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