Groups say forming democratic government is ultimate goal of struggle

By Engidu Woldie
ESAT News (September 8, 2016)

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ESAT Daily News Amsterdam September 09, 2016

The Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) and Patriotic Ginbot 7 for Unity and Democracy (PG7) said on Thursday that removing the tyrannical regime and replacing it with a democratic government is the ultimate goal of the ongoing struggle by the Ethiopian people.

The parties said in a joint statement that there was no other option for the Ethiopian people than strengthening the struggle against the iron fist regime and replace it with an all-inclusive government.

The statement recalled the killings perpetrated against political prisoners in Qilinto prison last week, calling it an act of cruelty. It said the vicious killings in Qilinto was the latest in a series of crimes committed by the regime against the people it claimed to represent. That act, the statement said, should galvanize the people to accelerate their struggle against the ruthless regime.

The statement said the regime has been pitting the people against each other for the last 25 years to stay in power, but the people in the Oromo and Amhara regions have, in recent protests, shown solidarity rejecting the divisive policies of the autocratic regime.

The two parties said it was high time that other Ethiopian opposition groups came together and join the struggle launched by the people to remove tyranny once and for all.

ODF and PG7 announced last month that they have formed an alliance to move the struggle to the next level and bring other parties under one umbrella.

Regime operatives accused of arson attack

(File photo obtained from social media)

ESAT News (September 9, 2016)

Supporters and cadres of the Ethiopian regime have been accused of carrying out arson attack on several houses in nine localities in Konso, southern Ethiopia. The houses set on fire belong to people who have been demanding a zonal administration status for Konso and more control in the administration of their affairs.

Reports reaching ESAT say over 1000 people have been displaced following the attack. A local, who spoke to ESAT on condition of anonymity, said he believed the arsonists had backing from regime forces in carrying out the attack. He said security forces did not stop the attackers who set several houses ablaze.

Elders who tried to intervene to stop the attack were harassed by the authorities, the source said. He said a well-armed army has been deployed to Konso where security forces detained close to 200 people in March.

The victims of the arson attack have taken shelter in churches and neighboring localities. Up to 200 households reside in one village in Konso, an area known for its rich culture and environmental conservation and industrious people.

In March security forces arrested Konso’s traditional king, Kala Gezahegn and dozens of others who lead the campaign for self-adminitration. Thousands of people held a rally in Konso in October demanding zonal administrative status. The response from regime and regional authorities has been arrest and violence.

Schools and government offices have remained closed.