Human Rights Advocacy Group (HRAG) Launching Conference Invitation Flyer

Human Rights Advocay Group (HRAG) Launching Conference   Date, September 28, 2013   Time 2pm to 9:30pm Where: West Training unit, 16 Mewtrick rd, Southhall, ub2 4au, london Organisers:-Oromo, Ogaden Sumali, Sidama, Shakacho, Agnuak & Benshangul Cotanct dtails, 0044 7896 11 7252 and 00 44 7572 91 0725				A united effort is needed to shade light on the hidden brutality of the current regime; by doing so to pressurize it to stop.   Therefore, having finalized the necessary preconditions for the establishment of such a group, the steering committee is currently calling the entire community members and others humanitarians to the Launching Conference which is due to take place on the mentioned date.

Statement on Killings and Gross Violations of Religious Rights of Ethiopian Muslim by the Government!

By United Sidama Parties for Freedom and Justice (USPFJ)

August 8, 2013

Since 2011 the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) led current Ethiopian regime remains unlawfully brutalizing Ethiopian Muslim Community; blatantly disregarding its very constitution that provides freedom to religious beliefs. Religious rights are enshrined in the constitution under article 27 ‘Freedom of religion, Belief and Opinion’ that stipulates that:-

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include the freedom to hold or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and the freedom, either individually or in community with others, and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.

2. Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-Article 2 of Article 90, believers may establish institutions of religious education and administration in order to propagate and organize their religion.

3. No one shall be subject to coercion or other means which would restrict or prevent his freedom to hold a belief of his choice.

4. Parents and legal guardians have the right to bring up their children ensuring their religious and moral education in conformity with their own convictions.

5. Freedom to express or manifest one’s religion or belief may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, peace, health, education, public morality or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others, and to ensure the independence of the state from religion.

In a total disregard to the rights of religious beliefs guaranteed in the supreme law of the land, the current Ethiopian regime continues to arrest, torture, kill and terrorize the Ethiopian Muslim Community for demanding their religious Freedom; and non-involvement of the regime’s authorities in their religious affairs.

Since early 2012 the Muslim Community Moved from corner to corner in vehement rejection of the regime’s unlawful and unconstitutional plans to install a new version of Islam linked to Syria and Lebanon at the higher authority levels of national religious leadership; after facing strong reactions by the Ethiopian Muslim community against the interference of the Government in their religious affairs; the regime responded by using excessive forces at all levels. Hundreds were massacred in broad day lights and several thousands remain imprisoned for alleged violations of constitution. The scale of harassments, intimidations, repressions, suppressions, killings, torture and terror targeting Ethiopian Muslim community has reached to its peak as we speak.

Therefore, we believe that keeping silent whilst injustice is unfolding on fellow citizens would be morally inappropriate. We also believe that democratic values necessitates that, we must stand on the side of the victimized to uphold the values of freedom and democracy and justice. In particular we condemn the current massacre that is taking place since the weekend of 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th of August 2013 allover the country with particular focus in Arsi Zone at various locations. This is a manifestation of regime’s extreme brutality and lack of any respect for human lives and dignity. The ongoing systematic abuses of power by the incumbent regime against Ethiopian Muslim Community in particular and all Ethiopian nations and nationalities in general must stop immediately!! 

We feel the pain being felt by the Muslim Community, because the Sidama people have been victimized by the current regime for demanding their fundamental rights time and again. We know how it feels like to be killed, arrested, tortured, intimidated and terrorized whilst demanding the constitutional rights that are enshrined in the supreme law of the land. Therefore, the Sidama community empathizes with the pain and sufferings of Ethiopian Muslim Community.

The USPFJ, therefore, categorically condemns the brutal actions of the regime against Ethiopian Muslim Community. We also demand the Ethiopian current regime to unconditionally stop interfering in the religious affairs of the Ethiopian Muslim and further demand it to bring those who are responsible for planning, arresting, intimidating, terrorizing and killing the Ethiopian Muslim community to an independent Justice where international observers will be its part. Finally, we ask all Ethiopian nations and nationalities to stand with the Ethiopian Muslim Community and unanimously condemn the brutal crackdown by the current regime and raise their voices together until Justice prevails on behalf of the Victims!!  

Let Ethiopian Muslim Community Decide on their religious Affairs without the involvement of government! Let the peoples of Ethiopian nations and nationalities be free and decide on their own affairs!  

United Sidama Parties for Freedom and Justice (USPFJ),

August 8, 2013

The USPFJ Wishes the Sidama Nation a Happy ‘Fichchee’ Sidama New Year!

United Sidama Parties for Freedom and Justice (USPFJ)

August 4, 2013

The Sidama New Year known as ‘Fichchee’ is practiced by the Sidama nation of north East Africa that lives in today’s southern Ethiopia. It’s one of the Sidama nation’s cultural heritages that uniquely characterize the nation. Fichchee has been celebrated since time immemorial. The celebration of the aforementioned Sidama New Year is officially conducted on two consecutive days although the festivity lasts for two weeks. In 2012, the Sidama New Year was celebrated on the 15^th and 16^th of August as per opinions of Sidama traditional Astrologists http://www.sidama.org/messages/2012-08-14-uspfj-wishes-sidama-happy-fichche.htm.  This year’s Fichchee and Cambalaalla celebration is going to be held on the 4^th and 5^th of August 2013 respectively.

The dates for the celebrations of Sidama New Year are decided by the Sidama Ayyaantto (exceptionally talented Sidama traditional Astrologists) those who attentively study the movements and positions of the stars before they decide the right dates to celebrate the Sidama Fichchee. This has been practiced for centuries by the Sidama society. The decision of Ayyaantto is influenced by strong beliefs that certain days bring good luck to the nation whereas others do the opposite. If the dates lie on a bad day, the Sidama Ayyaantto advice the nation to make the necessary sacrifices to the God the creator (Kalaqii Kaliiqiraa) to sanctify the date to switch it to the advantage of the nation.

The series of festivities taking places throughout Sidama land based on these several centuries old traditions of Sidama nation as explained by one of the Sidama writers for 2011’s Fichchee celebration-  read from the following link, http://www.sidama.org/calendrical/sidama-new-year-fichchee-2011.pdf.

During the 2012 Fichchee celebration as always the Sidama nation has shown its utmost civility when an estimated 1 million Sidamas gathered in the ‘Gudumaale’ (sacred and designated place where religious and New Year celebrations take place) of their capital city ‘Hawassa’ to celebrate their Fichchee. They concluded their celebration peacefully unlike their accusers who have prepared death traps for the nation although they fell short of achieving their heinous agendas. 

Last year’s celebration has taken place despite the numerous scaremongering propagandas of the current regime’s machineries alleging the Sidama nation as if it was prepared to loot and attack people from others ethnic backgrounds who have peacefully coexisted with Sidama for several decades. The regime in several occasions has disseminated terror scattering over a brigade army throughout Sidama region with additional tens of thousands of underground armed security forcers with strict orders to arrest, torture and kill the Sidama civilians if they find minor excuses.

However, the Sidama nation as always proved that the rulers were not only wrong- but also they were the ones who were criminals terrorizing peaceful and non-violent Sidama civilians. Last year the regime imprisoned 1000s of Sidama civilians with false allegations for weeks and months following Fichchee celebration.

The Sidama nation has shown its customary patience, farsightedness, civility, wisdom and indefatigable spirits during the last year’s Fichchee peacefully, but firmly demanding their constitutional rights to regional self determination that was denied by the regime in power for the last 22 years. During their celebration, the Sidama nation also unanimously cursed Sidama cadres who to date remain instrumental in blocking Sidama nation’s rights to the said privileges and demanded their unconditional resignations.

Whilst the Sidama nation is preparing to welcome this year’s Fichchee as we speak, the incumbent regime is once again disseminating their scaremongering propaganda emphasizing that the Sidamas can’t celebrate their New Year in the Gudumaale of their capital city Hawassa where they celebrated Fichchee for centuries. The regime is also scattering army and security forces throughout the Sidama region as they did during the last year’s Fichchee to hinder and block the Sidama nation from exercising their cultural rights, totally disregarding their constitution. The scaremongering campaign is said to have reached its climax as the USPFJ releases this well wish.

Therefore, the USPFJ strongly demand the incumbent regime to unconditionally stop terrorizing the Sidama nation whose people are prepared to welcome their Fichchee as others peoples of the world whose nations peacefully welcome their respective New Years.

The United Sidama Parties for Freedom and Justice wishes a Happy Sidama New Year -Fichchee for the nation and strongly advices its people to stand on its principles of non-violent and peaceful resistance as it has done always to unconditionally demand their rights to unanswered quests. The USPFJ also wishes all those who live in Sidamaland with Sidama people peacefully a Happy Sidama New Year (Fichchee) and advice them to stand with the Sidama nation in demanding their constitutional rights to regional self determination instead of becoming accomplices of the incumbent regime that rejoices by the sufferings of civilians and triumphs over the death of the unarmed and powerless.

Let this Fichchee brings unity and prosperity to Sidama nation and others Ethiopian nations and nationalities!! Let this Fichchee brings Justice, Success, Wealth, Ultimate Freedom and Liberty to Sidama nation and all subjugated nations and nationalities. Let this Fichchee brings lasting solution for Sidama nation’s century old injustice which the successive regimes including the current one continue to impose! Let this year becomes free where the free will of the nation triumph over brutality and terror!! 

Let’s stand shoulder to shoulder whilst celebrating Fichchee and unanimously say Fichchee Jejii Jejii, Sidaamu Dagoomaho ellii, Bushshateni Sidaama laanoha badhera daawarii!!

Fichchee Diruni Diro Ilishshi!!

United Sidama Parties for Freedom and Justice (USPFJ), 

August 4, 2013

FICHCHEE: The Sidama people’s New Year Celebration as one of the most distinguished peculiar features of the Sidama people

5AUG

Ayide Cambalala!!

By MTT

Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia

05 August 2013                                         

 What is Fichchee? / What is the basis for establishment of Sidama people calendar? and what are the necessary events occurring before and after Fiche Celebration?

 Fichchee is an anniversary celebrated by the Sidama people as a New Year event. According to socio-cultural heritages handed down by forefathers through generations to descendants (current generation) Sidama New Year (Fichhcee) anniversary has been celebrated for more than 2000 years. Basis for such unique local New Year’s Day determination and celebration is Sidama calendar which was an outcome of unreserved and relentless innovative efforts of selected knowledgeable and highly respected group of people who were actively involved in profound study of the solar system among which the moon, earth, sun and stars included. According to Sidama people such complicated investigations on part of the solar system is conducted and findings communicated to the public by most intelligent group of people popularly known as Ayyantto (“Astrologists”).

 Since period of ancient time up to present this selected group of people has been undertaking comprehensive study on characteristics including shape, color, volume, distance between each other, mobility, change of their position through time and related situations of the solar system. To accomplish very tasks of such unique phenomenon in the locality they get out of their living house at midnight and assemble outside and observe situations of the moon and stars for several hours a day for at least four to six days per month. Most of the time they perform such tasks collectively and some occasions they carry out their study individually. When undertaking investigation in group each will present analyzed findings of what he has observed and thoroughly discussions on observations and findings will be made to arrive at plausible conclusion. If observations and related investigations done individually investigation findings will be presented on appointed time and place where general meeting of the group held.

According to discussion procedure principle of Sidama which is termed as the Affini system (have you heard system) before reaching to conclusions /declaring on issues of special public affairs of interest implementation of the Affini system procedure is strictly observed to realize its exercise. Therefore before making conclusion remarks and declaration on issues of public importance the Affini principle strongly presupposes application of its procedure to be not only essential but also mandatory. According to Sidama people Affini system (have you heard?) every selected topic of interest to be discussed by the public, general assembly of associations, groups and on this special assembly of Ayyantto (local astrologists) discussions should fulfill  requirement of set criteria of the Affini system.

According to Affini principle first and foremost agenda for discussion should be selected/chosen by assembly member and approved at least by the majority. The assembly is led by elected chair person and/or highly respected community leader or cultural leader. The chair person opens the floor for discussion inviting members to forward suggestions on the agenda. He receives two or more supplementary ideas for the suggestion provided. Following this the leader invites members to forward views against the suggestion. Maintaining application of the system he invites two or three members to forward evidences supporting the one who objected previous suggestion. After giving adequate time for both groups to vent out their opinion he further calls up on all members of the assembly to actively participate on this essentially all rounded discussion the outcome of which is expected to produce reliable findings very important to make plausible conclusions and recommendations.

 To collect evidence based information from suggestions /opinions or comments which serve as pro or against the groups the chairperson opens the floor and invites members to enable them actively involved in discussions through asking questions, make comments, amendments, clarifications, participating in dialogues and debates, forwarding decisions, making critical evaluation of evidences given by the two groups, suggesting possible conclusion and recommendations and the like. Adequate time will be allocated by the chairperson for discussants to enable them participate whole heartedly on such thorough and indeed detailed and all rounded discussions meant to produce most dependable evidences which is of vital importance to make credible decisions. In the discussion process ideas which instigate irrelevant disputes, disregard, disrespect, insult, under estimations, gossips, and blabs, black mailing and related opinions which create hostility between supporters of two parties will not be entertained.

Application of aforementioned steps of the Affini system procedure is so strictly observed for it is considered as not only essential but also mandatory to produce reliable evidence very much needed to pass non partisan resolution, produce evidence based findings needed to fortify strength of conclusion and recommendations made to be declared on behalf of represented public and its spiritually trustful socio-cultural heritages (Sidama).

The purpose of undertaking such meticulous Affini system implementation activities found its basis in that Sidama people believe in Magano (God) who is omnipotent, omnipresent, the all can do , creator of everything that exists, among others he is Truth. Based on this opinion of their own they believed that Magano (God) is Truth and during our stay on this land all activities we undertake/behave should be concordant to general truth (where creator remains disposer of everything). Depending on this governing idea Sidama people believe that while living in this world we have to try our level best to find out correct pathway of truth and live with. It is the opinion of Sidama people that no matter huge sacrifice demanding the cost of truth becomes we have to be bound to do, behave, act, talk, etc and all our deed in life should conform with reality(Truth).

 It is to realize this belief that they dedicated themselves to be so meticulous to critically evaluate deeds, behaviors, innovations and the like on reality basis before declaring public issues of importance which need to be implemented to serve development enhancing purpose of the people. Mentioned description of events was deliberately made to avoid confusions that innovative activities of Sidama’s Ayyantto (local astrologists) which enabled the people have their own new year (Fichchee) to celebrate as one of indisputable gains of Sidama calendar the establishment of which was an outcome of relentless and indeed unprecedented efforts of Sidama people made before 2000 years. Over all events that led to establishment of Sidama calendar was based on Moon’s position, movement, shape, color, direction, etc and courses it follows to rotate on itself, revolves around the earth and the sun. Moreover its spatial relations to other stars and their position, movements (appearing separated or close to the moon and/or to each other) were some the events which Sidama astrologists had close observations and investigated their overall function to produce evidences of vital importance to establish the calendar.

 Based on investigation findings of the Ayyantto (“Sidama astrologists”)   and according to established calendar Sidama has a week comprising of five days. Names of days of the week were derived from market days occurring in different places and were name as Diko, Deella, Kawaado and Kawalanka respectively. According to the calendar a month has 28 days and each day has its own name. According to the Ayyantto some days of the month on which day some work is done, travel made, foundation of new establishment and the like done may end up in good luck or bad luck to performer. Declaration of first day of next month and that of first day of New Year (Fichchee) will be announced when the Ayyantto see close approximation of the moon to five constellations of stars with defined movements observed in relation to each other and to that of the moon. Since establishment of the calendar activities have been undertaken by Ayyantto in each month and year through out in regular basis till present time.

History of Sidama calendar with its relationship with overall socio-economic, socio-cultural and related affairs is broad and so wider that it cannot be exhausted in such very limited description and for simplicity only few events encountered in relation with Fiche (Sidama’s New Year) events will be entertained briefly.

 Preparation to celebrate forth coming new year (Fichchee) will start soon after second month of the new year celebration  has occurred in mid year (6th month) most house wives start preparing through processing the Enset plant after cutting it mashing its stem and root together with mixing it Gamancho (preserved root serving to ferment it thereby giving it desirable flavor). After lapse of months prepared kocho will be squeezed to let it dry and become ready to be used for preparation. Squeezed liquid coming out from solid kocho will be let to settle and dry to produce high quality kocho which is otherwise known as Bulla (kocho which is paper white in color and indeed of best quality).  Better to be used on the celebration day will be started to be collected and reserved before 04 months of celebration. To put / save adequate reserve house wives engage in working collectively so that every house hold has sufficient amount of better to be used on celebration day. Collection and putting as reserve of wood will be made several months before the celebration for on that day no one is expected and even culturally allowed to go to bush to gather it. Every necessary materials (wood, kocho, better, water, furniture, goods, utensils, etc) will be ready at least one week prior to celebration day.

 One month prior to celebrating anniversary of Fiche particularly community elders, leaders and cultural leaders will start one month lasting fasting. During their fasting period they pray longer hours per day praising the lord (Magano). They initially pray for their own selves praising the lord that he forgives them from whatever sins committed and misdoings they underwent in the last year. After that start to pray through  praising the lord on behalf of their people (indigenous) other people living with them by and large the country so that almighty who is the all can do forgive them all and the country at large from all sins committed, misbehavior, misdoings, malpractices done and the like. Moreover they use left period of time to communicate with members of communities who got involved in conflicts, disputes and the like between each other, families, sub –clans, ethnic groups, religious groups and the like in attempt of bringing about reconciliations /conflict resolutions. In addition to this they communicate with  representatives of other communites cultural and religious leaders, local administrators,  representatives of other social groups including women, youth, farmers, workers, professionals, intellectuals and others involved and concerned to effectively deal with problems of various sorts encountered in their geared attempt of bringing about reconcilations doing away socio – economic , socio – cultural, ethnic, religious and other related clashes, disputes and/or clashes occurred between  (individuals, families, ethnic groups and others involved and concerned before  declared time for eve of  new year’s celebration approaches.  Moreover fulfillment of  socio – cultural heritages  including Fiche  celebration, respect, preservation and protection directing cultural law strongly presupposes that each adult element or every member of Sidama is expected to meet  requirement for set objectives of Fiche celebration among which says that the people being  led by community elders, leaders and cultural leaders should make inner heart felt prayer with their leaders including praising the creator/ God /Magano  from 1st day of fasting and praying to 30thday (1 month) through period of which they make prayer and respectfully demand magano/God to bring about realization of  best wish they have to  all human beings  that let coming new year  of Fiche celebration be time of health, peace,unity, work, prosperity, security, tolerance of diversity and by and large welfarity to all living things (animals and plants as well)  particularly in this strict sense to all humans irrespective of race, ethnicity,citzenship, age, sex,location of residence, religion, culture, ideology,outlook, education/intelligence levels, wealth, social status, difference in levels/status of responsibilities or rank of power they possess to lead people in given localities or countries and the like) so that forthcoming new year  be made to serve purpose of maintaining love with each other, harmony, fraternity, brother/ sister hood, harmony, unity and such conducive atmosphere be used to increase levels of productivity in all sorts of efforts to enhance and strengthen levels of health development and development advancement in the country.

Before two weeks of celebration day the Ayyantto of Sidama get out of their residential house at mid night and very carefully observe and investigate situations occurring in and around the moon and after they confirm relation of the moon to constellations of the stars they unanimously reach to agree as when the day of new year celebration will be  and they declare this event celebration day usually on market days and using other means heralding day of celebration of new year as decided by all of them.

 Eve of the New Year is popularly called Fitaari (eve of Sidama’s new year: Fiche). During this event households residing nearby most elder person and family gather in house of this eldest father to celebrate the event. As mentioned above preparation made by each household to celebrate new year was over long before several months and Kocho / preferably Bulla prepared and mixed with needed amount of butter  depending on type of  (waasa preparation requiring increased amount of butter as that happens/seen  in Chukame, Buurisame and Shaqishame which is contained in material made of clay soil called Shaafeeta or Shaaqqo respectively).together with milk collected will be served to those who gather as a feast prepared to welcome  the new year. Similar events celebration occasions occurs on that very special event in each household in the communities.

On such event celebration day only Waasa/Bu’la/ kocho full of butter and milk is served in the meal no meat included. Even on that very night meat should not be left in any of Sidama household. Early on the first day of new Fichchee year sons/ daughters, grandsons/daughters and other relatives come to house of the eldest leader and say Ayidde Cambbalaalla (Happy new year!) and Mam and  Dad of their children and grand children will respond by saying Iille/ Iilli (Happy new year to you and to all!). In the mean time water full of Tiltte (Utensil on which kocho is served) will be presented infront on whose upper edge small better is put on the top edge of it taken to anoint on ones forehead and there after everybody say let Fiche comes every year, happy new year,  and also say long live Fiche and its celebration!!!!. .

Ever body who appears to this eldest father’s home shares from what is available.  Exactly similar events occur in every household of Sidama communities. On this day young children of communities will go to every household of which their parents have preferably better relationship even if this is not mandatory and they share from whatever staffs available after consuming of which they play cultural songs and dances relevant to and indeed chosen for celebration of Sidama’s new year (Fiche). On this very day children are left to relax and enjoy from the celebration and they are not expected to be fetch water, look after cattle, and perform any tasks in and out of their houses, compounds and villages. Moreover due attention is placed on domesticated animals (cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, mules, etc) and they will be made to graze from grass left to flourish for months to be used by animals on this very day which shows that utmost emphasis has been placed even to enable animals enjoy the day and as a matter of fact way no animal is slaughtered on this very day for consumption of their meat. After enjoying from the feast prepared for the celebration every social group will go to chosen place for celebration of the new year and show their participation on celebrating the event. Boys and girls join group of cultural songs and dance called Faaro / Lembbo and those group of married men and women join Hano (Cultural dance involving only married women and men) , other group which include matured male particularly and women and boys./girls to some extent join songs/ dances prepared to adore and witness importance of this great Fichchee new year celebration.

 Even though culture of Sidama people strongly presupposes giving alms and providing of any available and affordable support to the poorest of poor, this new year’s celebration gives utmost emphasis on providing support to those who are poor, infected and affected by communicable diseases including HIV–AIDS .STIS, vulnerable children, the elderly and those who were handicapped as a result of which providing support to such groups has been considered as most essential part of Sidama’s new year celebration. Celebrating the newyear will continue till one month in every area most importantly newyear’s celebration will continue through making/playing cultural songs, dances and chanting on various market places. Moreover this occasion of celebrating new year’s anniversary incidentally used by overwhelming majority of Sidama people to actively participate on escalating coordinated efforts being made to bring about concerted and conjoint collaborative efforts of all which is of vital importance to reduce further spread of communicable diseases including HIV–AIDS and mitigate its adverse effects and reduce poverty levels in Sidama zone in particular and our country in general. This is only most precise and concise description made pertaining events in most likely encountered and  well taken care of in  Sidama’s new year ( Fichchee ) celebration.

The Proposal of TPLF/EPRDF’s regime on Federalizing the Sidama Capital, Hawassa, will Remain Illegal and Irreconcilable!

Press Statement

By United Sidama Parties for Freedom and Justice (USPFJ)

June 12, 2013

Unable to receive fair justice for crimes committed against unarmed and nonviolent Sidama civilians who were seeking justice and fairness for their nation, yet were slaughtered by the government army and police in broad day light; the Sidama people have remembered the Loqqe massacre of Sidama civilians whose marches were cut short of reaching their intended destination to lodge their concerns about the failure of government in responding to Sidama nation’s constitutional quest for regional self administration.

The current regime’s federal, regional and Zone officials remain solely responsible for the massacre of the Sidama of civilians. However, so far none of them are brought to justice. Just 2 weeks ago the 11^th anniversary of the said massacre was remembered all over the glob. The massacre has taken place by the direct orders of  the Federal government http://www.oromoliberationfront.org/News/2013/TheSidamaNationCommemoratesthe11thAnniversaryofitsFallenHeroes.pdf,  staunch regime loyalists to do the  regime’s abhorring jobs in Sidama land by giving them absolute power and authority to plan the massacre of the civilians, implement the said barbaric on-slaughter, monitor its effective implementation and appease the reactions of the Sidama people after the aftermaths of the massacre.  

Some of the prominent officials from the federal government who have orchestrated this massacre from the federal government involve:-

*Bereket Simeon (the then information minister who’s maintained his position to date)

*Abadula Gamada (the then Defense minister who has ordered a brigade of army to appease the killings and reaction of entire Sidama people post Loqqe massacre)

*Girma Biru (the then minster of Industry)

*Mulugeta Alemseged (TPLF’s Central committee & protocol adviser to late PM Meles Z.)

*Tadesse Kassa (the then Amhara regional State Vice President, symbolic rep of northern domination)

From regional and Sidama Zone administration the culprits were:-

*Hailemariam Desalegn (the then regional President, the current PM, promoted to his current position for his part in effectively coordinating and managing the aftermaths of the massacre of Sidama civilians)

*Melese Marimo (the then regional vice president who was promoted to Ambassadorial posts for his role in massacring and silencing the civilians of Sidama nation after the massacre).

*Shiferaw Shugute (the current southern regional president who was immediately assigned to take over from Hailemariam Desalegn for his ability of brutalizing civilians and for his unique capacity in dogmatically implementing the orders of TPLF without slightest questions involving violence) 

Pertos Woldesenbet (who was an advocate of anti-Sidama programs and policies from Sidama Zone and who took active part in the process of decision making)

Galalcha Janje (extremely barbaric and uneducated, wild Schizophrenic, yet assigned to terrorize Sidama civilians with others 11 regional and Zone cadres) none of them are held accountable to this date.

The Current Proposal on Federalizing Sidama capital, Hawassa.

Unsatisfied with the bloods of innocent civilians and sufferings of families of victims; most of those officials who have ordered and staged-managed the massacre from the federal, regional and Sidama Zone are still out there plotting for another crimes against Sidama nation’s constitutional rights. After the massacre, the said regional and Sidama Zone officials were promoted to higher positions including the current PM Hailemariam Desalegn who was regional president during the massacre, Shiferaw Shugute who was immediately promoted to regional presidency for his barbaric acts & for lacking humanity whilst committing crimes against his own people. These are the people who are currently preparing the Sidama nation for another massacre as we speak.

The objective of the Sidama civilians who have been slaughtered on May 24, 2002 was democratically demanding the government in peaceful demonstration to respond to Sidama nation’s quest for regional self administration which was continually denied.  Disregarding the fact that the quest is active, legitimate and constitutional, those officials who are responsible for Loqqe massacre are actively playing the devilish  roles in silencing Sidama nation and planning the federalization of Sidama capital, Hawassa. Therefore, it appears to us that they are preparing the people of Sidama for another massacre.

In June 2012 the regime’s cadres attempted to federalize Sidama capital- the unwise plan became counterproductive and out rightly infuriated the Sidama nation by angering the entire Sidama people from corner to corner in unison. Finally, the Sidama people staged on a peaceful demonstration throughout the entire Sidama demanding for immediate reversal of the plans; and the united actions of the Sidama nation resulted in a repeated and categorical denial of cadres. http://www.sidama.org/persecution/2012-06-23-ethiopia-regime-manfesto-uprooting-sidama-from-city.pdf . An inhumanly baptized regional president has blabbered unpalatably using government owned Medias to deny the fact that the plan on federalizing Sidama capital was from the government instead claiming as if it was the fabrication of Sidama Diaspora oppositions- shamefully to swallow back his regurgitated words 6 weeks later. Several thousands have been detained for voicing their anger and taking part in demonstrations; detention and torture is an ongoing business in Sidamaland and it is the case as we speak. Federal regime and its regional agents change and chop their accounts-promising one thing today and do another the next morning. 

Time and again to this date, the Sidama nation has shown their utter disappoint for such failure of the regime in responding to the quest of Sidama nation for regional self administration despite the promises of late PM who had repeatedly went to Sidama land to deceive Sidama nation by telling them that the Sidama nation can be an independent country as per the constitution let alone be able to administer its own region. On several occasions the late PM had also promised the Sidama nation to be granted regional status until he passed away without allowing the Sidama nation to have its own regional status.  

For demanding these constitutional rights, several thousands of Sidama civilians, Sidama Farmers, University students, Intelligentsia, Business community and the society at large are continually threatened, unlawfully arrested, intimidated, repressed and excessively suppressed, economically marginalized and continually terrorized by the direct order of the current PM whose command gets implemented by his regional entourage, Shiferaw Shugute and his other Sidama Zone collaborators all of whom conspire with the central regime, the regime that grossly violates the fundamental rights of Sidama people individually & collectively; http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/ethiopia/report-2013. 

Therefore, as long as the constitutional quest of the Sidama nation for regional self administration remains unanswered, planning on federalizing the Sidama capital is a crime the regime commits against its own constitution. Blatantly undermining the ongoing voices of over 6 million Sidama people for the last 22 years is also another crime against humanity.  In the past 22 years of the regime’s reign, the consequences of its actions caused unnecessary deaths, poverty, continued repression and gross violations of civilian rights in Sidamaland and others parts of the country.

The culprits of the Loqqe massacre are still at large and to make the situation worst they are planning for similar or for bigger genocide if they dare pushing with their proposed plan on federalizing the Sidama capital without proper consultation and approval of the Sidama nation. This is simply because the Sidama nation never allows its ancestral land to be given away for the benefits of a few of regime cadres who have massacred and keep actively involved in all injustices perpetrated against the Sidama people in Sidama land.

Therefore, the USPFJ strongly condemns the said plan and demands its immediate and unconditional reversal. We also demand the regime to unconditionally grant Sidama nation its constitutional rights to regional self administration that are granted to others nations whose populations are 16 times smaller than that of the Sidama nation. There hasn’t been, there isn’t and there will never be justifiable reasons in stifling the Sidama nation’s quest for regional self administration as long the constitution remains intact.  

The sons and daughters of Sidama nation those who are unlawfully imprisoned for claiming their rights must be unconditionally released and reinstalled to their respective positions of employments. Those who are plotting for another massacre are mainly the individuals who were actively involved in the decision and management of Loqqe massacre of Sidama civilians. These individuals and groups must be brought to justice involving the current PM, Hailemariam Desalegn. For any Sidama life likely to be killed due to this plot, Mr Desalegn bears prime responsibilities. The economic injustice, deliberate and systematic poverty induced in Sidama land as means of punishing and silencing Sidama nation must be also unconditionally stopped.

We call up the entire subjugated nations and international humanitarian, governmental and nongovernmental organizations to support the just causes of the Sidama nation and to hold the current Ethiopian regime for all crimes unfolding in Sidama region in particular and in the entire country in general into account. We also urge donor- Western governments and NGO’s to critically review their indirect support of injustices in Sidama in particular and in Ethiopian in general and demand Ethiopian TPLF/EPRDF regime to stop gross violations of human rights and impinging on civil liberties. We also urge the HRW, AI and others international human rights organizations to work with Sidama and others Ethiopian Diaspora to exert pressure on their respective governments until the current Ethiopian regime abides with international values and  respect fundamental rights and civil liberties.  

Peace, Justice, Liberty and Fairness to all Humanity!!

United Sidama Partied fro Freedom and Justices, June 11, 2013

The Sidama Nation Globally Commemorates the 11th Anniversary of Its Fallen Heroes of May 24, 2002!

 

Sidama Community United Kingdom, May 25, 2013

On a very bright morning in Sidama land, on May 24, 2002, between 10:30 and 11:00am local time; the Sidama people of all walks of life staged on a peaceful and non-violent Demonstration after fully exhausting the constitutional requirements that is needed to undertake such an activity. Carrying the leaves of trees and Ethiopian flags, the demonstrators peacefully started to march towards their capital city, Hawassa which is located at the distance of about 3 km from where they have been planning to hold the said peaceful demonstration when they were encountered with deliberately targeted barbaric acts after they have nearly travelled about a kilometre from the point they were gathering.

The objectives of the demonstration was in protest of the government’s decision to remove the administrative right of their capital (Hawassa)- from Sidama to the federal government in addition to the issues related with regional self administration quest, the Sidama nation is constitutionally guaranteed, yet denied. Whilst the Sidamas were peacefully demonstrating, suddenly, they were met with several armoured vehicles with machine guns and others hundreds of army personnel all of whom live shot into the upcoming crowds without warning-instantly killing over hundred Sidama civilians and wounding about 250-300.

With Sidama civilian demonstrators about three Sidama police officers were also summarily executed by the army for demanding them and police officers to stop the killing of Sidama’s peaceful and unarmed civilians. For being humane and genuine the said Sidama police officers also paid ultimate sacrifices for the causes of justices with others Sidama civilians. The dead bodies of hundreds of Sidama civilians were left on the street for the entire day whereas others seriously wounded unfortunately died in the middle of highly grown up corn plantation; most of whose dead bodies eventually devoured by hyenas. Others several seriously wounded civilians were also left to loss their blood and die in an agonising pain as health professionals weren’t allowed to help them until after 6 hours, after the shootings. After 6 hours of the shootings, the dead bodies of the Sidama people were dragged and some of them thrown to the pickup cars and an ISUZU lorry to be eventually dumped in Hawassa health centre. The families of the dead Sidama civilians weren’t allowed to collect the bodies of their beloved ones up until 3rd or 4th days.

Strict curfew was imposed throughout Sidama region for weeks and the Sidama was fully militarised from corner to corner. Those culprits who have ordered, stage-managed and monitored the massacre of the Sidama civilians are widely circulating in Sidamaland to date until now, and most of them are promoted to higher authority statuses.

As we commemorate the 11th anniversary of such tragic acts of the regime sponsored terrorism against law abiding Sidama civilians with our brothers and sisters [the sons and daughters of others subjugated nations of Ethiopia], our thought goes to the families and relatives of Sidama victims of Loqqe massacre of May 24, 2002. We also salute their courage, determination and indefatigable decisions whilst they took to the streets of Sidamaland demanding their fundamental rights defying the mightiness of the regime’s live ammunitions to pay ultimate sacrifices. We also believe that this is the kind of crime taking places in Oromia, Ogadenia, Gambella, Shakicho Kaficho and others regions of subjugated nations with varying degrees. We salute the strengths of all civilians whose ultimate contributions in the end will make the dreams of their respective nation’s reality.

We’re commemorating Sidama victims of atrocity of May 24, 2002, in conjunction with psychological thought of those all Ethiopians who have lost their precious lives for simple reasons of seeking justice, liberty, human dignity and respect for fundamental rights; the essential elements all are denied by the successive Ethiopian regimes including the incumbent one.

As we all gathered here in London on May 25, 2013, in a free land where the rule of law is part and parcel of the whole society, our hearts and minds travel thousands of miles, dissecting clouds and ocean alike to share the sufferings of those who are unfortunately left back in Ethiopia, under the rule of jungle where democracy and democratic values remain meaningless.

Therefore,
The Sidama nation wholeheartedly reaffirms its oaths on its determination until it asserts the rights of Sidama nation for which cause its fallen Sidama heroes paid ultimate sacrifices!

The Sidamas in Sidamaland and in Diaspora remember this Day, as the day of Sidama Martyrs and salute them all for their precious sacrifices of life. We all Sidamas, young and old, female and male alike never forget the ultimate sacrifices those heroes paid on behalf of our nation.

We the Sidamas wholeheartedly thank the representatives of Oromia, Ogadenia, Shakacho Kaficho and others subjugated nations’ brothers and sisters for showing us their usual solidarity by taking part in whatever we do on behalf of our systematically subjugated and deliberately brutalised nation.

Finally, we demand the support of the international community and strongly suggest to hold the Ethiopian current regime into account for its inhuman treatment of civilians and bring those who’re responsible for Loqqee massacre of Sidama civilians and others similar massacres and genocides committed by this very regime all over the country. We also demand the current Ethiopian regime to stop the acts of barbarism towards civilians, intelligentsia, journalists, opposition members and the wider societies at large.

May the Souls of Sidama Victims of atrocity and others Ethiopian nation’s peoples who have paid similar sacrifices Rest in Peace!!

Sidama Community UK, May 25, 2013, 

London, United Kingdom

History Repeats Itself!

The Case of Sidama nation (North East Africa-South Ethiopia)

By Akako Wonshsho, From Sidamaland, May 2, 2013

Human quest for freedom, respect for own identity to preserve and protect it from obliteration, naturally craving for human and democratic rights and asserting its continuances, realization of self-determination, socio–economic, socio–cultural, political and by large progress in development advancement had been started  since time immemorial. Even though such desire for freedom, liberty and emancipation does not exempt any segment of societies residing in every corner/region of the world,  a quest for freedom encountered in developing countries is more pronounced, particularly in least developed ones as compared to developed. The secret behind this is that political subjugation and economic exploitation of the oppressors against the oppressed is significantly higher in least developed countries. This hypothesis becomes credible when we see the fact that the level of resistance against oppression is lower in poorest countries.

However, we can logically argue that it remains quite certain that as long as political oppression and economic exploitation of oppressed and suppressed nations persists, the resistance to get rid of the rulers will continue indefinitely. The more the oppression, the bitter will be the struggle. This argument also flares up the fact that ‘as the period of resistance struggle increases the irreconcilable contradiction between the oppressed and the rulers will be more intensified’, and at the end of last phase of the struggle the conflict between these antagonizing groups will reach to its highest climax which marks that arduous, bitter and vehement struggle waged by overwhelming majority of the oppressed against the rulers will be more intensive which eventually results in overthrow or demolishment of given despotic regimes of any country.

However, after it is defeated, the previous ruling group will try its level play best to weaken the new state established by oppressed nations of any country. The despotic rulers or parties use various means of coercion to disintegrate the unity and solidarity of the new government. The new rulers deploy all sorts of divide and rule tactics to dissolve the establishments by giving power to their obedient, empowering small ethnic groups, dividing the people by ethnic, geographical area, religion, wealth and so on. Moreover, they use previous ones and create new elite group at various levels who serve the very interest of despotic leaders.

In most cases the aforementioned elite groups become running dogs of rulers and serve as instrument of subjugation and exploitation of their own people on behalf of the rulers whose objectives remain ruling the subjects with barbaric tyranny. Such despotic actions of the rulers and their affiliates play freedom impeding and emancipation prolonging role on the part of the subjugated. Even if after lapse of considerable period of struggle against the tyrants and if it eventuates defeat /overthrow of the rulers, similar cycle of events of political subjugation and economic exploitation of the oppressed by the oppressor will continue until the intensification of irreconcilable contradiction between the subdued and the ruler sharpens more than ever to become more extensive and intensive until the ruling regime is totally ousted to replace it with the systems that values humanity on equal basis.

The systematic tactics and methodology of political subjugation and economic exploitation adopted by the oppressors against the oppressed might differ from the previous oppressors in its style when the new one assumes authority. Even though some sorts of confusions and misconceptions arise resulted from different social orders that are claimed to be used as various forms of exploitation instruments; the substances of political subjugation and economic exploitation will be the same- further indicating the relationship created between the rulers and ruled is essentially similar to that of the former.

Such cycle of political subjugation and economic exploitation by ruling regime is maintained until radical and new state building and strengthening measures taken; and these events in the course of history include (external powers interference, divide and rule tactics being deployed, impeding roles of elites at various levels, role  of hypocritical historians, lack of integrity, unity, levels of socio –political consciousness on the part of the peoples at alrge, unfulfilled subjective as well as objective conditions, high levels of poverty). Quest for freedom is relatively limited as result of which levels of active involvement against resistance is less significant, as is the case with Sidama nation in particular and other oppressed nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia in general- under the three successive regimes including the current one.

Radical change bearing struggle of resistance must be launched against despotic regimes for emancipation of the oppressed nations and break the cycles of political subjugations and economic exploitations adopting consorted efforts involving all stakeholders. To put it in crystal clear manner, it is becoming more and more logical on the fact that there is an ever increasing need to wage arduous and bitter struggle against such hideously brutal, savagely bestial, so despotic and authoritarian regime that brutalize citizens whom it is meant to protect- to bring about its inevitably faster downfalls.

To re-put it in a net shell, it would be quite obvious that the need to undertake such comprehensive and protracted struggle of resistance enhancing and strengthening  of active involvement and alliance of all parties/organizations of oppressed nations to bring about the final doom of this ethno-fascist regime. Doing so can be achieved through coordination, maintaining and leading of concerted and collaborative efforts of all segments of societies, social groups, liberation organizations/parties at large involving the entire public to assert the accomplishment of such tasks. These tasks are indeed considered as fulfilment of such sacred historical mission expected from every beloved citizen and the peoples of the country at large--whose unreserved and relentless efforts  are not only essential but also mandatory to eventually uproot and dismantle such rapacious and tyrannical/vulgar regime on whose grave establishment and consolidation of democratic social order in which every oppressed nation enjoys from its outcome (equality, emancipation, unity, prosperity, integrity, solidarity, etc) as privileged group from mutual assistance for mutual benefits of all involved in the vehement struggle waged against such voracious and indeed barbarous regime that of the current TPLF/EPRDF’s one.

If we work hard based on unity of purposes, we all shall triumph!

Victory to Sidama People and others subjugated Nations!

Akako Wonshsho, From Sidamaland, May 2, 2013

Ollonkke Qerxeemmo!!

Sidaama Poem by Akako Wonshsho, 

May 2, 2013, from Sidamaland!

Ollonkke Qerxeemmo Qarra buqqisate

halamme xoolate,

Sidaamuu dagara Kajinne loosate!

Manchu beetti heeshsho beebbaho tugaawori,

Meeya labbaahura wotto kalaqaawori,

Hexxo kudunsite lopho hunttannori,

 Qarruwa bacate rewote ebbannori,

Kalaqamu abbe naqaawo dirbabbanna,

Heeshsho huluullise gadachitawo manna!

Darbino daninni xeenu wayi hoogeenna,

Loosamino gidi xoxewe ba’eenna,

Korkaatunni ka’e hude burqiteenna,

Intayiri angayiri horontta hoogeenna,

Qarraho unbbanni hude quursiteenna,

Uulate tenqeenyi hattono xiwanna,

Olunna lolahu jaddo kalaqeenna,

Dawaawano goonfayi quxoonni fulteenna,

Xissonna xidanu gobbate uwiro,

Tayissara dandiitawo manchi siddo horo!

Qarruwa buusante beeshshiteenna faro,

Gargadhe ajishate qarruwate bikka,

Balanxe huwantayi rakkote ka’ima,

Aanchine buuxate qarruwate dana,

Sufote loosinni abbate woyyimma,

Xiinxallote gumi ikeenna wodaaha,

Dhiibba taraawaaha garuyi ittisate,

Kalaqamu qarri bikka ajishate,

Ballimmanna baambbe buqise hunate,

Rumudda buximayita buqqise fushshate,

Qarruwa baalantta loonse qerxeemate,

Mittimma kaajinshshe laalaante loosate,

Halamme loonsiro miinjja batinsanni,

Heeshsho woyeesate injjo halashshinanni,

Qarra rakko baala mitee buqinsanni,

Buxuqqamme loonsse buljja ikkinanni,

Dagoomu miinjjano baasa lossinanni,

Xaphoomunino lopho latinssanni,

Woyaabino lophpho gumuni la’ate,

Sidaamu uurinshsha Ledo  Mitteni (SLM) lonssani

Sidaamu dagara halaaluyiya lopho kajishe lossate

Ledo gutu gaara kalanqqenna

Mittimma sharramate deerra aggaxinanni

Garinni sigiigee wolapho abbi’dha

Hati yenomoti mitte dogo note!!

Poem by Akako Wonshsho, from Sidamaland May 2, 2013

Qeelle Sidaamu Dagara!!!