Abbay Media News
Gadissa Kuma
Government security forces accused of shooting at youth participating in Epiphany celebration in Woldia are being asked vociferously to leave the city where the violence took place.
Mr Gedu Andargachew, the president of the Amhara regional administration, met with residents of Woldia hoping to calm the situation. But it does not appear the visit was successful in addressing the key issues behind the violence. During an interview with the regional Television Station Mr Andargachew stopped from acknowledging political and administrative questions raised by the youth without expressing whether and how it is going to be addressed. He also hushed the popular demand to see government security forces leave the city. In fact, eye witnesses reported seeing the security forces that killed and injured the youth with even more soldiers in the city.
The gravity of the violence perpetrated by government security forces and that it happened at an important religious celebration did attract the attention of international media. BBC reported that government forces killed at least five and injured several individuals taking part in the Epiphany celebration. It also reported that opposition to the government from the country’s majority Oromo and Amhara regions has been ongoing for over three years.
The New York Times, citing Mr Amare Goshu, reported that at least seven participants of the epiphany celebration were killed in clashes with security forces. The Washington Post reported that seven individuals were killed. It also reported that the government is jailing journalists and opposition political party members. The paper also indicated that in spite of human rights advocates’ complaint about widespread repression, the US government considers the Ethiopian regime a friend and an ally.
