HRC: WS on the Situation of Oromo, Cabinda and Khuzestan UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCILFirst Session

Written Statement by the International Federation of the Protection of the Rights of Ethnic, Religious,
Linguistic and Other Minorities (IFPRERLOM), a non-governmental organization on the Roster
Statement on the Situation in Oromo, Cabinda and Khuzestan
Oromia
IFPRERLOM wishes to express concern regarding reports of extrajudicial killings of Oromo Students in Oromia, Ethiopia.Whereas the ruling coalition party led by the Tigrean Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) is alleged to be committing unparalleled human rights violations against the Oromo people, this statement deals mainly with the portion of extra-judicial killings of Oromo students that have been reported.Ethiopia has been in a state of unrest since the May 2005 National Elections, and on 9 November 2005, a popular uprising of Oromo Students began at Ambo and spread all over Oromia. These peaceful demonstrations, were held at regional and national levels against the New Education Policy, the Taxation and Agricultural Policy, the unfair and politically biased distribution of fertilizers, the banning of Oromo civic organisations (Human Rights League, Oromo Relief Association, Metcha-Tulama Self-Help Association), the transfer of the capital city of the regional state of Oromia from Finfinne (Addis Ababa) to Adama (Nazareth) and the systematic sidelining of genuine political organizations such as Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Ogaden National Liberation Front, Sidama Liberation Front, Benishangul People Liberation Movement, among others by ruling party in May 2005 national election. They have continued to demand freedom of the press and the release of political prisoners.
The following is a list of alleged extra-judicial killings that have been reported:

On 9 November 2005 the police killed three Oromo students (Jaagamaa Badhaanee (from Ambo 06, grade 11 student); Kabbadaa Badhaasaa (from Tiukur Inchinnii, grade 11 student) and an unidentified female student) and wounded 17 in Ambo town. On 12 November 2005, a 10th grade student Lachiisaa Fullaasaa was killed at Muka Turii High School. On 16 November 2005, Dabalaa Oliiqaa Guutaa and Malaakuu Tarfaa
source:OLF News

Over 300 Oromos Suffering at Maikelawi Prison

Source: OLF News
June 22, 2006(Oromia) According to our reliable sources in Oromia said OLF news over 300 Oromo prisoners are suffering at the so-called Maikelawi prison in Finfinne (Addis Ababa). Some of these are:

Taaddasee Beekaa, from Waddeessaa village (Ambo)
Olaanaa Kumalaa, from Waddeessaa village (Ambo)
Geetuu Girmaa - Kuyyuu
Tasfayee Badhaanee – kuyyuu
Tasfayee Badhaanee – kuyyuu
Biraanuu - Kuyyuu,
Zemaach Waaqjiraa - Ginda beret,
Solomon Bezuu - Ginda beret,
Lemmaa Gonfaa - Ginda beret,
Meserat Badhaadhaa - Ginda beret
Mesfin Mullataa - Ginda beret
. Nagaasaa - Western shwaa,
Kabbadaa Qoroo - Western Shawaa,
Yisaq Ahimad,
Ism’el Kaliifaa,
Yasuuf Guddataa - Walisoo,
Abiyoot Hayiluu ,
Mulaatuu Maccaa, ONC representative of Walisoo,
Baqqalaa Asaffaa, ONC member of Walisoo,
Tsahaay (Biiftuu)- Finfinne

Three women who were jailed for five months in Maikelawi are transferred to Kerchelle last week. These are: 1. Roobee (sawunnat) – Amboo, 2. Imnet Hayiluu - Amboo, 3. Simmany – Amboo. In addition to this, four other women who came from Arsii are suffering in Maikelawi for five months.

KILLED

Girmaa - West shawaa. He was accused of killing government agents; he was extremely bleeding through his mouth and his nose because he was severely hit on his head. Being denied medical attention due to the fear that his situation will be reported if sent to hospital.
Moni Mekasha – police inspector. He was accused being a member of OLF. He died last week in this prison as a result of torture. A disagreement erupted between Federal Police due to the death of thisyoung inspector. Members of Federal Police who are Oromos, Amharas and from the south nationalities objected the killing.

Victory to the Oromo People!

Genocide by the Current Ethiopian Regime; How TPLF Built Capacity to Commit Genocide

The Tigrean People's Liberation Front (TPLF), also known as Wayyane, was promoted in 1991 by foreign governments, particularly that of the US, to fill the power vacuum created by the downfall of the Dergue regime. This led to the replacement of the Amhara regime by a Tigrean power as was evident to those familiar with the Ethiopian political landscape. However, the TPLF needed a transitional period to consolidate its power. It, therefore, signed a transitional charter in July 1991 that recognized in its Article 2 that "nations, nationalities, and peoples" in Ethiopia have the right of self-determination including independence. The charter served mainly as a camouflage for the TPLF hidden agenda of domination.

Under the pretext of opening the country for world market as well as under pretensions of democratization, traditional partners of the Ethiopian empire used the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to pump huge amount of money into the coffer of the TPLF. During the first four years of its rule, the regime received about US$3 billion in bilateral and multilateral grants. The Paris Club member countries, co-ordinated by the IMF and the World Bank, have granted significant debt-cancellations and rescheduling. The TPLF regime used the multilateral and bilateral assistance to dismantle Amhara-centric state-apparatus and to replace it by institutions that are nothing more than appendages of a tightly controlled party-apparatus of the Tigrean ruling class. Today, there is no public institution, be it the military, the judiciary, the civil service, the regulatory agencies, and financial institutions outside the control of the TPLF and its surrogate parties. Thus, the regime cannot claim democratic legitimacy by any standard. Regarding the situation, Professor Christopher Clapham of University of Lancaster wrote in a book titled Ethiopian 2000 Elections, published by Norwegian Institute of Human Rights:

To those accustomed to the uninflected authoritarianism that has been Ethiopia's fate in the past, it may well seem remarkable that [the Ethiopian 2000 elections] could have taken place at all ... . To those accustomed to states even in Africa, with better established traditions of electoral democracy, they will fall so far short of the standard required as to amount to little more than a travesty.

Given its narrow social base - the people of Tigray are less than 5% of the total population of Ethiopia - the TPLF has chosen to use brutal force to perpetuate its domination of the Oromo people by suppressing their demand for self-determination. Financial and technical assistance provided by international donors is used to build the capacity of a murderous minority regime. The institutions of violence built with the assistance provided by international donors are mobilized to commit acts of genocide against the Oromo people. The regime has turned Oromia into a military garrison where training camps with a total capacity of hundreds of thousands are maintained. Several thousands of the regular army and air force personnel are trained and deployed to kill, rape, loot, and terrorize the people. The regime is using its security forces and full military capacity to forcibly suppress the Oromo people's demand for self-determination.

Oromo Self-determination Mischaracterized to Defend Genocide

The TPLF regime, like its predecessors, has subjected the Oromo people to genocide by labelling the people's struggle for self-determination as "banditry, rebellion, secession, terrorism …etc." Its stratagem has been to dehumanise the victims of acts of genocide by calling them "bandits, rebels, secessionists, terrorists" in order to mobilize "institutionalised violence" against them.
The legitimacy and validity of the Oromo people's right of self-determination is based on the fact that the people are under foreign domination. The Oromo people's demand of self-determination is not a question of secession from a country with whom they have wilfully integrated. It is not also a matter of a periphery struggling for decentralization or devolution of power from a central government. It is a demand by the Oromo people to restore the sovereignty taken away from them by the Abyssinian conquest and to freely determine their own political status. The Oromos are culturally and linguistically distinct and territorially separate from the Abyssinians who dominate them. Their demand does not, therefore, violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Abyssinia-cum-Ethiopia. The Oromo people have never been meaningfully represented in the Ethiopian political process. In fact, there has never been a moment in the political history of the Ethiopian empire-state when the state possessed a government representing the "whole people". The population is never given any opportunity to freely express its political will.

Furthermore, the Oromo people's demand for self-determination is not an internal affair of Ethiopia in the same way that, for instance, the self-determination and independence of the Finns in 1918 was not an internal affair of Russia. Similarly, the independence of the three Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania also exemplifies the validity of the right of national self-determination for a distinct and oppressed people. By the same token, the liberation struggle of the Oromo people against successive Ethiopian regimes cannot be characterized as "an internal civil strife, a banditry, a terrorism, a civil war". It is a struggle of people under alien domination - disenfranchised people struggling for external enfranchisement. The truth is that a continuous state of war exists between the Oromo people and their subjugators. In international law, people under foreign domination are not prohibited from resorting to armed resistance against a forcible denial of their right of self-determination. The resistance is a legitimate right of self-defence. Moreover, article one of resolution 2649(XXV) of the United Nations General Assembly recognizes the right of dependent peoples to "use any means at their disposal" to restore to themselves their legitimate right.

The TPLF regime constantly fabricates false accusations to criminalize and demonise Oromo political Organizations as a smoke screen to conceal the regime's acts of genocide against Oromo social and cultural life. An attempt by the regime to link the Oromo liberation movement with fundamentalism and international terrorism is a fabrication to discredit and forcibly suppress the Oromo people's legitimate right of self-determination. In actual fact, the liberation struggle of the Oromo people is not directed against innocent people but against the regime's machinery of domination. The protracted armed resistance under the leadership of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is an act of self-defence against successive Ethiopian governments, including the current regime, that have forcibly denied their right of self-determination.

State Sponsored Terror Against the Oromo Society

Reports by credible human rights groups, including International Commission of Jurists, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch/Africa, confirm that there are grave violations of human rights of the Oromo people by the TPLF regime. Extra-judicial killings, "disappearances", illegal arrests, torture, gang rape, confiscation of property, detention for a long period are systematically and pervasively committed against the Oromo society. According to a statement made on May 22, 2002 by Saman Zin-Zarifi, Academic Freedom Director for Human Rights Watch: "Both the state government and federal police and the military have a history of repression and abuse, targeted mainly at Oromo intellectuals and community leaders who are viewed as sympathetic to the OLF." According to a report by Oromia Support Group (OSG), a human rights organisation based in the United Kingdom:
OSG has, as of December 2002, reported 3,085 (three thousand and eighty five) extra-judicial killings of Oromo civilians and 857 (eight hundred and fifty seven) disappearances since the TPLF came to power. Furthermore, scores of thousands of civilians have been imprisoned. Torture and rape of prisoners is a common place, especially in secrete detention centres, whose existence is denied by the government. The counting continues.

A conference organized by International Association of Genocide Scholars at the National University of Ireland in Galway from June 7 -10, 2003 had a panel on genocide in Ethiopia. The conference was well attended and well represented by scholars from different continents. According to a report in the Sidama Concern (2003) by one of the panellists:
[T]he ongoing genocide in Ethiopia has remarkable resemblance with genocides in other parts of the world, especially the one in Cambodia. The definition, the motives and the preconditions for genocide are apparently visible in Ethiopia. It is reiterated that the oppressed national groups faced brutal atrocities and genocidal policies that resulted in massive poverty, apartheid-style discrimination, and neglect, and famine, destruction of environment, violence and widespread terrorism.

Thousands of Oromo have fled and are fleeing their homeland to escape state-sponsored terror. The exact number of Oromo refugees in neighbouring countries is difficult to know as the refugees do not want to be identified out of fear for the safety of their family and their own. Many refugees have been killed or kidnapped by murder-squads organized by the regime in Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, and South Africa. Others have been subjected to forced repatriation, particularly by Djibouti.

Through provocation and fabrication of false accusations the regime targets Oromo social and cultural life for destruction. To cite the most recent instance, the TPLF forcibly and illegally abrogated the use of Finfinne /Addis Ababa/ as the capital city of Oromia. When, on January 4, 2004, Oromos in and around the city tried to hold a peaceful demonstration to protest the eviction of Oromos from their homeland, the regime used force to prevent the demonstration. Subsequently, it unleashed war of terror on the Oromo people - including even on school children - to suppress protest against the eviction. To date, the regime has unlawfully dismissed 400 (four hundred) Oromo students from the University of Addis Baba (Finfinne). The regime's security forces killed several students and thousands of school children and teachers are languishing in prisons in the Oromo towns of Ambo, Fiche, Assala, Aqaaqii, Dambi-Dolo and Gimbi for no crime other than being Oromo. In May this year, 700 (seven hundred) Oromo school children fled to Kenya out of fear for their own safety. Oromo scholars and Oromo institutions such as Macha and Tulama Self-help Association are being persecuted then and till now.

Hunger, Environmental Degradation, and Disease as Weapons of Genocide

The recurrent famine in Oromia is a consequence of the ruling Ethiopian regime's policy of genocide against the Oromo people. The TPLF regime has been pursuing environmentally harmful policies in Oromia since it seized power in 1991. With total disregard for the long-term environmental consequences, the government has been awarding contracts to investors. These investors are undertaking unregulated mining and mechanized farming in ecologically sensitive and vulnerable areas. The regime has also adopted from its predecessor, the Dergue, the policy of massive resettlement on Oromo land with wanton disregard for the ecosystem.

According to a government report, the forest coverage of Oromia, which was 40 percent about 40 years ago, has diminished to a mere seven percent at present because of the destruction of between 60,000 to 100,000 hectares of forests every year. The report indicates that this trend, if not checked, would turn Oromia into a desert in the next 30 years. The government pursuit of harmful policies of awarding contracts and massive resettlement of armed northerners on Oromo land without proper protection of the environment is destroying the eco-system and degrading the natural resources of Oromia.

Death caused by starvation and malnutrition is very common among the Oromo society, particularly children, during the recurrent drought. Oromo pastoralists like the Karrayyu in the east and the Borana in southern Oromia are frequently devastated by the severe drought that destroys their livelihoods by killing their cattle. It has been confirmed by a reliable study that, out of the internationally donated food-aid for Ethiopia, only 22% gets to the needy people. Because of TPLF's practice of using food-aid as a political instrument, there is a discrimination against the starving Oromo society in the distribution of the food-aid.

The government is also pursuing discriminatory development policies. Oromia, with a population of about 33 million, produces more than 65% percent of Ethiopian government revenues; but its allocated per capita budget is $50 for 2002/3 fiscal year. Tigray has less than four million people; its per capita budget for the same year is $161. According to a publication of Ethiopian Economic Associations (Degefe and Nega 2000), per capita capital investment in Oromia region in 1999/2000 fiscal year was estimated at 1.43% compared to 12.65% for Tigray.
The most devastating disaster the Oromo people are facing is the deadly disease, AIDS. According to a report dated September 30, 2002, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) puts Ethiopia among five countries where the rates of infection from the AIDS virus are rising so fast that they pose potential security threats to their regions and to the United States. The bulk of the victims are obviously Oromos. Other killer diseases such as tuberculoses and malaria are attacking the population and spreading ever wider without any serious effort being taken by the regime to control them.

Appeal to the International Community

Respect and promotion of rights recognized by the "international bills of rights" is the duty and obligation of the international community. The right of peoples to self-determination is one of those basic human rights recognized by the international bills. Securing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is not any longer an exclusive internal affair of a state. It is a sad reality that the international community has failed to take any meaningful action to discharge its international duty and moral obligation to remedy the transgressions of the TPLF regime against the Oromo people by taking appropriate measures, such as:
protesting violations of human rights of Oromo individuals;
supporting the right of self-determination of the Oromo people;
intervention on grounds of humanitarian imperatives to save the Oromo people from destruction by natural and man-made disasters;
intervention to investigate and prevent acts of genocide by the Ethiopian regime against the Oromo people;
taking international peacemaking initiative to resolve the conflict;bilateral or multilateral exercise of economic leverage to enforce respect for individual and collective rights of the Oromo people.
Regrettably, there is a marked trend among international players in Ethiopian politics to use the available mechanisms of intervention to negatively impact the cause of just and lasting peace in the region. International donors are aiding and abetting acts of genocide against the Oromo people by providing the culprit with logistic and technical supports.
The genocide the Ethiopian regime is committing against the Oromo people by attritions is bound to lead to more political instability, economic disaster and humanitarian tragedy in the Horn of Africa. It is time for the international community to call by its real name the genocide against the Oromo people. The Oromo people appeal to the international community to:
use their economic, political, and diplomatic clout to immediately stop the acts of genocide against the Oromo people;

support UN special investigation of the crime of genocide being committed against the people;
oppose forcible denial of the Oromo people's right of self-determination;
support a peacemaking initiative under the auspices of the UN to study and recommend mechanisms for terminating subjugation of the people; " support the release of Oromo political prisoners;
refrain from assisting and co-operating with the TPLF regime's plunder and destruction of the natural resources of Oromia; " provide the Oromo people international assistance to develop their human resources and democratic institutions;
support attaching, in any international assistance to the regime, conditionality of respect for human rights and fair allocation.
Source Oromia online.

Oluma Abera

Organized Pogrom against Oromo Students at Mekelle University on its Fourth Day

Source: LOF News
The Plea of Oromo Students of Mekelle University Written originally in Afaan Oromo Translated by an independent reader

Translator’s Note: I took it upon myself to translate the second in a series of plea-letters coming from Oromo students at Mekelle University, Ethiopia , with the recognition of the gravity of the situation that might escalate into wide-scale ethnic genocide. Of particular concern is the backing of the Tigray Regional State’s Security apparatus, the complacency or rather agitation that comes from University officials, and the fact that the theme of this violence has made it into Tigrians song. These are some of the sentinels that indicate a regrettable ethnic genocide is imminent and this hopefully will be a call for a prudent and timely action to the international community that has earned fame for arriving late to the scenes of genocide.
===============
Beginning The violence that has erupted four days ago in both campuses of Mekelle University, i.e. Ende-Yesus and Adi Hakki campuses, has put the safety of Oromo students under immense threat.

The violence is a well coordinated effort by Tigrian students, Mekelle residents, and security forces of Tigrian origin to take revenge for the death of a Freshman Tigrian student (named Mowahl Arefayne) at Adaamaa University, in Oromia, which they claim to have been perpetrated by Oromos.

The condition turned grave when the body of Mowahl Arefayne arrived in Mekelle for burial. During and following the funeral service, the residents of Mekelle city flooded major roads chanting for revenge, and at night they broke into both campuses overwhelming security forces. The rioters, who were armed with knives, wooden clubs, iron bars, and firearms, battled with Oromo members of the Federal Police who were trying to repulse their advance past the campus gates.

For the Federal Police resisted the rioters advance into the University, The next day, the Federal Police was substituted by Tigray Region Police and The Agazi Special Forces on the demand of Tigrians who allege that the Federal Police is composed largely of non-Tigrians.

Yesterday morning, there was also heavy clash between Tigrian and Oromo students in the Faculty of Business and

Economics, also known as Adi Hakki. In connection with this incident, the security forces have rounded up a large number of victimized Oromo students who were thrown into prison. In the afternoon, the Tigrian students in Ende-Yesus Campus continued their rally uninterrupted and were making the following demands:

1. Secession from the rest of the country (Independent Tigray)
2. Denouncing the attending of Oromos in their Academic Institution.
3. Demanding that the Federal Police leave since it's composed of Oromo, etc.
The community of Mekelle University Oromo students is under siege; the Mekelle residents are currently consulting with Tigrian students to coordinate ways for massive revenge campaigns. The Tigrian Police forces are also sympathetic to and supportive of the current plot against Oromo Students.

Currently, pamphlets are circulating in Adi Hakki Campus warning Oromo Students to leave Tigray within three days. Otherwise, Oromos Students are forewarned that severe harm (action) will be inflicted upon them.

Yesterday, the father of Mowahl Arefayne and religious leaders came to Campus to explain the circumstances of Mowahla's death to Tigrian Students. Despite being informed that the death of Mowahl was an act of suicide (apparently he hanged himself), the Tigrians have vowed to continue their actions as their question is more than who killed who but to make sure that Oromos are kept out of their sight and be driven out of their country.

The condition in the University at present is tense: we are not allowed to leave our dormitories after 9pm and we are not allowed to leave the campus compound altogether. While Tigrian students are freely roaming around the campus and conducting several meetings and consultations, the sight of a gathering of few Oromo students is not tolerated and we are dispersed with baton-armed Tigrian policemen.

As reported previously, dozens of Oromo Students were injured during the Two nocturnal pogroms and were taken to hospitals where they were denied medical treatments. Even the hospital workers have ganged up against us and are saying that they would not treat wounded Oromos. Instead, we are told to take the injured Oromos to wherever they could get care if we wished.

Disputes have also been witnessed between members of the Federal Police who are of Oromo blood on one hand and the Agazi force and Tigray Region Police on the other hand over the mal-treatment of Oromo students. The action of these Oromo Federal Police members is something to be proud of.
Tune in for updates on the plight of Oromo University students at http://www.kallacha.8m.com< http://www.kallacha.8m.com/>
Victory to the Oromo People!!!
Oromia will be liberated with the blood of her Children!!!!
Mekelle University Oromo Students

Partial list of injured Oromo Students:
1. Yaadasaa Kennaa
2.Kaasaa Kumarraa
3.Duulaa Dabalaa
4.Caalaa Hordofaa
5.Xibabuu Mokonon
6.Taaffasaa
7.Baqqalaa
8.Baahiruu Kabbadaa
9.Kumsaa Margaa
10.Bantii 11.Kadiir
12.Moluu Diimaa
13-16: four others not identified by name yet.
Source: LOF News June 8 2006

Oluma.a 07 05 1969

Ethiopians clash over land

13/06/2006 07:20 - (SA)


Addis Ababa - Officials say at least 150 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia in more than a week of clashes between rival clans over land ownership following a jurisdictional re-alignment.

Aid officials in the region said the fighting erupted between the Guji and Borena tribesmen in a region between Yabello and Finchewa, about 400km south of the capital.
The conflict was sparked after the jurisdictional re-alignment saw land formerly belonging to Borenas awarded to Gujis, who claimed ownership of the newly-acquired land.
"Thousands of people have been displaced," said the official.
Federal police were yet to confirm the skirmishes.

Ethiopia's arid southern region has been a scene of repeated conflicts between pastoralist communities battling for scarce water and pasture.
13/06/2006 07:20 - (SA)

But now a time it is being the unique character of the Ethiopian governments that to turn one another and used it to draw the world attention to another direction. The government create dispute between the people and try to blame the other bodies. Also in a similar way constantly violating the neighbours’ country sovereignty and disputed the live of their citizens. All this is to draw the attention of the people and the world to the new phenomena.

By Oluma.a 07 05 1969

Relief Bulletin: Weekly Humanitarian Highlights in Ethiopia 12 Jun 2006

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Date: 12 Jun 2006

HUMANITARIAN PARTNERS RESTRICT THEIR ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING SECURITY INCIDENTS
Several humanitarian partners temporarily restricted their activities last week following security incidents in Oromiya and Somali regions. In Borena zone, clashes between rival clans (Borena and Guji) have killed and displaced many, according to reports from the area. Humanitarian partners, including CARE, GOAL and other NGOs have had to restrict their activities due to these incidents. A Government mobile health team supported by UNICEF also suspended its efforts in the zone. Reports indicate that the upcoming ganna assessment could be postponed due to the present situation. Discussions are on-going among traditional Gadda leadership and Government authorities to stabilise the situation. In Somali Region, two mobile health teams suspended their activities after clashes between Government forces and insurgent groups. Discussions are being held between UNICEF and the Regional Health Bureau to put the two teams back to work. Transportation of relief food is increasingly hampered and the delivery rate is decreased in Somali Region. Movement of private vehicles is restricted. Trucks attempting to move food into the region face delays. Movement and humanitarian operations to specific zones was suspended on occasion with the advice of the UN Department of Safety and Security based in Addis Ababa. Contact: mapted@unicef.org & wfp.addisababa@wfp.org

NORMAL NUTRITIONAL CONDITION IN BOSET WOREDA, OROMIYA REGION

World Vision conducted a nutritional survey in Boset woreda, East Shewa zone, Oromiya Region in mid May and reports 4.8 percent GAM and 1.2 percent SAM with 0.45/10,000/day U5MR. The result is considered normal, according to the Emergency Nutrition Intervention Guideline (ENCU/DPPC 2004). Emergency food aid and Productive Safety Net Programmes are both operational, particularly in some affected lowland kebeles of the woreda. Other food security programmes assisted by the World Bank and World Vision also target the majority of the food insecure population. The survey recommends the strengthening and continuation of the existing emergency food assistance. Timely delivery of safety net assistance and follow up of the Enhanced Outreach Strategy results are also recommended by the survey. For more information contact: wveth@ethionet.et
Oluma.a 07 05 1969

30 killed following ambush in Gambella, Ethiopia declares curfew

June 11, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian authorities imposed a curfew on Gambella town, in Western Ethiopia on Sunday at 7pm local time following the ambush of a bus at 6pm in which around 30 people are believed to have been killed.

Gambella residents were watching action from the World Cup when they were ordered home for the curfew, which has been accompanied by a water and power cut, the anti genocide group Aegis Trust said.

Ethiopian troops and highlander militia are reported to be out on the streets in force. Gunfire was heard in Anuak areas of the town between 8pm and 8.30pm local time, and tensions are running high.

While it remains unclear who was responsible for the ambush and who was on the bus, the attack is thought to be linked to strife between the Anuak and other minorities in Gambella, in particular the highlanders and the Nuer, which has been accentuated since 2003.
In December 2003, several hundred Anuak were massacred in Gambella town by highlander militia. A number of Ethiopian Government soldiers were also reported to have been involved in the killings.

The massacre came months after oil giant Petronas obtained a concession from the Ethiopian Government to conduct exploration activity in the Gambella basin - traditional Anuak territory. In the wake of the massacre, 30,000 Anuak fled to Pochalla, in south-east Sudan, and a small Anuak rebel movement started to operate in Gambella, harassing the authorities with increasing effectiveness.

Between 11-12 April 2006, following operations to disarm Anuak along the Sudan-Ethiopia border, a substantial number of Ethiopian troops crossed into Sudan and advanced on Pochalla. As women and children fled the refugee camp in expectation of a massacre, Aegis’ reports sparked intense media and diplomatic interest in the situation. The troops halted outside Pochalla and then withdrew to Ethiopia without entering the town.

(ST/Aegis)

Oluma.a 07 05 1969

Letter by Oromo student to President of Mekele University

To: The President of Mekele University
From: Mekele University Oromo Students
Subject: Our precarious current situation
Dear Mr. President

We Oromo students studying in the various faculties of the University of Mekele are in a very dangerous and life threatening situation. As there is no guarantee for our lives let alone to continue our studies, we are forced to write you this letter to request to guarantee our security and pursue our education as per the legal right of any citizen of Ethiopia.

We came to Tigray Region expecting that our constitutional and democratic rights as citizens of Ethiopia will be respected and rule of law will prevail. We thought that Tigray is part of Ethiopia in which any citizen has the right to live, work and follow any career of his/her choice. As anybody can live and work in other parts of Ethiopia without fear, we thought the same is true for Tigray region. Contrary to our expectation and belief, we have come to understand that the situation in Tigray is different for Oromo nationals.

We have firm belief that the current situation in Tigray is not a spontaneous and sporadic development. There are interconnected and systematic encroachments that led to the current climax. In 2001, Sime Terrefa, an Oromo student, was killed for no crime other being ‘a wrong person at a wrong place’. Proper investigation was not carried out nor any culprit brought to justice. Again in 2003 an Oromo student named Nedhi Chewaka was severed beaten and left presumed dead. Recently a book, that used fabricated data and derogatory terms, was prepared and published and put in the library for the public to read, to emotionally damage and provoke Oromo students. An agent provocateur threw handgrenade at Eshetu Neguse an Oromo student. Ironically it was the innocent Oromo student who was accused of trying to detonate the device and was imprisoned for several days without being treated for his wounds. Now, we Oromo students are under attack by Tigrean students in collaboration with some town dwellers. We are totally insecure. We don’t know when they will kill us.

We came to Mekele thinking it is a peaceful place where everyone from any part of Ethiopia enjoys equal protection of law irrespective his or her national origin. However, it is becoming clear that we Oromos are not wanted nor allowed to study in Tigray. Therefore, we appeal to the honorable President of the University to secure proper protection for our lives and appropriate environment to peacefully continue our studies or facilitate our transfer to another university where our rights as citizens will be respected and can continue our studies in peaceful environment. We also demand the unconditional release of fellow Oromo students who are detained and kidnapped.

Sincerely

Mekele University Oromo Students

cc:Prime Minister
OfficeOromia Regional Government
Ministery of Education
The House of Representatives
Source: oduu.com

Gaaffii fi Deebii Hayyu fureen Adda Bilisummaa Oromoo Jaallee Galaasaa Dilboo Raadiyoo Voice of Oromiya Waliin taasisan

By Oluma.a 07 05 1969

Yeroo ammaatti dhaabonnii adda addaa empire Ethiopia walittii dhufuudhaan ‘Tumsa Tokkuummaa Bilisummaa fi democtacy’ kan jedhu jaarmiyy Ethiopia tokko dhiheenya kana jaarrachuu ifa godhuun isaanii ni yaadatama.

Tumsa kana keessattis Maqaa Adda Bilissummaa Oromootiin gartuun qooda keessatti fudhatan jiraachuun ni beekama.

Haala kanaa fi malummaa tumsa kanaa ilaachisee Jaallee Galaasaa Dilebboo Raadiyoo Voice Of Oromiy waliin Dilbata Grandhala ykn Juni 4 2006 gaaffiif deebii godhanii jiru. Gaaffiif deebii isaan Qopheessaa Raadiyoo kanaa kan ta’e Obbo Jeliil waliin godhan akka armaan gadiitti dhihaatee jira.


Jeliil eenyummaa Jalle Galaasaa Dilboo gabaabaatti edda ibseen booda gara gaaffiif deebii armaan gadiitti ce’ee jira.


Jaliil:-
Obbo Galaasaa waayee tumsa jedhamuu tumsa bilisummaaf deemocraacy jedhamuu dhaan booddee kana labsame; kan jaarmonni toora Shanii kan keessa jiran, tumsa kana attamiin ilaaltan?

Obbo Galaasa:-
Tumsichi tumsoota kanaan duraa, tumsoota Ethiopia irraa adda baasee hin ilaalu. Tumsa Ethiopia jechuun kiyya kan akka UEDF, COEDF... maal maal jedhamanii ijaaramaa turan irraa adda baasee hin ilaalu. Maaliif yoo jenne sagantaan isaanii, caasaan isaaniis tokkuma.

Kanuma isaaniiti. Kanaafuu tumsuma Ethiopiyaatu ijaarame. Waan Oromoo wajjin walitti hidhaa hin qabu.

Gaaffii Oromootiifs deebii kenne irrattis waan xiyyeeffate hinqau. Yoo xiqqaate akka warri Shanee gumii nutti himuu barbaadanitti mirga hiree murteeffannaa jedhu illee of keessaa hin qabu.


Akkuma COEDF, UEDF, jedhaniitti waati inni himu yoo jiraate biyya sanatti nagaa buufnaa; Mootummaan Ethiopia rakkoo seenee kana, rakkoo irraa baasuuf kan jedhu qabate. Kanaaf tusa Ethiopia kanaan dura ijaaraman irraa adda miti. Tumsa Ethiophiati.

Tokkoffan Gartuun Oromoo achi keessatti argame maqaa Adda Bilisummaa Oromootiin argamuun isaatiin tari garii namaa afaan fajjessuu danda’a. Garuu Adda Bilisummaa Oromoo bakka hin bu’an.

Lammaffaan tumsa kan akka ani itti ilaalu, tumsa warri walitti dhufan sun ijaaran miti. Dhaabota achi keessatti hirmaatanis baay’ee isaanii nan beeka. Tumsa warra garii seenaa yeroo dheeraa qaban malee kan akka warra warra kana miti. ‘Arbenyoochi’, ‘Qinijjitii’ isaan kanaa nan beeka. Tumsa kana humna biraatu dudduduuba jira. Humna halagaatu duuba jira. Akeeki isas Wayyaanee ittiin doorsisuu dhaaf kan akeekame dha. Kana akkasittin ilaala.

Kabiraan tumsa halagaa ittiin doorsisuuf yeroon jedhu, maqaa Adda Bilisummaa Oromootiini. Maqaan kun uummata Oromoo biratti dhagahama qaba. Maqaa wareegamni itti ba’e dha. Jaalala qaba. Humnootiin gartuuwwan kana keessatti maqaa Oromootiin hirmaate keessummeessan, maqaa kanaatiin Wayyaanee doorsisuu barbaadu.

Karaa biraatiin tumsa ‘Qinjit’ tokkooffaa uummata keenya biratti waan biraa dhiisnaan yeroodhuma filannoo dheengaddaa illee sagalee dhabee, deebi’ees ammoo ergasii asis warri Tigree tarkaanfii fudhataniin mootummaan qabanna jedhee wacaa ba’etu, deebi’ee hoggana keenya nuuf hiikaa jechuun gadi deebi’ee; yeroo ammaa kana bifa adda addaatiin faca’aa jiru; deebisee kan humneessu dha.

Ka biraa tumsicha akka ani itti ilaalu, tumsa wareegama waggaa dheeraadhaaf goone; kan ilmaan keenya bahaa-dhihaa, kaabaa-kibbaa dhiiga isaanii itti dhangalaasan irra ejjete dha jechaa dha.

Ibsa isaan baasan yoo namni Oromoo ta’ee dhugaan Oromummaan itti dhaga’amu argee ta’e; akka warrii dabballoota isaanii tooftaadhaaf maal maal jechuun himatan utuu hin ta’in, kan sana irra ejjetu dha. Mirga hiree murteeffannaa jedhu jechaan illee hin qabu.


Jelii:-
Tooftaa kan jedhu edda kaastanii jirtan. Yeroo ammaa jecha tooftaa eega isin illee maqaa kaastanii, tooftaa sanii jara kanas ida’atanii mootummaa Tgree dhaa kana eegaa cabsinee booda kana,uummanni Oromoodhaa waan barbaadu hundaa waa silaa argatee jiraa, gara Mootummaa qabachuutuma duwwaatu hafeef yaanni jedhu ni jira. Oromoon kanaan booda dammaqee jira. Jabaatee jiraa.Ammaan booda abbaa fedheenuu hinsobamu. Kanaaf jecha mirgawwan kana keessatti tooftaa kana keessatti Oromoo dhaatu irraa argachuu dhaaf jiraata. Yaanni jedhu jira. Kana attanmiin ilaatu?


Obbo Galaasaa:-
Waan dhihoo kana Raadiyoo keessan irratti dabaatur dhaga’een ture. Waan Ma’aadiin jedhe san.

Oromoon bari kanaan duras takkaa gowwoomee hin beeku.Oromoon kanaan duras takkaa gowwoomee hin beeku. Eega gaafa biyyi isaa qabamee jalqabee. Inni dhagaa qabu Dhagaa Dhaan, inni Mancaa qabu Mamcaa dhaan, inni Qawwee qabu Qawweedhan duran dhaabbadha jedhee yeroo inni ka’utti warra si dursina jedhantu isa sobe.

Kanaaf sobneetu hinsobamuu, dammaqaa dhaa,... maalii kan jehu kanaa,takkaayyuu sobamee hinbeeku.

Akkuma amma warrii Shanee itti jiranitti kaleessas warri isin dursina jedhattu sobee akka inni jilgeeffatu godhe. Yoo warri qabsoo kana dura jirra jedhanii fi itti jiran sobuu dhaa fi sobuudhaan akka inni jilgeefatu godhan malee; uummata sobamee jilgeeffatu mit.

Har’a immoo warruuma sobuu barbaadaniifu hin sobama jedhee hin yaadu. Kanaaf tooftaan amma isaan jedhan kun, tooftaa hojjetu miti.

Eenyu iyyuu wal-sobaa? Hundumtuu walitti dammaqaa dha.

Empira Ethiopia keessatti yeroo ammaa kana humnoota Sadiitu jira.
1. humna Tigree itti wareegamnee, itti dhiignee biyya kana qabanne jedhu.
2. humna Amaaraa Abbootii keenyatu itti dhiigee itti du’ee biyya kana tiksee yoonaan ga’e.kan jedhu.
3. humna Oromoo biyya Abbaa keenyaatu humnaan nu jalaa qabame. Itti dhiignee, itti duunee asiin geenye. Itti dhiignee; itti duunee; immoo arganna kan jedhu, humna Sadiitu dhiiga irratti wal-gaafachaa jira.

Kanaaf abaluun sobnee , abaluun maal goonee, kan jedhu kun maluma ittiin karaa gabaabduu dhaan mataa dhaaf wayitti baana yaadamu jedhame dha.

Jeliil:-
Obbo Galaasaa yeroo ammaan tana egaa waan san keessaa dhaabni Adda Bilisummaa Oromootis ni jira. Isin illee Adda Bilisummaa Oromooti jechuudhan bakka lamatti maqaan kun yaamamaa jira. Wanni maqaa tokkoon kennamu isiniifis walumaan kennamaa. Yoo balaaleffannaafis taate isiniifis walumaan balaaleffatamaa kana akkamiin ilaaltu?


Obbo Galaasa:-
Waliin hin balaaleffatamu.Adda Bilisummaa Oromoo jechuun, ABO jechuun Abaluu fi Abalu jechuu miti.ABO jechuun ‘propaganda’ amma tumsa halagaatiin gartuun tokko oofu irratti hin irkatu.

ABO jechuun kaayyoo Bilisummaa walabummaa Oromiyaa jechuu dha.

Kaayyoo walabummaa Oromiyaa jechuun immoo, kan waraqaa irratti namoonni xiqqoon barreessan utuu hin ta’in; kan dhiigaan barreeffame dha. Bahaa-dhiha, kaabaa-kibbatti.

Kanaaf har’a akka tumsi kun dhufuudhaaf ta’u nuti duraanuu ni beekna. Akka kaayyoo kana dhaaba kana keessatti yeroo nagaan hundi keenya waliin jirru, gartuun Lama yeroo dheeraadhaaf wal-falmaa turre ni beekana jechaa dha.

Kar’a gartuun kun ifa ba’ee jira. Har’a gartuun kuni kaleessa yoo ABO dha jedhee mamiin jiraate; har’a bilisummaan inii baanu, akka afaan ‘Engliiziitti’ ‘Freedom’ ta’uun isaa ifa ba’ee jira jechuu dha.

Kana waan ta’eef jechaadhaaf Adda Bilisummaa Oromoo ta’uu hin danda’u kan jedhu qabna nuti. ABO miti isaan.

ABO akka hin taane hiikkaan isaan Bilisummaa dhaaf kennan iyyuu ifa ba’ee jiraa jechaa dha. Isaan kan godhan Bilisummaa maqaa jedhuuniti uummata Oromoo dogoggorsina, uummata Oromoo sobna kan jedhu. Uummanni Oromoo hin sobamu. Ijoollee itti guddisaa jirraatii; Ittin guddisaa jirra.

Kanaaf maqaa kana mootummaa haata’u, Abaluuf Abalu keessa jiran haa ta’uu, abbaan fedhe haa jedhuu; maqichi Kaayyiicha irra jira.

Kana waan ta’ef nuyi gama keenyaan rakkoo sanaa hin qabnu. Warri hubatuuf mamii qabanii warra rakkina biraa qabanidha jechuu dha.

Karaa gabaabaan hin jiru. Tumsa jedhamu kanaanis jijjiiramni dhufuudhaaf ta’u, akka hin jirre beekuu qabani.

Mootummaan isaan wal gahii waaman akkasumatti ka’ee isaanii bu’ee mootummaan ce’humsaa yookaan ‘chartera’ lammaffaan tolfama kan jedhanis hin jiru. Namoota tokko tokkotu jiru; ‘chartera’kan jedhu kun akkasumatti sammuu isaanii kessatti uumamee ‘charteriin’ biraa tolfama kan jedhan hinjiruu jechaa dha.

‘Diplomatic kudetaan’ isaan amma jedhan akkas jedhu gariin isaani. Diplomatic kudeta goona jedhu. Hin jiru. Sun ‘Diplomatic victory’ utuu jiraatee isaan wal-ga’ii godhatanii utuu fixanii hinba’inti addunyaan Biiliyoonii Tokko Tigree dhaaf hin kennitu jechaa dha.


Kana waan ta’eef jechaadhaaf gama keenyaan nuti Addi Bilisummaa Oromoo inni kaleessaa ganama Kaayyoon Walabummaa Oromiyaatiif ka’e, har’a illee qabsootti jira. Har’a illee qabsootti jira.


Maalitti jirtu ree? Maal gootu ree? Jedhu. Atee ni bareeddee jennaan; ni dabarti ni agartaa jedhe. Sun homaa miti. Kaleessas akkas turre. Kaleessa gaafa ‘Meissoonii’ fi ‘Ehaapaan’ dache kana balleessaa turan xiqqishoo turre.jechaa dha. Qabsoo uummata keenyaatiin, qabsoo uummata keenya isa Qotee bulaa sanaa, isa ilmaan isaa dabarsee qabsoof kenneetiin haala sana jijjiirree har’a geenye jechaa dha. Boris akkasuma.

Kanaaf ABOn ni jira. Qabsootti jira. Kaayyoo isaas ammoo kan Bilisummaa Oromooti. Bilsummaa Oromoo yennaan jedhu ‘Freedom’ jechuu kiyya mitil. Akkasitti namni akka na hin hubanne.


Jeliil:-
Obbo Galaasaa wanni tumsa kanaa Amaara takkaa Oromoo hin hubatin Oromo hubachiisee jira.
Mellas illee tumsa kana fashalsiisuu dhaaf jarmiyoota Oromoo kan biyya jiran Oromoo dhaaf illee waa ‘reform’ godheeti jira.
Sababa tumsa kanaatiinis gara ABO tiin Diplomaatota Amaarri kophaatti ‘monoplis’ goodhu illee garii argatanii jiranii, kanaafuu mohinsa wayii of keessaa ni qabaa?


Obbo Galaasa:-
Hin qabu. Gabaabaatti akka ani jechuu barbaadu Oromoodhaafis waan addaa waan godhu hin qabu. Mallas yeroo ammaa kana May 15 as ‘Qnijjitin’ iyyuu ni facaasee bar. ‘Qnijjit’ aangoon qabadha jedhee wacaa turetu, hoggana keenya nuuf hiikaa jedhee wacaa jira.Amma kanatti deebi’ee jira. ‘demandiin’ isaa. Melles faa akkanatti hin jirani.

Lammaffaa immoo addunyaas yoo fudhanne, Addunyaan har’a isaanii wajjin hidhattee jirti jechuu dha. Yoo humnaan, yoo qabsoofnee jaaramnee jijjiirre malee. Addunyaan jaaramuu fi labsa ‘utrict’ irraa ba’een waan jijjiirtu hinqabdu. Kanaaf iyyuu dhiheenya waan gootu goote.


Jeliil:-
Dubbii humnaa kana edda maqaa dhooftanii, namni hedduun waan biroo kana waan achi ilaaluuf humna dhaba. Qawween kun dhabmtee, waan gandaa dhaa kan waa takka namaa kennu Somaaleen kun illee akkumaa Keenyaan illee akkumaa, jarri kaanis egaa waanuma sanafaatu dhabamee; kana akkamiin ilaaltu ree?


Obbo Galaasaa:-
Qabsoo kana umrii dhuma amma jiru, anaaf sihiin ilaallaayii?
Qabsoon kun qabsoo dhalootaatii bar.
Biyyii kun ni gabroomteen dhugaa dha mitii?
Erga biyyi kun ni gabroomtee kan jennu ta’eetii, dhatootatu jiraa. Oromoon maseena miti. Dhaloota lafaa itti ka’aa jirutu jira. Har’a yoo nu irratti ta’uu baates, bor ijoollee keenya irratti ta’a. Har’a yoo ollaa hin qabu ta’e bor ni qabaanna.

Dubbiin guddaan kan jiru ijaaramnee jirraa?
Tokkummaa dhaan Kaayyoo dhaaf dhaabbataa jirraa?
Egaa waggaa 34 boodatti har’a illee gartuun tokko nu irraa cabee kunoo halagaatti galaa jira jechuu dha. Kana waan ta’eef jechadhaaf Ollaa, Adunyaa, Humnaa,.... yoo jennu kanaa mataa keenya isa har’a jirru irraa kaasnee hin jennu. Kaleessa yeroo Zi’adbaarreen nudura dhaabbatu ture; booda warri biraa nu gargaaranii as galagalanii jechaa dha. Kaleessa Sudaan yeroo itti nu gargaaruu dhaabdee itti deebitee nu gargaartetu jira. Kanaafuu akkaataa nuyi hojjennuu fi sochoonu irratti irkata.

Maali immoo ofii keenya warra waggaa Shantamaa tiif Jaatamaa keenya qofaa irratti kaanee ilaallaa?

Yoo nuti dadhabne ta’e dhowwaan hinjiru. Galuu dha. Biyya sanatti bilisummaa jennee biyyaatti galuu wanni nu dhorku hin jiru. Ethiopia ta’uudhaaf dirqiitti Amaara ta’uu hinqabnu. Maaliif tarkaanfiin ammaa fudhate kun yoo xiqqaate akkuma namoon gari garii as irratti jechaa turan mirga Uummanni Oromoo wareegama qaqqaaliidhan amma ammaatti argate kan of duubee deebisu dha.

Haaraatti ‘negotiate’ goona jeha. Mirga nuti biyya Oromiyaa jedhamtu, Qubee Afaan Oromoo jedhu kana; haaraatti ‘negotiate’ gochuuf deemu warri shanee‘conference’ Qinjitii waamanii.

Warra isaan ‘Xeqilaay Gizaatiin’ ijaarrachuu qabna hin baasu kun jedhan. Isaan ammoo tari akka tokkotti ‘Federation’ goona jedhutu waan akkasiin kanatu deemuuf deema.

Akka nu beelofnu kan nu godhe diina.

By Oluma.a 07 05 1969

Nu beela yoom beekna jaarraa tokkoon dura?
Badhaadhaa dha turre kan caallu hundaa irra.
Minaan dilbii taa’aa dhadhaan waggaa torba,
Oromoon eessatti beela buba qaba?
Kara deemaa hundaa Aannan unachiisee,
Tumaalessa qalee kan fedhe nyaachisee,
Garacha uffachuu loon dhibba bobbaasee,
Kana ture aadaan isaa kan diinni balleesse.

Nu beela yoom beekana jaarraa tokkoon dura?
Akka nu beelofnu kan nu godhan jara.
Meeshaa hammayyatiin nutti gad-duulanii,
Beekaadhaaf wallaalaa keenya ajjeesanii,
Kan qabnu saamanii,
Biyyaas nu dhaalani,
Xannee isaan qabe nutti hobbaafatanii,
Dhukkuba daddabboo nutti facaasanii.
Dachee fi Burqaa keenya nu jalaa gogsanii
Ibiddaaf qottoodhaan Bosona fixanii,
Akkanaani egaa beela kan fidani.

Biyya keenya dhaalan irraas nu oofanii,
Qabeenya uumamaas beekaa manccaasanii,
Dhukubaa fi beelaaf nuun nu saaxilanii,
Akka humna dhabnu beekaa nu godhani.

Warra garaaf bulan of jala qabanii,
Nagaa dhaaf tasgabii tasa nu dhorkanii;
Walii galtee keenya tooftaadhaan diiganii,
Akka humna dhabnu shira dalaganii.
Aadunyaa goyyoomsuun arraba tolanii,
Akka nuun beelofnu beekaa taasisani.

Horiidhaaf bineensi sinbirri ille hinhafnee,
Dache lafa keenya kan waa isaan hin goone,
Bosona daggala duudaa homaa hinbeekne,
Mana Oromtichaa kan nuti ijaarranne,
Martuu yakkamanii,
Biddaan gubamani.

Qilleesuu rakkatee hogguyyuu rasaasaan,
Samii irraa oliif gadi yoo dhukaa itti roobsan.
Lageen sum’eessanii saabbaa Industriin,
Bishaan uumamaa illee mancasanii Xuriin,
Egaa maaltu hafe? waa sagal lafa irraa,
Yoom himamee dhuma yakkii badiin jaraa?

Akka ol-hinjennef gar-gar nu qoqqoodhuun,
Shira akkanaatiif toftaa garaa garaan,
Summ’ii dhibee hamaa nukeessa owwaaluun,
Maqaa nu jijjiiruun aadaa keenya faaluun;
Seenaa keenya owwaaluun nutti ololuun faallaa,
Dache qotanne irraatti nu samuu dhaan callaa;
‘Gibiraa’ waa meeqa Buusii dhaaf Ashuuraa,
Jechuun un harkaa coran qabeenya waa maraa;
Beela’an nuun jedhuu? Qaannii hinbeekneen jara,
Beekaa nu beelessuun dalaganii shira.

’’Abalu ni caala inni akkas miti’’
’’Warri kun waa hinbeekan isaan ka biraati’’
Waa meeqa xaxanii gargar nu fageessuun,
Harar, shawaa, Baale, Jimma,---- maal maal jechuun,
Numaan nu cabsanii humna nu dhabsiisuun,
Gidduu hulluuqanii offii gubbaa ba’uun;
Qaamuma tokkocha add adda fakkeessuun,
Dhukkubaan faalanii beelaaf nu saaxilan.
Kana egaa dhugaan isaa ka beela jedhan,
Nuun nu beelessanii itti fayyadaman.

Yoo humna godhanne gaaffii ijaa qabnnuuf
Tartiiba tartiibaan tooftaan nu beelessuuf,
Kaayyoon jara hundaa nuun nu dhabamsiisuuf,
Kan danda’an hundaan lafa irraa nu fixuu,
Kana tooftaan isaanii kan diin nuuf xaxu.
Jala issaaniitti hafnuuf akka ol-hinjenneef,
Of irraa faccisuuf humna hingodhanneef;
Mana keenya diiguun gamtaa keenya cabse,
Akka nu beelofnnu diinatu nu taasise;

Sabboonticha hidhuun dalagaa irraa dhorkuun,
Maatii da’imman isaa gargar tatamsaasuun,
Lafa irraa buqqaasuun qoteebuulaa deegsuun,
Beekaa Oromitichaaf dardara ajjeessuun ,
Beela’an nuun jedhu dhugaa jiru dhoksuun;
Maqaa isa beela’een gowwoomsanii nyaachuun.

Akka walii hingallee dhara meeqa ololee,
Akka loowwan isaatii ilmaan keenya qalee,
Shira isaa dhoksuun toofttaa sagal xaxee,
Isa kaan rasaasaan kaanis balaa fixee,
Kan egaa xanneen inni nu qabat,
Addunyyanyoo beeke tari yoo hubate.

Beelliis tooftaa tokko duula diinaa keessa,
Ittiin nu mo’achuuf godhate meeshaa isaa;
Lafa irraa nu fixee offii biyya dhaaluuf,
Osoo hin dhukaasin tooftaadhaan nu fixuuf,
Shirri kun waa hamaa tooftaa isaanii tokko,
Kana haa hubannu yaa lammii firako.

Guyyaan darbuu hinooluu seenaa dhaaf gaaf tokko,
Hunduu haa iyyannuu hin usin sabako.
Addunyaatti haa himnu yoo uses haa usuu,
Dhugaa haa iyyinu guyyaan haqa haabaasuu.
Lammiin haa caqasnu yakka diinaa kana,
Maaliif akka dhumnu hubachuutii qabna.

Maanguddoo daa’imman mee meeqa owwaalle?
Diinni hamaan kun kan gar jabinaan qale.
Manni haa lakkaawu kaa kan gar-dabarsame,
Bakka firrii hin beeknetti meeqatu ajjeefame?
.
Gamtaa keenya ciruun summi’ii nutti facaasee,
Kutaa gandaan qooduun adda adda babaase;
Sobee isa kaan raajee isa kaan abaaree,
Oromticha cabsee akkanaan weeraree,
Addunyaas dantaa dhaaf arrabaan faajjesse,
Seenaa sobaa umuun maqaa keenyas dhoksee;
Tartiiba tartiibaan lammii keenya ajjeesee,
Kaan ofitt aansee basaasa taasisee,
Kan beekaa itti ta’e sum’iin dhabamsiise,
Aaddaa kabajamaa keenyas owwaalchisee,
Akka nu beelofnu jaratu nu taasise.

Dache nama waliin qotanii rasaasaan,
Waa dubbiin nu dhibdee marsamnee basaasaan,
Jilgeen fachuu baannu hagam tattaafannu,
Meeshaa hammayyaatiif beelaan illee dhumnu,
Daran jabaa ta’ee tooftaan diinaa nutti,
Akka irri hin aanneef akka barbaannutti,
Bakka feene ga’uuf waa meeqat nu dhibe,
Addunyyaas gowwoomsee diinni nutti dabe.
Kaan dantaaf deggaree; kaanis ijaa hinbeenne,
Akkanaani egaa kan nuti beelofne.

Adunyaan osoo agruu akka waan wallaalee,
Har’as waa ta’aa jiru yakka isa garmalee,
Bineensa daggalaa, dacheesaa fi bosona,
Yoo ibdaan guban yoo dhorkan boqonnaa,
Qilleessi manca’ee yoo dhabu qabbaanaa,
Maaf dirmachuu didee iyya nama keenya?
Mee gaafadhaa namuu waan kana addunyaa,

Mootummaan addunyaa kana quba qabaa?
Moo beekaatuma tari irra darba?
Hedduu ibsa baasa waayee beela sabaa,
Waayee Deemokraasiis waa hedduu lallaba,
Madda demokraasii Kan ta’e uumaa isaa,
Yoo waa meeqaan dhumu sarbamu mirgi isaa,
Attamiin addunyaan kanatti callisa?
Mee bakka jirtanii gaaffii kana kaasaa.

Bunaa warqee keenya hinbarbaannu hin jennee,
Leencaaf Arba keenya dho’achuu hin dhiisnee,
Bu’aa Bosona keenyaa akka waan hinfeenee,
Mee maalumaan usan?
Attamiin callisan?
Dhugaa dhaa hinbeeknee?
Yoo inni manca’u maaliif hin iyyine?

Yommuu diinni gubu beekaa ta’e jedhee,
Mootumman wal-ta’e mee maaloo maal godhee?
Maaf akka gubatu maaliif gaaffii hinkaasnee?
Daafii isaa hin beeknee? Maaliif dhimma hinjenne?
Dhumaatii maanguddoo du’a daa’immanii,
Kan hin dhaga’in mee eessa dhaqanii?
Mee martuu wal gaaffaa kaasaa gaafii kana,
Seerri addunyaa dhaa, haqni isaa akkanaa?

Beela’an jechuudhaa al-meeqa odeessuun,
Oduu diinni oofu caalaatti afarsuun,
Maqaa isa beela’een diinaaf waa gumaachuun,
Qooda attamiiti? Kana dha gaafachuun.

Beela’an jechuudhan asiif achi odeessuu,
Beelaan saba dhumu qullaa isaa agarsiisu;
Daa’imni yoo du’u dhiirri yennaa boo’u,
Xannee dhaaf dhukkubaan dache yoo boba’u;
Yennaa sabni dhumu kaans biyyaa ba’u,
Yoo dhiirri maassanu dhabee akka ta’u;
Dache illee rakkatee yoo dhiira rakkisuu,
Maan gubadhe jedhee Ibidda ol deebisu;
Bosonni silaa dhumee ta’uudhaaf gaaddisa,
Waaqin illee rifatee yoom bokkaa itti roobsa.

Addunyyan osoo arguu kanatti callise,
Beela beela jedhee itti iyyuu caalchise.
‘Maallaqaa’ fi meeshaa diinaaf achi guuree,
Meeshaa waraanaatiin daranuu gargaaree,
Kana nyaadhaa jedhe diinaf gargarsa ergee?
Saba xanneen dhumu utuu ilaaluu argee.

Madda beela kanaa eenyutu wallaalee?
Beekaa irra diban; yoo owwaalan malee,
Biyyi hundaan badhaatuu Oromiyaa guddoon
Kan ormaafuu geessu uumamaan badhaatuun
Akka hinbeelofne shira diinaa malee
Mee haqa kana, Eenyutu wallaale?
Oromtichaa mitii ormaafuu kan geessu
Gocha diinaati malee beela’uu hindanseessu.

Madda beela kanaa akka waan wallaalee,
Tooftaan diinaa ta’uu utuu arguu ilaalee,
Ibiddi yennaa roobu akka hin agarree,
Bosonni yoo gubatu karaa sagal tarree;
Qilleessi yoo manca’u rassaatti itti aaree,
Dachees yoo rakkatu ibidda ol-gororee;
Ta’e jehee badii yoo diinni dalagu,
Ijji addunyaa dhaa mee maaliif arguu?

Sbirri kun ifadha beeka hunduu martu,
Xanneen saba fixuu tooftaa gabroomfattuu,
Biiyya dhuunfachuudhaa abbaa biyyaa fixxee;
Xanneen shira diinaati tooftaa diinni xaxxe.

Ashuuraa waa sagal fakkeessaa dhaan saamtee,
Maqaa ‘Gibiraatiin’ sangaa gurgursiitee,
Kan inni qotate irraa guurtee nyaattee,
Beekaa beelesitee ni beela’e jetee.
Maqaa isa beela’een addunyaa kadhattee,
Iittin owwaaluudhaaf hirree ittin cimsate.

Dhukkubaa fi xannee Uummata baraaruuf.
Madda isaa baruudha beelaa saba baasuuf,
Harka ta’uu dhiisuudha warra nama fixuuf,
Demokraasii dhugaa addunyaatti ijaaruuf.
Kan daddabarsaa iyyaa iyya labsaa,
Kan haqa barbaaddan ka’aatii wal-kaasaa.

Harka tokko ta’uun gamtaa keenya cimsa,
Beella dhabamsiisuuf madda isaa gogsaa.
Addunyaatti labsuun tumaatii wal-tumsaa,
Xannee saba irraa akkanatti kaasaa.

Nutu walii gaaddisaa
Nutu beelaa wal-baasaa,
Tumaatii wal tumsaa
Oromticha kaasaa.
Gamtaa keenya cimsaa
Nutu walii gargaarsaa.

Gamtaa keenya cimsaa
Nutu walii gargaarsaa
Nutu beelaa baasaa
Gamtaa keenya cimsa.

Oluma.A 07 05 1969

IFJ Accuses Ethiopia over Ban on European Journalists’ Leader

02/06/2006
Source: International Federation of Journalists

The International Federation of Journalists today demanded an explanation from the Ethiopian authorities over the decision to bar a European journalists’ leader from entering thecountry as part of an international mission.

The IFJ says that the decision to refuse an entry visa to Arne König, Chair of the European Federation of Journalists, Europe’s largest journalists’ group was inexplicable and “smacks of political spite.

” König, a Swedish citizen, was due to join an IFJ mission that visited Ethiopia two weeks ago, but his application for a visa was stalled at the Ethiopian embassy in Stockholm where questions were asked over his role in the mission, which was due to meet with senior government figures in Addis Ababa, including the Prime Minister.

The IFJ has written to the Ethiopian government asking for a full explanation as to why he was denied a visa when other members of the mission were able to enter the country.

“It is completely unacceptable to exercise what appears to be arbitrary discrimination in this case,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “There were suggestions that König, who is a distinguished leader of Europe’s journalistic community, had no place in meeting with senior government officials. This is unacceptable interference in the IFJ’s work.”

The IFJ mission completed its visit without König and is now preparing a report on the difficult media situation in Ethiopia where the oppression of journalists has led to many journalists’ leaders going into exile.

The mission comes after a far-reaching crackdown on the independent press in November last year when the authorities detained more than a dozen journalists, issued a wanted list of editors and publishers, and threatened to charge journalists with treason, which is an offence punishable by death. Dozens of journalists went into hiding during the crackdown. The government published a list of those it planned to prosecute including 17 editors and publishers from eight private newspapers, as well as Kifle Mulat, president of the IFJ-affiliated Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), who is now in exile

Oluma.a 07 05 1969

The evil attempt of shane

By Oluma.a

Today, we see that as there are Oromo nationalists who have been sacrificing their lives and resources to liberate their people; on another extreme way, there are an individual Oromos who consciously or unconsciously betrayed their people for personal gains by joining the enemy camp to fight against the Oromo national interest and national struggles. Among these ……… Shane.


Especially at this time we see when the individual Shane leaders are trying to form an alliance with our enemies’ organisations; deliberately intended to eliminate our vanguard Oromo Organization and strengthen the enemies’ campaign.


This dangerous trial is an enemy strategy to use those individuals. The Shane individuals are confronting with those organizations to give up our century straggle with simple personals gains. Such attempt is not new and strange for the Oromo people. It is the system that the colonisers used repeatedly. Minilik used an Oromo individual during the invasion of our country Oromia and also the present oppressive TPLF used OPDO to under control Oromia in the same method.


So today we don’t get surprised with those individuals evil attempt. They are trying to cover their evil will from the people. But their intrigue attempt can not be hidden from the Oromo people.


They are working to change the political programme of the Oromo people as they need it. Today in shameless manner, they are trying to propagate the basic problem of the Oromo people as the lack of democracy. And they try to propagate Ethiopianism theory and try to preserve the old colonial state Ethiopia.


These individuals don’t want to listen to the voice of their followers Oromo people. They shout loudly as they are the leaders of the Oromo organisation.
But even they can’t talk openly what political programme they have it.

It is advisable and important to those individuals who are blinded for their garbage personal gains to keep their Oromuma blood. It is advisable to keep their promises to the oppressed Oromo people. It is more important to keep their determination for reality instead of looking for simple personal advantages.


Instead of giving attention and respect to their people, they prefer to concentrate on the enemies advisers, and being absolute loyal to them to form alliance with our basic enemies.


Unintentionally we see when they are trying to destroy our camp and strengthening the camp of our national enemies.

Those individuals of Shane groups who do not have a clear vision of Oromos determination, think that as they could change and determine the interest of the Oromo people. They want to mould and modify the political programme of the prominent Oromo Organisation.
They try to cancel the political program that almost all the Oromo people accepted fully and fighting for. But they try to hide their intrigue duty from the mass Oromo people which is impossible.

So we say to these egoist individuals this is a wrong way and far apart of reality with regard the Oromos mater.

It is not our choice to be colonized and dehumanized under back-warded Ethiopian political slavery and global tyranny, but it is our choice to rebuild our united Oromo force by increasing our commitment and determination to liberate ourselves.


The groups of Shane should have to know and believe these highly decisive points.
It can’t and should not be the global situations which change our political program. It can not be and should not the Habeshas or the other bodies who decide to liberate our self from the back warded Ethiopian colony. It is only we our self who could decide.


It is true that Ethiopian political slavery has affected our culture and tradition which could help us to be honest, self reliant and keep us from egoistic behaves. It has turned us against one another rather than promoting our straggle and strengthen our unity that helps us develop our understanding to each other in order to achieve our human liberation.


Any how those individual Oromos sold them self for their personal advantages to the Ethiopians to target and to destroy Oromos straggle can not be success full ever. We want to advise them to come out timely from such shame guilty. They should have to know that there is no force that can stop the Oromo nation from achieving its political objectives.


We Oromos naively think that this world cares, and somebody is going to help us in solving our political problems, should stop such illusions. It is only if we should be reliant on our self and fill confident we come over our problem. Therefore we should form our own alliance and unity to overcome it.


If we continue to see ourselves as powerless victims who fight one another and expect that forming an alliance with an intrigues Habeshas which are our main enemies to liberate us we remain hopeless victims.


So we want to see timely were we are standing now. Especially individuals today trying to play unnecessary game with Habesha in bumps road should have to break timely their useless gambling. They need to wake up from the night mire they slept in unconsciously. They should have to stop to organize enemies’ camp by the name of Oromo people.


Those individuals fail to understand that we only get support from others if we first help ourselves and convince others that they can benefit by helping us. We only get our freedom if we work for it in self dependent and self confident.


We need to be strong and self dependent united Oromos. We should have to have determination and devotion to organize our own real unity. It is the self dependent and confident organized people achieve human liberation.


The real and independent Oromo organizations with high level of cognitive liberation should have to push their national interest as first priority, and should have to solve their miner differences through open dialogue based on the principles of a common denominator. Our people have lived under Ethiopian colonialist for more than a century. As a result, they are chained by ignorance and poverty.


We the Oromo people should wholeheartedly support all Oromo movement centre that are gathered together under the umbrella of ULFO because this umbrella can be a platform for building the vision of real unity which will help create a coherent Oromos based on the principles of common denominator and trust. These Oromo movement centre also need to be honest to them-selves and work together in which they are strong to develop our straggle and broaden the Oromo national movement for liberation.

VICOTORY TO THE OROMO PEOPLE!
Oluma.a 07 05 1969