HEADLINES:

Ethiopia: Independent Inquiry Needed on Irreecha

0
Saturday October 08, 2016 - 08:06:19 in Articles by Super Admin
  • Visits: 7128
  • (Rating 0.0/5 Stars) Total Votes: 0
  • 3 2
  • Share via Social Media

    Ethiopia: Independent Inquiry Needed on Irreecha

    Scores of People Killed at Festival

    Share on Twitter Share on facebook Share on Digg Share on Stumbleupon Share on Delicious Share on Google Plus

Scores of People Killed at Festival The Ethiopian government should allow an independent, international investigation to determine how scores of people were killed at the country’s Irreecha festival on October 2, 2016, Human Rights Watch said today in a question-and-answer document about the issue.

Unprecedented, large-scale anti-government protests have been sweeping through Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest region, since November 2015, and the Amhara region since July 2016. On October 2, in Bishoftu, a town 40 kilometers southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, tensions ignited at the annual Irreecha festival – an important cultural event that draws millions of people each year. Security forces confronted huge crowds with tear gas and fired shots, inducing panic. Scores died during a stampede of people fleeing security forces.

Ethiopian security forces have killed more than 500 people during protests over the course of the last year. These protests have occurred in a context of the near-total closure of political space. Nongovernmental groups and the independent media face harassment, surveillance, and criminal charges.

Ethiopians should be able to criticize their government without fear of arrest, Human Rights Watch said. Security forces should exercise restraint and be held accountable for abuses.

"The world should be carefully watching what is happening in Ethiopia,” said Felix Horne, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. "As more and more people are killed in protests this year, the government should urgently change course to prevent more bloodshed.”

The question-and-answer document is available at:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/10/08/qa-recent-events-and-deaths-irreecha-festival-ethiopia

For more Human Rights Watch reporting on Ethiopia, please visit: 
https://www.hrw.org/africa/ethiopia
Share on Social Media

Trump Moves to Sideline Independent Media, Replaces Journalists with Far-Right Influencers at Pentagon

Laura Loomer, a controversial Trump ally, granted press access as mainstream reporters face restrictions. By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Washington D.C. (Waagacusub.net) – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an unprecedented step to marginalize the independent press, replacing professional journalists with far-right activists and social media influencers who openly support him. Full Article

 

Waagacusub Media: The Most Trusted Voice of Independent Journalism in East Africa

For over two decades, Waagacusub Media has stood as a pillar of integrity, truth, and independence in East Africa's media landscape. Established in 2003, the organization has earned a distinguished reputation as the most trusted source of independent news and information, serving Somali and global audiences with credibility and courage. Full Article

 

Ethiopia: Abusive police unit must be stopped

Ethiopia: Abusive police unit must be stopped Full Article

 

NUSOJ condemns fresh ploy by the Ministry of Information to "undercut independent media"

6 May 2017: The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly condemns the fresh efforts by the Ministry of Information of Somalia to control and undercut independent media through ministry-owned strategy. Full Article

 

AFEX Denounces Two-Year Jail Sentence of Independent Journalist in Somaliland

April 11, 2017: The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins its member, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) to strongly condemn the sentencing of independent journalist, Abdimalik Muse Oldon to two years in prison by the Marodi Jeeh Regional Court in Somaliland's capital Hargeisa. Full Article

 

Somalia:"flagrant violation of free expression" after sentencing of an independent journalist in Somaliland

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has strongly condemned a court verdict against independent journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon in Somaliland's capital Hargeisa who was today sentenced to two (2) years of prison. Full Article

 

Video Somaliland authorities detain an independent journalist .

Nusoj.org - Journalist Abdilmalik Musse Oldon was today arrested upon arrival at Hargeisa Airport by Somaliland authorities, and he is being detained Crimes Investigations Department. Full Article

 

Ethiopia: Anti-government protests Spread Worldwide

Thousands of Ethiopian expats staged anti-government protests in South Africa and U.S, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016, demanding civic and political rights back home. Full Article

 

Ethiopia:Hundreds of protesters clash with police in Ethiopia, two killed

File: Ethiopia's national demonstrations started as a small-scale student protest over the government's plan to expand Addis Ababa into adjacent farm lands of Oromiya, Ethiopia's largest constitutionally autonomous state. Photo: Courtesy Human Rights Watch Full Article

 

Ethiopia:Protest Crackdown Killed Hundreds

Free Wrongfully Held Detainees, Independent Inquiry Needed (Nairobi, June 16, 2016) – Ethiopian security forces have killed more than 400 protesters and others, and arrested tens of thousands more during widespread protests in the Oromia region since November 2015, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The Ethiopian government should urgently support a credible, independent investigation into the killings, arbitrary arrests, and other abuses. Full Article

 


Leave a comment

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip


President Donald Trump Revokes Deportation Protections for Somalis in Minnesota, Sparking Tension and Fear

Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.

Netherlands Secure World Cup 2026 Spot in Style – Koeman Warns: "Victory Is Only the Beginning"

By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Sports Journalist Amsterdam – 18 November 2025 =The Dutch national football team is celebrating a historic achievement after officially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam on Monday night.

Ethiopia Strengthens Gulf Ties: Somali-Region Diplomat Jamal Bakar Named Ambassador to UAE

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Union for National Dignity: Inside Somalia's New Political Power Bloc Ahead of 2026 Elections

By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Mogadishu | Waagacusub.net | November 2025 A new political alliance is taking shape in Somalia as nine influential political figures — drawn from different parties, civic movements, and government backgrounds — have united under one banner known as the Union for National Dignity (Midowga Haybad Qaran). The coalition, announced through a joint press statement in Mogadishu, aims to create a unified political front capable of "restoring national cohesion, governance integrity, and public confidence in Somalia's democracy."

Somalia: Clan Divisions Surface as Jacob Frey Wins Third Term in Minneapolis Mayoral Race

Tensions, celebrations, and disappointment have swept across Somali social media circles following the fiercely contested Minneapolis mayoral election, where the race took on deep clan and community undertones among the city's large Somali diaspora.

Somalia: Puntland Court Orders Urgent Hearing Without Mental Health Assessment, Raising Concerns of Possible Injustice

The First Grade Court of Mudug Region in Gaalkacyo has issued an order mandating the immediate court appearance of two defendants: Hodan Maxamud Diiriye (34) and Cabdicaasiis Nuur Xaashi Calas (65). Both individuals are accused in a case filed by complainant Marxuumad Saabiriin Saylaan Cabdille Wees & DPL and her family. Full Article

 

Somalia's 2026 Mandate: Federal–State Election Standoff Intensifies as Power Struggle Deepens

Somalia is heading toward one of its most consequential political tests as the 2026 mandate cycle draws closer, with rising disputes over who has the constitutional authority to run elections — the Federal Government in Mogadishu or the Federal Member States (FMS). Hidden beneath technical legal debates are deep power struggles that may determine the future of Somalia's federal system. The decisions taken in the next months will shape not only how elections are run, but who controls political legitimacy and state power in the coming decade. Full Article

 

Somalia: Unity Over Division: Liban Ahmed Gains Widespread Support in Galmudug Elections

As Galmudug prepares for a decisive state leadership contest, Liban Ahmed has emerged as a powerful consensus candidate with broad support from influential community and political blocs across the region. His candidacy is gaining momentum among Galmudug's 11 clans, many of whom describe his rise as the result of consultation rather than confrontation. Community elders, youth groups, women's organisations, and local political actors in several districts say Liban represents a stabilizing choice at a politically sensitive moment. Many describe him as a neutral figure capable of balancing competing interests in a landscape where political alliances often shift rapidly. Full Article

 

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed Condemns Arrest of Community Leader in Mogadishu, Calls for Immediate Release

Mogadishu – Former Somali President and opposition leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly condemned the arrest of Nabadoon Cabdirisaaq Nuur Xalane, who was detained today in the Somali capital after speaking out on land-grabs in Mogadishu. Full Article

 

President Donald Trump Revokes Deportation Protections for Somalis in Minnesota, Sparking Tension and Fear

Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities. Full Article

 

Hormuud telecom and Al-Shabaab's Strategy of Destroying Mobile Communication Masts

Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article

 

Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership

Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article

 

PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS.

PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article

 

Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights

Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article

 

Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa

Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article