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Bashannanaa Haayiluu: "Stand Up" [New Oromo Protest Music]
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[Amharic] Interview with Obbo Qaasim Abbaa-Nashaa of OLF [on Hiber Radio]
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Ethiopian government cancels joint rally by Medrek/OFC & Blue Party in Finfinne (Addis)
The opposition leaders said they would work together last week (mid December 2015)
According to a report posted on one of the Ethiopian government’s media outlets, FANA, the joint rally, which was scheduled – in support of the Oromo Protests – to be held on December 27, 2015, in Finfinne (Addis Ababa) by the two major opposition parties in Ethiopia: namely, Medrek (a coalition which includes the Oromo Federalist Congress – OFC) and the Blue Party – has been canceled. Though the rally would have happened on the less busy day of the week, Sunday, in the mostly business district of Addis, the fear of “traffic congestion” is given as a reason by the government for banning this “freedom of assembly” civil right of its citizens. Here is the full FANA report.
City Administration turns down MEDREK’s request for demonstration permit
Addis Ababa, December 23, 2015 (FBC) – The Addis Ababa City Administration has turned down a request by the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Unity Forum (MEDREK) for a peaceful demonstration to be staged on December 27, 2015.
The Administration was unable to give the permission as the demonstration is set to be held in a traffic busy avenue and in an area where large public institutions and many higher learning institutions are located, the City Administration Mayor Office said in a statement it sent to FBC yesterday.
The Administration will give permission for related requests that meet the necessary requirement to be staged in areas with no traffic congestion, the statement added.
Translated and posted by Amare Asrat
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Message from OMN Support’s DC Chapter
Dear Oromos and Oromo friends around the Washington DC/Metropolitan Area,
As you all are aware, OMN has been part of the fight against the implementation of the plan to expand the city of Addis Ababa into the neighboring Oromo farmers’ land. This plan displaces millions of Oromo farmers from their ancestral land in addition to destroying the Oromo culture, history and identity. OMN has been uncovering the killings, beatings, imprisonments and tortures of the peaceful Oromo protesters. So far, the number of massacred Oromos exceeds 119. To truly offer justice to the victims of these abuses, media coverage is crucially important. People around the world must be made aware of the attacks that have been occurring, so that proper justice can be served, and the government can be held responsible for their actions. In addition to media coverage, OMN is connecting Oromos in Oromia to Oromos in the Diaspora. Knowing the power of OMN, and unable to jam it as usual, the Ethiopian regime has used pressures to force the satellite company drop OMN from satellite transmission. OMN management is working hard to bring back OMN to air. They are also planning to launch a radio broadcast to reach the rural population.
For all this to happen, OMN needs monetary donations to continue their coverage, service, and assistance. By donating to OMN, you are helping the network uncover the truth and spread coverage worldwide, so that help can be given to the Oromo people that are losing their lives. Below, you will find the dates, times, and addresses of the fundraisers that will be held to raise money for OMN. Please support this noble cause.
Fundraising#1:
– Date/Time: Saturday, December 26th 2015 at Oromo Community, 3pm
– Address: 6212 3rd St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Fundraising #2:
– Date/Time: Sunday, December 27th 2015 at Oromo Center, 3 pm
– Address: 811 Upsher St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Thank you,
OMN Support Committee, D.C. Chapter
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Famous Oromo female singer Hawi Tezera feared to be under another torture, activists say
Report shows Hawi Tezera’s bruised and swollen body from last week’s torture; activists fear she could be tortured again.
Report shows Hawi Tezera’s bruised and swollen body from last week’s torture; activists fear she could be tortured again.
According to a media report, the famous Oromo female singer Hawi Tezera was detained and tortured last week by the Ethiopian Federal police for releasing an Afan Oromo single music that’s critical of the Ethiopian government’s affairs, i.e. the Master Plan and the killings following the protests against the Master Plan, in the Federal State of Oromia. The single, which was released on December 15, 2015, was produced using the traditional Oromo protest genre called Geerarsa. Photos of the singer’s tortured body, showing the bruised and swollen areas, are shown here.
Upon the intervention of the Oromian State police, the report adds, Hawi was released from her ordeal only to be imprisoned again over the last few days. Activists fear that she could be tortured again; the Ethiopian government has a record of detaining and torturing dissidents (prisoners of conscience) who oppose its policies using peaceful and Constitutional means.
In addition to Hawi, thousands of Oromos, including a journalist, have been imprisoned across Oromia and Ethiopia over the last week – accused of expressing protests against the Addis Ababa Master Plan. According to the protesters, who are using peaceful (nonviolent) means to demonstrate their opposition, millions of Oromo farmers will be evicted from their homesteads, and thousands have already been evicted and have become homeless, through the government’s large-scale land-grab project called the Addis Ababa Master Plan. During the recent wave of arrests, the government has especially targeted Oromo singers and their families/relatives for imprisonment and harassment. It is to be remembered that Oromo male singers Jireenyaa Shifarraa and Bilisummaa Dinquu were reportedly abducted last week by the government forces – after being accused of releasing music that’s critical of the government’s policy in Oromia; photos of Jireenyaa Shifarraa in handcuffs were circulating on social media last week (attached below).
Oromo artist Jireenyaa Shifarraa detained by the Ethiopian government
Hawi’s protest music that’s critical of the government’s affairs in Oromia:
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በወቅታዊ ሁኔታ ላይ የመድረክ መግለጫ (DW)
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Oromo Voice Radio (OVR) Broadcast – Dec. 23, 2015
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Oromo-TV: Continued Coverage of the Oromo Protests
Kadiro’s Analysis of #OromoProtests:
Oromo-TV on #OromoProtests:
ONLF calls the Ethiopian people to stand with the Oromo people:
#OromoProtests – Call Your Senators:
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OMN: Oduu Amma Nu Gahe | Breaking News (Muddee 24, 2015)
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VOA: Obbo Baqqalaa Garbaa Deebisanii To’annaa Jala Oolan
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Members of U.S. Congress write to Secretary of State Kerry on Oromo Protests in Ethiopia
The following is a letter written by members of the U.S. Congress: Reps. Keith Ellison (MN), Betty McCollum (MN) and Tom Emmer (MN), to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 24th, 2015
Ellison, McCollum, Emmer Send Letter to Secretary of State Kerry Regarding Protests in Ethiopia
WASHINGTON DC – Reps. Keith Ellison, Betty McCollum, and Tom Emmer sent the following letter to Secretary of State John Kerry regarding the student protests in the Oromia region of Ethiopia calling for stronger action against human rights violations:
December 23, 2015
The Honorable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Secretary Kerry:
We are writing in regards to the recent student protests in the Oromia region of Ethiopia that have erupted in response to the Ethiopian government’s Master Plan to expand Addis Ababa into surrounding farmland. Minnesota is home to the largest Oromo population in the United States and we have been contacted by hundreds of constituents concerned about the violence and intimidation these protesters have faced from government security forces. We would like to commend you for condemning the recent killings and violence against peaceful Oromo protesters. However, our constituents feel that stronger action is required to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
The United States and Ethiopia have shared a long, fruitful relationship and are partners on a number of issues important to the region. This ongoing relationship, coupled with the extensive foreign assistance that the United States provides Ethiopia each year, should be used to leverage the United States’ position that inclusive democracy be practiced in Ethiopia.
Numerous reports from organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Committee on the Protection of Journalists have revealed the growing practice of government security forces using arbitrary arrests and prosecution to silence journalists and Ethiopian citizens who are simply exercising freedom of expression—a fundamental right and the cornerstone of a democratic society. These individuals are often charged under the draconian 2009 anti-terrorism proclamation. The continued mistreatment and displacement of the Oromo ethnic group in the Oromia region is especially troubling. Furthermore, the Charities and Societies Proclamation (CSO law), enacted in 2009, has made it nearly impossible for non-profits to operate in Ethiopia.
Similar protests last year left dozens of Oromos dead and hundreds arrested. This year, there have already been five officially recorded deaths, although constituents close to the issue have informed us the true number of deaths is much higher with a death toll of at least 75. Recently, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that authorities “will take merciless legitimate action against any force bent on destabilizing the area.” This aggressive approach to peaceful protesters is cause for major concern by the United States and we therefore urge you to engage the Ethiopian leadership in a serious dialogue in order to prevent further loss of life and to ensure that Ethiopia is adhering to democratic principles.
The United States Congress has already sent a strong message regarding Ethiopia’s response to protests. The 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill has provisions to ensure that the U.S. funding to Ethiopia cannot be used to support forced evictions in the country. Furthermore, the bill requires U.S. assistance to be used to support local community initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and be subject to prior consultation with affected populations. The bill also opposes U.S. funding to international financial institutions such as the World Bank for programs that could lead to forced evictions in Ethiopia.
We respectfully ask you to conduct a full, thorough review of this ongoing situation. We cannot look the other way when our allies are violating the human rights of their citizens. If during your investigation you find violations of the Leahy Law, we ask that you respond by taking appropriate action. Thank you for your attention to this important human rights matter.
Sincerely,
Keith Ellison
Member of Congress
Betty McCollum
Member of Congress
Tom Emmer
Member of Congress
Cc: Susan Rice, National Security Advisor, White House
Samantha Power, United States Ambassador to United Nations
Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives
Congressman Elliot Engel, Ranking member of Foreign Affairs Committee, United States House of Representatives
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VOA | KFO: Hoogganoota fi Miseensota Keenya Dabalee Hedduu tu Hidhaatti Guurame
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MN Oromos rally to protest student deaths in Ethiopia
Hundreds of members of Minnesota’s Oromo community crowded an area near the State Capitol Thursday afternoon, demanding justice for Oromo students killed in anti-government demonstrations in Ethiopia.
The demonstrators said they wanted to raise awareness about the continuing violence in Ethiopia’s Oromo region, which first erupted on Nov. 12 over allegations of a government land grab.
“Stop terrorizing Oromo students,” the demonstrators chanted. Some carried signs saying, “If I was protesting in Ethiopia, you would have been attending my funeral today.”
– Read More (mprnews.org)
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Statement by the European Union’s (EU’s) spokesperson on “recent clashes” in Ethiopia
The following is a statement by the spokesperson of the European Union.
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Statement by the spokesperson on recent clashes in Ethiopia
23/12/2015
The recent unrest in the Oromia and Amhara regions of Ethiopia has caused a considerable number of casualties and only a constructive dialogue among all affected parties can lead to a peaceful and sustainable resolution of such disputes. Working within the framework of Ethiopia’s Constitution, all stakeholders need to continue such a dialogue and refrain from recourse to violence and inflammatory statements.
The EU extends its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. The reassurance of the consultation with the concerned communities is encouraging.
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Seattle | Dec. 27, 2015 | Public Forum on the Master Plan with Speakers Drs. Getachew Begashaw, Ezekiel Gebissa and Ashenafi Gossaye
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Message from the International Qeerroo Support Group
Qeerroo (Oromo youth), Oromo students and the Oromo public are protesting against the brutality of the Ethiopian regime – which has been killing, torturing, kidnapping and arbitrary disappearing Oromos. Qeerroo is on the peaceful struggle to stop the injustice happening on our people. To continue these multi-dimensional protests, they need support. Hence, we humbly request the Oromo community in general, diaspora in particular, and others who believe in justice to stand with us and support Qeerroo in its peaceful struggle for justice and genuine democracy for the oppressed people.
No one has forbidden an oppressed people from undoing oppression!
International Qeerroo Support Group
Click Here to support Oromia’s Qeerroo Peaceful Struggle
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RSWO – Kutaa 2ffaa – Gaaffiif Deebii Hayyoota Oromoo Waliin Taasifnee | Muddee 25, 2015
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VOA | Barattoonni Oromoo Hiriira Nagaa Gaggeessan Moo Shoroorkaa Oofan?
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Elemo Ali: "Qawwee Fannifatee" [Oromo Protest Music]
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Oromo Evangelical Church in Chicago holds candlelight vigil and prayer service for martyred Oromo Protesters
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