Press Freedom crisis and the regime detention of journalists in Ethiopia

 For decades, Ethiopia has been closely scrutinized by international organizations advocating for journalists’ rights. The country’s long-standing struggle with freedom of the press has been a cause for concern, particularly during periods of political turmoil like the one unfolding over the past four years.

A global leader in press freedom and press protection, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has consistently highlighted the deteriorating press freedom in Ethiopia while documenting multiple press freedom violations, including the arrests of numerous journalists.

The recent conflicts in the Northern region between the federal government and the non-state militia, , have further worsened the situation, resulting in the imprisonment of more journalists and media professionals.

A month ago, the CPJ expressed deep concern about the arrest of three journalists during the state of emergency declared in the conflict-ridden North region. Abay Zewdu, , Yidnekachew Kebede, , and Fekadu Mahtemework , were all arrested between late August and early September.

In October 2016, the Ethiopian Media Council firmly stated that “even in a state of emergency, journalists and media should only be held accountable in accordance with the law. Failure to do so tarnishes the country’s international image.”

Detained journalists often languish in prison for months without formal charges as authorities attempt to suppress critical coverage. Press freedom advocates argue that such injustices indicate that the government’s motive behind these arrests may stem from dissatisfaction with certain journalistic viewpoints rather than actual criminal activities. This oppressive environment has led to a troubling trend where journalists and media experts feel compelled to seek asylum abroad, not only for their safety but also to protect their families.

One such voice is Tewodros Asfaw, a political analyst . After being accused of terrorism, imprisoned, and subsequently released, Tewodros chose exile, citing “government harassment” as the main reason for his decision.Tewodros disclosed, “The repeated imprisonment and harassment due to my profession were the primary reasons for my exile.”

One of the recent victims of government persecution is Dawit Begashaw, one of the founders and public relations head of the association, who remains in prison currently. Tibebu, who is also the Executive Director of Ahadu Radio and Television, further highlighted that several media entities have been forced to shut down, leaving a sense of apprehension among those still operating. “In this climate, simply being identified as a journalist can be intimidating,” he said.

An interesting trend observed in Ethiopia’s media sector in recent times is the prioritization of entertainment content by numerous domestic media outlets, seemingly at the expense of in-depth socio-political coverage. This shift is notable considering the need for a more thorough exploration of pivotal issues in the current societal context.

Particularly during periods of political turmoil, several media outlets prefer to engage in echoing government narratives instead of providing an independent and unbiased account. Academics like Matheos argue that an atmosphere of apprehension may be forcing media outlets to tread cautiously, avoiding sensitive political topics.

The domestic media’s focus on entertainment is the direct consequence of the challenges faced when attempting to cover politics without bias.

Abiy Ahmed regime Kill innocent civilians in Oromia and displaced many

 Conflict in #Oromia region displaces 1.3 million, causes devastating impact on communities

According to the Center for Development and Capacity Building (CDCB), the ongoing instability in the Oromia region has resulted in the displacement of approximately 1.3 million people. In a recent report released by the organization, it was revealed that the violence has not only led to displacement and loss of life but also caused significant destruction of property, disrupted development works, and eroded the communal fabric of the region. The #CDCB report highlights that out of the 1.3 million displaced citizens in the #Oromia region, 374,400 individuals (29%) are currently residing in shelters, while the remaining 71% are scattered throughout the community. The report further emphasizes that a staggering 859,000 people (66%) have been displaced from just two zones: #East_Wollega and #West_Wollega. The consequences of this conflict extend beyond displacement. The report reveals that 739 schools in the region have been forced to cease operations, impacting more than 210,000 children who have been unable to attend school due to their displacement. Furthermore, the conflict has resulted in the loss of employment for 1,117 teachers and education professionals. Moreover, the report highlights the devastating impact on healthcare facilities, with 208 of them being completely destroyed and an additional 788 partially damaged. Disturbingly, 10 ambulances have been stolen, 45 have been burnt, and 25 are currently out of service.

link.Policy Brief on Creating Sense of Urgency for Intervention in Conflict Affected Areas of Oromia, Ethiopia - CDCB (cdcbor.org)

Abiy Ahmed led Regime of Ethiopia has continued its barbaric mission of killing innocent people at their homestead.

 Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party-led government of Ethiopia has continued its barbaric mission of killing innocent people at their homestead.

On 15 October 2023, the government security forces massacred 20 civilians in West Showa Zone, Jaldu District, Kibbetti Kebele. The following are some of the victims whose names have been identified so far. 1) Worku Alemu (student from Salale Univerity, 2) Meskerm Birhanu (12th-grade student), 3) Chamera Qaani, 4) Dirro Urgessa, 5) Baqala Assafa, 6) Diribsa Abidisa Dabala, 7) Abdisa Dabala Mucha ( killed with his son mentioned under number 6), 8 Teshome Bisira ( also killed with his child), 9 Dabaltuu Tashoma Bisira, 10) Bashana Muluna, 11) Motuma Guta, 12) Qanani Barsisa, and 13 Abbitti Biranu.

On 14 October 2023, again, the armed forces of the government of Ethiopia also opened fire against the residents of North Showa Zone, Warra Jarso District, Migiro Baddessa, and Gito Milki kebele and killed more than 20 people, including a mother with her four children. Some of the victims whose name has reached us are 1) Gabayyo Gammachu, 2) Shuree Habtamu (aka Suyume, with her four children), 3) Irrana Yayya (with his two children), and Demise Sagu. Twelve people were severely beaten, and their lives are currently at risk. Moreover, the security forces abducted over 30 people from the same kebele. Some of the abductees’ names are 1) Shallama Gammachuu, 3) Tolera Masqala, 4) Taddass Tolera, 5) Jima Dirribe, and 6) Kasahe Taffasa and 7 Amde Abarra. Their whereabouts are not known so far.

In South Eastern Oromiya, Western Arsi Zone, Adabba District, Haqoo Kaarraa Kebele, at a particular place called Balloo Gadabba, the Ethiopian National Defense Force, on 17 October 2023, mercilessly set fire to the residential homes of eight innocent civilians and incarcerated several of them, accusing them of feeding the Oromo Liberation Army(OLA). Those victims whose names we have identified so far are 1) Abubakar Sade Weeboo, 2) Batuli Tusa, 3) Qasim Batuli Tusa, 4) Bakar Ambee, 5) Xaha Sheik Hassan, and 6) Bamud Dube. In the same kebele, more than 25 people were incarcerated without legal charges. A few of the names of those jailed are: 1) Baqqala Damee (elderly), 2) Abdulkarim Bariso (elderly), 3) Jamal Qasure 4) Gazza Kasa 5) Mahmmad Husien Abdulkarim ( head Youth League) 6) Madina Usman 7) Tamima Abdulqadir 8)Gishe Qasure 9) Nasru Qumbusa 10) Hamza Qasimo 11) Rijal Sh/Ahmad 12) Jamal Jarso 13) Kamiso Fattoo 14) Siraj Adam 15) Usule Allo, 6) Isaa’il Mammade 17) Adam Abdullahi and 18 Janbaru Kabbada.

These are new and recent assaults on innocent civilians. It should be remembered that similar and more severe barbaric acts have been perpetrated against the Oromos in the last five years. We have been earnestly documenting those atrocities and making them known to the world's peace-loving people and human rights organizations. We reiterate and strongly underline that the Prosperity Party-led government and its security forces are responsible for the crime perpetrated against innocent civilians.

Last but not least, we call upon the Oromo people to intensify their struggle to clear off this rogue regime that tries to survive on the tears and blood of innocent people. We also remind our international friends and allies that a government with such an inhumane disposition could not be a dependable ally and will surely be doomed to historical oblivion sooner or later. We call upon all peace-loving people to support the victims in all possible means.

Victory to the Masses!

Oromo Liberation Front

October 2023

Finfinnee

It is impossible to pay buck their favours of oromo heros who sacrifice their lifes for oromo Freedom/Namoota wareegama guddaa kafalanii uummata Oromoof oolmaa guddaa oolan otoo lubbuun jiranii maaliif gargaaruun hanqatame?

 Namoota wareegama guddaa kafalanii uummata Oromoof oolmaa guddaa oolan otoo lubbuun jiranii maaliif gargaaruun hanqatame?

Oromo heros who sacrifice their life.

Ummanni Oromoo qabsaa’ota isaa osoo lubbuun jiranii kunuunsuun olmaa isaanii deebisuu qaba jedhan qaamoleen hawaasaa garagaraa biyya keessaa dubbise.

Qabsaa’onni Oromoo lubbuu isaanii qaalii fi maatii isaanii dirree irratti facaasanii bilisummaa ummata Oromoo barbaaduuf aarsaa kafalaniif ummanni Oromoo gatii isaa beekee osoo lubbuun jiru kabajaa maluuf itti horu qaba jedhan.

Imala diddaa gabrummaa fi qabsoo bilisummaa Oromoo keessatti qabsaa’onni jireenya isaanii guutuu kaayyoo qabsoo saba Oromootiif jiraatan danuudha.

Kaayyoo qabsoo bilisummaa Oromoo dhaloota dhaalchisuuf osoo qabsoo tarkaanfachiisanii kanneen dirree qabsoo keessatti kufanii fi achi buuteen isaanii dhabame danuudha.

Hooggantoonni qabsoo bilisummaa Oromoo kanneen akka Nadhii Gammadaa, Baqqalaa Dawaanoo, Guutamaa Hawaas, Laggaasaa Wagii, Baaroo Tumsaa, Jeneraal Taddasaa Birruu, Jeneraal Waaqoo Guutuu, Koloneel Aliyyii Cirrii, Jeneraal Huseen Bunee, Soorressa Jaarraa Abbaa Gadaa, Elemoo Qilxuu, Abubakar Muussaa, Kumaalaa Jaatanii Ali dabalatee kumaataman maatii fi jiruu isaanii dirree irratti facaasanii bilisummaa ummata Oromootiif aarsaa ta’anii jiru.

Artistoonni Oromoo kanneen qabsoo bilisummaa ummata Oromoo fi cunqursaa sirna gita bittaa sagalee isaaniitiin mormaa turan kanneen akka Eebbisaa Addunyaa, Yoosef Gammachuu, Abdii Qophee, Usmaayyoo Muussaa, Musxafaa Harawwee, Daadhii Galaan, Halloo Daawwee, Ibraahim Aadam, Nuhoo Goobanaa, Doktara Kabajaa Alii Birraa, Zarihuun Wadajoo dabalatee kumaatamni saba kanaaf jiraatanii addunyaa kana irraa boqatanii jiru.

Addatti artistoonni Oromoo jireenya isaanii guutuu saba Oromootiif kennuun, gabrummaa ummata Oromoo irra jirtu walleen ibsuu fi ummata daandii qabsoo irratti dammaqsuu keessatti shora olaanaa taphatani jiru.

Haa ta’u malee ummanni Oromoo qabsaa’ota, weellistootaa fi maatii qabsaa’otaatiif gaaddisa ta’ee kunuunsaa fi kabajaa maluuf kennuu hanqachuun hedduun isaanii jireenya gadadoo jirataani addunyaa irraa boqatanii jiru.

Artist Halloo Daawwee kan Onkolooleessa 14 bara 2023 boqattee, Onkoloolessa 16 bara 2023 sirni awwaalchaa ishee raawwate osoo lubbuun jirtu "saba koo of biraa dhabe, gaafa du'e dirree irratti na hin dhiisinaa na awwaalaa, alagaan nutti kolfaa" jechuun dhaammattee turte.

Dhimma kana irratti Oromiyaa bahaa irraa yaada kan kennee dargaggoo Raabaa Doorii, Ummanni Oromoo qabsaa'onni isaa rakkatanii sadarkaa kana irraa hanga gahanitti ilaaluun sirri miti, qabsaa'ota isaatiif osoo lubbuun jiran xiyyeefannaa guddaa kennuufi qaba jedhe.

Qabsoo Oromoo keessatti artistoota dabalatee qabsaa'onni bilisummaa ummata Oromootiif aarsaa guddaa kafalan kabajaa fi kunuunsa maluuf saba Oromoo irraa argachuu qaban kan jedhu dargaggoo Raabaa Doorii, keessattu weellistoota Oromoo kan adda taasisu bilisummaa ummata Oromootiif weellisuu isaaniiti jedha.

“Mirga qabsaa’uu fi afaan Oromootiin baratanii hojjachuu kan argamsiisan qabsaa’ota kaleessaa fi yuubota har’aati” kan jedhu Raabaa Dooriin, ummata Oromoo wallee isaaniitiin wal barsiisuun Oromiyaa fi Oromoo har’aa uumuu danda’anii jiru jedha.

Maatii artistoota saba kanaaf wareegamani kanneen akka Eebbisaa Addunyaa, Usmaayyoo Muussaa, Musxafaa Harawwee, Daadhii Galaan, Eebbisaa Addunyaa, Haacaluu Hundeessaa dabalatee kanneen du’a umamaatiin boqatan kanneen akka Zarihuun Wadajoo, Ibraahim Aadam, Halloo Daawwee, Nuhoo Goobanaa, Doktara Kabajaa Alii Birraa fi kanneen biroo maatii isaaniitiif sabni kun gaaddisa ta’uu qaba jedha.

Maatiin qabsaa'ota qabsoo sabaa keessatti aarsaa ta'anii dirree irratti faca'aniif sabni gaaddisa ta'uun abdii qabsaa'ota birootiif ta'a kan jedhan namoonni dhimma kana irratti yaada kennan, qabsaa'aan Oromoo tokko gaafuma inni du'e awwaalcha isaatiif bakka tokkotti yaa'uu irraa osoo lubbuun jiru bira dhaabbachuu wayya jedhan.

Drone attacks coinciding with Irreechaa result in a dozen of fatalities in West #Oromia

 

Over 12 individuals were reportedly killed in two separate drone attacks conducted by government forces in the Horro Guduru Wollega Zone of the Oromia region. The attacks occurred last weekend on Saturday, 07 October, and Sunday, 08 October, coinciding with the annual Irreechaa celebrations. According to local residents, the alleged attacks happened in the Hababo Guduru and Kombolcha districts of the zone.

A resident from Hababo Guduru, who preferred to remain anonymous, informed  that on Saturday, 07 October, during confrontations between a faction of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and government forces, a government-initiated drone strike at 11:30 am at a place known as Merfata Mekonon resulted in the deaths of seven district residents.

Furthermore, a resident from the neighboring Kombolcha district reported that the hostilities continued and an airstrike that took place on Sunday afternoon at around 4:30 pm in an area known as Lege Kombolcha, resulted in the deaths of five individuals. The source also mentioned that three injured survivors from the strike were urgently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In a separate incident, the same source disclosed that two young men and an elderly person were killed by state forces on Sunday morning at 10:30 am in Hula Guto Kebele of the Kombolcha district.

Another informant from the Kombolcha district informed about a farmer named Fiqadu Abera who was injured and had his residence set on fire by government security forces in Bikiltu Bargemo Mose area, located 10 km from Kombolcha town. This informant also explained that the intensifying conflict between the OLA and government troops disrupted telephone and electricity services in the area.

Many residents expressed concern about the escalating conflict between the federal forces and OLA rebels, which has resulted in numerous civilian deaths and displacements from villages in recent days, particularly in the Kombolcha and Hababo Guduru districts. However, this is not the first time such incidents have occurred during confrontations between federal forces and the OLA.

 An incident on 25 October, 2022, where local residents provided information about a drone strike in Ofu Bekke village, located in the Chobi district, approximately 120 km northwest of Addis Abeba in the West Shewa Zone of the Oromia Regional State. The attack specifically targeted an area called Kale, approximately 145 km from the capital.

On 30 October, 2022, an airstrike in Mendi town within the Menesibu district of the West Wollega Zone was reportedly carried out by the OLA and tragically resulted in the deaths of over 20 civilians. Although the primary target of this strike was the OLA fighters, the majority of casualties were non-combatants.

Abiy Ahmed regime continue arresting innocent Oromo civilians accusing them of being a supporter of OLF/OLA

  𝐈𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐮𝐮𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐪𝐚𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐚 𝐎𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐮𝐧 𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐤𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐮𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐮 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞.

Akka odeessi maddeen irraa nu dhaqqabe addeessutti Kibba Baha Oromiyaa Godinaa Arsii bahaa ona Xiyyoo fi magaalaa Asallaatti ummatni nagaa maqaa WBO waliin hidhata qabduun yakkamuun hidhamanii dararamaa jiraachutuu barame.

Kanneen maqaa WBO woliin hidhata qabdan jechuun hidhamanii batii 4f oliif dararaa argaa jiraaniis hedduu dha jedhu maddeen .

Kanneen murna Biltsiginnaan yakkamuun hidhamanii dararaa ulfaataa waajjira poolisii ona Xiyyoo fi waajjira poolisi Buchiinsa magaalaa Asallatti argaa jiran keessaa kan maqaan nu dhaqqabe namoonni 25 tahan korkodama hidhaa keessatti argaman,

Aabbee Roobaa Waariyoo, Aadam Aabbee , Addee Suugee haadha manaa Aabbee Roobaa, Gannoo Abbee Roobaa , Insarmuu / Olyaad Eebisoo, Mahaammad Aadam Badhadhaa, Kamaal Shibbiruu, Amaan Waadoo, Jamiilaa Makkoo, Gamoo Tolaa , Muhaammad Wayyeessoo Manguddoo umrii (70), Sulxii Abbee Jaarraa, Hajjii Kaawoo ( umrii-80 ol) Eda'oo Gobee ( WBOf qarshii 50,000 ) kenniteef jechuun sobaan ragaa malee kan farrajame, Kamaal Guddatoo, Muhaammad Tolaa Wayyeessoo, Gammachuu Tolaa Waariyoo, Kaabboo Abboo Jaarraa, Abdii Coomee Turaa, Kamaaloo Wayyeessoo Leenjisoo, Jibriil Xaahir, Idiriis Eebbuu, Sulxii Jaanboo, Muusaa fi Moominaa kanneen jedhaman keessatti argamu.

THE FOLLOING ARE LISTS OF NAMES OF OROMO PEOPLE ARRESED BY ABIY AHMED REGIME,

Dozens die of #malaria in conflict-ridden west Wollega zone, Oromia as hunger takes toll on civilians

 Dozens die of #malaria in conflict-ridden west #Wollega zone, #Oromia as #hunger takes toll on civilians

At least 36 people over the last two months alone in #Begi and #Kondala districts of the conflict-ridden West Wollega zone, in Oromia state, local officials confirmed.

Residents say that on average two to three are dying everyday. In addition to the malaria outbreak, pictures of severely malnourished children and mothers are widely circulating on social media.

“Across West, East and Kellem Wollega zones, an estimated 272,400 people are reportedly affected, and at least 45% of health centers and 63% of total health posts across West, East, Horo Gudru, and Kellem, Wollega zones are non-functional,” the UN warned as far back as July.

A team from Oromia Physicians Association (OPA) has traveled to Kondala and Begi districts, the President Dr. Belayneh Latta, said, and found out that the number of people infected with the malaria is increasing. There is a lack of blood, medicines, oxygen and inadequate number of health professionals to save these people. The drugs needed for the prevention of malaria are as difficult to obtain as for other diseases, Dr Belayneh said.

The OPA said it was in discussions with various stakeholders to contain the outbreak and has called for humanitarian partners, both governmental and non-governmental, to provide strong assistance in all aspects. The Association warned that the outbreak could worsen in the next two months

Nearly all 42 existing health posts have been looted or damaged in Begi, a district of 100,000 inhabitants, and patients with life-threatening medical conditions were unable to receive urgent care because health facilities are no longer functioning in the district according.

“We have a shortage of emergency drugs. No operating room sets. We do not have beds. And now there is also a shortage of water supply due to the damage to the water reservoir. The community pharmacy was also destroyed, and all the drugs and materials were taken,” Dr Alemayehu Kiri, Guduru Primary Hospital`s medical director, said.

The UN said in July that all four of the zones in Wollega in western Oromia continue to experience a worsening humanitarian situation due to the spread of malaria amid ongoing rainfall and waterlogging, exacerbated by the weak health systems due to hostilities.

Humanitarian partners are facing challenges in their operations including in the delivery of supplies to zones, which are intermittently accessible due to sporadic hostilities or roadblocks. The UN further said that besides access challenges, there remains a shortage in anti-malarial drugs and rapid diagnostic tests, long lasting insecticide-treated nets, and lack of insecticides to manage permanent breeding sites.