Oromo: Oral Intervention on Political Prisoners at the UN 31 July 2006

2006-07-31
An Oromo representative called upon the WGIP today at the UN headquarters in Geneva to act to end the suppression of Oromos, in particular appealing for the release of Oromo Political Prisoners

Oral Intervention by Zewdu Lechissa, Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) Working Group on Indigenous Populations Twenty-fourth Session.

Item Agenda 4a, General debate; Statement on appeal of Oromo prisoners from Ethiopia

Mr. Chairman and distinguished delegates, adies and gentlemen, I wish to avail myself this opportunity to echo to you the lamenting voice of Oromo prisoners from Addis Ababa by directly conveying their appeal to you so that you will outreach the international community.

The appeal goes:- “We the Oromo Political Prisoners, charged with false accusations for the crimes of attempting to overthrow the regime and inciting war, were detained and have been suffering for such a long time in prison without trial and justice only for our political outlook and being Oromo. Moreover, our human rights are always violated and we have been denied of humane treatment as a result of which we have been suffering from sickness, torture and death. Even though Article 20(1) of the FDRE Constitutaaion provides that the accused have the right to speedy trial by an independent judiciary, this constitutional right of ours has been utterly violated and our trial is excessively delayed.

Cases:1. The trial of Tegene Gebresillasie and other 48 innocent Oromos, apprehended from the town of Adama (Nazareth) and its vicinity, has been proceeding before the Second Criminal Division of the Federal High Court since 1990 E.C. for 8 years. We have been suffering in prison during all these years.

2. The trials of Ali Ibirahim and others (48 innocent Oromos) who were apprehended from the town of Dire Dawa and its vicinity, the trial of Mohammed Hussein and others (41 innocent Oromos) who were apprehended from Arsi, Bale and East Shewa Zones of Oromia have been proceeding for the last 6 years since 1992 E.C. before the above mentioned Court.

3. The trials of Hussein Hamza and others (15 peaceful Oromos) and that of Kedir Zinabu and others (15 innocent Oromos), apprehended in East and West Hararge Zones in Oromia have been dragging since 1993 E.C. for solid 5 years before the same Court.

4. The trial of Mesfin Ittana and others (9 innocent Oromos), apprehended in East and West Wallaga Zones of Oromia has been dragging before the same Court since 1995 E.C.

5. The trials of Diriba Damisse and others, Gameda Kasim and others, and leaders of Mecha Tulama Association (Oromo self-help association), Oromo students of Addis Ababa University and Oromo journalists (generally 59 innocent Oromos) have been proceeding since 1996 E.C. for 2 years.

6. The trials of Haile Tasisa and others (9 persons), Chala Lench and others (7 persons), Merga Negera and others (3 persons), Elias Jibiril and others (2 persons), and the trials of Olkaba Lata, Liben Jarso, and Shiferaw Hinsarmu (a journalist) have been pending before the same Court, while we all are suffering in cells without being lawfully convicted.

Contrary to Article 21(1) of the FDRE Constitution, the conditions in which we are held in prison or custody is inhumane. We have been subjected to torture, shot to death.
For instance: On October 24, 1998 E.C student Alemayehu Gerba was shot in his bed and died of this on November 1, 1998 E.C. Gadisa Hirpasa, a student and prisoner was tortured to death by prison administrators and policemen. On October 24, 1998 E.C. a police officer of the prison opened an automatic fire on a cell in which Amin Kelil, Idiris Awel, Lamessa Tasissa, Zekarias Tariku, and Ashenafi Biru were heavily wounded while in their cell and sustained incurable bodily injury. Many have become mentally deranged due to police torture. Tolera Tadesse, Umar Shek Kedir and Temam Amede have been driven close to insanity due to this torture in which they are also denied medical attention by prison officials.Others died of torture, for example, Mokonnen Zawude, Nigusu Gojera, Alemayehu Ittafa, Zelalem Bayisa, Umar Haji and Haji Mohammed Messa.

We have been denied medical attention, as a result some of us are suffering from diseases. Mahammed Tayib Abdulmelik died of a disease because he was denied access to medical treatment.

We fear the authorities are intentionally delaying our trial so that they get time to expose us to disease, torture and put us all to death over a longer period of time.

We demand that the torture and killing should be stopped and the murderers of students Alemayehu Gerba, and Gadisa Hirpasa, that is, Major Afework Teferra, privates Fiseha Gebremariam and Iyasu should be brought to justice immediately.

Ali Ibirahim and Gutu Geletu (in 1987 E.C), Mahammed Yusuf in 1990 Sisay Debele in 1993 died of such torture while in custody. Many like Girma Ittafa became lame and unable to walk due to torture such as electric shock.

The ones prosecuting us for alleged crimes are public prosecutors born to Tigrian ethnic group. The presiding judge of the Second Criminal Division who simply delays our trial by adjourning our case is Le’ul Gebremariam, a Tigrian. This judge has been assigned to try Oromos since 1984 E.C. He simply orders death penalty upon Oromos.

Ethiopia is considered an essential partner of the USA in the “war on terrorism” and Whitehouse has generally been unwilling to apply meaningful pressure on the Ethiopian government over its human rights record. The unparalleled genocide committed against the Oromo people by the Ethiopian regime is bound to lead to more instability of the horn.

We appeal to the WGIP to call upon the Ethiopian government

To Stop violating the conventions and covenants which it has ratified, signed or is a state party to. Release Oromo political prisoners.

Thank you.

The Oromos, one of the largest Cushitic indigenous groups of Horn of Africa, constitute more than 40% of Ethiopia’s’ population. They are politically marginalized since Menelik's Ethiopian Empire formation that built at the end of 1900 and destroyed Oromo social structure and installed its own. Millions were exterminated by the war of conquest, were taken away and sold into slavery. Hundreds of thousands perished by war-induced famine. Over all the consequence of conquest was genocide. Emperor Haillesillase consequently introduced laws that centralised institutions of violence against the subject people under his absolute power. 14 Provinces, 102 districts and 660 sub districts each of them with its prisons were established. The Military junta which took power in 1974 introduced over 26,000 Peasant associations and 5,000 urban dwellers associations, each with its own prison. Over 300 of these were located in Addis Ababa. All together there were over 38,000 prisons in “Socialist Ethiopia”. The current regime has inherited all these prison facilities, and in addition used former military training centres, offices, halls, and even private houses as detention centres. As the numbers of prisions are much the agony is also boundless.

There is one and only one reason why the Second Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court has failed to dispose of our case: that is the crime we are charged with is unfounded and cannot be proved in which case we will certainly be acquitted if the court will have decide the matter. So the only mechanism by which we can be kept in prison for indefinite period is by delaying our trial. This, however, is illegal and inhumane. We therefore request the concerned Ministry of Justice to respect the country’s Constitution and provide us immediate and just solution.
Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and protects against any form of discrimination. However, we Oromos have been detained and jailed without trial, only for our political outlooks and ethnic nationality, and language. We are exposed to torture such as electric shocks. Our investigators are only Tigrian members of the Federal Police. This team is led by a man called Tadese Meseret known for using electric shocks in which many innocent Oromos lost their lives.

The so-called crimes that we are charged with are said to have been committed in Oromia. Constitutionally Oromia has jurisdiction to try us, but we are put to the investigation by Tigrian police, prosecution by Tigrian prosecutor and trial by a Tigrian judge before federal court in a Language which we do not understand, where we are orally abused, insulted if we demand explanation or accurate translation. So we are denied of fair trial and justice in all the processes of investigation, prosecution and trial. We could have been tried in Oromia, but we are brought before federal institutions for the purpose of discrimination.”

UNPO

The United States has expressed concern about the involvement of Eritrea, and Ethiopia, in Somalia

A cargo plane said to be loaded with weapons has landed in Mogadishu from Eritrea in violation of a United Nations arms embargo.

Somalia's transitional government said the plane that landed on Wednesday was carrying land mines, bombs and guns from Eritrea for the Islamic militia that has taken control of the capital and much of the south of the country.

The plane was reportedly met by two senior Islamic commanders and another member of the Supreme Islamic Council of Somalia (SICS).

Fighters chased journalists from the heavily guarded facility where the aircraft landed.
The plane's tail carried a flag from Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic that often makes its planes available for charter.

The United States has expressed concern about the involvement of Eritrea, and neighbour Ethiopia, in Somalia.

Ethiopian troops have reportedly entered the country to protect the largely powerless transitional government based in Badoia.

UN envoy

The UN special envoy to Somalia, Francois Lonseny Fall, visited Baidoa on Sunday.

"During my discussions with the government, I got the clear impression that Ethiopian troops were around Baidoa, but not in the city," Fall said from his office in neighbouring Kenya.

Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a vicious border war from 1998-2000 and have backed rebel groups to destabilise each other.

Somalia's transitional government has close ties to Ethiopia and the UN says Eritrea has reportedly backed the Islamic courts to counteract Ethiopia's growing influence.

Both countries deny being involved in Somalia, despite widespread witness accounts and reports by the UN.

In a report earlier this year, a UN committee monitoring the arms embargo on Somalia named Ethiopia, Eritrea and Yemen as countries backing the different factions fighting inside the country.

Another country went unnamed, but was widely believed to be the United States.

Eritrea's denial

Eritrea's information minister, Ali Abdu, said on Wednesday that his country was not sending arms to the Islamic militia, but that Ethiopia was "exploiting the current situation in order to solve their historical dispute with Somalia".

Ethiopia and Somalia fought a war in the 1970s, but Somalia's president is allied with the country and has asked for its support.

"There are external parties involved on all sides," said Jendayi Frazer, the US State Department's top Africa official. "This is a problem."

Somalia has been without an effective central government since militia commanders toppled Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 and then turned on each other.

The government was established nearly two years ago with the support of the UN to serve as a transitional body to help Somalia emerge from anarchy.

The leadership, which includes some commanders linked to the violence of the past, has failed to establish any power since then.
Source:-Aljazeera net

Oromo Prisoners are suffering in Ma’ikalawii and Karchelle prisons

July 09, 2006 (Oromia) - It is known that several Oromo nationalists who have been arrested in connection to the popular uprising since November 09, 2005. Reliable sources from Oromia reported that many of the prisoners in the so called "karchelle prison" in Finfinnee are suffering from continuous beating and different forms of torture. Although these prisoners have appealed to various governmental and humanitarian organizations, their situation is deteriorating from time to time and their suffering (torture) by the government agents is intensified.

A. Those whose are unable to hear form cruel beating in Karchelle

1. Assafaa Lataa, age 25, arrested from Ambo
2. Guddataa Shubee, age 24, arrested from Finfinnee (Addis Ababa)
3. Taammiruu Alamaayyoo, age 30, arrested from Geedo
4. Asfaw Waltajjii, age 25, arrested from Hoplota

B. Those whose hands became out of use in Karchelle

1. Daawit Urgaa, age 22, arrested from Ambo
2. Laaqo G/ tsaadiq, age 40, arrested from Meetta Roobii

Mean while, several Oromo prisoners from Ma'ikalawii and karchelle prisons (the names of some 60 of them is listed at the end of this report), who have been arrested from their work, their home and their life are appealing to the Oromo people, all concerned nationals, international organizations, and humanitarian organizations. The prisoners say that they have been arrested only because of their Oromoness and Wayyaanes and their instrument OPDO fear that they would incite the people to fight for their democratic right.

The prisoners said that the Wayyaanee government agents are continuously engaged in a cruel torture that a human being would not do on another human being. They take our brothers and sisters away from us at any time they want and beat them, harass them, and return them back to us after making them physically disabled. Some are taken to court, but after the court gave them a verdict to be released by calling a guarantor, they refuse to release and keep them in prison. There are many others whose file is totally closed, but they subjected to remain in the prison for an indefinite period of time.

The Oromo prisoners in Ma’ikalawii and Karchellee further said that the TPLF’s dream of trying to demoralize the Oromo people and make them hopeless by keeping the Oromo in prison is a very backward philosophy. The Oromo, they say, is born with their inalienable right. Keeping us in prison and torturing us will not and should not keep us from struggling for our right, they said.

Mandela of South Africa was kept in the prison of the apartied regime for 27, but the truth came out finally and he was released. Similarly, keeping us in prison and the inhuman torture of the TPLF agents wouldn’t terrorize us, it will rather intensify the struggle for freedom, they said.
Therefore, we prisoners in Ma’ikalawii and Karchelle ask all Oromos at home and around the world:

1. To intensify the popular uprising at home and put pressure on the Government by
demanding for our unconditional release.
2. Those Oromos outside of the country and around the world should write a letter about
our situation to various governmental and non governmental bodies, should stage a
peaceful demonstration demanding for our release.
3. We ask all humanitarian organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights
Watch, and others to put pressure on the current regime by demanding our release.
4. We ask the ambassadors of various countries in Ethiopia to come and visit us and explain our situation to the world.
5. We ask all Oromos in the Wayyaanee parliament to appeal to the Government and to the world about our situation.

Bellow, please find the names of some of these prisoners and place where they have been arrested.

1. Guddataa Shubbee from Finfinnee (Addis. A) unreleased due to lack of guarantor
2. Kabbadaa Baqqalaa from Finfinnee (Addis. A) Unreleased due to lack of guarantor
3. Asaffaa Lataa from Finfinnee (Addis. A) Unreleased due to lack of guarantor
4. Asaffaa Waltajjii from Finfinnee (Addis. A) Kept in prison by closing his file
5. Laaqoo G/Tsaadiq from Finfinnee (Addis. A) Unreleased due to lack of guarantor
6. Gonfaa Dureessaa from Naqamte (A teacher) unreleased due to lack of guarantor
7. Dhaabaa Asafaa from Naqamte unreleased due to lack of guarantor
8. Dhugaasaa Maangashaa from Naqamte Kept in prison by closing his file
9. Bafiqaaduu Dabalaa from Naqamte kept in prison by closing his file
10. Fiqaaduu Nagaraa from Naqamte kept in prison by closing his file
11. Sanyii Taaddasaa (student) from Naqamte kept in prison by closing his file
12. Abraahaam Likkaasaa from Naqamte (A teacher) kept in prison by closing his file
13. Bantii Kumaa from Gimbii kept in prison by closing his file
14. Walqixxee Olanii from Gimbii kept in prison by closing his file
15. Yaasin sayid from Gimbii unreleased due to lack of guarantor
16. Zawudee Tulluu from Meettaa Roobii (A teacher) unreleased due to lack of guarantor
17. Galataa kafanaa from Giinci kept in prison by closing his file
18. Taammiruu Alamaayoo from Geedoo kept in prison by closing his file
19. Tashoomaa Eebbisaa from Geedoo unreleased due to lack of guarantor
20. Yoonaas Galaanaa from Dambi Doolloo unreleased due to lack of guarantor
21. Fiqaaduu Shibashii from Qeellam unreleased due to lack of guarantor
22. Birraa Roorrisaa from Adaamaa unreleased due to lack of guarantor
23. Asaffaa Taaffasaa from Adaamaa kept in prison by closing his file
24. Caalaa Huummoo from Adaamaa unreleased due to lack of guarantor
25. Warquu Fayyiisaa from Ambo
26. Caalumaa Mangistuu from Ambo
27. Furgaasaa Barsiisaa from Ambo
28. Shuumii Dandanaa from Ambo unreleased due to lack of guarantor
29. Daawwit Urgaahaa Ambo Left hand broken by excessive beating
30. Fufaa Gulee from Ambo kept in prison by closing his file
31. Abbabaa Gonfaa from Ambo kept in prison by closing his file
32. Likkaasaa Leejjisaa from Ambo
33. Taaddasaa Teessoo from Ambo
34. Shifarraa Taganyi from Ambo
35. Shifarraa Daksiisaa from Ambo
36. Alamuu guddataa from Ambo
37. Tasfaayee Beekaa from Ambo
38. Baqqalaa Beekaa from Ambo
39. Taakkalaa Koorsaa from Ambo
40. Habtaamuu Gaaromaa from Ambo
41. Rattaa Makonon from Ambo
42. Taammiraat Eebbisaa Ambo
43. Massalaa Caalaav from Ambo
44. Minilik Jifaaraa Ambo
45. Qana’aa Chuuchee Ambo
46. Abdataa Baatirii from Ambo
47. Abiyoot Daandanaa from Ambo
48. Sisaay Dhinsaa from Ambo
49. Imnat Hayiluu from Ambo Arrested several times
50. Simmanyi Dayyaasaa from Ambo She was arrested in 2004 together with student Jaagamaa Badhaanee (who was later killed in Ambo) and was in Ambo prison for long time.
51. Sawunat Taammanaa from Ambo
52. Taarik Girmaa from Ambo
53. Moosisaa Dirribsaa from Ambo
54. Shifarraa Eebbisaa from Ambo He is in a critical condition due to excessive beating (and was denied any medical attention.)
55. Bars.Toleeraa Owwaataa from Ambo unreleased due to lack of guarantor
56. Maammush Tasfaayee from Adaamaa
57. Adam Gaarisoo from Adaamaa
58. Minishaa Girmaa from Adamaa She is the one who beated the former Oromian President in the may 2005 election in Arsi.
60. Sannii Xilaahuun from Ambo Kept in prison by closing his file

Imprisonment and Killing will Never stop us from struggling for our rights!!

Victory to Oromo People!
Oromo Prisoners of Ma’ikalawii and Karchalle, Finfinnee (Addis Ababa)

Ethiopia 'seizes new Somali town'

Source: BBC News

Ethiopian troops have reportedly moved into another town in south-western Somalia, two days after entering the country to protect the weak government.

Eyewitnesses say about 200 Ethiopian soldiers took control of the airstrip outside Waajid early on Saturday.

There is no confirmation from either the Ethiopian or the Somali government.

The Union of the Islamic Courts (UIC), a militia which controls the capital and much of the south, has vowed to drive out Ethiopian troops.

The Ethiopians moved into Somalia on Thursday and have been seen in Baidoa, where the beleaguered interim government is based.

'Holy war'
Eyewitnesses quoted by the Associated Press news agency say Ethiopian soldiers seized the airport at Waajid, about 70km (43 miles) to the north, before dawn on Saturday
The town had been controlled by a local militia. It is unclear whether there was any fighting.
Other residents told Somali media that they had seen Ethiopian soldiers in the town centre.

The UIC has pledged to wage a "holy war" to drive out Ethiopian troops.
The Islamic militia drove the warlords from the capital, Mogadishu in June, saying they wanted to restore law and order.

The UIC has since consolidated its power over many parts of southern Somalia.
But Ethiopia is strongly opposed to the militia and has repeatedly warned that it will send its army into Somalia if the government is attacked.

Ethiopia has been a long-term ally of President Abdullahi Yusuf.

UIC leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys has accused him of being "a servant of Ethiopia".
A UN report earlier this year said that Mr Aweys had been getting significant military aid from Ethiopia's rival, Eritrea - a claim Eritrea has denied.

Mr Aweys has denied US accusations that he and the UIC have links to al-Qaeda.

ETHIOPIA: CPJ confirms treason charge filed against another journalist

New York, July 17, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists has confirmed that Solomon Aregawi, owner of the defunct Amharic-language newspaper Hadar, has been charged with antistate crimes in connection with his journalistic work. This raises the number of journalists jailed for their work in Ethiopia to 18 from 17, according to CPJ research. Three are serving lengthy sentences under Ethiopia’s repressive press law, while 15, including Aregawi, are on trial for antistate crimes, and could face the death penalty if convicted.

Aregawi, who inherited Hadar from his father, is in Kality prison in Addis Ababa, where at least 14 other journalists, dozens of opposition leaders, and civil society activists are also held.

“The latest charges further confirm that the government views critical journalism as a direct threat to its power. No government that acts in this manner can make any claim to being a democracy,” said Joel Simon, executive director of CPJ.

Aregawi was arrested in late 2005 in a crackdown on the press and the opposition following disputed parliamentary elections in May. He was charged in March along with 32 other defendants with conspiracy and “outrages against the constitution,” state prosecutor Shemelis Kemal confirmed today in an interview with CPJ. He pleaded not guilty, and has been denied bail. The charge against Aregawi stems from articles published in Hadar about the disputed elections, Kemal said. The prosecutor could not say if there were further charges against Aregawi.

Aregawi and the 32 charged with him are being tried separately from the dozens of opposition leaders, activists, and 14 journalists who were charged in December 2005, and who are currently on trial for wide-ranging antistate crimes and attempted “genocide.” However, Kemal linked the two cases, stating that the “nature of the crime” was the same. Aregawi is accused of publishing “seditious” articles as part of an alleged opposition plot to overthrow the government, the prosecutor told CPJ, adding that “different people with different capacities have been involved in the same grand design.

”In a survey of published materials submitted as evidence against the 14 jailed journalists who were charged in December, CPJ found nothing to substantiate charges of incitement to violence. Furthermore, no evidence has been presented that treason or genocide were planned or occurred. Kemal told CPJ today that he would introduce a new “series of seditious literature” as evidence in that trial this week.

The journalists charged in December include two from Hadar, Editor-in-chief Dawit Kebede, and deputy editor Feleke Tibebu. Aregawi’s publishing company, Aregawi Publishing and Advertising Enterprise, was listed as a defendant in the December indictment.

CPJ continues to investigate the case of another jailed journalist, Goshu Moges, who was arrested in February in what police described as a crackdown on terrorists linked to opposition parties.
source:-CPJ News Alert 2006

ULFO Executive Committee Extraordinary Meeting suspended ’’OLF’’/ Shane Gumi lead by Mr Dawud Ibsa

10, 2006, The Extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee of ULFO has voted to suspend the Shane Gumi called himself as OLF from membership in ULFO, citing that the Shane has violated the principles at the heart of ULFO by joining the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy neglecting its commitment to solidifying the bases for unity among Oromo liberation forces.

Fostering cooperation among all Oromo forces that had been separately struggling for national liberation was the primary concern and demand of the Oromo people for most of the past decade. A major step forward in the struggle came when an umbrella organization known as United Liberation Forces of Oromiyaa (ULFO) was formed among all independent Oromo organizations six years ago in July 2000. The overriding goal of that alliance is the liberation of Oromiyaa. In forming the unity movement, each group acknowledged the necessity for all the fronts and organizations for the liberation of Oromiyaa to coordinate their efforts politically, militarily and diplomatically.

As stated in the original document produced by ULFO, the Oromo Consensus 2000, the liberation of Oromiya was the primary long-term objective of the organization; the unity of Oromo liberation forces was the necessary short term goal. Oromos from all walks of life immediately rallied behind ULFO and its goals in the hope that a united struggle of Oromo forces would prove capable of liberating Oromiyaa. Despite wide support of the Oromo people, ULFO failed to function at its full capacity or to deliver its promise. To achieve this requires the genuine commitment of all member organizations. Regardless, within the last six years, ULFO has achieved success in creating harmony among its members by removing the culture of armed confrontation, by organizing a newsletter and creating forums in different cities of the world to assist Oromos to create and pursue an effective path to liberation. ULFO succeeded in ratifying the ULFO Program and Constitution in April 2005. After the ratification, once again, many Oromo hoped that ULFO would be transformed into the kind of all-inclusive umbrella organization that will rally human and material resources of Oromiyaa towards the cherished common goal, Bilisummaa.

As it turns out, problems inherent in member organizations of ULFO affected the umbrella organization. Among the six founding members of ULFO, IBSO I was suspended from the umbrella organization because the political tactics of its leadership directly contravened ULFO´s objectives.

Regrettably, it is the conclusion of all the other member organizations that theOLF, another of the founding members of ULFO, Shane Gumi has deliberately acted to undermine the agenda of unity of Oromo liberation forces for the last three years. The other members observe that the Shane Gumi has used ULFO for mere public relations purposes while, in practice, the Shane Gumi gave utmost priority to forging unity of purpose with the Meles government during the formative early months and years of ULFO. When the Meles government finally and decisively rejected Shane Gumi’s request for creating an agreement for a working relationship, the Shane called himself OLF resolutely turned to CUDP and EPPF, opponents, if not archenemies, of the very objective of the Oromo people's liberation struggle.

The Extraordinary meeting of ULFO finds this action of Shame ’’OLF’’ a substantial basis for suspension. The CUDP openly rejects the right of Oromo people for self-determination. They reject the principle of Oromo liberation. Under the motto of 'one nation, one language and one flag,' Abyssinian organizations such as CUDP vehemently stand against the gains that the people of Oromiyaa have achieved through their long struggle over the years. It is a cause of grave concern to all other member organizations of ULFO that the Shane worked diligently to forge an alliance with the aforementioned organizations and joined Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD) at the same time that Shane Gumi undermined the success of ULFO using various stratagems. Besides allying with groups whose goals directly contravene the goals of ULFO, the Shane Gumi dismissed the potential for ULFO to achieve the goal of unity and creation of an effective means for the Oromo people acting together to achieve sovereignty. In addition Shane Gumis's work with AFD has been carried out at the expense of strengthening and equipping ULFO. At every point Shane Gumi has safeguarded and promoted its relationship with AFD rather than nurture its relationship and execute its responsibilities within ULFO.

The ULFO Executive Committee in its Extraordinary Meeting held on July 10, 2006 finds, therefore, that this recent act of ‘’OLF’’/Shane Gumi stands against the central objective for which ULFO is founded. It undermines Oromo Consensus 2000, grossly violates ULFO program and constitution, impedes the progress and growth of ULFO and compromises the security of the other member organizations of ULFO. At the minimum, the alliance Shame Gumi/’’OLF’’ created within AFD will open a conducive venue for the enemy of Oromo struggle to sabotage the Oromo cause and, at most, if the CUDP could succeed, using the Shane Gumi ’’OLF's’’ help, to get back into state power once again, they will do anything it takes to reverse the Oromo people's struggle.

Based upon the principles enshrined in Oromo Consensus 2000 for the establishment of ULFO and further according to articles from:

A) ULFO program ratified April, 2005;

1. Article 3 #1: “To pull the talents, resources and efforts of all sectors of the people of Oromiya as well as that of member organizations to wage a coordinated struggle to speedily liberate Oromia from brutal occupation;”

2. Article3 #10: “To promote the unity of the people of Oromiya and to stand up in unison against the divisive efforts of our internal and external enemies.”

3. Article 4 # 4: “The objective of ULFO is to liberate and enable the people of Oromiya to attain their right to national self-determination. The people of Oromiya shall decide the final status and political disposition of the future state of Oromia through a free and democratic decision.”

4. Article 6 #6.2 2: “ULFO and its member organizations do not ally nor associate with any and all global, regional and domestic organizations that promote an ideology of inter-communal hatred and propagate an extremist political or religious program and advocate a plan to undemocratically impose their will on the people.” and

B) ULFO Constitution ratified April, 2005

1. Article 1 #2: “ULFO is an umbrella organization of the Oromo liberation Forces committed to the Liberation of the Oromo people.”

2. Article 3 # 14: “The independence of member organizations includes the right to create alliances with other organizations, including those outside of ULFO that uphold the right of Oromo people for self determination.”

3. Article 6 # 4:10: “The Executive Committee may suspend a member organization and report it to the next meeting of the Council of Delegates. Such a suspension shall be taken by a two-thirds-majority vote of the EC. Activities that call for suspension are those, which jeopardize the security of ULFO and its member organizations.”

Therefore, based upon violation of the above principle of ULFO, the ULFO Executive Committee at its Extraordinary Meeting has suspended the Shane Gumi/’’OLF’’ from ULFO membership. The suspension of Shane Gumi ’’OLF’’ from ULFO takes effect as of July 11, 2006.

Based on ULFO Constitution article 6 #9; "The Executive Committee shall suspend an official representative and assign a replacement from within the Council of Delegates within 30 days. The Executive Committee shall take this measure by a simple majority." the extraordinary meeting of ULFO Executive Committee further suspended Mr. Daawud Ibsaa, the chairman of ULFO who shelved the duties of ULFO chairmanship and has been indirectly engaged in dialog with Meles regime and later tirelessly worked to bring AFD into existence and has assumed its leadership. ULFO Vice chairman Jaarraa Abbaa Gadaa has been assigned to take the responsibility as the acting chairman, effective July 11, 2006.

ULFO Executive Committee recommits itself to pursue the goals upon which ULFO was founded, to work diligently to forge a real and practical unity among Oromo who will create effective means to achieve Oromo sovereignty in the current era. Further, the Executive committee extraordinary meeting calls upon all Oromo who wish to rise to this challenge and to be a part of the project of finding an effective path to the liberation of the Oromo to join the continued effort.ULFO will reinstate the Shane Gumi by the name of OLF to full membership at such time that OLF again demonstrates a full commitment to the objectives of working in unity with Oromo groups and with them strengthening the bases for Oromo liberation.Regarding ULFO Executive Committee Extraordinary meeting’s decision on revitalizing ULFO and mobilizing human and material resources of Oromiyaa please refer to the Resolutions of the Extraordinary Meeting.

Unity is strength!
Oromiyaa Shall Be Free!

Oromo Political Prisoners Appeal

Date /8/1998 EC

To:Ministry of Justice
House of People's Representatives
Oromo Nationa Federalist Movement
Dr. Negaso Gidada (MP)
Council of Oromia
Supreme Court of Oromia
Oromia Justice Bureau
Ethiopian Human Rights Council
The US Congress
European Union
African Union
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
VOA &BBC
German Radio

From: Oromo Political Prisoners.

We the Oromo political prisoners, charged with false accusations for the crimes of attempting to overthrow the regime and inciting war, were detained and have been suffering for such a long time in prison without trial and justice only for our political outlook and being Oromo. Moreover, our human rights are always violated and we have been denied of humane treatment as a result of which we have been suffering from sickness, torture and death.

1. 
   Even though Article 20(1) of the FDRE Constitution provides that the accused have the right to speedy trial by an independent judiciary, this constitutional right of ours has been utterly violated and our trial is excessively delayed. For example:
2. 
   The trial of Tegene Gebresillasie and others 48 innocent Oromos who were apprehended from the town of Adama (Nazereth) and its vicinity has been proceeding before the Second Criminal Division of the Federal High Court since 1990 E.C. for 8 years. We have been suffering in prison during all these years.
3. 
   The trials of Ali Ibirahim and others ( 48 innocent Oromos) who were apprehended from the town of Dire Dawa and its vicinity, the trial of Mohammed Hussein and others (41innocent Oromos) who were apprehended from Arsi, Bale and East Shewa Zones of Oromia have been proceeding for the last 6 years since 1992 E.C. before the above mentioned Bench.
4. 
   The trails of Hussein Hamza and others (15 peaceful Oromos) and that of Kedir Zinabu and others (15 innocent Oromos) who were apprehended from East and West Hararge Zones Oromia have been dragging since 1993 E.C. for solid 5 years before the same Court and Bench.
5. 
   The trial of Mesfin Ittana and others (9 innocent Oromos) who were apprehended from East and West Wallaga Zones of Oromia has been dragging before the same Court and Bench since 1995 E.C.
6. 
   The trials of Diriba Damisse and others, Gameda Kasim and others, and leaders of Mecha Tulama Association( Oromo self-help association) , Oromo students of Addis Ababa University and Oromo journalists ( generally 59 innocent Oromos) have been proceeding since 1996 E.C. for 2 years.
7. 
   The trials of Haile Tasisa and others (9 persons), Chala Lench and others (7 persons), Merga Negera and others (3 persons), Elias Jibiril and others (2 persons), and the trials of Olkaba Lata, Liben Jarso, and Shiferaw Hinsarmu( a journalist) have been pending before the same Court and Bench in which we all are suffering in cell without lawfully convicted.
   
   There is one and only one reason why the Second Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court has failed to dispose of our case: that is the crime we are charged with is unfounded and cannot be proved in which case we will certainly be acquitted if the court will have decide the matter. So the only mechanism by which we can be kept in prison for indefinite period is by delaying our trial. This, however, is illegal and inhumane. We therefore request the concerned Ministry of Justice to respect the country's Constitution and provide us immediate and just solution.
   Contrary to Article 21(1) of the FDRE Constitution the conditions in which we are held in prison or custody is quite inhumane. More often than not we have been subjected to torture, shot to death. For instance:-

On October 24, 1998 E.C student Alemayehu Gerba was shot in his bed and died of this on November 1, 1998 E.C. Gadisa Hirpasa, a student and prisoner was tortured to death by prison administrators and policemen. On October 24, 1998 E.C. a police officer of the prison opened an automatic fire on a cell in which Amin Kelil, Idiris Awel, Lamessa Tasissa, Zekarias Tariku, and Ashenafi Biru were heavily wounded while in their cell and sustained incurable bodily injury.

Many have become mentally deranged due to police torture. Tolera Tadesse, Umar Shek Kedir and Temam Amede are losing their conscious due to this torture in which they are also denied medical attention by prison officials.

Others died of it, for example, Mokonnen Zawude, Nigusu Gojera, Alemayehu Ittafa, Zelalem Bayisa, Umar Haji and Haji Mohammed Messa died of the torture.
We have denied of medical attention as a result some of us are suffering from diseases. Mahammed Tayib Abdulmelik died of a desease because he was denied access to medical treatment.

We fear that they are intentionally delaying our trial so that they get time to expose us to disease, torture and put us all to death over a longer period of time.We demand that the torture and killing should be stopped and the murderers of students Alemayehu Gerba, and Gadisa Hirpasa, that is, Major Afework Teferra, privates Fiseha Gebremariam and Iyasu should be brought to justice immediately.3. Atricle 25 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and protects against any form of discrimination. However, we Oromos have been detained and jailed without conviction only for our political outlooks and ethnic nationality, and language. We are exposed to torture such as electric shocks. Our investigators are only Tigrian members of the Federal Police. This team is led by a man called Tadese Meseret known for using electric shocks in which many innocent Oromos lost their lives. Ali Ibirahim and Gutu Geletu (in 1987 E.C), Mahammed Yusuf in 1990 Sisay Debele in 1993 died of such torture while in custody. Many like Girma Ittafa became lame and unable to walk due to this torture.The ones prosecuting us for such a perpetrated crime are prosecutors born to Tigrian ethnic group.The presiding judge of the Second Criminal Division who simply delays our trial by adjourning our case is a man called Le'ul Gebremariam who is a Tigrian national. This judge has been assigned to try Oromos since 1984E.C. He simply orders death penalty upon Oromos.The so-called crimes that we are charged with are said to have been committed in Oromia. Constitutionally Oromia has jurisdiction to try us, but we are put to the investigation by Tigrian police, prosecution by Tigrian prosecutor and trial by a Tigrian judge before federal court in aLanguage which we do not understand, where we are orally abused, insulted if we demand explanation or accurate translation. So we are denied of fair trial and justice in all the processes of investigation, prosecution and trial. We could have been tried in Oromia, but we are brought before federal institutions for the purpose of discrimination.Following the list of Oromo prisoners facing trial for intentionally perpetrated crimes which are quite unfounded and meant only to imprison us.

1. In the case of Tegenu Gebresillasei ( criminal file no. 1741, Federal High Court)

1 Tegenu Gebresillassei
2 Zerihun Hailu
3 Jida Siyum
4 Niguse Beturi
5 Mengesaha Nabi
6 Hasen Janbo
7 Tsegaye Koricho
8 Challa Biru
9 Negewo Birbisso
10 Shegena Melka
11 Ashu Waqayo
12 Lita Angure
13 Mirbo Korji
14 Lencho Dame
15 Megire
16 Dita Kebenech
17 Mideksa Korme
18 Asebot Ninni
19 Berhanu Beyene
20 Bojora Gemeda
21 Dullo Tekaka
22 Dagne Belachew
23 Bedo Melka
24 Tafa Regasa
25 Girma Ayana
26 Hasan Jilo
27 Gudeta Kurfa
28 Lema Lube
29 Shewarega
30 Kasim Hamda
31 Wachare Abo
32 Abo
33 Getu Tadese
34 Biru Mamo
35 Demisu Daba
36 Tullu Birru
37 Alemayehu Abebe
38 Tesfaye Demisse

2. In the case of Ali Ibirahim and others (Federal High Court criminal file no.809/93

1 Ali Ibirahim
3 Abdu Mohammed
4 Abdu Umar
5 Morka Idosa (dead)
6 Ahimad Zakiri
7 Girma Adugna
8 Adam Usman
9 Mahammed Jayilan
10 Biratu Disasa
11 Abera Merti
12 Husen Abdella
13 Jibiril Hasen
14 Hamza Uso
15 Abdi Ibirahim
16 Taye Guteta
17 Mehammed Aliye
18 Ibirahim Ahimed
19 Adma Ale
20 Ahimad Mehammed
21 Fayera
22 Jamal Ibirahim
23 Yunis Umar
24 Jora Mehammed
25 Abiyi Demashe
26 Abdella Adam
27 Jamal Amin
28 Alganesh Dirgasa
29 Abdella Mehammed
30 MehammedA/Rahiman
31 Abdurahiman Hasen
32 Abirahim Adam
33 Ziyad Mehammed
34 Musa Haji
35 Abdella Shehi Ahimad
36 Sufian Aliyi
37 Teshome Desta
38 Yunis Sham Dado
39 Tofik Umar40 Abdi Isma'el
41 Mahammed Musa Ibirahim
42 Dabale Asfawu
43 Jamal Abas


3. In the case of Mehammad Usen Mehammed and others (Federal High Court Criminal File no. 992/93

1 Mehammed Husen
2 Mehammed Teyib (dead)
3 Nuredin Dedefo
4 Hasen
5 Nasima Mehammed
6 Uke Beja
7 Shehi Ali Berertu
8 Kerjul Wayu
9 Abdurazak Banti
11 Gudeta Birso
12 Husen Teshite
13 Amano Warso
14 Tadese Ali
15 Gabi Shila16 Gana Ali
17 Bulbula Seyife
18 Sayid Kedir
18 Sayid Kedir
20 Aseffa Hika
21 Jarmo Chana
22 Hiko Bato
23 Dasta Bato
24 Dajene Gonfa
25 Yesin
26 Ahimad Kalifa
28 Bantu Midaksa
29 Gemeda Bati
30 Kemal Gobe
31 Yohannes Feleke
32 Adam Surur
33 Abu Gobena


4. In the case of Husen Hamza and others (Federal High Court Criminal files no. 1263/93

1 HusenHamza
2 Bedri Adam
3 Taye Balami
4 Umar Idiris
5 Mehammed Musa
6 Jamal Ahimad Abdo
7 Umar Shehi Bidiri
8 Ahimad Haji Aliyi
9 Ahimad Nuri
10 Salim Shehi Ahimad
11 Irena Legesse
12 Sultan Isma'el
13 Hasim Kedir
14 Kedir Salih Adam

5. In the case of Kedir Zinabu and others (Federal High Court criminal file no. 1810/93

1 Kedir Zinabu
2 Feruz Abdi
3 Husen Ahimad
4 Sherif Jundi
5 Mehammed Abdella
6 Ali Mehammed
7 Aliyi Ibiro
8 Abdul Reshid Abdulahi
9 Adam Salih
10 Ayush Bekiri
11 Abdella Abib
12 Kedir Abdi
13 Usma'el Husen
14 Yasin
15 Abdi Ame

6. In the case of Mesfin Ittana and others (criminal file no. 222/95)

1 Mesfin Ittana
2 Mesfin Mosisa
3 Dani'el Ayana
4 Cherinet Yemaneh
5 Mitiku Tesfa
6 Yohannes Waqbulcha
7 Kemal Bebgir
8 Mengistu Hordofa

7. In the case of Diribi Demisse and others (criminal file no. 36263/96)

1 Diribi Demisse
2 Gemechu Feyera
3 Sintayehu Workineh
4 Ayelu Itisa
5 Bekuma Yendo
6 Tolasa Debebe
7 Alemayehu Gerba (dead)
8 Kebebew Bobasa
9 Bilisuma Dabare
10 Dawit Odo
11 Melaku Degafi
12 Teshale Tesfaye
13 Legese Abetu
14 Gemechis Wodajo
15 Samu'el Haile
16 Kefiyalew Gerbi
17 Aberra Namomsa
18 Ibirahim Tarfa
19 Badasa Abdisa
20 Milkesa Dandana
21 Idosa Tolasa
22 Ibisa Melaku
23 Guta Tullu
24 Dabasa Waqjira
25 Nega Kefeni
26 Telila Bulbula
27 Taye Dendena
28 Gadisa Hirpasa (dead)
29 Tomas Beranu
30 Regasa Worku

8. In the case of Gemeda Kasim (criminal file no.33176/96)

1 Gemeda Kasim
2 Tadesse Amede
3 Kedir Wadajo
4 Guta Tullu
5Legese Gebrsillasie
6 Challa Abu
7 Zewudu Kene'a
8 Dachasa Banti
9 Bayisa Belay
10 Legesse Yadata
11 Mehammed Awal
12 Nasiri Abdo
13 Derara Abdisa
14 Teferra Nasi'a
15 Dagafa Gebremariam
16 Tamene Getahun
17 Yilma Indale
18 Adam Tibeso
19 Imiru Gurmessa
20 Adugna Daba

9. in the case of Haile Tasisa and others (criminal file no.36268/97)

1 Haile Tasisa
2 Lamessa Tasisa
3 Wage Melka
4 Abdu Siraj
5 Aman Hasen
6 Zakarias Tariku
7 Idiris Awal
8 Sa'id Abdella
9 Tasamma Afirasa.

CC.Embassies of different countries
Donor countries and organizations
TPLF
OPDO
Federal Police
Federal High and Supreme Courts
EPRDF.

Refugees gather to celebrate Nashville home People from all over world dine, dance at 'block party'

Source: The Tennessean Jul. 11 2006

For two hours Sunday afternoon, the diasporas of Nashville came together with other community members to celebrate their deliverance into this tranquil city and their new home.

The scene at the corner of South Sixth and Main streets behind Holy Name Catholic Church was transformed into one that might have been found in an Istanbul bazaar, a bustling East African market or a New York City schoolyard as chatter in more than a half-dozen languages filled the street.

It was the first International Block Party hosted by the Refugee and Immigration Services department of Catholic Charities of Tennessee.

Inside the older people sat together and ate while young people performed a traditional Oromo dance from Ethiopia. Outside, Catholic nuns and young girls in traditional Muslim dress mingled under a banner that read simply "Pray for Peace."

Awal Michaa wore a T-shirt proclaiming "Oromia shall be free." He described the plight of his people at the hands of the Ethiopian government. "My people don't live with Ethiopians, Awal said. "They have killed and tortured us for a year and a half. There are many people dying where I'm from."

Awal, who arrived in the United States two years ago, recently moved to Nashville from Georgia to attend Nashville State Community College.

Swarms of children, many of whom will be their families' first generation of Americans, played and painted on a giant mural adorned with a cross and crescent.

Sunday's event was the first of what is expected to be a series of annual international block parties, said Holly Johnson, director of the Refugee and Immigration Services department since 1999.

"We wanted to have an open house so that we could bring together some of the refugees that we have resettled in Nashville and also some in the community," Johnson said.

Johnson said that Catholic Charities has helped to resettle about 15,000 refugees in the Nashville area since its founding in 1962, including 250 this year alone.

"Most refugees are hesitant when they come here and say they'll go back home eventually, but they get sucked in," said Johnson. "Most refugees are happy with Nashville. They find the people welcoming and supportive."

Johnson said Catholic Charities has helped resettle Cubans, Iranians, Somalis, Ethiopians, Kurds, Kenyans and Sudanese and including those who practice B'hai, Muslim and Christian faiths.

Once an application for asylum is accepted by the U.S. State Department and a destination city is set, the charity helps by picking up refugees from the airport, setting up housing and helping them apply for services.

Ibsa Ejjannoo barattoota Oromoo Yunivarsiti Maqalee Irraa..Waldhabbii Gujii fi Borana Gidduutti Motummaan Uumee Ilaalchisee

Akkuma beekamu Oromoon durii kaasee yoo waldhabe walii araaramuu,yoo walgufatu walii dhiisuun kan ture.Har’a garuu nyaaphi (Wayyaaneen) uummata keenya kan Gujiif Booranaa shira furmaata hin qabne xaxuun uummata takkaa seenaa keessatti walitti bu’iinsa akkanaa uumee hin beeknee fi yoo walitti bu’e illee jaarsoliin dafee walii glu;yeroo rakkoo waliif birmatuufi walii dhiphattu waldhabsiisuun yoo feete Bulee Horaan kan Gujiiti,Loon Gujii Booranatu saame,daangaan kun kan Booranaati fi kkf sabbakuun uummata kana wal-nyaachisaa siyaasa ishii ittiin oofti.

Nagaa fi hawwii billisummaa uummata keenyaaf qabnuu fi tokkummaan Oromoo Gujii fi Booranaa akka durrii akka deebi’ee cimuuf nuti barattoonni Oromoo yunivarsiitii Maqalee kan Gujiif Booranaa shira Wayyaaneen Ilmaan abbaa tokkoo(Gujiif Boorana) waldhabsiisuun walajjeesisaa jirtu balaalleffannee ibsa ejjennoo kana baafannee jirra.

1.Nuti barattoonni Oromoo Gujii fi Booranaa waraana yookaan balaa Wayyaaneen fayidaa ofiif jecha uummata keenya irratti kakaaftee uruchaa uumaa jirtu ni balaaleffanna.

2.Wayyaaneen nagaa uummata lamaanii fi kan Oromoo maraa booressuuf shira xaxaa jirtu akka dhaabdu cimsinee gaafanna.

3. Mootummaan Wayyaanee, nagaa hundee dimokiraasiiti jedhee of yaadu,nagaa uummata lamaan booressuun rakkoo fi gidiraan adda addaa uummatatti baay’isaa jiru hatattamaan akka dhaabu cimsinee gaafanna.

4.Uummanni lamaan tooftaa Wayyaaneen uumurii ishii dheereffachuuf, siyaasa ishiif itti fayyadamaa jirtu kana hubatee ,wal hubachiisee jaarsummaa Wayyaaneen jettuun ala akka walitti araaramu gaafanna.

5.Uummanni Oromoo golee Oromiyaa biroo keessa jirtan beekamummaa Wayyaaneen ala jaarsolii keessan gara jaarsolii Oromoota Gujiif Booranaa nuuf ergitanii araara uummata keenyaa akka nuuf atattamaan buuftanii fi gochaa akkanaa kana Wayyaaneen ammallee Oromoota irratti dabaltee hojjachuu akka maltu hubattanii akka irraa wal-eegdan isin gaafanna.

Barattoota Oromoo Booranaa fi Gujii Yunivarsiitii Maqalee

Injifannoon uummata Oromoof!!

Clan Violence Displaces Nearly 90,000 in Southern Ethiopia

Source:- VOA News 04 July 2006

Aid workers and government officials in southern Ethiopia say continued clan violence has displaced nearly 90,000 people.

United Nations officials say fighting between the Guji and Borena clans has forced residents to flee homes in and around the towns of Shakiso, Arero and Yabello - all south of Addis Ababa.

A regional administrator, Jaatanni Taadhii, says up to 29,000 have fled their homes in Arero, while an aid worker in Yabello says the number of displaced there may be as high as 39,000.
The aid group Oxfam says more than 20,000 people have fled Shakiso since mid-June.

This fighting began early last month after the government sided with the Guji community in a land dispute against its Borena neighbors. Aid groups say more than 100 people have died in the violence.

Hoping to convince with obstreperous lies

It is now well documented that Ethiopia led by the fascist-now-turned 'democrat' Mr Meles Zenawi has been the main source of instability throughout the horn of Africa region. It, Ethiopia repeatedly crossed into the Kenyan border to kill and main innocent Kenyans in the name of going after non-existent enemy, Oromo Liberation Front Figthers (OLF). He, Mr Zenawi was and still is the main violator of the UN Somali arms embargo. He has repeatedly been cited as the main culprit in arming many of the Somali warlords to make sure that chaos reins supreme in Somalia.

He has maimed and killed thousands of innocent Ogaden Somali civilians in Ogaden. He has sent merciless, motley militias into Ogaden. Having failed to confront Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) fighters in the battlefields, these militias have been exacting revenge by mutilating, strangling, and extrajudicially killing Ogaden civilians by the thousands. He, Mr Zenawi is currently arming in and around the Somali border towns close to the Ogaden border many of the defeated Somali warlords. Mr Mohamed Dheere was housed in the main military garrison in Godey for a number of weeks. He is reported to be regrouping his defeated militias in Qudhac Joome with the help and full knowledge of Mr Zenawi.

According to the Associated Press, [Ethiopian] troops entered the border town of Beled-Hawo in eight military vehicles, Husein Ali Burale, a well-known traditional elder, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. Myraid Somali sources have confirmed Ethiopian troop incursions deep into Somali territory. In light of the aforementioned facts, it is outrageous for Zenawi, to claim that he is neither violating nor sending his motley militias into Somalia. May be Mr Zenawi hopes to convince the world community with obstreperous lies which we are sure will not fly.

Vociferous lies aside, Mr Zenawi is using the defeat of the Somali warlords as a pretext to invade Somalia. He is eager to transport his own problems to a neighboring country such as Somalia. He is hoping his Somali involvement will buy him time not only to put himself in the good books of the Western world but also to defeat Ethiopian opposition parties with the declaration of a state of emergency.

We caution the world community not to fall for Zenawi's brazen lies. The world community should make it clear to Zenawi that press conferences will not hide the fact that he is deeply involved and is the chief catalyst of the ongoing Somali chaos. The world community should force this moron of a prime minister to resolve the long standing Ogaden situation.

Source:editorial@ogaden.com
Ogaden Online Editorial