LETTER – Release political prisoners to be part of the peace dialogue !

” I understand different international organizations and countries, including the United States and African Union special envoys, are trying to support Ethiopia towards peace and stability. I would like to first acknowledge the efforts being made and pass our gratitude to every party involved.

Having said this, I want to remind you that any efforts that intend to create lasting peace in Ethiopia should not neglect the Oromo community and its leaders, who are currently languishing in jail.

All are aware that the Abiy Ahmed regime has imprisoned prominent Oromo politicians like Jawar Mohammed, Bekele Gerba, and Abdi Regassa et al. by using trumped-up charges to allow Abiy Ahmed and his party to win the election without any formidable opposition. Today, a year and a half later, thousands of activists, supporters of political party leaders of the Oromo liberation front, and the Oromo Federalist Congress, remain in jail.

In addition, with the civil war engulfing the country, political prisoners such as Jawar Mohammed, Bekele Gerba, and Dawod Ibsa are critical voices with significant followers. It is essential that these leaders are released to ensure that the voices of the many people they represent are included in discussions over the future of the country.

The Prosperity Party’s (PP) claim of winning a landslide victory in Oromia while formidable opposition party leaders remain in prison not only makes a mockery of democracy, but it sends the wrong message that the voice of millions of Oromos will be ignored. The expansion of the Oromo Liberation Army against the current PP is a clear indication that the current government does not represent the Oromo.

Therefore, I urge you to ensure Oromos are given a proper place in this peace negotiation to have meaningful and lasting outcomes. We call for:      

• The immediate release of political prisoners, i.e., Jawar Mohammed, Bekele Gerba, Batte Urgessa, Dawud Ibsa, and others, without precondition and present in dialogue or negotiations.

I believe any peace deal or negotiation that doesn’t include the voice of jailed Oromo leaders will not bring lasting peace.

Regards and thanks “