As reported by OMN, Mr. Hirko Ayana, an Oromo activist who was most known for his role in the August 6, 2016 nationwide rally, died on October 29, 2022.
Hirko Ayana was born in the Arjo district, East Wollega zone of Oromia in 1938. He attended elementary school at Madanalem Primary School and secondary school in Sibist Negasi Secondary School, after which he began his studies at the Finfine Business College. After graduating, in 1959, he got a job at Ethio-Telecom, where he remained employed for 33 years. His colleagues described him as a talented man, and noted that he received the opportunity to complete additional training in Russia.
Mr. Hirko was a devoted Oromo activist, and made countless sacrifices for the Oromo struggle, both prior to and throughout the EPDRF regime. In particular, he will be remembered for his participation in the August 6, 2016 nationwide rally staged by Oromos to protest their continued marginalization and persecution by the EPRDF government. On this day, hundreds of thousands of protesters reportedly took to the streets in more than 200 towns and cities across Oromia, including in Addis Ababa, the capital. During the protest, thousands of peaceful protesters were arrested while a countless number were brutalized or killed as police and security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters. Mr. Hirko, who was one of the protesters, was severely beaten by members of the Ethiopian security forces and left badly injured–his left hand and leg were broken, his back was injured, and blood poured out of his mouth and nose.
Throughout the rest of his life, Mr. Hirko continued to suffer from pain attributable to the back injury he sustained that day. Sources report that, due to the pain, he was unable to remain seated for a long period of time and was unable to drive a car. On October 29, 2022, Mr. Hirko died as a result of his continued suffering.
International Law
The right to life, right peaceful demonstration and the right to security of the persons are guaranteed under international human instruments that Ethiopia is a party to, including the ICCPR, ACHPR and other instruments. The FDRE constitution also recognizes all these rights. While it is incumbent upon the government to protect the rights of peoples, the Ethiopian government continues to be the main perpetrators of rights violations.