By Abebe Gellaw
EVN, September 6 — A shocking video has surfaced, purportedly showing members of the Ethiopian Defense Forces involved in the execution of civilians in broad daylight. The video, which has gone viral, has ignited outrage among Ethiopians.
The undated video reportedly originates from Debre Markos in Gojam, amidst the ongoing conflict between the federal army and the Fano militia that has spread throughout the Amhara region. Reports emerging from this strife-torn area, marked by internet service disruptions, allege widespread and indiscriminate civilian killings. In just the past few days, there have been disturbing accounts of indiscriminate civilian killings at the hands of the army in various parts of the Amhara region, including Majete.
It emerged that one of those shot dead was identified as university professor Limatu Ayalew.
In the town of Majete and its surroundings in North Shewa, it is reported that more than 31 innocent civilians lost their lives at the hands of army personnel following setbacks and defeats in their encounters with the Fano militia. The Fano militia, which volunteer armed group that gets mobilized in times of need, has been employing guerrilla warfare tactics, including ambushes against conventional army units.
The viral video clip depicts several men in army uniforms beating an individual lying on the street. Subsequently, the individual attempts to get up and walk, only to be executed at point-blank range by a soldier. Another person is seen being shot in a similar manner, falling to the ground.
The video has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms. A Twitter user, Mahlet (@mahlet069851509), commented, that are trying to weaken Amhara, but the struggle and resistance remain strong.
Another Twitter user, @MikruAbraham, remarked, “This is an act of extreme cruelty and tragedy, a cowardly act.”
The protection of civilians in armed conflicts is a fundamental principle of international humanitarian law. Such acts depicted in the video constitute grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, which include acts such as willful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, including biological experiments, and extensive property destruction, among others. These actions are considered crimes under international law.
![Ethiopia: Disturbing Leaked Images From Concentration Spark Outrage [Video]](https://ethiovoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/amharas-440x264.jpg)
First and foremost, I sincerely like to praise your endeavors to bring about a change to our country, what a fascinating and wonderful job within this short period of time, may God bless your work.
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The Unresolved Doubts of Ethiopia
Why Ethiopia didn’t get a leader who could be named the father of genuine democracy for its people? In my view, the following themes are critically important.
* Most former leaders came to power by shortcuts without an authentic election.
* knowing they weren’t elected by the people, Once they take power, they want to make sure they close all the holes without leaving any alternatives to the oppositions to win elections.
* Ethnically biased/pro-ethnic attitude within own tribe. As history has shown, in the past, with the exception of Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam, Prime Minister Melese Zenawi spent 17 years in power keeping his mostly Adawa compatriots in high-ranking positions. And the status quo shows us that Prime Minister Abiy is slowly but surely playing the same game to de-escalate his confidence in his power.
* Absence of strong opposition parties – Ethiopian opposition parties are still deeply formed on the basis of their ethnic affiliation. Initially, the roadmap was designed by TPL and later on other newly formed were also agitated by TPLF to follow the same route, widening and creating strong differences between them.
* Above all, greediness- almost all of them who had been in power don’t want to step down or retire because of the financial comfort they have had and been getting at the time they are on power. If they bow out, unlike western countries, they won’t have all the privileges they had; so, by hook or crook, they want to stay in power, eliminating their opponents by silent or thunderous guns, the sickness of most African leaders who stayed in power till nature takes them away. What is unthinkable is retiring or stepping down from their throne; the longer they stay in power, the bigger the chance to rule the country with an iron-fist, and once they have cold blood on their hands, then they know they would be accountable for all injustices and they would never retire.
How can we rectify these gaps!
Bridging the gaps in Ethiopian leadership and promoting genuine democracy requires a comprehensive approach. The following are some potential strategies to consider:
1.Encouraging political inclusiveness: Encouraging the formation of diverse and inclusive political parties across ethnic lines. Promote platforms that give priority to national unity, shared objectives and the well-being of all Ethiopians.
2.Limit mandates: Limiting the mandates of the Prime Minister or the President can prevent leaders from remaining in power and foster a culture of peaceful transition. This enables new perspectives and fosters the emergence of new leaders.
3. Promote meritocracy: Focus on qualifications, skills and experience when appointing individuals to senior positions. Aim for representation that reflects the diversity of the Ethiopian population, guaranteeing equality of opportunity for all ethnic groups.
4. Strengthening civil society and the media: Supporting the growth of civil society organizations and independent media to provide checks and balances to the government. That ensures accountability and transparency of governance.
5. As the country is ethnically diverse, set a mechanism to fill each high ranking positions of ministers with various ethics in such a way one from Oromo, one from Amhara, one from Somali, Afar etc. This approach may please and ease the past displeasure of all kinds of drawbacks in power sharing.
6. Enhance the involvement of diasporas in shaping up of opposition party.
How can diasporas in USA and elsewhere contribute to the democratization of their country?
Diasporas can be the power of the financial source for the robust opposition party in Ethiopia if the plan is designed wisely and intelligently. The country for a while seems a breading ground for unfruitful parties ranging from ethnic to seemingly national party here and there and intermittently changing names with no hope of winning or quenching the aspiration of over 120 million people of Ethiopia.
There are substantial numbers of Ethiopian diasporas in USA and elsewhere who would be willing to support if we design a mechanism to bring together the so called opposition parties in that country and make them invincible strong competitor parties against the ruling party.
How?
1) Use the Global Alliance or another entity to bring together Ethiopians and support our nation’s democracy. Now, I strongly believe that EVN could play a vital role in bringing about a change to that country better than any other diaspora role.
2) Encourage all those known to us as the opposition parties to form a single opposition party by assuring them that the diasporas will fund and support them. Based on my discussions with some notorious ex-diplomats and history of other countries, this approach is the best remedy to bring together those fruitless parties, thereby narrowing and eventually eliminating the formation of new ethnic based comers.
3) Since most Ethiopian origin intellectuals and notorious Ethiopians mainly outside the country are hesitant or don’t want to be a party member, setting up an independent advisory Council/board (not a member of the party) of these groups is vital. Whether they are advisers or member of the party, we can make good use of their knowledge and experience in democratizing our beloved country.
To sum up, let’s endeavor to bring together the numerous ineffective parties in our homeland in such a way if they come together or merge into one strong party, the diaspora will support them financially in good will. Let us put all our strengths to work, together we will win and keep our homeland intact, in God will.
Sincerely,
Tesfaye Worku
USA