Saphaloo Kadiir

Human Right Activist and Oromoo poetry, fiction, Novel, songwriter and other poet writer.
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[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

Update: The #United_States joins Ethiopian Rights Commission and others "in calling for a full investigation into the killing of Batte Urgessa."

In a short statement released through the State Department's Africa Bureau, the #US government said it joined the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and others "in calling for a full investigation into the killing of Bate Urgessa", political officer of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (#OLF) who was gunned down in Meki town, East Shoa zone of Oromia region, on Tuesday night.

"Justice and accountability are critical for breaking the cycle of violence," the U.S. said.

EHRC's statement earlier today has called for "a prompt, impartial & full investigation by both the Oromia regional & Ethiopia federal authorities to hold perpetrators to account."

Bate, an outspoken politician, was shot and killed in his hometown Meki. His body was found dumped by the road early on Wednesday.

His party OLF has condemned the killing and said the "unwarranted and extrajudicial killing of conscious and active Oromo political and cultural figures has been a systematic and irresponsible act of silencing the Oromo throughout years and decades."

Read the background news here: https://t.co/80seuJ3nsK

[Daniel Bekele @DanielBekele]

Following the killing of Batte Urgessa, who was a member of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front, @EthioHRC calls for a prompt, impartial & full investigation by both the #Oromia regional & #Ethiopia federal authorities to hold perpetrators to account.

[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

#Ethiopia: #Oromia region strongly refutes reports implicating gov't forces in Bate Urgessa's killing https://t.co/80seuJ3nsK

The Oromia regional government said “ongoing propaganda to make the government responsible [over the killing of Bate Urgessa, OLF political officer] is not acceptable in any way.”

The statement conveyed that Bate was killed by “unidentified assailants” in Meki town, adding that “the act is totally unacceptable whoever committed it".

Meanwhile, the armed group, Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) said Bate was “taken from his [hotel] room by security forces during mid-night hours and executed point-blank.” The group further accused government security forces of “preventing the recovery of his body, and later inhibiting the conduct of further autopsy.”

[Fatuma Bedhaso @FBedaso]

We have become numb to death and mass destruction and yet there are still some losses that shock the nerves and this is one of them. It’s heartbreaking how many great minds we lose to such senseless violence. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family strength💔

[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

#Breaking: Bate Urgessa, #OLF political officer shot dead

#Bate_Urgessa, political officer of the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has been killed, sources confirmed to Addis Standard. Bate was shot dead last night in #Meki town, East Shoa zone of the Oromia region.

This story is developing….

[Saphaloo Kadiir @saphaloo]

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[Saphaloo Kadiir @saphaloo]

https://t.co/pqc6LzqzvF

[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

Human Rights Watch condemns the release of former #Ethiopian official accused of rights abuses.

Human Rights Watch has criticized the Ethiopian government's decision to drop all charges and release Abdi Mohamoud Omar, also known as "Abdi Illey," the former president of Ethiopia's #Somali region, who was released last Thursday from prison after serving more than five years. The organization claims that this move is a significant setback in the fight against impunity for crimes committed by senior officials in the country.

According to Human Rights Watch, Abdi Illey, as he is commonly known, oversaw and commanded the Somali regional special forces, known as the "Liyu police," during his tenure as regional president from 2010 to 2018. The organization alleges that the Liyu police were responsible for numerous serious human rights abuses against civilians, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and rape.

The charges against Abdi Illey were dropped by the Ethiopian Ministry of Justice "for the sake of public interest." Federal officials had initially arrested Abdi Illey in 2018 for "violations of human rights and inciting ethnic and religious conflict in the Somali region," and charged him in 2019 for his role during his last days in office when Somali youth groups loyal to him and Somali regional special forces, called the "Liyu police," attacked non-Somali groups. However, Human Rights Watch claims that the authorities never brought charges against him for the crimes committed during his eight-year rule.

Human Rights Watch has called on the Ethiopian government to reverse its decision and demonstrate a commitment to holding those responsible for serious abuses accountable. The organization believes that failing to hold Abdi Illey accountable sends a message that impunity remains prevalent in Ethiopia.

https://t.co/glVxZNVOgv

[Saphaloo Kadiir @saphaloo]

Ramadan Mubarak

[Meta Newsroom @MetaNewsroom]

We know some people were having trouble accessing our apps earlier. Apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused, and thank you for your patience while our teams worked quickly to resolve!

[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

#Ethiopia: Wars will not solve the problems in the country- Benalf Andualem, Minister of the Ministry of Peace.

Minister of Peace Benalf Andualem, during a recent briefing to the House of Peoples' Representatives, addressed concerns about ongoing conflicts in #Oromia and #Amhara, emphasizing the Ministry of Peace's commitment to seeking non-violent solutions.

Despite previous unsuccessful talks with armed groups, the Minister highlighted ongoing efforts towards negotiations. Rejecting violence as a viable option, he reiterated the ministry's dedication to resolve conflicts in Amhara and Oromia regions.

[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

Breaking: #Somaliland formally acknowledges giving #Ethiopia sea access for #Naval_Forces in exchange for recognition https://t.co/tuUAFVBLi0

Somaliland’s statement quoted President Muse Bihi as saying that in his address after the signing of the MoU, he “emphasized the conscientious responsibility of every President to act in the best interest of his people.”

Acknowledging PM Abiy’s “request for seaport access for their naval forces, President Muse Bihi Abdi expressed that Somaliland endured a long quest for official recognition from Ethiopia,” it said.

It is recalled that addressing lawmakers at the 3rd year 4th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR) on 14 Nov. 2023, Pm Abiy Ahmed said that Ethiopia was building a Navy and was seeking a sea outlet. He has referred to Ethiopia’s less talked about preparations of a Naval force. In June last year, the Ethiopian Navy has graduated several members trained in various professional fields, including in Navigation, Engineering, and Electricity.

[Mohamed Farmaajo @M_Farmaajo]

The agreement signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland today is a serious concern for Somalia and the whole of Africa. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the anchor for regional stability and bilateral cooperation. The Somali government must respond appropriately.

[Saphaloo Kadiir @saphaloo]

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[Hᴇɴᴏᴋ G. Gᴀʙɪsᴀ @henokgabisa]

Just like that! Taye Dende’a, the State Minister of Peace, is arrested shortly after making strong criticisms towards PM Abiy Ahmed.

Dende’a is a figure in Oromo politics, known for his complex and confusing reputation. He was the mouthpiece of Abiy Ahmed in the last 5 years.

[Saphaloo Kadiir @saphaloo]

Interview with Maya Show
https://t.co/FyslNbU3sg

[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

#Ethiopia: Commission exposes disturbing human rights abuses across Ethiopia
https://t.co/U8OBe5e1S4

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) exposes grave abuses in #Amhara, #Benishangul_Gumuz, and #Oromia regions. Verified reports reveal attacks causing loss of life, harm to civilians, property destruction, and mass displacement.

In Amhara, ethnic clashes led to casualties, with #Ambala Kebele witnessing devastating attacks, resulting in civilian deaths. The violence escalated on Nov 9-11, as a local militia raided #Bure district, causing numerous fatalities and displacing thousands. Benishangul-Gumuz faced violence in #Oda_Biligu District, with militants targeting villages, claiming 17 lives, injuring 7, and destroying homes and livelihoods.

Oromia witnessed a week of horror, with attacks in #Arsi and #Qellem_Wollega Zones. On 13 November, Tijo Lebu Kebele and Sole Digelu Kebele saw non-combatant casualties. EHRC Commissioner Daniel Bekele urgently calls for government intervention, political solutions, transitional justice, and security provisions.

[Addis Standard @addisstandard]

#Ethiopia: National Dialogue Commission secures $13.3 million from development partners

The National Dialogue Commission has announced that it has secured $13.3 million from development partners, out of the expected $35 million. This funding is in addition to the budget allocated by the government to support the ongoing dialogue process.

The commission revealed this update during the fourth round table discussion, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which brought together representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the United Nations Coordination Office in Ethiopia, as well as ambassadors and embassy representatives.

The round table served as a platform to inform the partners of the commission's continuous efforts. Through the #UNDP-managed basket fund, the commission has been receiving support from various development partners.

During the discussion, the chief commissioner, Professor Mesfin, highlighted that the commission is currently engaged in grassroots-level consultations to establish the agenda for the national discussion. Additionally, efforts are being made to identify participants and enhance the capacity of dialogue facilitators.

[Saphaloo Kadiir @saphaloo]

📸 Look at this post on Facebook
https://t.co/vz5KesROgT

[Saphaloo Kadiir @saphaloo]

RT @addisstandard: #Ethiopia: Ethiopian Airlines Group plans to reopen #Aksum airport damaged by #Tigray war ahead of winter

Ethiopian Air…