HEADLINES:

Ethiopia: Independent Inquiry Needed on Irreecha

0
Saturday October 08, 2016 - 08:06:19 in Articles by Super Admin
  • Visits: 7219
  • (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

Online Blackmail Escalates Within Somali Diaspora, Prompting Calls for Independent Digital Protection

Across Europe, North America, and other regions, Somali communities living in the diaspora are increasingly confronting a serious and troubling challenge: the widespread use of online blackmail and digital abuse targeting women and children on social media platforms. Full Article

 

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

 


Leave a comment

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip

  Tip


Somalia Condemns Israeli Foreign Minister's Visit to Hargeisa as Violation of Sovereignty

The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.

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 Condemns Israeli Foreign Minister's Visit to Hargeisa as Violation of Sovereignty

The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. Full Article

 

Libya's Army Chief and Senior Officers Die in Plane Crash After Departing Ankara, Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey — Libya's Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, along with four senior military officials, was killed Tuesday night when the private jet carrying them crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara's Esenboğa Airport in Turkey, Libyan and Turkish authorities confirmed. Reuters +1 Full Article

 

Online Blackmail Escalates Within Somali Diaspora, Prompting Calls for Independent Digital Protection

Across Europe, North America, and other regions, Somali communities living in the diaspora are increasingly confronting a serious and troubling challenge: the widespread use of online blackmail and digital abuse targeting women and children on social media platforms. Full Article

 

Breda Suspects Face Court After Discovery of Massive Stockpile of Illegal and Dangerous Medicines

A routine investigation into the unexplained death of a woman in Voorburg has uncovered one of the largest stashes of illegal pharmaceuticals found in the Netherlands in recent years. The discovery has now led two suspects from Breda to face criminal charges for their alleged role in distributing the potentially lethal substances. Full Article

 

Journalism 2026: A Global Industry Fighting for Truth, Trust, and Survival

Waagacusub.net - As the world moves into 2026, journalism stands at one of the most critical turning points in its modern history. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence, collapsing business models, political intimidation, and shifting audience expectations are reshaping the profession faster than many newsrooms can adapt. While technological advances promise new possibilities, they also expose deep vulnerabilities within global media systems. 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