Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed spoke about Mega Dam project over which Egypt is inviting international mediation claiming that the tripartite talk is stalled. There seems to be a pressure in Egypt for a military action against Ethiopia to which the Ethiopian Prime Minister seems to be responding.

borkena
October 22, 2019

Construction of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is underway in a way that does not harm the interests of lower riparian countries while ensuring the national interest and dignity of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told members of the House of Peoples’ representatives.

It was in an attempt to address questions from members of parliament during the fifth year, second regular session of the parliament on Tuesday, which he attended, that the prime minister talked about the dam. The session was televised as was the case usually.

He said that the Dam is still an issue because we failed to complete it in time. Had it been completed, the case about it would have been closed. So members of the parliament need to give special attention to the completion of the dam, he added.

He also talked about his plan to keep the volume of water that Egypt and Sudan are getting. The decrease in the volume of water is related to the shortage of rainfall, and the best way to help maintain the volume of water is to focus on the reforestation program that Ethiopia is undertaking, in the eyes of Abiy Ahmed.  And it is in the interests of Sudan and Egypt to support “Green Development” that Ethiopia has embarked on; the prime minister advised the two countries in the lower course of the river.

While claiming that there is no special agenda between Egypt and Ethiopia on the issue of the Dam, he responded to the military action that different interest groups and media in Egypt are pushing for. 

“… War will not be a solution, but if necessary [Ethiopia] could mobilize a huge population for it. No one can stop Ethiopia from building the renaissance dam” said PM Abiy Ahmed.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed flew to Russia soon after attending the meeting in the house of people’s representatives in the morning to attend the Russia-Africa summit. He will also be meeting with Egyptian President Abdul Fatah el-Sisi on the sidelines of it to hold talks on the dam.

The latest talk between the water ministers from the three countries in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, was stalled after Ethiopia rejected Egyptian proposal on grounds of protecting its sovereignty and use its fair share of the water.

Ethiopian water minister disclosed on Sunday that Egypt wanted to open an office in Ethiopian soil in the project site so as to monitor the operation and filling of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

As well, Egypt wants the dam to release 40 billion cubic meters of water annually but the volume of water fluctuates between 29 to 79 billion cubic meters of water. At the same time, Egypt wants to maintain the water level of the Aswan Dam at 165 meters above sea level.

And Egypt is seeking international mediation claiming that Ethiopia is not cooperating in the tripartite dialogue. Ethiopia, on the other hand, has rejected international mediation saying the viable way to resolve the dialogue is through tripartite consultations.

More than 80 percent of the Nile water flowing to Egypt and Sudan originates from the Ethiopian highlands and provides Egypt not only with water but with alluvial soil. 

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian PM says “No one can make Ethiopia halt Construction of the Dam” appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Somali region party that is partner to the ruling coalition seem to have opposing views with TPLF on matters of unity within the ruling coalition.

borkena
October 22, 2019

The issue of transforming the ruing coalition, Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), continues to generate different reactions.

Some political entities and individuals tend to see it in a positive light as move in the right direction. Others no so.

Last week, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has issued a statement following a seven day central committee meeting in Mekelle. In it, it condemned the plan to transform the coalition to a unity party as a move to pose threat in the Federal system and also warned that it could lead to the disintegration of Ethiopia.

The statement went further in advising “sister organizations” ( they are referred to as agar parties in Amharic) that the move is against their interest.

Some ethnic Tigray opposition party leaders tend to think that it is likely TPLF could start a war while claiming that the repression in the region has become worse so much so that they are unable to carry out their functions as an opposition party leaders.

The ruling coalition itself has reacted to TPLF statement saying that the organization’s statement is wrong on two important grounds.

Other parties who work with EPRDF but with no privilege of decision making within the coalition rather seem to criticize the political arrangement that has been in place and excluded them from important decision making process.

In an interview with Walta, Somali region president Mustafa Muhammed talks about his view of the planned unity.

Watch the interview below.

Video : embedded from Walta information social media page
Cover photo : screenshot from video

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Somali region president Mustafa Muhammed talks about planned EPRDF unity appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Jawar Mohammed is a radical ethnic Oromo nationalist media entrepreneur who owns Oromia Media Network and Gulele Post, among other things

borkena
October 22, 2019

Jawar Mohammed, the owner of Oromia Media Network Minnesota based ethnic television station, said on his social media page on Tuesday in the evening, his armed guards are under siege in his residence. 

His claim is not verified by other sources. Some seem to think that he could just be plotting for his next political move.

If his claim about armed groups deployed near his residence is true, the incident came days after road closures leading to the capital Addis Ababa and disruptions of meetings which he is believed to have organized. 

In an update he wrote in Amharic and English on his personal Facebook page, and he has over a million followers,  he said “we are observing that many armed men are deployed near my residence. We ask seriously [referring to himself and his guards] that this force refrain from its move and retreat. The security will exercise its right to defend itself if anyone armed, individual or group, is entering  my residence.”   

He added that whoever deployed the force without any notice and/or concrete reason will take responsibility for damage and violence that will follow, he added. 

Sources close to him said that he has initiated a legal process to renounce his US citizenship and move to Ethiopia for good. The 

The Ethiopian government has been criticized for its leniency towards Jawar who is believed to have caused numerous conflicts and bloodshed by mobilizing radicalized ethnic Oromo nationalists known as Qeerroo. 

Months after the ruling coalition elected Abiy Ahmed as prime minister of Ethiopia, Jawar Mohammed said during an interview with local station that “there are two governments in Ethiopia; one that is led by Abiy Ahmed and one that is led by Qeerroo.” 

His followers have committed numerous atrocities in different parts of the Oromo region of Ethiopia and beyond usually against Ethiopians who are not Oromo speakers.  

He acts like a warlord and seems to consider himself as the leader of Qeerroo and has been a challenge for prime minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and Oromo regional state. 

Abiy Ahmed warned individual media owners based overseas to stop manufacturing conflicts while he was answering question at the Ethiopian parliament on Tuesday this week.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Jawar Mohammed,a radical ethnic Oromo nationalist, says he is under siege in his home appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Oromo Regional states vows to investigate late night incident in the residence of Jawar Mohammed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa

borkena
October 23, 2019

On the night of October 22, 2019, Owner of Oromia Media Network and Gulelepost, Jawar Mohammed shared on his personal Facebook page about an alleged standoff between government forces assigned to guard his residence and what he called armed individuals or groups deployed in the area.

Hundreds of youth marched to his residence overnight in what seemed to be a rescue attempt

Jawar has told BBC Amharic that it was an assassination attempt.

On Wednesday, Oromo regional state acting president, Shimeles Abdissa, confirmed that there was an incident in the residence of Jawar in the capital Addis Ababa which he labeled as “wrong.”

He said that Jawar is fine and that the government will continue to provide protection for Jawar and others who returned to Ethiopia from the Diaspora.

Oromo region’s top official was not specific, however, regarding as to who was behind the incident or why it was done during the late night.

“We will investigate why it was done in the evening and take measures against those who were involved in the incident,” he added.

His regional government intends to disclose the result of the investigation to the public.

Protests broke out in several towns in Oromo regional state after Jawar Mohammed disclosed the incident on his Facebook page.  So far it is confirmed that at least six people were killed, and nearly a dozen are wounded.

Ambo, Adama (Nazret), Shashemene, and Awoday (in East Harar) have seen the protest. Businesses were closed in some cities as radical youth groups who call themselves “qeerroo” were threatening store owners who try to open.  In Adama (Nazret), there was widespread looting according to local sources.

There were also road closures in the outskirts of the capital Addis Ababa, and several other towns, Ethiopian Federal Police has confirmed.

Addis Ababa – Hawassa road was also closed. Latest reports from Ethiopia indicate that roads are open again.

In some cities total lawlessness reined as youth groups branded themselves as Qeerroo took the law into their own hands.

“Entities who want to make Oromo regional state a conflict zone was engaged in vice practices during the demonstration. These forces are trying to make the issue appear as if it is an ethnic and religious issue,” Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (a state media) cited Shimeles Abdissa as saying.

Based on the EBC report, he tends to see security problems that unfolded in several towns on Wednesday as the works of “counter-reform forces.”

There was also a reported clash between supporters of Jawar and those who oppose him in Adama (Nazret) and the defense force had to step in to restore order.

Meanwhile, Jawar Mohammed disclosed that he will run in the May election, according to the BBC Amharic report. Seemingly, he was prepared for it as he has initiated a process to renounce his US citizenship.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Oromo regional state confirms Jawar residence incident, apologized for it appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 22, 2019

Ethiopian Orthodox Church continues to face attacks and threats, its Patriarch Abune Mathias said on Wednesday when opening the annual Holy Synod session in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Foreign intervention and corrupt elements from domestically have made it the task of protecting Ethiopian church laity very challenging, he said according to a report by DW Amharic.

He made a reference to what he called external forces who are dividing Ethiopians by spending money on it. Lack of structural improvement, internally, is also cited as a challenge.

The problem that the Ethiopian church has been experiencing in terms of the burning down churches and killing priests is not eliminated. “The threat hovering upon the Ethiopian church followers is still there,” said the Patriarch, as cited by DW Amharic.

Landholdings that have been under the Ethiopian church are being taken away by groups who are using government power.  Government officials working in the lower levels of government (seemingly a reference to zone level land district level structures) are linked to the problem that the church is facing. Such a practice has been criticized as one that violates the constitutional right of freedom to worship but senior government officials have been unable to act decisively on it other than giving lip service.

Followers of the church are leaving their homes behind due to incessant pressure from hostile groups.

The patriarch determined the situation based on reports he received from dioceses across the country. When Ethiopian church leaders held a meeting in September of this year, it was specifically mentioned that the problem was more prevalent in the Oromo region of Ethiopia.   But this time it was not specified as to where the problem is more serious although Ethiopian church has generally faced hostility in different regions due to narrative painted about it since the aftermath Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) take over of power in 1991.   

“How long can such an inhuman act continue?” the patriarch asked reading out a statement.  

If no solution is devised in the shortest possible time, the Ethiopian church could take its own measure, Church leaders are warning.

Abune Mathias called on members of the Holy Synod who started their regular session to make themselves ready so as to stop the attack on the church even if it means death.  He also advised archbishops to console those members of the church whose heart has been broken due to the attacks.  

Followers took to the street in September demanding for an end to attacks targeting Ethiopian church.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian Church continues to face threats, says Abune Mathias appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

• Ethiopian Church followers persecuted in Bale Robe, South Ethiopia , as radial ethnic oromo youth, qeerroo, now increasingly seen as a terror group by most Ethiopians . At least six killed horrifyingly. Hand grenade thrown at Church.
• Death toll from two days of violence said to be more than 50
• Jawar Mohammed orders calm as Oromo political organizations “mediate” for peace
• Ethiopians launching social media campaign to put pressure government to hold Jawar Mohammed legally responsible for ethnic cleansing in Oromo region of Ethiopia

borkena
October 24, 2019

Killings of civilians in Oromo regional state continued for a second day. The attacks and violence is taking ethnic form in some places and a religious one in other areas of the region.

Credible sources said that in Dodola, West Arsi Zone of the region, Four people are confirmed dead and more than 48 wounded after youth groups known as Qeerroo, who also came from outside of the town as eyewitnesses said,  launched a massive attack against non-ethnic Oromo. One of the victims, Zinabe, was reportedly sick and in bed when these groups forcefully entered his home and clubbed him to death.

A resident of the town who identified himself as Habtamu, and who is currently taking refugee in Kidane Mehret church, told VOA Amharic service correspondent, Meleskachew Amha, on Thursday “as they [Qeerroo] came to torch the church with fire, people barred them and they turned back and torched other houses.”

From what he said a number of residential homes were torched. A hand grenade was also thrown; three were wounded and one died after the incident.

The problem in Dodola started on Wednesday, October 23, the first morning after Jawar Mohammed, radical ethnic Oromo nationalist, wrote a Facebook message claiming that his residence is under siege – a claim that is not independently verified. Federal Police Chief has issued a statement that there was an incident of the entrance to his residence from any armed government body.

Oromo regional state acting president, Shimeles Abdissa, one the other hand appeared on TV, noticeably trembling, and spoke in Oromigna. State media, EBC, has reported on his key messages, and he reportedly said that “what has happened to Jawar war wrong and the government will investigate it and take measures.”  Jawar’s claim of planned assassination is widely seen among Ethiopians as a plot to trigger a new round of crisis in Ethiopia. Apart from closing roads and attacking civilians, often from other language groups, his followers have burned Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s book, Medemer, which was launched last weekend.

Bale Robe was another town in the region where there was a security crisis. The problem in the town took rather a form of religious violence, or there was at least an effort to make it appear so, according to credible sources.  Hotels and cafeterias owned by non-ethnic Oromo and Christians became targets of attack. Large hotels for the town like Zerfe Girmay hotel, Balageru hotel and Meskel hotel, among others were attacked and severely damaged.

Residents told DW Amharic that there was an attempt to torch a church on fire and the businesses that were attacked belong to followers of Orthodox Christians.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church news source, Hara Tewahdo, confirmed that six followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church were killed horrifyingly in Tsadiku Gebrekristos church in the same town and that a hand grenade was thrown on faithful of the Ethiopian church.

Roads linking the town to other regions were closed; business centers and government services were shut. Again, behind it were youth groups who claim to be Qeerro, a group that is now increasingly being identified as a terrorist group with Jawar’s leadership.  Police and Defense Force were visible in the town but did not take measures to stop the carnage by Qeerroo. 

In Ambo town, four people were killed on Thursday based on an eyewitness account who spoke to DW Amharic.

In Bishoftu, just 44 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa, a clash between those who support Jawar and those who support the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister broke out earlier on Thursday. Citizen reporters described the clash between those “who close roads and those who open up roads. Intense gunshot was also reported for the most part of Thursday morning. Federal anti-riot police and the defense force entered the city to restore calm.

In Sululta, only 30 kilometers north of Addis Ababa, there were similar road closures. In this town, groups believed to be qeerroo, burned tires. Businesses were closed since Wednesday.

In Adama (Nazret), one the the biggest cities in Ethiopia just about 100 kilometers south east of Addis Ababa more than 22 businesses have bee reduced to ashes after the qeerroo torched them with fire. A day before that at least two people were killed.

In Jimma, about 353 kilometers southwest of the capital Addis, there is reported tension but the extent of the damage is unknown so far. What is known is that transportation in the city has been halted, businesses are closed and the Federal Police and the defense forces are deployed in the city.

After all these, Jawar Mohammed emerged as a pacifier on Thursday calling his supporters to end road closure and restore calm. Ethnic Oromo political parties also got together with Jawar Mohammed for consultations on “for mediation.” Who are the parties that they intend to mediate is unclear.

Jawar’s statement that triggered the crisis came after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned Media owners not to fan violence and conflict. Some analysts tend to see the latest move by Jawar as a show of power to Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize winner prime minister. 

Amid extensive persecution, Ethiopian Orthodox Church has called on three days of prayer and fasting for peace in the country.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian activists are mobilizing online to bring crimes of ethnic cleansing going on in the Oromo region of Ethiopia to the attention of the world. They also intend to put pressure on the Ethiopian government to hold Jawar Mohammed legally responsible for the killings of more than 53 since Jawar Ahmed’s statement on social media on the late night of October 22.

Editor’s note : To share information or videos regarding regarding any form of attack on civilians, please send email to info@borkena.com

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Security crisis unabated as radical qeerroo unleash terror in Oromo region of Ethiopia appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 25, 2019

News emerging from Ethiopia allege that Getachew Reda, TPLF spokesperson, has been conspiring with radical ethnic nationalists forces including Jawar Mohammed against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

The report is from Yeneta Tube. Take a listen.

Cover photo : screenshot from video

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post TPLF allegedly conspired with radical ethnic nationalists including Jawar Mohammed appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

• Attacked VOA reporter was apparently mistaken for OBN reporter, Qeerroo behind the attack seemingly
• Adama (Nazareth) city administration, in central Ethiopia, confirmed nine people killed since latest protest broke out

borkena
October 25, 2019

One of Voice of America Amharic service correspondent in Ethiopia is attacked in Adama (Nazareth) which is about 100 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa.

Mukhtar Jemal left his home in Adama around 8 a.m local to cover a story about a killing in the city and headed to the area where the death was reported.

As he saw people carrying the body, he approached someone who happened to be an eyewitness and began interviewing him as to what happened.

Related : Security crisis unabated as radical qeerroo unleash terror in Oromo region of Ethiopia

It was during this time that a mob attacked him, he told VOA Amharic.  He estimated the number of people in the mob between 50 and 100 and passed out briefly. 

He said he was attacked in the head, back, and legs. Although currently admitted to Adama general hospital, his condition is stable. Physicians have determined that he has no internal bleeding.

The attackers used rocks and clubs, among other things, to attack him.  After the journalist was down on the ground, he had to wait until he gets his consciousness back to call his uncle who took him to the hospital.

From what he said, the mob, and they call themselves as qeerroo – mostly radicalized ethnic Oromo nationalists, that attacked him mistook him for Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN) reporter, a media network owned by Oromo regional government.

He also claimed that the attackers looted his belongings including a voice recording device.

Members of the defense forces was only in about 200 meters range when he was attacked but they did not stop it, he said.

The latest string of security crisis in Adama that happened two days ago was triggered by, as is the case with several other towns in Oromo region of Ethiopia, Jawar Mohammed’s Facebook statement in which he claimed that security personnel have surrounded his resident in the capital Addis Ababa which the federal police commission dismissed as “wrong” information although the region’s president, Shimeles Abdissa, seem to have subscribed to Jawar’s narrative.

Reports from international media outlets say that the death toll from the violence over the past three days has now reached 67.

Radwa Hussain, who is the communication head of Adama city, has confirmed to VOA Amharic that in Adama city alone nine people are killed in the past couple of days.

There was a reported clash between the supporters of Nobel peace prize winner prime minister Abiy Ahmed and supporters of Jawar Ahmed, a media entrepreneur who owns Gulelepost and OMN TV station.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopia: Qeerroo attacked VOA reporter while covering stories in Adama appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

• The number of people killed in connection with the violence which started as qeerroo protest in support of Jawar in Oromo region of Ethiopia reaches 67, citizen report put the estimate well over 100.
• Women and elders among victims
• In Arsi, a father was killed along with his son who as a master’s degree graduate from Hawassa University

borkena
October 25, 2019

Oromo regional state police confirmed on Friday that the number of people killed in the region in connection with the latest string of violence in the region, which appears to have taken ethnic and religious form, has reached 67.

Reuters cited the region’s police commissioner, Kefyalew Tefera, to report that thirteen of the victims died of the bullet.

Citizen reports claim that the number is much higher and could even rise as hundreds of people have sustained life-threatening injuries.

Five of the victims are reportedly members of the police force; this the police commissioner himself has confirmed. But it is unclear if all the police were regional police or there were also Federal police members who were deployed to many areas in the region as the violence was getting out of control.

Although Oromo regional state is claiming that calm is restored across the region, there are still attacks in several towns especially. However, even reports from government bodies do seem to be conflicting as is the case oftentimes.

Major General Mohammed Tessema is head of the indoctrination department in the Ministry of Defense.  He appeared on state TV, Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, to update on the state of the security situation.

He did not say that the violence is completely under control.  He only stated about areas of troops deployment and what the mission is. Ambo, Bishoftu, Bale Robe, Mojo, Adama, Harar, and Dire Dawa are some of the cities where there is defense force presence entrusted with the mission of opening up roads closed by qeerroo, radical ethnic Oromo nationalists who seem to support Jawar Mohammed, the person who triggered the two days long violence in the region. Restoring calm in these towns is also one of the missions for defense force members.

Jawar ordered his followers to open roads after wide speared violence and he has shared pictures on his social media page to demonstrate that his followers have obeyed his order.

Road closures affected intra-regional road transportation so much so that passengers had to sleep over in towns they did not intend to. This has happened, for example, in Wolkite and Butajira – in the Gurage region of Ethiopia.  Pictures circulating on social media show community members in the Guraghe area serving travelers with free food in a shelter they were provided until transportation resumes.

The killings in Bale Robe appeared to be motivated by hate for the Ethiopian church. A hand grenade was thrown but the victims were in most cases beaten to death or by a bullet.

In other places, the killing took a form of ethnic-violence mainly targeting ethnic Amhara communities who lived in the region for several decades. Some of the victims were born and grew up in oromo region of Ethopia. Henok Tamrat (first picture) was born and raised in Arsi and he was killed along with his father- according to social media reports.

The latest string of violence in the region started two days ago when Jawar Mohammed shared a statement in Amharic and Oromo language claiming that his residence is under siege by a group of armed men- which the Federal police dismissed as “wrong.”

During the street protest, his followers condemned Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. They also burned his book which was ceremoniously launched across the country recently. 

Apart from killings, properties worth millions of birr are destroyed by qeerroo. In Adama (Nazareth) 22 stores were torched and reduced to ashes. Largest hotels in Bale Robe were similarly attacked by a pro-Jawar mob.

Citizens who are not ethnic-Oromo say that they live under the threat of being attacked again in several towns in the region.

Ethiopian activists in social media have launched a campaign to hold Jawar Mohammed responsible for the deaths of 67 people, injuries of innocent people and for the destruction of properties.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopia’s Oromo region violence death toll reach 67 appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian Prime Minister seems to think that the violence in Oromo region of Ethiopia that claimed at least 67 lives in the past few days is a politically motivated one. He says it was meant to distract the march on the path of reform. His statement says that government will decisively act to bring “those responsible before law and punish them.”

borkena
October 26,2019

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed finally breaks his silence on the latest string of violence that claimed the lives of at least 67 people, as confirmed by media outlets like Reuters, across several towns in Oromo region of Ethiopia. 

Oromo regional state police has confirmed the numbers. It has also confirmed that more than 200 people have sustained injury some of them life threatening.

The prime minister was in Russia for the Russia-Africa summit, seemingly he returned to Ethiopia either late Friday or early Saturday. 

In a statement issued on Saturday in Ethiopia’s official language, Amharic, which is shared by the office of the Prime Minister, state and affiliated media, he said, “First I would like to state that I am saddened by the violence that claimed the lives of citizens and destruction of their properties.” 

The statement confirmed that churches (Ethiopian churches) have been burned, businesses attacked and destroyed. Residents (did not specify the number but news sources estimate it to be that hundreds of thousands of people) are displaced. Inter-regional passengers stranded. 

“A horrifying and evil act, that is even hard to hear about it, let alone to see it, is committed  against our compatriots,” it reiterated.  

He then pointed out that the challenge that Ethiopia is facing could be difficult and scary unless Ethiopians stand together and work together. 

There was an effort to give the problem an appearance of violence based on ethnicity and religion in the eyes of the prime minister. “Because of that out compatriots have been sacrificed in a shocking way,”he added.   

In terms of action, the statement said, “We will work to ensure the rule of law  is enforced and that the culprits are held legally accountable.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the government will work decisively towards that.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s statement also said that “the purpose of the challenge was to make us feel disappointed and derail us from our path…even if we face a bigger challenge, we will not stop marching forward. We will not abandon the wheat either because of the weed. What we would do is that we will uproot the weed. We will remove hurdles and keep on focusing on ahead, and will not be distracted to the left or the right.” 

The latest string of violence was triggered by Jawar Mohammed, a media owner with more than 1.7 million followers on facebook, when he wrote an update claiming that armed groups are deployed to his residence on the night of October 22. 

Most of the victims in the latest attacks were followers of Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Churches were torched with fire in some places. In Bale Robe, Oromo region, even a hand grenade was thrown in a church.  

The Ethiopian church has called on a memorial service on Sunday across Ethiopia to pray for the victims. 

Ethiopians defense forces are deployed to different parts of Oromo region of Ethiopia to restore order but it is not confirmed if the situation is under control at this writing. 

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian PM breaks silence over Oromo region violence that claimed at least 67 lives appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 28,2019

Ethiopia’s long distance legend Haile Gebreselassie, along with Tewodros Shiferaw, appeared on Nahoo TV to discuss the situation in the country .

Among key points raised during their discussion in connection with the damage, in life and property, is the need to rethink the way the police force is organized.

Haile also says he has questions to PM Abiy Ahmed. Four parts interview with Nahoo TV is featured below.

Part II

Part III

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post The way police force organized highlighted as one of the key problems in protecting citizens appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 28,2019

Activists on social media are calling for a massive demonstration in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa this Wednesday to commemorate citizens who were condemned to brutal death because of their ethnic or religious identities in their own country. 

The campaign which is using the hashtag  # AllBlack is calling for residents of Addis Ababa to dress in black for the demonstration. Social media organizers have also disclosed that the demonstration will demand the Ethiopian government to hold those responsible for the death of at least 67 citizens, as confirmed by police in Oromo speaking part of Ethiopia where the killings took place, accountable.  

Out side of Ethiopia, Ethiopians living in the United States have organized a demonstration to take place in Washington DC to oppose the recent horrifying carnage in Oromo region of Ethiopia and demand that Jawar Mohammed, believed to he the cause who also managed to stop road closure in the single update, be held responsible.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a statement on October 26 saying that his government will take decisive action on those responsible while predicting the problem could get worse before it gets better. 

However, reports about a meeting between the prime minister and “Abba Geda,” ethnic Oromo elders that seem to be theoretically considered as measures of “moral compass for the ethnic Oromo community,” a meeting attended by the Defense Minister Lemma Megersa and Oromo regional state president, Shimeles Abdissa, suggest that the prime minister is not consistent with the statement he issued on October 26. The topic of discussion was seem to be rather the concerns of Abba Gada regarding the “reversal of the Federal arrangement”  to which the prime minister reportedly said that his government will not make changes to the federal arrangement.

Also, the prime minister allegedly advised the elders to approach those “displeased” by his government which is unclear if it is a reference to Jawar Mohammed. 

The latest string of violence in the Oromo region of Ethiopia which seemed to have targeted ethnicity and religious identity was triggered after Jawar Mohammed wrote an update on his Facebook in the middle of the night on October 22 claiming that Ethiopian government withdrew security details who were on duty in his residence.  

Activists like Abebe Gelaw are openly calling the Ethiopian government to bring Jawar Mohammed before law and face justice.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Opposition groups are urging Prime Minister Abiy’s government to act decisively to protect the security of citizens and enforce the rule of law. Some opposition groups have, in fact, criticized the government for inaction in the face of the death of civilians. 

All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) issued a statement condemning the government for what it called  “aggravating the security crisis in the country.” The party said that the government failed to protect citizens while they were killed in their own place in broad daylight. Failure to take legal measures against individuals who have committed crimes in the past has encouraged another round of violence, as reported by DW Amharic. 

Similarly, the Amhara Intellectual Council is calling for legal measures against those who are responsible for the violence and the death of citizens. In a press statement on Sunday, Gebeyaw Tiruneh, who is president of the council, said that lives have been lost and properties created through years of hard work have been destroyed due to the violence that seemed to have an ethnic and religious character in different parts of Ethiopia. If the situation continues as the one witnessed in the past few days, “our country could find itself in an irreversible condition,” he said. 

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post “All Black” massive peaceful demonstration called in Addis Ababa appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopia’s state owned telecommunication, EthioTelecom, operation director for west region is killed, it was reported on Monday.

According to local news sources, the director, who is identified as Gemechis Tadesse, was killed in Nekemte town, in western Ethiopia in Oromo regional state.

EthioTelecom head of executive office, Cherer Aklilu, has confirmed the news of the death, as reported by Addis Maleda Amharic News paper.

However, the circumstances under which he was killed, or who killed him and why he was killed is unexplained at this writing. EthioTelecom confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine all those.

The town he was killed in, Nekemte, is close to an area where the militant wing of radical Oromo ethnic nationalist organization, Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), operates.

Social media sources allege that Gemechis was killed by militant groups but that is not verified.

His death came as a shock to his friends.

Petros Jirata, apparently a friend, wrote the following on his Facebook page:

“I don’t know the reason behind and who killed him overnight. We lost brave person. Gemechis Tadesse, high scorer in high school, top student of jimma university in late 1900, CEO of west division of ethio telecom, who made possible alot of things in the region despite thousands of difficulties, my role model and advisor. You are not one for me. I felt dead when i heard your death.”

Oromo region of Ethiopia experienced one of the worst security crises this past week. More than 67 civilians were reported dead, as confirmed by government sources, after a radical ethnic Oromo nationalist  activist, Jawar Mohammed, wrote on his Facebook page that government is withdrawing security details in the middle of the night.

Of those killed this week, over 50 of them were brutally massacred. Except few, majority of the victims were either stoned to death or clubbed to death by a huge mob group that calls itself as Qeerroo. 

A communication affairs office of the regional state has issued a statement on Monday saying that normalcy is restored in the parts of the region where there was a security problem.

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Defense Force has disclosed on a social media page (see screenshot image below) on Monday that the contingent of the forces deployed in the areas where there was security problems  are authorized to take measures on individuals and/or groups causing the death of innocent civilians.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post EthioTelecom operation director for west region killed appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

borkena
October 29, 2019

Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice party leader, Berhanu Nega, says that transitional government is not timely issue as an agenda. “If transitional government is important, I think that time has passed now,” he said.

With regards to what unfolded in Ethiopia in the past few days, Dr. Berhanu says that the intent is to make things ungovernable to Dr. Abiy Ahmed so that his government will appear as if it is weak.

He also spoke furiously that government has to stop lawlessness, and he seem to believe that government has power to do so.

He used the word neighborhood gangsters and hooligans in reference to those who are closing roads and causing chaos. In light of the ongoing massacre by this group and in light of hate ideology that is effecting ruthless and barbaric behaviors , it remains a question if relegating the group to a mere “gangster and hooligan” is an accurate understanding of the level of political problem in Ethiopia.

Watch video below and share your thoughts.

Video : embedded from Andafta media YouTube channel
Cover photo : screenshot from the video.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian people will not continue to be ganged up by “neighborhood gangsters” appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

As Ethiopians are expressing frustration and anger over Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s handling of what many Ethiopians say is an orchestrated campaign that claimed several dozens of lives, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission tells government that those who are directly or indirectly involved in the inhuman and shocking killings of citizens should be held accountable.

borkena
October 30,2019

Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Commissioner, Daniel Bekele, had an interview with DW Amharic service, which was published on Monday, regarding the recent violence in the Oromo region of Ethiopia.

He confirmed that the number of deaths is between 70 and 80. 10 of them were killed by a bullet during a clash with security forces that were deployed in the region to restore order.  The remaining were killed shockingly by a group of mobs either in the streets clubbed to death, or stoned to death. Others were burned alive. They were killed either in the street, in their residence or churches.  Worship places (churches and mosques) were deliberately targeted.

The number of people wounded, this is also confirmed by government sources, is well over 200 of which some could face a long term disability while the condition of others is said to be life-threatening.

Properties worth millions of Ethiopian birr, either belonging to individuals or public, are destroyed.

The commission has issued a statement on Wednesday calling for legal action against those who were involved directly or indirectly. “Those who are directly or indirectly involved in the violence must be held responsible legally,” said the statement.

As much as the ongoing reform measure has achieved tangible results within a short period, it is also experiencing complicated challenges, it was said.  

It also pointed out that apart from the loss of lives, destruction of property and affecting normal life, it has challenged the rule of law and has endangered basic human rights; it was worrisome.

“The existing situation in Ethiopia is one that is believed to be conducive for expressing any demands or complaints in a legal and peaceful means. Although there were people who were interested in making their voices heard peacefully on the issue that caused the controversy, it is undeniable that there were also those who invited and committed violence directly or indirectly,” said the statement.

The commission commended the government statement in which it expressed that it will decisively ensure the rule of law and being those who are responsible before the law. But it also called for the Ethiopian government to implement it and embark on a systematic investigation.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International said on Wednesday that the violence in Oromo regional state last week, the intensity and manner of it is worrisome.  It is the organization’s East African researcher, Fisseha Tekle, who told DW Amharic news. He said that there were signs of it from experiences before and that the government should have understood the early warning and attempt to prevent them, he said. The researchers also said that the magnitude of destruction that happened demonstrates the weakening in the capacity of the defense force. 

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian Human Rights Commission says those responsible directly, indirectly should be held accountable appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde says a red line is crossed in a reference to the massacre that has happened last week. when that happens, ” Let us say a red line should not be crossed ,” she said.

borkena
October 30, 2019

Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde is speaking out for the first time after the latest massacre that claimed the lives of 70-80 Ethiopians, according to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission figure, in Oromo region of the country.

The feeling of sadness, is beyond words when seeing when our innocent citizens are killed brutally and shockingly, when they are displaced and hassled because ethnicity and religion are employed for a political purpose.

It was in a twitter message on Wednesday that the president expressed her anger and frustration in the Ethiopian official language, Amharic.

One of her tweeds could be translates to  

“A ‘red line’ that we have to draw and respect for the sake of our country and people has been crossed; we all have a role to play to rescue our country from the danger that it is facing. All concerned bodies have to do their part. Let us say a red line should not be crossed”

She is the first top government official to condemn the massacre unequivocally.  At this writing, no other government official has openly expressed anger about the massacre in the Oromo region of Ethiopia which has shocked the entire country.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has not said anything yet on his personal or official social media account. In his personal, account the last thing he tweeted about is his congratulatory message to Canadian Prime Minister whom he described as “my friend” on October 23, the day the massacre started. He tweeted “Congratulations to my friend @JustinTrudeau for your reelection victory. Wishing you all the best ahead.”

On October 26, the official Twitter account of the office of the prime minister shared an image of the statement which many Ethiopians described as “too little, too late.” In the letter, he said that all those involved in what he described as “conflict” will be held responsible and that his government will “decisively” work on that. 

But what he did since a day after the “official statement” is appeasing, many Ethiopians on social media say, the very ideology that has become an inspiration for radical ethnic Oromo nationalists to unleash brutal killings of innocent civilians in the region.

On Wednesday, government media outlets reported that the office of the prime minister has organized a press conference. Who will be giving a press conference is unclear, and has become a point of speculation.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, which is reformed under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, has issued a stern statement calling for the Ethiopian government to hold all those responsible for the brutal and shocking killings of innocent citizens. 

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde says “Red line crossed” appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

A picture purportedly showing body of eighty years old man who is allegedly killed by radical ethnic Oromo nationalists who call themselves qeerroo has outraged Ethiopians on social media.

borkena
October 30, 2019

Pictures that are in circulation on social media showing victims of the latest massacre in Oromo region of Ethiopia, and sometimes the manner in which they were killed, have been shocking.

But not as shocking as a picture purported to be eighty years old who was violently killed and then his arms were amputated. Borkena is unable to share it on grounds of the shocking nature of the killing as shown in the picture. If you would like to see it on the social media page where it was shared, click here. The identity of the person, exactly where and when he was killed is unclear.

Ethiopian government has disclosed recently that it has caught Al-Shabaab and ISIS elements as they work on terror plan.  But it seems to be clear that last week’s massacre in Oromo region are not related to these terror groups.

There is a widely held belief that radicalized ethnic Oromo nationalist youth under the leadership of Jawar Mohammed, they call themselves qeerroo, at times motivated by religious agenda too, are behind the killings. And it seems that way too.

The government has claimed that it is investigating the matter. Oromo regional state has claimed that it has arrested hundreds of suspects but there are rumors that those arrested are rather Ethiopians who were trying to protect themselves from organized attack from qeerroo. But this has to be verified yet.

Ethiopians are now increasingly demanding for an answer from the government why leaders of such carnage are not held legally responsible.

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Shocking,violent killing of an eighty years old man triggers outrage appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian Prime Minister now seem to be seen as “habesha” and “neftegna” among radicalized qeerroo.

borkena
October 31, 2019

As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed holds a town hall meeting in Ambo, along with his former boss Lemma Megersa who is currently serving as Defense Minister, radicalized ethnic Oromo youth, also known as qeerroo, took to the street to condemn the prime minister.  Oromo regional state acting president, Shimeles Abdissa was also present. 

“We are not allowed to attend an event that the Prime Minister was attending,’ is the reason for qeerroo to take to the street according to the DW Amharic report which cited an eye witness account Ambo – a town about 108 kilometers west of Addis Ababa. 

“Abiy is neftega. Abiy is habesha,” was among the slogans that protestors chanted. Neftegna, in radical ethnic Oromo nationalism as in the tradition of Oromo Liberation Front, is usually a reference to ethnic Amhara who are portrayed as “colonizers and oppressors” of ethnic Oromo historically. 

“Down Down Abiy; Down Down Team Lemma” is another slogan that the protesters chanted in the streets of Ambo. 

The  “peace-conference” event organized at Abebech Metaferia Hotel in Ambo town reportedly drew participants from West Shewa, Burayu, Holeta and from Ambo town itself, among others. 

The protesters said “it was qeerroo that advanced the question of Oromo people but was not allowed to participate in the meeting,” as reported by DW Amharic. 

Protesters were also heard saying that “Abiy is here[in Ambo] to lure us; he is not capable of administering us.” 

The government has deployed heavily armed defense force members in Ambo but no clash with the protesters is not reported. A picture shared in social media shows armed defense force members begging protesters to calm down. 

Ambo was one of the cities where dozens of people were massacred last week after radical ethnic Oromo nationalist activist wrote on his Facebook page that the government is removing guards that were assigned to protect him. 

On Wednesday, PM Abiy Ahmed and Lemma Megersa traveled to Harar and held a discussion with ethnic Oromo communities who raised skeptical questions regarding what they called “attempt to kill Jawar Mohammed.”

Both ethnic Oromo leaders gave assurance to members of the communities that they do not have the intention to kill Jawar Mohammed. They also stated that assigning security details for Jawar was their own initiative and that they consider him as a colleague in the struggle and will continue to work with him.

Their remarks came at a time when Ethiopians and human rights organizations are demanding the government to take measures legal measures against those are behind the massacre that claimed 78 lives. 

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian Prime Minister faced staunch protest in Ambo appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

• Ethiopia says the Washington meeting which The United States of America organized, on its own initiative, is not a “mediation” process over the Ethiopian Dam project. But Egypt eyes for reaching “legal deal” with Ethiopia.
• Egypt and Ethiopia have been trading accusations over the failure of tripartite talk. For Ethiopia, Egypt violated an important point from the Deceleration of principles agreement which was signed in 2015

borkena
November 1, 2019

Following stalemate in the tripartite talk in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on ways of water filling and operation of the Ethiopian Dam, Egypt has been calling for international mediation.

Ethiopia, on the other hand, made clear its position following Egypt’s call for international mediation that it will not accept third party mediation on matters that are of a technical nature.

As it turns out, the United States of America has invited leaders of the three countries to Washington for “a meeting” which will take place next week and Ethiopia will attend it.

In a weekly briefing in Addis Ababa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Nebiat Getachew, described the upcoming meeting just as a “meeting,” and that it is not a mediation process.

Ethiopian News Agency quoted the spokesperson as saying, “The call from Washington is not for mediation rather it is planned for discussion. Since U.S.A is a friend of both Ethiopia and Egypt, its call to discuss the issue basically has no problem.”

The Ministry’s spokesperson also added that Washington’s discussion will not affect Ethiopia’s stand on the construction of Ethiopia’s $5 billion worth dam which is said to be 65 percent completed according to Ethiopian government.

Egyptian news sources reported that Egypt is going to the Washington ‘meeting’ with the objective of “reaching legal accord,” as the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister  said during the Arab Parliament meeting in Cairo on October 31. The Arabian Parliament has expressed solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt vis-a-vis the dam controversy with Ethiopia.

Egypt accused Ethiopia for failure to reach agreement during last talk between the water ministers from the three riparian countries.  In turn Ethiopia, accused Egypt saying that the latter breached an important part of the “Declaration of Principles” which was signed between the three countries over four years ago.

From Ethiopia’s stand point, article IX of the agreement has unequivocally stipulated that the three countries will cooperate on the basis of “sovereign equality.” Ethiopia also pointed out other articles of the declaration of principles in relation to equitable use of the trans-border natural resource.

When Egypt showed up for the last tripartite talk in Sudan, it came up with a proposal that rather seemed to violate the sovereignty of Ethiopia. Egypt’s proposal to open up an office near the Ethiopian Dam project site, to control the operation and filling of the dam, was seen as a red line from the point of view of Ethiopia’s sovereignty.

In terms of equitable use of the resource, Egypt demanded that the dam release 40 billion metric cubes of water annually which Ethiopia did not agree on.

It was in this condition that leaders of the two countries met in Russia on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit which took place between October 23 and October 24 of this year.  Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the meeting with Egyptian president on October 24 as a “positive” one.

 Abiy Ahmed will be attending the Washington meeting next week, according to Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Ministry sources. 

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopia says Washington discussion”not mediation,” Egypt eyes for “legal deal” appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.

Ethiopian long distance legend Haile Gebreselassie sees Facebook role in the recent massacre in Oromo region of Ethiopia

borkena
November 3, 2019

The greatest long-distance runner in history Haile Gebre Selassie of Ethiopia disclosed this past week that he is intending to sue the “social media” platform, facebook, over recent massacre in his country which claimed at least 78 lives. 

If the Ethiopian government is not filing a lawsuit against the giant the American giant online social media and networking company, says Haile Gebrselassie, “it is likely that I will do it,” as reported by state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).

“People are dying,” he said, 

The two times Olympic long-distance Gold medalist believes that Facebook has contributed a lot to the security crisis in the country in recent years. 

The latest string of massacre in Oromo region of Ethiopia was triggered after radical Oromo nationalists activist and owner of Oromia media network. Jawar Mohammed, who has over 1.7 million followers on Facebook, wrote a message on facebook in the late night of October 22 accusing the government of endangering his life by removing security details.   

“Some may say that they are using Facebook as a tool for struggle and freedom. Yet, it should not lead to unnecessary sacrifice. There should be caution in that regard,” Haile Gebreselassie added. 

He wants Ethiopian activists in the country and abroad to weigh the impacts of their messages to their followers.  He warned that the use of photo-shopped materials to incite violence will, in the end, bring about a heavy price to whoever is doing it. 

He sees media outlets in the country as part of the problem too, and he says that they should exercise caution in their work. 

Political situation in Ethiopia seems to be fragile due to decades of ethnic-based politics which, in recent years, has been radicalizing.

Ethnic Oromo radical youth, known in the region as qeerroo, committed atrocities massacring at least 78 people, including children and seniors taking the facebook message from the radical activist, Jawar, as a pretext to do so.   

Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and get Ethiopian News updates regularly. As well, you may get Ethiopia News by following us on twitter @zborkena

The post Ethiopian long-distance running legend, two times Olympic gold medalist intends to sue Facebook appeared first on Borkena Ethiopian News.