Falls Church, Virginia (Oct. 15, 2020) – (Minneapolis, MN) This week, two protestors were murdered in Ethiopia. The killings included an 18-year boy in Robe Bale zone and a pregnant woman in Kombolcha district of East Hararge zone. These murders sent yet another shock wave across the Oromo American Community in the United States. It was reported that Ethiopian special forces assaulted the individuals during a peaceful protest in Oromia. These abuses are becoming a key component regarding US/Ethiopia foreign relations. Oromo American organizations, such as the Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) are intent on making this a top priority in upcoming U.S. elections.
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“The reports coming out of Oromia are deeply disheartening. Oromia’s youth deserve the right to peacefully protest and assemble without oppressive conditions. I urge political candidates and elected officials to consider the urgency of this matter,” stated Seenaa Jimjimo, Executive Director of OLLAA.
The Oromo-American community has become a significant voting block that could impact the U.S. presidential election. Candidates seeking votes from Oromo Americans will need to appeal to the urgency of resolving current human rights abuses in Oromia.
Congresswoman Karen Bass recently introduced a House Resolution signaling serious concerns over mistreatment and abuse of the Oromo people in Ethiopia. Representative Bass serves as the Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International. The resolution highlighted the State Department’s need to address human rights violations and the recent killings conducted by Ethiopian security forces in Oromia. The House Resolution will critically shape dialogue on US/Ethiopia foreign relations in Congress. The House Resolution will also play a significant role in holding the Ethiopian government accountable for any abuse of power as well as disrupting the constitutional order.
OLLAA is an umbrella organization that presents dozens of Oromo communities around the world