June 8, 2005

The EPRDF regime in Ethiopia has killed more than 24 peacefully demonstrating people, jailed hundreds and virtually imposed the rule by force and terror to silence a popular protest against a confirmed rigging of the May 15 general elections in Ethiopia.

The regime had declared an illegal ban on peaceful demonstrations and used its security forces to impose its diktat while international observers had clearly stated that it had lost the election and was attempting to fraudulently declare itself a victor. Which it did without delay through the electoral board it is controlling. University students in Addis Abeba,Awassa, Gondar, etc, protested against the election fraud, taxi and mini bus drivers went on strike demanding justice and opposition organizations called for a revote in all the disputed districts and areas. The regime brought into the city of Addis Abeba its special Agazi commando, transported troops to other towns and villages and has now resorted to an all out repression to stifle the popular protest. This clear and evident violation of the rights of the people is expected to continue and there is a justifiable fear that the leaders of the opposition organizations could soon be jailed and subjected, as usual, to inhumane treatment. Worse still, the power holders are playing the ethnic card and trying to pit the Ethiopian people against their Tigrean compatriots and by playing with fire the regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi may in the end provoke a blood bath that not many would be able to stop. Anti- Tigrean leaflets distributed in Addis Abeba are said to be the work of government agent provocateurs.

The regime of Meles Zenawi is one of the worst human violators in Africa. Lip service to democracy and rights aside, it has reigned for the past 14 years relying on brute force and ethnic domination. The people are calling for an end to this illegal rule and have cast their votes for the opposition. Evidently, the regime in place is refusing to relinquish power and trying to cling to power at all costs. The consequences of its illegal actions will of course be its own responsibility.

SOCEPP calls on the international public to condemn the violent repression by the EPRDF in Ethiopia and sends its condolences to the families of the victims. More than 2000 jailed students should also be released without delay.

SOCEPP