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Sidama Liberation Front
The Unity of
People Never Fall
The Sidama and Oromo are
same people struggling for common cause. We have been experiencing
bitter poison of the EPRDF that divide nations and nationalities since
it came to power by barrel of gun in 1991, as the people’s struggle led
to downfall of the brutal Dergue regime.
The whole Ethiopian
nations hoped to have democracy, freedom and prosperity. But, it never
lived longer and the glimmer of hope dimmed instantly by the gun point
of the regime and the worst brutality spread all over the country while
all its arsenals roaring against peace loving people who raised the
issue of democracy.
Like other nations the
Sidamas have been a victim of EPRDF atrocity. To achieve its evil goals
that never succeeded, it is a customary for Meles’ regime to use divide
and rule system, just to mention some:
§
Denying the existence of people’s political parties and
assassinating its leadership
§
Silencing the voice of democracy through intimidation,
denying justice, indefinitely putting behind bars and killing opposition
leaders
§
Organising its own puppets (the surrogate), messengers
of death
§
Creating clan based political organizations to make
division among the same nation
§
Destabilising peace and economy of different
nationalities who lived together for centuries in love and harmony
§
Creating divisive boundaries to make separation between
people’s integration and unity etc
Many time EPRDF (TPLF)
tried to make a conflict among the Sidama and Ormomo in the name of
pastoral land and settlement as they did between the Sidama and Wolayita
people in Bilate area organised by Ato Hailemariam Desalegn the then
president of the Southern Region (Now Meles’ Chief Advisor). Hailemariam
Desalegn is also a responsible person for looqe massacre of May 24 2002.
At present front runner in destabilising peace among the Oromos and
Sidamas is Aba Dula Gemeda, a puppet president of the Oromia region. Aba
Dula (or Minase) has been travelling to Wondo Genet area of the Sidama
region in order to intimidate the Oromos who lived in the area for
centuries in harmony and peace with Sidamas. His evil request to Guji
oromo was they never belong to Sidama and should move out of the region
either by mobilising them towards the oromia region or creating another
artificial boundary. People knew his aim from the very beginning and
rejected rather by raising their voice of unity and oneness. As he has
been the Woyane’s solder he used his gun and cadres to silence his
opposition killing four innocent people, destroy and burning 18 houses
and properties. Nevertheless, our people’s unity remains strong as ever.
He tried to pass the blame
to OLF and SLF as EPRDF always does to cover up its failure.
Furthermore, they pocketed another death squad from the Oromo puppet
with thousands of Birr inorder to assassinate the Sidamas who always
rejected the EPRDF’s dictatorial rule. One of them is now arrested in
Awassa and disclosed his mission how he has been given Eth. Birr 25,000
as an incentive for this purpose.
In spite of all sufferings
our people remain united and strong. The Sidama and the Oromo are
naturally gifted to resolve their conflict whether it is from within or
arranged from EPRDF.
Our message to EPRDF and
Aba Dula Gemeda is “STOP KILLING, Harassing and Intimidating Our People
for you never win hearts and minds of determined people”.
Our message to our beloved
people is that we share your sufferings and pain. We urge you to
continue struggling to the down fall of the woyane regime as you had
done to Degue regime.
Our message to
international organizations is that please do not let the woyane regime
to wash its hands with a blood of innocent people and urge you to put
pressure on Meles Zenawi to stand in front of justice for his
involvement in massacre, assassination, harassment, intimidation and
injustice in all over Ethiopia.
Sidama Liberation Front (SLF)
26 May 2007
The blood of Looqe massacre
waters the tree of freedom, democracy and justice.
SLF: Statement on the 5th
anniversary of Hawassa massacre.
On Friday 24 May, Five years ago, an act of
genocide against Sidama civilian population was perpetrated by brutal
regime of Ethiopia. Peaceful demonstrators who demanded their basic
rights were gunned down in broad daylight. Over a hundred people, all of
them Sidamas were killed and hundreds wounded. This is an act of
genocide, because the intent of TPLF and its surrogates who decided to
undertake this action was to eliminate the Sidamas, or part of Sidamas
who would like to live in Hawassa city and retain their city.
Those who ordered the massacre still at large or
none of those authorities have brought into justice, as no independent
investigation was conducted. Therefore, instead of attending to the
demands of the people, the TPLF dominated EPRDF government of Ethiopia
which is one man band continued its business as usual style of
repression while the people’s case cries for justice. Displacement,
detention, torture and harassment of the Sidama people seem to be the
response. More and more civilians, students, professionals and business
people are rounded up, arrested or made to disappear. As it had not been
stopped, the regime had conducted massacre on the Anyuwack of the
Gambela, Oromos, Ogadense and on the supporters of the CUD in Addis and
in entire country. The regime is perpetrating another round of cross
border massacre on Somalis in their own land whose symptoms are all too
clear the way for having international licences to commit genocide in
Horn of Africa.
It must be clear for all that the root causes of
the massacres were primarily the regime’s inability to take into
consideration the people’s demand or its inbuilt contempt for their
opinion leading to dictatorial decisions without asking the consent of
the people. Secondly, the worry about spread of terrorism in horn of
Africa, made western powers reluctant to say no for genocide further it
appears its act is equated as good experience to employ the regime for
mercenary job to topple the Somali government that has sound acceptance
by Somali public at large.
All these acts of political blunder contradict
the very constitution of the EPRDF. They indicate the violation of
constitutional right of the people to organise protest. Above all, it
indicates the brutality of the regime for whom human life is not worthy
of protection, but easily dispensable in the process of destruction. It
is in this context that ousting the Sidamas from their city can be
explained.
As the leading organization of Sidama in their
journey to freedom and democracy, SLF keenly concerned about what has
happened and is happening in Sidama, Oromia, Ogadenya, Gambela and on
the entire Horn of Africa. What has happened on 24 May 2002 is something
unthinkable by conscionable human behaviour. However, we want to remind
all that it is exactly the same behaviour which caused appalling famine,
conflicts, poverty and misery on massive scale in the country. The
people of Addis Ababa and other major cities today are being punished by
famine which is unusual in Ethiopian history, as most of Ethiopian
famine victims has been at large rural. The cause for most human
suffering is devastating political rule which incapacitates the
potentials and opportunities of peoples of Ethiopia and including the
Horn of Africa.
In the last consecutive years, the Sidama,
Oromo, Ogaden, Amhara, Gambela and now Somali people from all walks of
life have witnessed growing degradation of living due to the policies
directly linked to the regime. We therefore register our grave concern
for the welfare of our people and the spectre of destruction haunting
the peoples in that part of the Horn of Africa. How ever the blood of
innocent civilians, suffering of those who live for their conscious mind
like those who are languishing in jails the Oromos, elected leaders of
CUD is not without vindication.
The AFD (Alliance for Freedom and Democracy)
which is creating frightening nightmare for EPRDF and finally digging
the grave for EPRDF’s burial has mobilising force not only heterogeneous
national struggles but has uniting effect on cementing meagre
differences that might arise from setting priority, among each member
organizations. This is the result of the crying blood of martyrs for
freedom, justice and democracy.
Therefore, SLF asserts All the Sidama’s; the
blood of your sons and daughters the suffering of your heroes will
nourish the tree that bears the fruit of freedom, justice, democracy and
tranquillity. All the nations of Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa; The
dying EPRDF regime is at its final stage of existence; and even hated by
the people whom it claims to represent, the cadres and army who have
been perpetuating its existence, who are join their just and respective
organizations, SLF, OLF, ONLF, EPPF and others.
Finally, we demand the Ethiopian government’s
withdrawal its decision to oust the Sidamas from their city, we demand
to restore the grant of regional statehood to Sidamas, stopping physical
and mental torture of Sidama nationals, stop creating the ground for
another round of massacre, allow people to exercise their human rights,
stop dismantling the human and material infrastructures of Sidama, and
allow independent, international organizations to investigate the
massacre and bring those responsible for justice. And we recognize the
international governmental and non-governmental organizations have the
moral and legal responsibility for the action of EPRDF government as it
has used their financial aid and political support to maintain its
existence.
Sidama Liberation Front (SLF).
24 May 2007
The TPLF’s Genocide Goes Beyond
Imagination:
SLF Statement on State
Sponsored Terrorism
The TPLF regime of Ethiopia has gone too far by
extending its sphere of influence. If any, may be only few have imagined
that Meles Zenawi would carry out his genocidal act in a foreign
country.
The recent invasion of Somalia by the tyrannical
regime of Ethiopia has tripled fold.
The first one is to extend its persecution of
the Ethiopians including those who have fled their country to escape
from his (Meles’s) brutality at home, and sot refuge in Somalia, in the
pretext that the refugees may support various liberation fronts. With
this context the regime is proceeding a premeditated genocide on the
Oromos and other ethnic groups including Sidamas in Somalia.
The second aim for Meles is to present himself
as anti-terrorist (Islamist) Champion, this would enable him to receive
large aid from the west (U S A) to maintain his authoritarian rule over
Ethiopia, hereby prolonging the misery of Ethiopian people.
The third one is to limit Somalis power. The
Ethiopian regime is very anxious to keep the Somalis without central
government or at least to keep them with weak and puppet government
which would able Meles to control from Addis Ababa.
Having these three ill conceived motives in mind
Meles Zenawi shamelessly invaded, a country which lived without central
government or conventional army for more than 15 years.
It seems he succeeded at least temporarily for
his malicious aim. Consequently he is continuing his genocide of the
Oromos in Somalia.
We condemn this barbaric act in its strongest
term and urge the international community to condemn and intervene
before it gets out of control.
Sidama Liberation Front (SLF)
January 24, 2007
SIDAMA
LIBERATION FRONT STATEMENT
AN OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO SNLO’S
ALLEGATION
This
statement refers to the SNLO’s allegation released on its website dated
15th of August 2006 (full text of the statement is attached
herewith). The statement alleges the SLF’s rejection of SNLO’s offer for
political unity.
SLF
hasn’t reacted to SNLO’s approach in this matter from the beginning not
because we have nothing to say but we did not want to say it in the way
SNLO did. We decided to treat the issue as internal affairs of the
Sidama nation and didn’t want to expose it to the outside world, as we
believed that the matter could be resolved internally. But since the
SNLO decided to go public to use this opportunity to defame and blame
SLF for its sinister plans and wanted to use this particular case to
compensate for its political loss, we are forced to explain the matter
to the Sidama public and our struggle partners in a greater detail
SLF is
not interested in engaging itself in unnecessary confrontation with
anybody particularly with such an irresponsible and disorientated
individuals. But in the interest of informing the truth to the oppressed
Sidaama people, who is the owner of the liberation struggle that the SLF
is spearheading and our respected struggle partners, we found it
necessary to present the whole picture of the issue, thereby to protect
all our stakeholders from misleading and confusing information coming
from the sources whose sole aim is to discredit SLF and solicit the
support and recognition from Sidama people and other opposition
political parties.
It is
SLF’s best interest and policy to work in unison with like-minded
organizations. We also advocate inter and intra national unison of
opposition political organizations (wherever applicable) for synergic
effect towards weakening our common enemy. It was this basic belief that
has led the SLF to accept the opposition parties’ call for alliance and
sign an agreement with Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD) formed
in May 2006 between 5 major opposition parties.
To
take this agenda further, SLF extended invitations to all Sidaama
nationals at home and in diaspora to support the newly formed Alliance
for Freedom and Democracy and to intensify our liberation struggle
against the dictatorial woyyane regime. We are proud of the overwhelming
support we are receiving from the heroic Sidamas in this regard. It was
through this initiative that we came into contact with an individual who
at the latter stage claimed to be affiliated with an organization called
SNLO. Before this incidence, SLF had received no communication from SNLO
whatsoever. Therefore, SNLO can’t claim sending delegation for talks
with SLF, as we haven’t received any authorized person from the
organization. It can’t either claim offering for political unity, as we
hadn’t talked about this matter before this incidence.
We
held a number of meetings with the individual and other Sidamas as part
of our initiative to involve all Sidamas in the liberation struggle, in
some occasions in the presence of the chairman of SLF. Until the
individual revealed his true identity, the discussion was centered on
two issues: The first one was the formation of Sidama community in
Diaspora. The second one was to organize the Sidama individuals and
groups with various political orientations under SLF. Everybody in the
audience was in complete agreement with the proposal. It was during the
last two meetings that the individual declared himself as if
representing SNLO and started evaluating SLF, the organization he had
nothing to do with before. It was at this juncture that he presented the
preconditions for SLF to meet before entering into the negotiations for
political unity between SLF and SNLO. Among the issues be raised, the
following standout most:
-
Regarding the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy.
The person stated that the Alliance was initiated by the Eritrean
government and CUD (Kinijit) for their vested interest. The SLF has
sold Sidamas to Amharas and Eritrea by joining the Alliance.
-
He claimed that SLF’s agreement with Eritrea and
OLF doesn’t protect the interest of Sidama nation.
-
Southern Ethiopia peoples’ Justice and Equality
Front (SEPJEF) is a wrong idea and is against the interest of Sidama
people.
-
Armed struggle of SLF is not timely and the best
option.
-
To forge the political unity with SLF, SNLO will
recognize only a chairman of SLF and other positions to be filled by
SNLO members.
-
Before the commencement of the negotiation for
political unity, SLF should make available its political programme,
organizational structure, constitution and all agreements signed with
governments and political parties such as OLF, ONLF etc.
SLF’s
REACTION
-
The allegation leveled against SLF by SNLO
representative (if what he claims is true), particularly on SLF’s
relationship with OLF, ONLF, AFD and others, is baseless and an insult
to the Sidama people, SLF and our struggle partners. SLF firmly
believes that the relationship we have with our struggle partners is
based on mutual interest and guarantees the realization of our
peoples’ ambitions. Therefore, SLF strongly advises, SNLO to retract
these allegations in writing
-
The criticism forwarded against SLF by SNLO
representative on its operations is uncalled for and irresponsible act
on the part of the person, because the person had no idea of SLF’s
operation. SLF strongly advises SNLO to withdraw this criticism and
present an apology to SLF.
-
The allegation of SLF being only one man- one
computer’ what a self-contradiction! When SNLO claims to have
requested SLF for greater political unity, it accepts SLF as an
important and institutionally strong organization. But when it fails
to achieve its plans, SLF becomes insignificant in the eyes of SNLO.
On one hand SNLO accuses SLF for refusing to make available the
necessary documents to SNLO to review SLF’s organizational strength,
on the other hand SNLO rushed to make conclusions on the
organizational status of SLF as if it has reviewed the documents it
had requested for. This is simply another insult to the organization
as a whole. One man can’t be an organization. The SNLO’s selfish
intention is clear. To take-over SLF’s “empty house” and fill it with
its “capable” members. Desperate for power. SNLO knows very well about
SLF’s organizational strength but doesn’t want to accept it. SLF’s
accession into the newly formed Alliance for Freedom and Democracy is
the best indicator of its organizational strength. SLF was accepted to
the alliance because it had met all the organizational criteria
required of member parties and was able to nominate competent
personalities to represent the organization in the alliance.
-
SNLO’s request for documents shows political
immaturity of its leadership. In the first place, how does SNLO know
whether SLF had signed a memorandum of understanding with any
organization? Secondly, if the documents existed, how can it request
to review them before it joins SLF? Thirdly, even though we agreed to
unite, it wouldn’t be SNLO to review SLF’s organizational status, but
it would be the other way round.
-
The chief architects of SNLO used to be members of
SLF. It is not clear to SLF why they had to leave the organization.
SLF doesn’t recall any incidence where issues taken up for discussion
and disagreement occurred which could be cited as a reason for their
departure.
-
SNLO has been fighting SLF instead of Sidama enemy.
A number of examples can be mentioned here. 1. SNLO has made a
dangerous but unsuccessful attempt to disband SLF’s troops from its
base. 2. SNLO has been using every opportunity to discredit SLF before
Sidama people and our struggle partners. The baseless allegation
leveled against us now is a typical example of such act.
To
emphasis, as we have stated earlier, SLF is for peace, unity and
co-operation among the freedom fighters and peace lovers.
Finally, we hope the above clarification will remove the smear campaign
launched against good name of Sidama Liberation Front by the so called
SNLO, and we urge the Sidama people and friends to distance themselves
from such impostors.
SLF Executive Committee
24th August 2006
JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE
DENIED
Statement Issued by Sidama
Liberation Front inCommemoration of Sidama Massacre.
On May 24 2002, at mid-day, about ten
thousand unarmed Sidama civilians took out to the streets at Locke
village, the outskirts of Awassa, to express their concern against the
violation of their rights over their self-administration by the
Ethiopian government. The government responded to their demand with a
PKM machine gun mounted on vehicle by its military forces that killed
over one hundred civilian Sidamas, one-third of whom were school
children from the surrounding villages.
Following the massacre, a special military
force from the Federal government replaced regional police forces and
carried out massive arrests and intimidation in all parts of Sidama by
expelling and arresting local authorities and the police who voiced
against the Massacre.
Since then, Sidamas all over the world have
been appealing to various international communities the fact that the
cause and the manner of the demonstration was constitutional, and the
response from the government was so unjust that the criminals and the
authorities be brought to justice. As a result of the strong pressure
put by, particularly, the European Union and member states, and the
national and international human rights and political organisations and
the media, the level of detention was reduced. However, the killers and
those responsible for the killings have not been brought to justice,
rather, they have been allowed to enjoy impunity and promotion for their
implementation of the tight Federal orders. The Federal authorities and
their accomplices in the Southern Region, particularly, Hailemariam
Dessalegn, Shiferaw Shigute, and Mellese Marimo are enjoying renewed
promotion for their second betrayal of Sidama’s decision to assume
regional status.
Surprisingly, the remaining detainees have
been made to languish through improper procedures; civilians and local
authorities and the police who opposed the massacre lost their jobs and
suffered all sorts of allegations; the families of the victims left in
anguish and destitution; all local institutions, government and
non-government alike, have been put in the hands of political pundits
who only obey the Federal orders. As a result justice for Sidamas is not
only delayed but also denied.
The Sidama community everywhere understands
the global situation that could distract the attention of the
influential international community on one hand, and the approach of the
atrocious Ethiopian authorities to “help fight terrorism” on the other.
However, we feel that it is equally important for the international
peaceful community to recognise that Ethiopian authorities are doing
this to disguise the domestic terror perpetrated by themselves against
civilians in order to silence any dissent and protect their political
renegades.
Therefore, Sidamas around the globe
commemorate the 4th year of Sidama Massacre with a saddened
heart because the anguish and grief of the victims’ families and the
suffering of those who voiced against the crime is not yet addressed; at
its worst, the Federal Government is harassing and silencing those who
voice for freedom and democratic order in Sidama. Once again, the Sidama
Liberation Front appeals for real justice with great hope that the
international community will continue its effort to influence Ethiopian
government to stop its Federal grip of Sidama’s local affairs and obey
the rule of law that remained only on paper, so that the current plight
of Sidama people shall end and justice both delayed and denied shall
prevail.
Freedom for the oppressed!!!!!
SLF, May 24, 2006
SLF: Statement Regarding the
Prevailing Condition in Sidama:
The
present condition in Sidamaland is alarming and tense more than ever
before. It generated from accumulated anger of the people related to the
question of nationality and self-determination. The regional
self-administration or autonomous governance ((kilil) demand had been
presented to the government several months ago. Regarding this question
the confusing behaviour of the regime however has created unpredictable
situation for the Sidama people.
The
Sidamas are well aware of the devious and deceptive nature of the
Ethiopian regime. When the Sidama people delivered undeniable blow to
the regime during the May 2005 election was not only shocked but
experienced a humiliating defeat. It (the regime) quickly resurrected
the long neglected demand of the people, in order to deceive the Sidama
people once again. The regimes cadre started to preach their unholy
gospel (lie) to the people. They openly admitted that they had
mistreated the Sidama people in the past and promised that they would
learn from their mistakes. Thereafter declared and signed agreement to
give back the Sidamas their town, Awassa, which was forcefully taken
away by federal administration, as well to answer the Sidama’s demand
for regional self-administration (kilil). Those cadres swore and
accepted the Sidama’s cultural blessing or curse depending on the deeds
that they act upon either positive or negative. But all these evaporated
just few weeks after as they claimed a false victory on general
election. Among them (cadres) few stood firm to their wards on the side
of the mass, while those belly and position mongers ignored their
covenant and betrayed their own people.
Now
they are talking very loud to prevent Sidamas from becoming a kilil.
Many puppets are scattered in Sidama zone to propagate that PM Meles
Zenawi did not accept the issue of Sidama’s regional status. Thousands
of Birr distributed to those cadres, if necessary to bribe some
influential elders to silence them from speaking about kilil. But the
elders rejected this bribe and cursed those lying surrogates. Since this
didn’t work, they turned to harassment and intimidation as their main
duty. When Sidama people dismissed their propagation and resisted
harassment, they brought over 50, 000 armed troops to share their duty,
to terrorize Sidamas. On Thursday 2nd Feb. 2006 those troops
entered the school compound in Yirgalem town, beat and injured many
students, similar action is being repeated in many places in Sidama zone
including the main town, Awassa. Troops are stationed in every spot in
Sidamaland. For instance Boricha is relatively a small village, but
several hundred troops are roaming around there, why?
We do
not understand why so much money spent, labour wasted and innocent
people including students who are not even teenagers yet harassed and
tortured. What the government does lose if Sidama becomes a kilil? We
think this is a minimum concession that the government could offer to
the Sidama people.
Sidama
contributes more than 40% washed coffee to the national export. Contrary
to its contribution to the national wealth, Sidama has been marginalized
by past and present rulers of Ethiopian, but Meles Zenawi goes farther
than any other. We recall that how Meles Zenawi had massacred over 100
innocent Sidamas in May 24/2002. Stationing over 50, 000 armed forces in
the Sidama zone prelude to another massacre. We believe he is now in
preparation for another slaughter. Therefore, we appeal to the
international community to intervene before innocent people are
butchered.
Finally we encourage the Sidama people to stand firm for your courageous
demands for resolute results. Our gallants are determinant to carry out
your struggle until accomplished.
Sidama
Liberation Front: SLF
February
11, 2006
SLF STATEMENT
ON CURRENT SITUATION IN SIDAMA.
TPLF dominated government of Ethiopia has left
no stones unturned so that it can extend its tyrannical rule in the
country.
The regime continues to kill in mass/massacre,
torture, imprison, and harasses the Sidama people since it came to power
by gun in 1991. In the recent crackdown the regime has locked up many
Sidamas (mostly students) in the Billate military camp. Now the regime
is not only in trouble, but it is in absolute confusion after the
devastating defeat of the May election even through it claimed false
victory. Its confusion is manifested by the fact that while it continues
to terrorize our people on one hand and on the other hand trying to
bribe them. The regime is sending a wrong message to the people.
Consequently they failed to regain the hearts and minds of the mass.
The Sidamas never bowed to those naked
aggressors today or in the past, they rather intensified their struggle
more than the regime anticipates.
Today the regime is busy as ever:
1)
Elevating some Sidama puppets whom they consider would serve their
vicious aims against the interest of Sidama people. But would those
elevated betray their own people for temporary advantage? Do they
remember what happened to their predecessors? Where are they now?
2)
They started to bribe the Sidama farmers to gain support they have
hitherto lost, they have began to distribute a few cents to the farmers,
they also sot out to decrease the farmer’s taxes. Seeking this type of
action shows how far the regime is behind from the farmers on its
tactics and strategy. Even with this belated maneuver the rural people
refused to discuss with any of officials from government side on any
issue unless their question about regional administration (killil) is
properly settled. Farmers told the woreda and zonal officials that they
would take the harshest possible measure if they come again to them with
the notorious ruler’s agenda.
All these efforts are
diversionary methods to sabotage legitimate question of the Sidama and
to remove them from their homeland and cities such as Hawassa and other
major towns and re-distribute the land among themselves and their
cronies. We like to remind the Sidama farmers that the regime is doing
all these not because they liked you, neither it is a good will gift,
but they are forced to do so as the result of your unflinching struggle.
Finally, we urge the
Sidama people to intensify their resistances as there is no victory
without struggle.
Sidama Liberation
Front
30 November 2005
Ethiopia’s
Election and TPLF Sabotage
SLF Statement on Ethiopia’s Election Result:
Enthusiastic
innocent Ethiopian politicians and their supporters, who
could not detect the true nature of TPLF, hoped that the May 15 election
would dawn democracy and justice result the country. Many among those
who participated in the election believed that they won election
outright. They even set up frenzy of short lived celebrations inside and
outside Ethiopia.
Meanwhile TPLF conducted overt and covert tactics to take away even the
few seats the opposition thought they won. TPLF sabotaged the election
count. Hence they delayed the election result for over three months. In
clear day light, in front of international observers they rigged the
vote of Ethiopian left and right making sure their calculated result
gives them 2/3 majority. During this long delayed so called
investigation the TPLF claim of ‘Victory’ showed its real color which
changed many times over like chameleon.
‘Victory’! is it through ballot? ‘No Chance Charlie’. Every Ethiopian
knows that TPLF will never win real election. We know how TPLF/EPDRF
came to power in 1991. It was through barrel of gun and same gun is
keeping them in power.
We
made our stand clear and advised our people and friends not to
participate in this bogus election just to legitimize the regimes
malicious policy (see SLF statement of 18 Feb. 2005 regarding May 15
election).
During
and after election some opportunist, ‘who call themselves politicians’,
tried to miss-lead the Sidama people in the name of SLM. But the Sidamas
stood firm and never allowed those confused to confuse them. They rather
demanded their constitutional rights to exercise their regional
self-administration.
We are
convinced that now most Ethiopian people will understand that the TPLF
regime doesn’t comprehend the language of democracy and justice. Then,
is there any other alternative? Yes, there is one alternate, just one
‘struggle’.
Therefore, we call upon all opposition groups of Ethiopia to join us for
struggle (including armed struggle).
Sidama
Liberation Front (SLF)
28
September 2005
SLF
Statement on the Ethiopia’s upcoming election.
The widely expect and
anxiously waited election, rather selection is due in May 2005.
The TPLF/EPRDF government of
Ethiopia pretends relaxed and hopeful. Nevertheless, this indicates its
very dangerous and well calculated approach to confuse others. Many
people including international communities tend to believe that this
election would be better than its previous ones. And many parties (more
than 70) have registered to contest this election. But the reality is
far from it.
We do not see any convincing
evidence that the regime has changed its attitude towards
democratization, human rights and freedom of expression. Opposition
groups are till being harassed, persecuted and imprisoned because of
their political opinions. Many political prisoners are languishing in
various prison houses without trial.
The main hindrance for free
and fair election in Ethiopia is the so-called ‘election commission’
which is appointed by the ruling party and filled with its own cadres.
Unless this arbitrary commission is abolished and replaced by genuine
one free and fair election cannot take place in Ethiopia. The other
obstacle for free election is, the TPLF doctrinaire (mould shaped)
soldiers or militias which are scattered in every village in the country
not to enforce law and order but to hunt down and terrorize everyone who
opposes the destructive policy of the regime. Unless these conditions
are changed free and fair election cannot take place in that devastated
land.
Therefore, participation in
such election has no meaning except legitimatization the tyrannical rule
of the Ethiopian regime.
Consequently, we advise our
and others peace loving people and any democratic forces in any part of
the country not to take part in this hideous election.
Sidama Liberation Front
18
FEBRUARY, 2005
The Brutal Regime of Meles
Zenawi Continues to Subdue the Sidamas!
Many Arrested in Alleged Possession of
Explosives!
From the outset,
Meles’s strategy to ensure the undisputed power of TPLF over the nations
of Ethiopia was and is to subjugate the nations such as Sidama, Oromo,
Ogadenia and others, which he believes as a threat to his power. This
plan is being implemented through various means:
-
Establishing the surrogate parties through buying sell-outs from
different nations and nationalities, which materialize the orders from
above.
-
Attempting (futile though) to destroy the struggle of the nations for
national self-determination.
-
Overtaking the administration of the major towns to control the
economic activities and political movements, which are not in line
with TPLF/EPRDF’s policy.
-
Frightening the nations by killing, imprisoning, torture and
dismissing from their jobs.
-
Destroying the facilities that symbolize the nations; in the case of
Sidama, Ritual places, development organizations, and language, a few
to mention.
In a recent
development, Meles’s regime came up with well-calculated excuse to
harass, terrorise and imprison the Sidama people in mass as it happened
after the May 24/2002 incidence of Awassa Massacre. Early in September
2004, 5 people were imprisoned for allegedly found in possession of
explosives. The detainees are:
1. Tasfesse
Shallamo -----------------A teacher from, Yirgalem
2. Fekadu Baso -------------------------Businessman, Yirgalem
3. Shura Chachara ---------------------Civil
Servant, Hagereselam
4. Yohannes Amanuel
and other ---(Both students) from Awassa
The ‘Voice of EPRDF’
Walta Information Agency- released that explosives have been smuggled
into the country from Kenya to attack 3 towns in Sidama; Awassa,
Yirgalem and Hagereslam. This is a sheer lie. No Sidama is out to
destroy his/her own land (towns) but defend it. It has been discovered
that the EPRDF’s policemen secretly placed the explosives (bombs) in the
houses of the detainees and claimed that they are caught red-handed.
The intention of
this act is clear. Firstly, the Woyane (TPLF) and its surrogate parties
are well aware that the EPRDF government has lost legitimacy from the
public and fears that the party would lose in the upcoming general
election. The only way it thinks to win the election is by strengthening
its fist on the influential people to frighten and give a clue of the
consequences if someone does not vote for them or tries to oppose them.
Secondly, it also determined to discourage the Sidama people from
supporting the oppositions through the allegation of masterminding the
attempted attack on the Sidamas. The Woyanes are deceiving the Sidamas
trying to appear as if they are safeguarding the Sidamaland from
attackers. The reality is the other way round. The Sidamas have shed
their blood and lost lives to defend their land from the Weyane
attackers. This act of the TPLF is the continuation of the well-planned
attack on the Sidamaland and the people.
The SLF condemns
this barbaric action being inflicted on the freedom-seeking people by
the Weyane regime, and calls upon the Sidama people and other peace
loving nations within the country to stay resolute in the face of
atrocities of power mongers and continue their struggle for freedom,
peace and democracy. We also call upon the international communities to
employ its mechanisms at hand to discipline the TPLF (EPRDF) government
to stop the gross violation of human rights in the country and ensure
that all prisoners arrested without genuine fact, but with false charges
to be released.
Sidama Liberation Front (SLF)
4 October 2004
MASS KILLINGS CONTINUE IN SIDAMA!
The decaying TPLF (EPRDF) regime of Ethiopia
continues to intimidate, harass and terrorise the Sidama people in their
homeland. In fact, since blindly decided massacre of Sidama people at
Loqqe village near Awassa (Hawassa) town on 24 May 2002, thousands of
Sidamas have been locked-up in horrifying prisons. Even though many were
released after long torture and ill treatment as a result of
international pressure, still some are languishing in prisons in
addition to those long time sufferers for unrelated cases to the Awassa
massacre, in the name of “red-terror”.
The only reason why the victims are kept in the
prison is to be scapegoats so that the real murderers and those involved
in massacre remain in their position being rewarded for their evil
actions.
It is recalled that many Sidama intellectuals and
businessmen fled the country due to undemocratic government and unsound
administration of the EPRDF. Furthermore, the Awassa massacre inflamed
the situation and many more forced to leave the country where they are
experiencing hardship away from home and families and it has created a
brain drain in Sidama. Consequently, the regime is spreading its
tyrannical rule all over the country using uneducated, incompetent
workers and some other “yes-men”.
In recent months many Sidamas were forced
ironically to evacuate their homeland in the name of resettlement to
Bench-Maji, small triangle bordering Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia that has
no access to health, education and drinking water. There is no means of
transportation and communication to have a contact with their families
and relatives who were left behind. The area is uninhabitable where
mercilessly dumped people are exposed to malaria disease and wild beast.
In contrary, some Sidama land has been redistributed to the privileged
Tigrian settlers.
We strongly condemn the recent killing of two
innocent sidama farmers in the district of Aroressa (Hororessa) by the
Ethiopian security (death squads) forces for they resisted and opposed
the oppressive rule and tyrannical policy of the regime. Mr. Tadele
Kawiso was killed in Lalessa village (kebele) on 15 January 2004, and
Mr. Asege Beyene was murdered on 5 February 2004 in Chire-Ba’lo Kebele.
Both men were killed in front of their families and other people
according to murderers to give a lesson to those oppose the government.
All these show that how the regime is determined to terrorise and
marginalize the Sidama people.
At present the regime is in preparation to launch
another war on Eritrea and the Sidamas are asked to handover thousands
of militia for the same purpose. We advise the Sidamas and other peace
loving people neither participate nor provide any precious lives to the
warmongering regime. We also ask the international communities and the
UN to denounce these improper activities of the Ethiopian government.
We also urge the donor governments especially the
US and EU to reassess their relations to the regime and stop their fat
financial aid that is used for human rights abuse in Ethiopia and
withdraw their diplomatic support that bolden Meles Zenawi to declare
war on neighbouring countries.
We appreciate non-governmental organizations such
as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Norwegian Institute of
Human Rights, ECHO, etc for their reports that truly reflect the human
rights abuse and violations in Ethiopia and their efforts that brought
the issue into international scene.
Sidama
Liberation Front (SLF)
16 February 2004
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