

Ethiopians of all  ethnicity and nationalities: Rise up  against TPLF as our forefathers done to all invaders!  Mothers are crying, young people are deprived of their future, our country has become land of woes and death.  Rise up against TPLF!

Let’s push TPLF down, it is on cliff edge.

Lets not give air for the gasping TPLF.

We should never surrender our promised victory.

We should never let down  the sacrifice of  those killed, tortured  and imprisoned by TPLF.

Let’s build a new nation of hope  for ourselves and children!

Ethiopia has been in turmoil for over a year and half now. What makes the recent turmoil different is that the character of the protest and the demands by the citizens that is radically forceful than ever before. It is not your usual skirmish in a localized area that is put down before we even digest the cause. It is also true due to the frequent recurrence of outrage by the people and the harsh response by the regime we have sort of became desensitized to all kinds of atrocities.

The Gambelans are removed from their land, the Sidamas are beaten and killed in Loke, the Amharas are forcefully removed from Gura Ferda and Benishangul, the Somalis are massacred and the Oromos were made refugees in their own land and we all saw it, got angry and went back to business as usual. Those that said no were killed, imprisoned or exiled while those on the outside were seen as town criers without a cause.

Thus for twenty four years The Tigrai based party was given permission to do what it wants when it wants with immunity. Our people at home were completely demoralized, beaten and left flailing. They were made to feel like a fish out of water. The Diaspora that managed to escape the clutches of the Woyane regime did not fair any better. It became a reflection of the part dead and semi alive Ethiopian.

It was eleven years ago in 2005 that saw the resurgence of that old Ethiopian spirit of ‘I have had enough and will not take it any more ‘ phenomena showed its face. Kinijit was our coming out party. Ethiopians learnt to fight back. Ethiopians saw the true nature of the Tigrai group in power. This is our story since our second awakening and it took us eleven years to be exact to start the slow process of dismantling forty years of highly destructive behavior we have been wallowing in.

Those that stayed at home decided to try ‘the peaceful’ path and came up with plenty of formulations to organize their people without unduly alarming Woyane leaders. It did not work. Their leaders were arrested (Birtukan, Andualem), their offices were raided, officials were exiled and with the media monopoly TPLF constantly made them out to be incompetent and untrustworthy thus subject to any and all abuse. Our people tried to accommodate by creating different parties and associations. Kinijit gave way to Andenet that inspired Medrek and finally Semayawi (Blue) Party but none met TPLF’s exacting standard that requires all to be subsidiary to the mafia group.

Our independent media did not fair any better. Like the political parties TPLF did not appreciate freelancing and independent thought. One by one all were destroyed and their owners sent to jail (Eskinder, Temesgen, Wubeshet) or exiled (Abebe, Sisay, Derege, Reyot).

The situation in the Diaspora was also affected by the resurgence of ‘can do’ attitude enabled by Kinijit and the victory in the semi democratic election. Many that were forced to forget Ethiopia came back into the fold. The struggle was put on reset and new avenues emerged to challenge the ethnic regime. The Diaspora has always been a natural ally of Ethiopian Nationalism. Woyanes attempt to export its problems created the reverse of what was intended. The Diaspora gained seasoned leaders that started the process of building a movement fit to withstand Woyane machinations.  We have given birth two exemplary organizations. I am of course speaking of Ginbot 7 and ESAT. They were both designed to be able not only defend against Woyane but when necessary to be able to take the battle to its front yard. We have been served well by both.

ESAT as a media has shown such maturity and professionalism in just six years it is another Ethiopian miracle story.  Woyane has tried to infiltrate the organization like they do in any Ethiopian gathering. They failed. Woyane has paid millions to Finfisher and the Italian Hacking Team to derail our precious media. They were caught red handed. ESAT has been tossed around from one Satellite provider to another all because Woyane TPLF spends millions to buy jamming devices (twenty attempts the last six years) from East Europe or China to shield our people from independent news. They send their Federal troops to go on rooftops to dismantle satellite dishes.

The more Woyane dissed ESAT the bigger the love and adoration of our people for the young media outfit. ESAT has handled itself with dignity and professionalism unheard of for an African Media. Today we can truly say without ESAT the plight of our people would have been an empty cry. ESAT changed all that. We have a media that tells our story as it is without any shade. What more can we ask for.

Yesterday October 1st. ESAT had it sixth Birthday celebrated all over the world. It was a beautiful show of force by our beloved ESAT that boasted the width breadth of its reach. From North America to Europe Middle East, Oceania and Africa ESAT brought out the best in us. It is one of a few organizations that is mostly run by volunteers that work tirelessly. ESAT is showing us what we can accomplish when left to our own devices without some idiot Woyane attempting to supervise, disorganized and dismantle as they are doing to our country.

There was only one distressing aspect to the celebration. With the millions of Ethiopians relying on ESAT for news, education and entertainment only five thousand actually are registered contributors. That is a shame. That has to change. If we value ESAT and that is obvious based on the traffic it is our responsibility to nurture it and make it reach its potential. Twenty dollars a month is a cheap bargain and it should not be any burden to those of us in the west. It was heartening to see the contributions that were raised in Ethiopia. For ESAT to do all that it has planed like adding more Ethiopian languages, better smart phone presence, backup satellite channel requires and money. The return on our investment is thousand fold. Here is a link to support ESAT.

What makes ESAT special in our heart is that it is one of the few outfits Woyane tried to destroy with the late criminal boss vowing to shut it down it has managed to thumb its nose on the mafia outfit and lived to sing about it. What more do you want?

Arbegnoch Ginbot7 is another thorn on the side of Woyane. It has lost a leader to modern day international piracy. Woyane only harvested bad will and more anger from that pitiful adventure. They never fail to display their ugly side even on the international arena. The gunfight at the DC Embassy and Ato Andargachew kidnapping are a perfect examples of Woyane jungle mentality. Ginbot7 has thrived even after the loss of such a tireless and able Ethiopian.

The Movement is designed not to allow Woyane virus to enter the group and infect. It has succeeded so far. There no hurry and there is no rush but things are moving along as anticipated. Militarily it has graduated many groups and some already operate in Ethiopia. Politically the Movement has gone the extra mile to accommodate all like-minded groups and form a working relationship.

The merger with Arbegnoch Ginbar was a huge success. The two organizations complement each other. The recent alliance with Oromo Democratic Front (ODF)  is a game changer. It has raised the struggle to a new level. Chairman Berhanu’s testimony at the European Union is the result of hard work by the diplomatic wing and another success story. The little set back with TPDM has been corrected and they are today a formidable ally in the backyard of the enemy.

From its inception the Movement has defined its fight with Woyane as ‘all encompassing.’ Meaning no stone will remain unturned looking for ways to inflict pain on the enemy. It has followed through with the plan. Today it is said the Military is well infiltrated and there is no question the civil service is the best ally of all of the progressive forces in our country. Woyane does not know where the next attack is coming from.

There are those that want to see robust response from the group and its allies. We all want to see that. Wanting is not good enough reason. Passion is great but results are what matters. We are witnessing the unhinged response Woyane has to any and all challenges and exposing its beastly nature everyday for the international community to see its true nature. That is what matters today. We are as a people getting to know our Woyane better and the outside enablers are made to pay attention regarding their association with a regime built on sand foundation. Our worth and value is going up while TPLF Woyane is losing friends and gaining enemies.

We do not hear bombastic declarations and frivolous press release announcing the many important work being done on the ground. The Movement operates stealthily and would rather continue the capacity building than wave and scream to be noticed. That is not the way it is designed. Chairman’s Berhanu’s leadership is defined as ‘steady as she goes and no drama please.’

The TPLF Woyane regime has killed over fifteen hundred Ethiopians including Oromos, Amharas, Konsos the last year alone. Just yesterday the ‘erecha’ celebration that has been held as far back as we remember was a scene of untold crime. The fascist regime used attack helicopters to drop tear gas on gathering numbering over 2 million people and mowed them with guns as they dispersed running for their life. Their crime was for singing, holding their arms in a defiant gesture and flying OLF flag. That is the nature of Tigrai Woyane, cowards that shoot to kill where the old and the frail, toddlers and tiny children were enjoying the holiday. Death rained from the sky and we have no idea how many died.

It is becoming obvious we need a protector from these wild savages. It is becoming clear self defense is taking front row seat at this time of our struggle to be free. We need our own defense force but it is not something to be organized at the spur of the moment. Raising a disciplined and professional force is a painstaking process and requires time and energy. Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 has anticipated such need and worked the last six years doing just that.

There are many things that can be said about our shield AG7 but this is not the time. There are forces that are trying to blame all that has gone wrong in Ethiopia on AG7, Eritrea, OLF, Egypt and others to shift responsibility from the melt down they caused. Why give them ammunition. The job is being done and we are not really interested in pointing out the owner of such beautiful work that is unraveling Woyane.

Thus we have managed to create two formidable organizations that are serving us better than our wildest expectations. They both are the fruits of our smart Ethiopian way of operating when we allow the best in us to rise to the top. Millions of our people are basking in the free, unbiased information ESAT is gracing our life everyday. The current people’s insurrection would still take place without ESAT but the presence of our free media has assured we fight the enemy based on facts and smart analysis.

The eight hundred pound elephant in the room is AG7 that some are shy to talk about and recognize. It is not a good idea. Our struggle has reached such a point that the need for a ‘guardian’ is a burning question. As we have nurtured and raised ESAT it is time we start to pay attention to the next level of the struggle where an armed force is a must. It is time we recognize isolated confrontation, unorganized style of work and empty huffing and puffing is not going to take us one-inch forward. We have been doing that for twenty-four years and have nothing to show for it. It is time we support that works, we build the one that is resting on solid foundation and celebrate our heroes without abandon. There is no turning back with the journey we have started. Victory is assured when we unite and present the regime with an offer it cannot refuse. We can only do that if we have an enforcer of our will standing with us. You really do not think you can overthrow a fascist regime armed to the teeth and not shy about using helicopter gunships and tanks against peaceful people with marches and signature gathering do you?

ESAT Radio Mon 03 Oct 2016

Members of Australia’s Ethiopian community are calling on the Australian government to help stop what they call a Rwanda- style genocide committed by Ethiopia’s government.

By Gary Cox
SBS World News

Members of Australia’s Ethiopian community are calling on the Australian government to help stop what they call a Rwanda- style genocide committed by Ethiopia’s government.

After a vigil held in Sydney last night they say an ongoing campaign of threats and intimidation here in Australia won’t silence them anymore.

It comes after fifty people were killed in a stampede at a religious festival overnight in the Oromia Region.

“They are terrorising the Ethiopian people, they are killing our people, you know genocide, they’re killing indiscriminately,” Tesfaye Engdawork Maru, chairman of the NSW Ethiopian Association told SBS.

Many fled as security forces used tear gas

Three days of mourning for 52 killed in Ethiopia stampede

Dozens of people have died in a stampede in Ethiopia, after a religious festival turned into an anti-government protest.

He says if the West was moved to act in Syria or Rwanda – it should intervene in Ethiopia.

He wants to see a truth and reconciliation commission, similar to that held in post-Apartheid South Africa.

“We are trying to bring to the world’s attention to what is happening in Ethiopia and to bring those people to justice.”

For Ethiopians enjoying the relative safety of Australia, the bitter reality of what is happening back at home is hard to leave behind.

‘Mona’ is a refugee from Ethiopia, she said her father was killed for his political views, and soon afterward her brother went into hiding.

“Always he was hiding at home, wearing a dress and he no go, no going outside,” Mona explained to SBS through tears.

Mona recounts that fateful night he did venture out. By morning he hadn’t returned and Mona went looking for him.

She never saw him alive again.

“There was a lot of blood, on the wall and on the floor. It was my Brother! Too much… too much  blood… I see him.”

He had been shot in the head.

Mona would only speak out if her identity was hidden, to protect her family in Addis Ababa.

When asked why she was scared, she replied: “Because before the government killing my dad, killing my brother. Now I have my mum and my two brothers, and I am scared for them.”

Abullah Agwa, who was tortured and jailed for five years in Ethiopia says it’s common for Ethiopians here, in Australia, to face intimidation if they speak out.

“Ethiopian Australians are traumatised because of the action of the government,” Agwa told SBS.

Abullah has helped to form a new group called Ethiopia’s Multicultural Action for Humanity to build solidarity

“For Ethiopian Australians this is the right time to stand and have our voice out for the voiceless people who are intimidated, who are jailed and who are suffering.”

Over the past two years Ethiopia’s Oromo and Amhara tribes have protested what they see as a government land- grab known as “The Master Plan”.

It has triggered the worst unrest in more than a decade, with more than 215 people killed in the past two years.

earlier this year after finishing the Rio Olympic Marathon, Ethiopian runner Feyisa Lilesa, crossed his wrists overhead in solidarity with the victims.

And he had this warning about the government trying to create division in Ethiopia’s ethnically diverse population.

“I am personally very fearful that this is going to take an ethnic dimension where you will see a Rwanda like situation where ethnic groups turn on each other,” Lilesa told the press after finishing second.

Some in Australia’s Ethiopian community are increasing the pressure on Canberra to review its relationship with Ethiopia’s government.

“Whatever support the Australian government is giving the Ethiopian government, they have to make sure they’re not using it for their own political purpose,” Solomon Kebede told SBS.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told SBS: “The Australian Government has consistently raised human rights concerns with the Ethiopian Government.”

But Tesfaye Engdawork Maru said that’s not enough. He wants Australia to ask the United Nations to intervene and create an Ethiopian government of national unity.

“Raising concerns doesn’t mean anything to the government in Ethiopia, they have to put a stop to it,” Engdawork Maru said.

Moresh, Voice Amara Radio( Monday,October 3,2016 )  The
1st official Moresh, voice Amara Radio release.( October 3,2016 )

October 3, 2016
By Aaron Maasho

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – Protests broke out in some areas of Ethiopia’s Oromiya region on Monday, a day after dozens of people were killed in a stampede at a religious festival sparked by a bid by police to quell demonstrations, witnesses said.

Opposition politicians and government officials gave contrasting tolls of casualties that took place during the annual Irreecha festival in the town of Bishoftu, some 40 km (25 miles) south of the capital Addis Ababa, where police fired teargas and shots in the air to disperse protesters.

The manager of the town’s government-operated referral hospital said the death toll had risen to 55, with 100 injured, from 52 dead on Sunday. An opposition leader told Reuters the number of dead stood at around 150.

On Monday, witnesses said crowds took to the streets in Oromiya’s Ambo, Guder, Bule Hora and other towns in response to the deaths.

“Shots are still being fired. Everything remains shut – Ambo has been brought to a standstill,” said Mesfin, a university student who did not want to give his full name out of fear of reprisal.

Two other residents of the other towns said scuffles took place between demonstrators and police.

The region’s assistant police chief told journalists that “widespread disturbances” had taken place in several parts of the region.

“Roads have been blocked, while government offices and vehicles have been burnt down. Police are trying to put an end to all this,” said Sorri Dinka, deputy commissioner of the Oromiya Police Commission.

The Horn of Africa country has declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half mast throughout the country to pay tribute to the victims.

Sporadic protests have erupted in Oromiya over the last two years, initially triggered by a land row but increasingly turning more broadly against the government. Scores of protesters have been killed in clashes with police since late last year.

The developments highlight tensions in the country where the government has delivered high economic growth rates but faces criticism from opponents and rights groups that it has reduced political freedoms.

The government blames rebel groups and dissidents abroad for stirring up the protests and provoking violence. It dismisses charges that it clamps down on free speech or on its opponents.

Merera Gudina, chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, said Sunday’s death toll had climbed to 150 people and that some of the victims were shot dead by police, contrary to official claims.

“We are calling on the government to establish an independent inquiry,” he told Reuters.

(Reporting by Aaron Maasho; Editing by George Obulutsa and Richard Balmforth)

The Ethiopian government is looking increasingly unstable, and the security environment in Ethiopia is looking more dangerous. Opposition protests over the past few months have been larger and more frequent than any in Ethiopia since the end of the civil war. The ethnic nature of these protest movements means that a mutiny within the police or security forces is more likely than in recent years.

We also warn that higher impact scenarios, like a change of prime minister, or a coup, are both credible scenarios in the medium to long term. This is because, other than these demonstrations, there are underlying indications that the government’s position is increasingly precarious. The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front’s (EPRDF) grip on power appears to have been weakening in recent years, and the country’s economy has unresolved structural problems.

Despite restrictions on local and international media operations in Ethiopia, social media users have reported on the protests. Attendance at weekly protests in cities and towns countrywide over the past few months has tended to vary, but we have seen images of rallies with what appears to be several thousand protesters in Addis Ababa, Dessie, Mekele and Gomar. The scale of such public opposition to the government is unprecedented.

Analysis of protests

The motivations behind the recent protests have varied widely between regions of the country and between organising groups. But a common theme has been opposition to the government. In Oromia, protests were originally against a plan to expand Addis Ababa into surrounding areas but have turned into a broader anti-government movement. In Amhara and Tigray, protests have been against the purported mistreatment of the Amhara ethnic group. We have also seen images on social media of Muslim groups protesting outside mosques in the past month, reportedly against government interference in religious affairs.

The government has blamed the protests on ‘people with terror links’ and overseas activists who they claim are trying to destabilise the country. This approach has in some cases, exacerbated the risk of protests. Earlier this year, government heavy-handedness in response to protests in Oromia prompted other groups to join the demonstrations. So far, the various recent protest movements appear to have remained organisationally distinct. But they do seem to have become less single-issue oriented and converged on a more broadly anti-government stance.

Protest outlook

Although it is unclear how these protests will play out in Ethiopia, we think that there are several credible scenarios in the coming months that point to increasing risks in the country. If the protests persist at their current size and frequency, the EPRDF may attempt to replace the current prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn. Such a move would probably be an attempt by the ruling party to appease protesters, but would be likely to result in little tangible political change.

We also think it is credible that the security forces might mutiny, or the army may attempt a coup. This is particularly likely if the current protests escalate into a more widespread and sustained anti-government movement – a development similar to the popular protests and subsequent coup in Burkina Faso last year. An early warning sign of this would be the government ordering local military units to violently suppress demonstrations related to ethnic grievances.

The nine regional states of Ethiopia are in part divided along ethnic lines, and the government claims that the security forces in each region are predominantly made up of members of that ethnic group. Given that the protests in Amhara, Oromia and Tigray appear to be at least partly motivated by perceived ethnic-biased issues, a mutiny, in which the police or soldiers refuse to follow orders to use heavy handed tactics against protesters of the same ethnic group, is a credible scenario in our view.

Despite this risk, we anticipate that the Ethiopian government will use more forceful tactics to suppress the protests, particularly if they continue to spread, grow and intensify. The use of heavy handed tactics by the security forces is already commonplace. Human Rights Watch claims that more than 400 people have been killed at demonstrations by the security forces since late 2015. This response suggests that there is a high level of concern in government about the effect the protests will have on its stability.

Political outlook

We have seen several indications that the EPRDF has been losing public support in recent years, especially since Hailemariam became prime minister in 2012. He is widely seen as less charismatic than his predecessor, and anecdotal reports suggest that he is generally perceived by the population as having failed to move to a more democratic and inclusive style of government.

One of Hailemariam’s central claims to legitimacy is his government’s handling of the economy. Over the past decade, the Ethiopian economy has grown by an average of 11.7% per year, according to the World Bank. But the country’s GDP per capita is still amongst the lowest in the world, and it appears that the high growth rate is not benefiting the growing youth population.

None of this points to an improving outlook. The US government estimates that 71% of the population is younger than 30. But Ethiopian labour ministry statistics from 2015 show that 25% of under 30s in Ethiopia are either under- or unemployed. Such high rates of joblessness significantly increase the risk that protests movements will become more frequent and intense in the coming months.

SIAS provides risk management professionals with a responsive international intelligence capability to help them enable business with confidence. 

Ethiopia knows no peace throughout its long history. The same is true in the current case, too.

The governments that came to power (which came to the throne) never required the consent of the people to rule on its behalf. The demand to the establishment of popularly elected gov’t was always met with brutal suppression by the dictatorial regimes, past and present.

1. Imperial kings claimed to have got political power directly from God and never intended to give up power to the people until the last emperor was dethroned   in 1974 by popular revolution.
2. The military junta was set up by men-in-uniform and hijacked the revolution to turn it to its own greedy interest, It soon turned to be military dictator and stood against all the youth who demanded for people’s gov’t.

The pro-Soviet military junta was dressed with M-Leninist cover and was confronted by underground leftist organization called EPRP (Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party). EPRP, in so amateurish style launched urban guerilla against the military gov’t which was later branded as “White Terror” by its cadres. The response was so brutal and indiscriminate killing of all youth that may be suspect of EPRP members. Tens of thousands of lives were lost in short span of time in the name of the infamous “red terror” between 1976 and 1978.

The rest of the world rarely reported such cases, as if our lives did not matter!

Ironically, injuries in the clash between the Israelis and Palestinians or the attempt of the IRA to assassinate British official were the headlines of the largest Western media networks in the same period.

Lives, be it Ethiopian or otherwise, black or white, Arab or African, etc equally matter. Isn’t it?

Not only that, in the conventional civil war between the military gov’t (it claimed to be civilian later) and ethnic and secessionist groups in the north of the country, tens of thousands were killed in single front almost on regular basis. Although both sides claim to be successful against the other, that the country was loosing dearest human lives was true. However, reports on international level were rare or even if it was made, only in a minor scale.

The civil war that was widely ignored by the rest of the world resulted in the:

–  Replacement of the military regime by ethnically organized groups in Addis Ababa;

–  Creation of two countries: Ethiopia and Eritrea (based in Asmara).

1. The nation-hating group which assumed power in Addis Ababa soon started to silence down its opponents by means of arms.

The main targets of the TPLF-led (Tigrean… ) regime are students(university and secondary school), intellectuals and party politicians. If we particularly pick out only the killing crime that this gov’t made, the following are worth mentioning:

1. The 1992 massacre of the AAU(Addis Ababa University) students in reaction to their peaceful protest to the visit of the late Secretary general, UN, Boutros B. Gali;
2. The 2001 massacre of university and high school students in as a result of gov’t intervention in the academic independence;
3. The massacre of religious believers by gov’t forces in the sacred sites(churches) such as in Gondar and Wolayita 20 years ago;
4. The brutal killing at Hawassa town in reaction to a peaceful demonstration demanding that Sidama be given the status of regional state;
5. The massacre of Agnuak people by the regime army in reaction to the allegation of the ambush and killing of the ‘Northerners’ by the Agnuaks(one of the largest ethnic groups in Gambella region);
6. The post-2005 election killing in A.A. and other cities which resulted in the death of more than 200 persons;
7. The murder of hundreds and arrest of thousands of Oromo ethnic members in reaction to the protracted protest in Oromiya region more than a year ago;
8. The very recent barbaric massacre of youngsters in the  Amhara region (mainly in Gondar, Bahir Dar, etc) in reaction to the popular demand that Wolkait of Gondar be restored to its original part from Tigrai; the action of the gov’t and reaction of the people take wide coverage and is seemingly the starting point of the crumbling of the system
9. As I am writing this note, I am sadly listening to the news and watching very horrible pictures while believers were being killed during stampede at Debre Zeit; un exhausted report of the causality is more than 700 dead and thousands injured. The gov’t as usual plays the key role in this savage killing at a sacred religious site.

In all the above damage inflicted upon us, Ethiopians the rest of the world was not let to know much. No due attention was not given to us. Why? Does not our life matter?

Three Mistaken Parties

1. Ethiopian Diaspora

The angry and louder Ethiopian Diaspora is always tireless in condemning the current gov’t and calling the local population to rise violently. This group uses all means to express its extreme stand and desire to change. However, this group lacks:

–  Unity and coordination to add a valuable support to the force/s of change;

–  Strategy and meaningful organization to compel for change and stand as a viable alternative if the opportunity of setting up of a new system/state is created;

–   Regularity, commitment and effectiveness to lobby foreign statesmen or legislatures to support the cause of the Ethiopian people. Had the Diaspora been so effective in this sector, many states would have passed laws, would have designed policies, would have curtailed their aid to TPLF-led gov’t  that it tends to change;

–  Cohesion and is deeply divided into different polarized and hostile groupings.

2. Diplomatic Community in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has many embassies and diplomatic councils among African countries, since it is the seat of AU(African Union) and UNECA(United Nations Economic Commission for Africa). There is no doubt that the diplomatic community has a clear look and information on what is going on in the country.

Suppression of political opponents by the gov’t, clear violations of human rights by state organs, enforcement of repressive laws, etc are not hidden to the diplomatic in Addis Ababa. However, they make no attempt to exert their influence on the gov’t or to provide constructive advice to have a change for good. Some key embassies, including the US and EU are merely reserved in inviting some opposition groups/renowned individuals in their respective embassies and pay lip service. Their meaningless nod had never been productive to date. They pretend to listen and understand our case, but no reasonable action on the ground.

They do not stand for universal human rights as they claim, They are rather for their greedy principle: “In politics there is no permanent enemy, but permanent national interest”.

3. Big Media Networks

No reasonably average person can understand why the biggest international air medias such as CNN, BBC, Aljazeera, etc ignore our case that is characterized by death, violence, imprisonment, compulsion to flee abroad, election fraud, and what have you. Their frequency and level of coverage is by far incompatible to the reality what we encounter in Ethiopia. Particularly the bloody confrontation between gov’t forces and the public in the Oromiya and Amhara regions deserves attention. Even the state media is accepting the death of significant number of people. Then, why do not such powerful media give time and budget to cover our deaths? We know that they make injuries in USA or single stabbing in Israel or the founding of fake explosion in Brussels the headlines of their news.

Do not our Lives Matter?!

ESAT People’s voice about Irreecha incident October 04, 2016 Ethiopia

ESAT Radio Tue 04 Oct 2016

 
Ana Gomez, denounced the killings at irreecha celebration in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA —  Ethiopian police have arrested a blogger who criticized the government, especially its handling of the ongoing protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

Seyoum Teshome, an outspoken university lecturer who has been quoted frequently by international media about the anti-government protests, was detained Oct. 1 at his home in Wolisso town in the Oromia region.

Ethiopia’s government spokesman, Getachew Reda, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he heard about Seyoum’s arrest and is investigating the reasons why.

Days before his arrest, Seyoum told the AP that he was planning to start his doctoral studies at Addis Ababa University and was starting his own blogging website, Ethiothinkthank. He wrote about Ethiopia’s anti-government protests on his blogging site and Facebook page.

“This arrest of a prominent writer and commentator is deeply disturbing as it comes against a backdrop of government moves to stifle protests and criticism,” said Robert Mahoney, deputy director of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. “Seyoum Teshome should be released without delay and without condition.”

Ethiopia is the third worst jailer of journalists in Africa, and a number of journalists are serving jail terms for writing critical pieces about the government, said the journalists’ group.

The arrest came a day before dozens of people were killed in the Oromia region. They were crushed in a stampede after government forces fired tear gas and bullets to disperse angry protesters during the annual Irrecha thanksgiving celebration of the Oromo people. The government has said 55 have died, but online activists and opposition groups outside Ethiopia claim the death toll is much higher.

The incident has sparked renewed protests in many towns across Oromia, where over the past year anti-government protests have called for respect for human rights, wider freedoms and the release of detained opposition figures and journalists.

[Must Listen] #AmharaResist and Amhara Region President Ato Gedu Andargachew

“““““`The time for division and vacillation is over“““
                        Aklog Birara (D/R)
“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
                          J.K. Rowling, Author

The people of Ethiopia have spoken loud and clear. The TPLF/EPRDF ethnic-elite dictatorship commandeered by the TPLF that kills with impunity and plunders with gusto must go. When a regime carries-out murders, maiming and wounding, massive jailing and enforced disappearances of tens of thousands of innocent people instead of listening and responding to their legitimate demands for justice, freedom, genuine equality, inclusion and democracy, it is time for it to go for good. Otherwise, the consequences for Ethiopia and its 102 million citizens will be unimaginable.  By all criteria, Ethiopia is a failing state and will soon join the likes of Syria, South Sudan and others. We must do all we can to avert this scenario.

My estimation is that, if all the country’s fractured and weak political, social, religious and actors unite to work on a compelling unity of purpose and alternative governance for the country, they will avert the worst scenario. Strong bonds do not occur on their own. They require a new mind set of reaching out to one another; establishing mutual and common bonds and mutual trust beyond ethnic and religious division and elitism. This is the essence of the quote above.

All Ethiopians have more to lose from Ethiopia’s destruction. Equally, all Ethiopians have much to gain from unity within diversity, harnessing each other’s strengths, respecting and accepting one another and collaborating with one another for the common good. It is only when we tip the thinking process toward collaboration and inclusion that we will be in a position to offer Ethiopia and its oppressed millions a more promising option. I opine that, this narrative is the only viable formula that will also gain us respect of the global community.

It is time to argue in unison that, people who live in fear of their own government are never secure because they are not free. They are terrorized by their own government. Therefore, we can argue convincingly that American security and emergency assistance at this time of Ethiopia’s conflict-ridden condition is no longer defensible. Security and other assistance to a regime that kills children, a pregnant woman, a mother mourning her murdered son or parents who have lost their children who they expected would support them as they age is a moral outrage. It demeans Ethiopians and devalues Ethiopian lives.

I suggest in this commentary that, the TPLF preposition that only a heavily armed and well-resourced band can and should govern perpetually through the use of force is fundamentally flawed. I suggest the following reasons why this is so.

1. The Ethiopian people do not hate one another as TPLF hardliners claim. They do not hate Tigreans; they hate and despise the regime that keeps them oppressed and divided.

1. People together and not elites determine their political fate. Youth determines the future state. These are the social forces who are making history through sit-ins, boycotts, by refusing to pay taxes, through prayers, by supporting and caring for one another and by sharing information across regional lines. In the process they are making enormous sacrifices in life and property.

1. People have overcome the debilitating effect of ethnic divide and rule. They have overcome the no access to the internet, social media, telephone etc. policy and practice of the ruling party. In fact, they have become their own journalists and spokesmen and women. They use the creative genius of human connections; and connections are fundamental tools in changing a regime and in advancing democracy.

1. Despite 25 years of ethnic and religious divisions, common bonds are being restored faster than the TPLF/EPRDF imagined would be possible. Think of Oromo and Amhara and other students in both regions sharing their dreams with one another; supporting with one another; echoing slogans common to them etc. One year ago, we could not have imagined of such miracle in the midst of atrocities and a police state that is merciless and clueless.

Yet, there is a vacuum

The serious and alarming vacuum of national (Pan-Ethiopian) and multinational (diverse) political organization and farsighted leadership is self-evident. Despite the encouraging popular uprising that is shredding the ethnic-elite state and its institutions rapidly and irreparably, Ethiopian politics is still driven by self-selected and self-appointed political, civic, media and intellectual elites and individuals. These elites adhere to the Stalinist idea of political formation on the basis of nationality rather than on the basis of fundamental and challenging issues the country and its diverse population face. This outdated and divisive approach is no different from Wallelign’s borrowed thesis and mantra of irreconcilable differences among nations, nationalities and peoples.  It is practically the same as the political, constitutional and institutional superstructure the EPLF, TPLF, OLF and their backers imposed on the Ethiopian people. The counter point is that ordinary people are fed-up with division and repression.

Here is my question to political and other elites as well as to individuals who still fail to comprehend the root causes of why thousands of Oromo, Annuak, Somali, Amhara, Gurage and other Ethiopian youth are dying, being maimed and wounded, tortured, flogged, marginalized, jailed and sent to concentration camps. What would happen the day after this brutal regime collapses?

Where are Ethiopia’s bold, honest, courageous and transformative opinion, spiritual, social, community and political leaders and institutions who ought to provide a compelling shared but national narrative that will move Ethiopia and its 102 million citizens from the current repressive, oppressive and plundering ethnic state to a just, fair, law abiding, inclusive and democratic state?  Where is or are our Mandela or Mandelas?

There is now a consensus that the current TPLF/EPRDF regime must go. What we are compelled to respond to is this.  The Ethiopian people as well as the international community that caters to the TPLF/EPRDF demand that elites and concerned persons meet, discuss, frame and agree on a well-reasoned and thought-out Transitional governmental arrangement and alternative that will mitigate the enormous risks the country and its people face.

This urgent task can and should happen through some kind of an All-Stakeholders Conference or Convention or whatever you call it. In this connection, civic organizations and prominent individuals have enormous potential to sponsor and facilitate this humongous task.  I urge each and every one of us to push this agenda forward.

ESAT News (October 4, 2016)
An American citizen was killed on Tuesday as a van carrying her and eight other foreigners came under attack as they were heading to a meeting.
Hospital sources say a stone thrown by unidentified assailants went through the back window of the van hitting the deceased, Sharon Ray, on the head.
The source from the Landmark Hospital in Addis Ababa also
said the van came under attack in Holeta, 26 miles from the capital Addis Ababa.
The source also said the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa has been notified of the incident.
Another lady who has sustained minor injuries was also treated at the Hospital and later released.
It is not clear if the attack is linked to the protest on Tuesday in the localities surrounding Addis Ababa. Residents in towns near the capital have staged protest rallies on Tuesday to denounce the killing of hundreds of festival goers in Bishoftu on Sunday at an annual cultural celebration by the Oromos.
Hundreds of ethnic Oromos and Amharas have been killed this year by security forces while protesting against the tyrannical regime in Ethiopia.

Ethiopians in Geneva storm TPLF’s Embassy- down down down weyane down down down TPLF

ESAT Latest News up date Amsterdam October 05, 2016