http://www.africanews.com/2016/09/02/au-finally-issues-statement-on-ethiopia-protests-calls-for-restraint/
AU finally issues statement on Ethiopia protests, calls for restraint
Rahman Alfa Shaban 02/09 - 17:40
Ethiopia
The African Union (AU) has finally spoken on the protests in Ethiopia
saying it was following the situation with great concern. The AU also
called for restraint on the part of parties involved.
The continental body issued a statement from its chairperson, Dr.
Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, stating that the AU was ‘‘following the
evolving socio-political situation over the last few months in the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia with great concern.’‘
Fresh protests broke out in the East African nation in late July with
tens of thousands of protesters marching in the Amhara region
demanding regime change in the country. The social media instigated
protest was however disrupted by security officials.
The Amhara protests came months after the Oromia protests in the
country’s south late last year extending into the early part of this
year.
After the late July protest in Amhara, several others were staged in
parts of the country including the capital Addis Ababa, where the AU
has its headquarters. Those protests too were largely clamped down by
security officials.
Protesters resorted to using social shutdowns as a sign of protest,
with media reports indicating that streets were deserted in areas
where the protesters targeted.
But according to the AU chair, there was the need to embrace dialogue
as the best way to find peaceful and lasting solution to the social,
political and the economic issues that were underlying the protests.
‘‘The socio-political situation in Ethiopia has led to a number of
reported deaths, temporary disruptions of public and private
businesses, as well as occasional interruption of telecommunication
services,’‘ the statement said.
According to human rights groups, over 200 people were killed in the
protests. Several bodies including the United Nations and the European
Union called for restraint on the part of security forces.
‘‘The AU Commission Chairperson reiterates the AU’s support for the
respect of the rule of law, and peaceful demonstrations which are
critical tenets in the upholding principles and culture democracy,’‘
the statement concluded.
Received on Sat Sep 03 2016 - 15:43:14 EDT