Top Ethiopia stories to watch today:
Tensions remain high in Ethiopia’s Oromia state a day after security forces shot and killed protesters who blocked roads. In Ambo, where at least 10 people were killed and 20 others wounded on Thursday, funerals are being held amid fears of further unrest. Sources close to the regional administration say state officials privately decry attempts to reduce the Oromo question to issue of sugar and the price of a kilo of sugar. There is a growing perception in Oromia that entrenched interests dubbed “rent-seekers” want the state leadership’s attention diverted via “breakdown of security” from reforms to buy central authorities time. A spokesperson for Oromia state is calling on the region’s revolting youth to heed the advice of local elders and regional police.
#Ethiopia News Alert
The regime is moving troops into towns & villages in preparation for large-scale assault against civilians.— Alem Mamo (@bahrzaf) October 27, 2017
Road leading to Ambo, 125k west of AddisAbeba, closed off after Menagesh, leaving DW reporter unable to pass through. #Ethiopia #Ambo https://t.co/56UWH9Qele
— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) October 27, 2017
Ambo hospital sources:
- At least 8 victims, including three young women, died of gunshot wounds
- Six of the eight died on the spot
- Some were shot in the head, torso
- One of the dead is a 13-year-old boy
- Protesters angered by the massacre burned three vehicles
Funeral services and a memorial gathering held for Ambo victims brutally murdered yesterday #Ethiopia #OromoProtests pic.twitter.com/hSROSXXQwO
— Addisgazetta (@addisgazetta) October 27, 2017
Addisu Arega, spokesperson for Oromia state:
- Tensions fueled by rent seekers and those who want to make the state a “center of violence”
- Vows to bring to justice those responsible for the conflict.
- The robber barons want to destabilize the state, distract the leadership and create conditions for further looting
- Oromia police have arrested suspects with different party flags, flyers calling for protests, and firearms
- Calls on the regions people to help keep peace and stability
- Urged the youth to follow the advice of local elders and Oromia police
#Ethiopia: Violence in #Ambo orchestrated by those who want to make #Oromia center of violence: Regional state https://t.co/k1iobdiIKO pic.twitter.com/t87pWEUJso
— FANA BROADCASTING C (@fanatelevision) October 27, 2017
Prominent Amhara (Wolkait) leader appeals terrorism case
Per journalist Getachew Shiferaw Col. Demeke Zewdu wrote in his appeal letter: The main reason I’m being persecuted is due to my raising legitimate questions of the Amhara people. Namely, the illegal annexation of the Wolkait region from the Amhara people. I was chosen by the people to address concerns over this issue with the legal avenues available. Due to my seeking out the relevant authority figures to demand answers to this unaddressed question, to halt my efforts armed state forces surrounded my home in the middle of the night. As I was about to be attacked I elected to defend myself and my property and the current legal measures against me are a form of punishment for this.
He states that the flawed case against him is based on 3 things:
- Intelligence gathered without a warrant by state intelligence officers who had tapped his phone
- A report by the Amhara state describing the property damages and costs in the aftermath of rioting.
- Testimony by witnesses who are deceased and are not even known.
One of the icons of #AmharaProtests Col Demeke Zewdu’s objection to terrorism charge against him https://t.co/rNPAYNKPxp
— Belay manaye (@Belay_Ma) October 27, 2017
Ethiopian Trade Unions threaten national strike over labor bill
The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions on Thursday threatened of a national labor strike if the government ignores its concerns. A new bill is pending approval of the Council of Ministers before it is sent to the Parliament. The unions object to: doubling of the probation period, reduction in the annual leave, extended employment termination period, less payment for occupational accidents, and strict measures imposed on latecomers are major reforms made in the new bill.
The Confederation of #Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) warns of Labour strike https://t.co/k6xp5wv3SV CETU disagreed with a new labour bill pic.twitter.com/YvEeovR2di
— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) October 26, 2017
One exemplary act:
Singer/song writer Hamelmal Abate,who is born & raised in #Harar, broke down in tears while talking abt recent violence in eastern #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/VwMtvH3faJ
— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) October 27, 2017
“For me, it is personal; it is personal for you as well,” she says, referring the male host at EBS TV, who also happens to be from #Harar
— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) October 27, 2017
But most importantly, artist Hamelmal Abate says “it is personal for all of us.” She says she doesn’t really know th reason for the violence
— Addis Standard (@addisstandard) October 27, 2017
