May 25, 2020
Issues in Focus:
- Government’s disregard for global standards and guidelines lay down by the OHCHR, the African Commission and other UN bodies regarding the protection of human rights during within the context of COVID-19
- No progress/improvement to arrest of political dissents in Oromia region. Arbitrary arrest and forced disappearance of political dissents have been escalating throughout Oromia region compared to other regions of the country at this critical moment when the danger of Coronavirus is highly threatening the country
- Communication blackouts for several months, killings of civilians and mass arrests have become a regular business of government defense forces in Western and Southern parts of Oromia, an area alleged to have been strong holdings of Oromia Liberation Army (OLA) as have been widely reported by some media such as Aljazeera, VOA, BBC, the Economist, and Addis Standard
- Every arrest, house searches, and killings are being made arbitrarily and extra-judicially (without a court order)
- Detained persons were kept in a secret detention for several months without appearing before court. Those detained at official places were kept for several months without charge; denied bail right and visitation rights; ill-treated and tortured; and deprived of necessities of life. contrary to Articles 18, 19 and 20 of the Constitution of the country; and international human rights treaties to which the country is a State party such as UDHR, ACHPR (the African Charter), ICCPR and CAT
- The Government kept on the deafening ear to frequent appeals by HRLHA and international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stop human rights violations going on against political dissents and journalists.
The HRLHA is writing this urgent appeal out of a profound concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Ethiopia in general and Oromia region in particular. The HRLHA highly denounces the undergoing harassments, arbitrary arrests and judicial-killings of political dissents by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) amid the looming danger of Covid-19 over the country.
On April 10, 2020, Ethiopia has declared a nation-wide decree of State of Emergency (SoE) to control the spread of Covid-19. On May 13, 2020, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC or the commission) released a statement condemning the misuse of the declaration by police with an emphasis on the mass arrest in the capital Addis Ababa/Finfinne. Nevertheless, it is very saddening that the Commission said nothing about the undergoing human rights crises in Oromia region. Indeed, it is regrettable that the Commission has apparently preferred to be indifferent about the sufferings of tens of millions of peoples in Western and Southern parts of Oromia, Wolaita, Northern Gondar (Kimant area) and Kafa under unofficial SoE (Command Post) for the past one year.
When it comes to most parts of Oromia, the implementation of the current Covid-19 SoE is very aggressive as it simply legitimized the unofficial SoE that has been already for more than a year. It is of the HRLHA’s belief that the already bad human rights record in Western and Southern parts of Oromia is now elevating to the worst level covering the whole region. Police brutality has continued than ever before. Harassment of members and supporters of opposition political parties and extra-judicial killings of civilians in the day light continued to date. Thousands of innocent citizens, supporters and members of the two vanguard oppositions namely Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) and Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) have been languishing in different known and unknown detention centers for several months. Hundreds have been mercilessly killed and even some of them were denied burial and eaten by hyena.
Journalists of Sagalee Qeerroo Bilisummaa Oromoo (Voice of Oromo Youth for Freedom) among others, Adugna Kesso and Gada Bulti; as well as Oromia News Network (ONN) journalists Dasu Dula and Wako Nole were arbitrarily arrested, denied safeguards of due process of law and remain suffering behind the Bar. The same is true of the fate of top OLF leadership and senior members such as Kayyo Fufa, Yaasoo Kabada, Dandi Gabroshe, Efrem Geleta, Mo’a Abdisa, Tariku Abdisa, Bayana Ruda (Prof), Aliyi Yusuf, Abdi Ragassa, Batire File, Gada Gabisa, Blisumma Ararsa, Olika Chali etc. They have been languishing in known and unknown prisons for several months without charge. This Urgent Appeal addresses recent arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and physical assaults. Each case is substantiated by photographs and important facts of the violations. Tables comprising partial data of each case are provided at the end .
Madeksa Fixe He was arrested on 17/05/20 in Addis Ababa/Finfinne around Jamo at lunchtime. Previously, in late 2019, he spent more than three months at Tolay military camp for suspicion of his membership in the OLF. He is a brother of the late Yohannes Fite who has been mercilessly killed by government defense forces in his home at Kellem Wellegga in the late September 2019. Madaksa is a bodyguard by occupation.
Bontu Megersa (right) Ms. Bontu is a resident of Burayu town. She is a 16 years old girl and used to lead life by a daily labor. She was arbitrarily arrested on April 27, 2020 and her whereabouts is yet not known
Gemechis Bali Jilo (PhD) (left) Gemechis is a resident of Bule Hora town, Borana zone. He is known for his unwavering activism for Oromo cause. Among others, he has been at a forefront in the fight against environmental degradation caused by MEDIROC Gold mine at Adola, Guji. He was arbitrarily arrested on May 17, 2020 and currently detained at Bule Hora police station
Ms. Ayantu was extra-judicially arrested by Addis Ababa City Police on the evening of May 16, 2020 at her house found in the capital Addis/Finfinne around Asko Cross-Country Bus Station. The police have also arbitrarily searched her house. In doing so, the police have brought neither an arrest warrant nor a search warrant from the court. Ms. Ayyantu is a founder and chairperson of a recently established local Civil Society Organization named “Addoyyee.” She has been at the forefront in the Oromo National Youth Movement or Qeerroo movement, which has a lion’s share in ousting TPLF-led EPRDF and brought the incumbent PM Abiy’s government into power two years before. On the same date and hour, the police has also searched the house of Ayantu’s friend named Loko Yohannes. Ms. Loko has previously spent several months in Senkelle military camp and released without any charge. The police have only searched her hear house and skipped her this round. Senkelle is a police training camp found to the West of the capital Addis/Finfinne nearby Ambo town. Currently, Senkelle and other training, as well as military camps found throughout Oromia Regional State, are serving as secret detention centers where thousands of innocents have been languishing for several months especially for the past one year.
Gadisa Abebe, former member of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and currently leading a peaceful life. He left OLA in response to an aborted reconciliation endeavor made between the latter and government spearheaded by Abba Gadas (Oromo traditional elders). He was abducted from his home and found detained at Mattu town police station, Ilubabbor Zone.
A priest and preacher on May 15, 2020 and currently detained at Ayira district police station together with hundreds of other political prisoners in a highly overcrowded room in a manner easily susceptible to Coronavirus.
Adola Chuluke, He is a judge by occupation and known for his critique against PM Abiy’s government. He was arrested on May 14, 2020 in Addis Ababa/Finfinne, and his whereabouts are yet unknown.
Ahmad Mohammed (Jaal Injifannoo) is a senior OLF member and working at OLF branch office found at Shashamane town, West Arsi zone of Oromia region. He was arrested on the evening of May 10, 2020 while going from office to home. He was traced after one day, that is, on May 12, 2020 at a police station found in Kuyera, a small town to nearby Shashamane on the main road to Hawasa city.
Zabiba Jbril is a resident of Ilubabor zone Bure district and a member of OLF arbitrarily arrested with other four members on May 11, 2020.
Mr. Wakshum Gurmessa Wakshum is a resident of Nekemte town and arbitrarily arrested with his wife on May 08, 2020 at his home. He is a father of two as shown in the picture.
Mr. Fakada is an elder who is a resident of West Wellega zone Najjo town arrested on May 05, 2020 and currently found detained in Najjo town police station
Mr. Marsi is a talented emerging Oromo poet and vocalist. He is a resident of Finfinne Special zone, Burayu town. The Oromia police arbitrarily arrested him on May 23, 2020 at his residence, Burayu town, without any ground. He was brutally assaulted and taken to Burayu police station as reported by his family.
Banti Wakene
Banti is a health worker serving at a Clinic found at Gimbi town, Tole kebele. He was arrested two months ago and found detained at Gimbi town police station without any charge. He was denied bail right and has been languishing in prison with a mere suspicion of his contact with OLA. It is very unwise for the government to keep health professionals in prison at this critical moment where the need of such professionals is invaluable in the prevention of Coronavirus.
Yonas Bakana Abdisa
Mr. Yonas is arbitrarily arrested on April 29, 2020 at his workplace Awash Bank, Mandi Branch. He is has been detained in Military camp found in Mandi town. HRLHA’s reporter confirmed that Mr. Yonas has been faced with torture and denied medical treatment. He is currently in a critical situation.
Keriya Biratu
Ms. Keriya is a resident of Gimbi town, West Wellegga. She was arrested six months ago and still suffering in a prison for such a long period without charge. She is a mother of two children and used to make a living by an income from a daily labor
Addisu Mengistu
Addisu was born in Dambidollo town and currently a resident of Burayu town. He was arbitrarily arrested on April 28, 2020 and his whereabouts is not yet known. According to his sister (anonymous), Addisu is a former OLA member and bodyguard of Legese Wegi, former commander in chief of OLA, Western Zone. His right leg was shot and seriously wounded while fighting with government defense force on the operation known as “Sahara” conducted in the late 2009. He was eventually caught and detained at different military camps for several months. Finally, he was taken to Maiekelawi and faced severe torture for more than a year. He was then convicted with a crime against State and sentenced to 16 years rigorous imprisonment. Addisu has spent at different federal prisons such as Kality, Kilinto and Zuway (Batu). He was released on April 2018 upon amnesty granted to political prisoners. He had been denied medical treatment for his wound and suffered a lot throughout his imprisonment. His sister passionately expressed that Addisu has not yet recovered from moral and physical sufferings he sustained in jail for years. Sadly, he is still forced face same pain he spent with almost throughout his golden age. He was arrested twice this year alone. Previously, he was arrested on February 26, 2020 and released on March 30, 2020 from Burayu police station without any charge. That is, after disappearance for a month. Even so, he was released upon surety. His friend named Ingida Kusi signed the surety and guaranteed Adisu’s release. Unfortunately, the police arrested Ingida there and then with a mere allegation that he is in a WANTED list. In its Statement released on March 08, 2020, HRLHA has expressed its concern for the previous disappearance of Addisu.
Ingida Kusi
Ingida is a resident of Burayu town. He is an automotive mechanic by profession. On March 30, 2020, he was called to Burayu police station to sign surety for Addisu’s release as mentioned above. Unfortunately, the police arrested him there and then. Since then, his situation was unknown, as he has been denied visitation with anyone. This is his second round arrest since PM Abiy came to power. Previously, he is from among thousands of Oromo political prisoners released two years ago upon Amnesty.
Kabana Ebisa
Kabana has been detained for months in Wanjo town prison without any charge. Shockingly, on May 14, 2020 at 3.00am in the night, the federal defense army took him out of the prison and drove him out of the town. The army shot him in the head and left his body on the street. His burial was conducted at place called “Chaggo Birbir” in a Mekane Yesus Church cemetery.
Mass killing of Seven Unarmed Civilians- among the victims two are brothers
On May 03, 2020, the federal Military force committed a mass killing of seven unarmed civilians at a place called ‘Efa Galano Metti’ in Kellem Wellega, Sayo district. One of the victims is a woman named Dinke Tefera, owner of a traditional coffee house where the rest six victims were drinking coffee. Two brothers named Chali Yohannes and Gemechu Yohannes were among the victims. Their other brother named Achamele Yohannes was also killed by government defense army months ago. That is, three brothers were killed within an interval of a few months. The victims are Dinke Tefera, Efa Tefera, Chali Yohannes, Gemechu Yohannes, Debela Kebede, Dula Kase and Ahmadin Bayisa.
Tolosa Fida
Mr. Tolosa was a resident of West Wellega, Guliso district, Maru kebele. On the date of May 14, 2020, he was working on his coffee farm found nearby his home. Federal defense army surrounded the coffee farm and ruthlessly shot Mr. Tolosa with several bullets. He died immediately. The HRLHA has been informed that the defense army that committed the killing was deployed from a camp situated at a place called “Bondawo” found in the same locality.
Mohammed Amin
Mr. Mohammed is a resident of Harar and a government employee working in the East Harage Zone Agriculture Office. He is a popular Oromo nationalist and member of OLF. In the morning of May 14, 2020, on his way to office, security forces stopped him and drove him out of the town. His body remain eaten by hyna was found around Babile at a place called “Dakatah” to the east of Harar town on the main way to Jigjiga town.
She is a resident of Oromia region, W/Wellega zone, Lalo Assabi district, a particular place known as, “Kellay Birbir”. Ms. Amsalu, a mother of four, was cruelly killed in the day light by National Defense Force on May 21, 2020 while working on her farm. She was shot in the neck by several bullets in the presence of her children and husband. A week before, the defense army has harshly assaulted her husband and broke his arm without any ground.
Bona is a resident of W/Wellaga, Lalo Assabi district, Barko kebele. He was one of those massively arrested on May 23, 2020 by National defense force and taken to Wanjo camp. A day later, that is, on May 24, 2020, he was brutally killed and thrown into a river named “Birbir”.
Physical Assaults
Mr. Abdulmajid is a resident of Jimma zone, Manna district, Sahe Bontu kebele. The Oromia Special Police brutally shot him on the chest on May 16, 2020. He is currently in a critical situation and under medical treatment at the hospital. Below is Abdulmajid in an emergency room at the hospital .
Mr. Tarekegn is a resident of W/Wellega, Harun district. He is a lawyer by profession and currently a judge at Harun district first instance court. One of his colleagues who reported to HRLHA stated that on the 19th of May 2020, the Oromia Special Force suddenly stopped him while walking on the street. There and then, in the daylight, they threw him on the ground and brutally beat him in a manner disgracing his dignity and judgeship tenure. His right eye and left hand seriously injured as can be seen on the photograph (to the right). His colleague testified that Mr. Tarekegn is a disciplined and reputed person in his professional as well as social life.
The HRLHA underscores that the government’s vow to ensure rule of law would lead to precarious outcome if it insists to disregard for human rights.
Recommendations
The HRLHA highly urges the Government of Ethiopia to:
- Give priority to control the potential spread of Coronavirus pandemic by returning its military forces to their camps and stop harassing citizens in their homes.
- Stop brutalities being perpetrated by the Federal military and security force against the members and supporters of political opposition parties.
- Stop politically motivated detentions and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained officials, members and supporters of opposition political parties languishing in different official and unofficial detention centers.
- Investigate and bring to justice members of the security forces especially the Oromia Special Police who have been perpetrating wicked atrocities against political dissenters and innocent civilians.
- Pave a room for a genuine and sustainable dialogue with OLA towards ensuring lasting peace and stability within the region as well as the country at large.
Partial Data of Arbitrary Arrest and Killings since Late April 2020Arbitrary Arrests
| # | Name | Sex | Date of Arrest | Occupation | Place of Arrest | Remark |
| 1 | Bontu Dabala | F | April 26, 2020 | Daily Labor | Burayu town | She is 16 years old |
| 2 | Addisu Getachew | M | Late April | Self employed | Dukem town | His wwhereabouts is no yet known. |
| 3 | Marga Tesfaye | M | April 29, 2020 | Student | Gimbi town | |
| 4 | Yonas Bakana | M | April 29, 2020 | Banker | Mandi town | Working at Awash Bank, Mandi branch. |
| 5 | Abera Bekele | M | April 29, 2020 | Self employed | Sululta town | |
| 6 | Tariku Dagim | M | April 29, 2020 | Self employed | Gimbi town | |
| 7 | Halake Galgalo | M | April 29, 2020 | Teacher | Borana, Hachalle | |
| 8 | Baranbaras Tamene | M | April 30, 2020 | Self employed | W/Welega, Mandi town | |
| 9 | Sayid Shitta | M | May 01, 2020 | Self employed | Burayu town | He is an OLF member. Taken to unknown place in the mid night of May 01, 2020 |
| 10 | Elias Legese | M | Late April | Burayu- Katta | His whereabouts is yet unknown | |
| 11 | Fakada Lammi | M | May 05, 2020 | Self employed | W/Welega, Najjo town | He is an elder and a public figure in the community. |
| 12 | Wakshum Gurmesa | M | May 08, 2020 | Self employed | Nekemte | Arrested with his wife. He is a father of two |
| 13 | Hailu Ummata | M | May 09, 2020 | Prosecutor | Nekemte | |
| 14 | Gemechis Kalbesa | M | May 11, 2020 | Self employed | Ilubabor, Bure | OLF Members |
| 15 | Gadisa Adaba | M | May 11, 2020 | Self employed | Ilubabor, Bure | |
| 16 | Daniel Taddese | M | May 11, 2020 | Self employed | Ilubabor, Bure | |
| 17 | Melkamu Reta | M | May 11, 2020 | Self employed | Ilubabor, Bure | |
| 18 | Zabiba Jibril | F | May 11, 2020 | Self employed | Ilubabor, Bure | |
| 19 | Ahmed Mohammed | M | May 10, 2020 | Self employed | Shashamane | OLF member |
| 20 | Hussein Debela | M | May 12, 2020 | Artist | W/Wellega, Harun | |
| 21 | Adola Chuluke | M | May 14, 2020 | Judge | Addis Ababa/Finfine | |
| 22 | Guyo Dida | M | May 13, 2020 | – | Borana/Hiddi Lola | |
| 23 | Jamal Kula | M | May 13, 2020 | – | Borana/Hiddi Lola | |
| 24 | Karasa Taressa | M | May 15, 2020 | Priest/Preacher | W/Wellega, Ayira | |
| 25 | Doyo Wario | M | May 15, 2020 | Teacher | Borana | |
| 26 | Sacho Wario | M | May 15, 2020 | Self employed | Borana | |
| 27 | Boru Chulle | M | May 15, 2020 | Self employed | Guji | Former Chief Administrator of Gumi Eldalo district |
| 28 | Gadisa Abebe | M | May 15, 2020 | Self employed | Ilubabor, Matu | Former OLA member |
| 29 | Bashana Tolosa | M | May 15, 2020 | Farmer | Hababo Guduru | Previously, all of them have been detained at Awash Bishole military camp and spent there for months without charge. |
| 30 | Wabi Chala | M | May 15, 2020 | Student | Hababo Guduru | |
| 31 | Chimdo Abdisa | M | May 15, 2020 | Farmer | Hababo Guduru | |
| 32 | Taku Amanu | M | May 15, 2020 | Farmer | Hababo Guduru | |
| 33 | Demelash Fetene | M | May 15, 2020 | Farmer | Hababo Guduru | |
| 34 | Lami Diriba | M | May 15, 2020 | Student | Hababo Guduru | |
| 35 | Lami Amanu | M | May 15, 2020 | Farmer | Hababo Guduru | |
| 36 | Boche Mitiku | M | May 15, 2020 | Student | Hababo Guduru | |
| 37 | Belay Desso | M | May 15, 2020 | Student | Hababo Guduru | |
| 38 | Tamene Belay | M | May 15, 2020 | Student | Hababo Guduru | |
| 39 | Adugne Adamu | M | May 15, 2020 | Farmer | Hababo Guduru | |
| 40 | Elias Tesfaye | M | May 20, 2020 | Self employed | Addis/Finfinne | |
| 41 | Marsi Aboma | M | May 23, 2020 | Poet and Singer | Burayu town |
Killings
| No. | Full Name | Sex | Date of the killing | Place of the killing | Alleged Perpetrator | Remark |
| Dinke Tefera | F | May 03, 2020 | K/Wellega, Sayo, Efa Galano Metti | National Defense Force | All are unarmed civilians. The 3rd and 4th victims are brothers. HRLHA characterizes the act as a mass killings. | |
| Efa Tefera | M | May 03, 2020 | K/Wellega, Sayo, Efa Galano Metti | National Defense Force | ||
| Chali Yohannes | M | May 03, 2020 | K/Wellega, Sayo, Efa Galano Metti | National Defense Force | ||
| Gemechu Yohannes | M | May 03, 2020 | K/Wellega, Sayo, Efa Galano Metti | National Defense Force | ||
| Debela Kebede | M | May 03, 2020 | K/Wellega, Sayo, Efa Galano Metti | Federal Defense Army | ||
| Dula Kase | M | May 03, 2020 | K/Wellega, Sayo, Efa Galano Metti | National Defense Force | ||
| Ahmadin Bayisa | M | May 03, 2020 | K/Wellega, Sayo, Efa Galano Metti | National Defense Force | ||
| Tolosa Fida | M | May 14, 2020 | W/Wellega, Gulliso, Maru | National Defense Force | Shot and killed while working on his coffee farm. | |
| Kabana Ebisa | M | May 14, 2020 | W/Wellega, Wanjo | National Defense Force | ||
| Lata Wase | M | May 12, 2020 | H/G/Wellega, Abay Choman | National Defense Force | ||
| Giddi Nebo | M | May 12, 2020 | H/G/Wellega, Abay Choman | National Defense Force | ||
| Mohammed Amin (Nato) | M | May 19, 2020 | E/Hararge, Harar (Adare) | Government Security Members | ||
| Gemechis Chala | M | May 20, 2020 | W/Wellega, Wanjo | National Defense Force | On May 19, 2020, he was taken out of Wanjo police station. A day later, he was shot and found dead in a nearby forest. | |
| Bona Habtamu | M | May 24, 2020 | W/Wellega, Lalo Assabi | National Defense Force | He was brutally murdered and thrown into river. |
The following list of prisoners languishing in Military camp at Mandi town in West Wellega for more than six months without charge
| No. | Full Name | Sex | Date of Arrest (E.C) | Remark |
| Tesgara Tesema | M | 24/08/2019 | All of the detainees are unarmed civilians and permanent residents of different areas of Mandi district. They were suspected of association with OLA. However, they were not appeared before the court of law since their arrest and languishing in a military camp, an unofficial detention center.All were denied bail right and right to visitation of their family and legal counsel.The victim mentioned on number 5, that is, Getahun Risti has been seriously tortured and denied medical treatment. | |
| Dabalo Kaba | M | 24/08/2019 | ||
| Eba Galana | M | 14/10/2019 | ||
| Sh/Abdulfatha Guracho | M | 14/10/2019 | ||
| Getahun Risti | M | 02/11/2019 | ||
| Naguma Dugasa | M | 02/11/2019 | ||
| Abdu Abdullah | M | 11/11/2019 | ||
| Yonas Getachew | M | 28/11/2019 | ||
| Lalisa Gammachu | M | 02/12/2019 | ||
| Bekama Tariku | M | 02/12/2019 | ||
| Samuel Kebede | M | 02/12/2019 | ||
| Tariku Gudeta | M | 02/12/2019 | ||
| Bula Gudina | M | 03/12/2019 | ||
| Chali Edjeta | M | 12/01/2020 | ||
| Mitiku Etefa | M | 12/01/2020 | ||
| Fayisa Bekama | M | 12/01/2020 | ||
| Elias Dasa’a | M | 12/01/2020 | ||
| Hassan Shone | M | 12/01/2020 | ||
| Sheik Harun Dabala | M | 29/02/2020 | ||
| Temesgen Dereje | M | 02/03/2020 | ||
| Sheik Umar Ayana | M | 06/03/2020 | ||
| Abdulkadir Hassan | M | 06/03/2020 | ||
| Shuramu Ayana | M | 06/03/2020 | ||
| Tola Dinagde | M | 14/04/2020 |
