US urged to play role in averting “political repression” in Ethiopia
March 24, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) on Tuesday wrote a letter to US President Barack Obama on the current political situations in Ethiopia urging the United States put pressure on the horn of Africa’s nation to stop what the group said was a growing political suppression by the ruling EPRDF party.
In its letter the group raised a number of points which it said needed urgent political reforms.
Among others human right situation, condition of opposition groups, punitive legislative such like the Civil Society Law, the Anti-Terrorism Law, and the Press Law and other aimed to “severely hamper opposition groups’ ability to organize public meetings, rallies and raise funds in the country”
“When a leader’s only means of staying in power is to use mass violence against his own people, he has lost the legitimacy to rule and needs to do what is right for his country by leaving now.” The council said.
According to the group, People are organizing to launch strikes and demonstrations throughout Ethiopia in the coming months and the Obama administration should urgently take proactive measures to facilitate the much needed political reforms in order to prevent similar social unrest in Ethiopia leads into ‘‘bloodshed’’.
“The ruling party will not cede power to the people willingly. However, Mr. President, your administration can play a critical role in turning political situation in Ethiopia for the better by exerting pressure on the government to implement political reforms to lead to a free and fair election”
“As you know well, Mr. President, for some time now different administrations, some for shortsighted and cynical reasons, have supported the Zenawi dictatorship, against the broader interests of the Ethiopian people”
“Unless a swift and viable political solution is found, a popular uprising will continue to escalate. The question is, Mr. President, what can be done to avert further bloodshed?”
The group recommended a number of measures it said should be implemented to achieve a peaceful transition in Ethiopia.
It suggested legalizing all political groups and guarantee their security; Release all political prisoners; Repeal the Civil Society Proclamation, and the Mass Media and Freedom of Information Proclamation; Reform the Electoral Law
It has also demanded establishing an independent judiciary at the national, regional and local levels; and establish an independent political commission.
OPPOSITION CRACKDOWN
The Ethiopian Americans Council said Ethiopians have begun like North African and Middle Eastern style popular uprising in the country’s southern region (SNNP).
It alleged security forces using deadly force against peaceful protesters who took to the streets On March 7 and 9, 2011 in Gamgofa zone.
“The regime’s security apparatus rounded up and forcefully took protesters to the notorious prison in Araba Minch City”
“Twelve people were shot dead senselessly” it said.
Ethiopia’s biggest opposition Group (Medrek) has accused government of detaining hundreds of its supporters and members during the past two weeks.
Zenawi-led government is also under accusations of detaining dozens of political activists as part of what opponent groups say is a crackdown aimed to avoid the wind of changes that are sweeping Middle East and North Africa.
Despite calls for the Arab-style uprising, Ethiopian Prime Minister at a recent press conference has dismissed chances of happening.
Zenawi said there are no circumstances for such types of revolts to happen in his country. He was referring to the landslide victory his party won in last year’s election
(ST)