Ethiopia’s CUDP : The voice of our leaders’ is our voice
Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP)
Jan 23, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — We appreciate and honor the statement made by our leaders prepared to be read at the court and unjustly denied. Our leaders’ statement is another manifestation of their commitment to the peoples cause.
Our party, with the Ethiopian people, stands by its commitment to pursue the peaceful opposition protest until our leaders and all political prisoners are released and the minimum conditions for democratization are met as stated by the 8 point demand.
The peaceful opposition protest that started as a result of the disputed May 2005 elections continues in spite of the increased repression by government forces. Last week alone, when a religious celebration turned into a protest rally against the government, at least three people were killed and more than thirty wounded.
It is also to be recalled that there has been widespread unrest by students all over the country. Schools in major cities have protested against the imprisonment of their elected leaders and the reversal of the democratization process.
The response from the government has been predictable – more violence and more repression. It is clear that Ethiopia will neither be stable nor resume the democratization process until the underlying political problems are resolved. Political problems can not be resolved by force and the legal system.
As the government increasingly uses force and the legal system for its legitimacy and survival, Kinijit will continue its peaceful resistance. Kinijit has respected the rule of law in spite of its belief that the courts are an appendage of the executive branch. This can manifestly be seen from our petitions to the court before, during and after the elections.
The judicial system has allowed itself to be used by the ruling party as another avenue to intimidate, coerce and oppress political opponents. Its independence shattered and its legitimacy questioned the judiciary has forfeited its role to advocate for the rule of law. It does not serve any worthwhile purpose to stand before a compromised court except to legitimize it.
We reiterate the only way to peace and stability is through negotiations. Force and criminalizing politics are not the solution. Violence begets violence, good will beget goodwill. The first and essential step to resolution of the problem is the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners. Then, and only then, will Ethiopia be on the way to stability. We appeal to the international community to understand the determination of the Ethiopian people and be instrumental in pursuing a political solution.