Update 07-06-2020 - According to a source, the Abiy team has decided to shut down TV Tigrai and DW TV. This is a developing story stay tuned. We are not sure if Abiy can technically shut the TV stations but possibly he can pressure Satelite providers to drop both Stations. We are told such drastic measures are considered a red line for the Tigrai government. Aigaforum July 6, 2020

Update 07-06-2020 #2 -
According to sources from Addis, both TV Tigrai and DW can be watched using DSTV at a different frequency. Users need to rescan to adjust to the new frequency.



Arrests follow protests that killed at least 166 in Ethiopia
A leading opposition party representing Ethiopia's Oromo ethnic group said Monday that five senior members had been detained following violence last week that claimed at least 166 lives.The opposition politicians from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) were seized by security forces in the capital, Addis Ababa, party chairman Dawud Ibsa told AFP. They include Chaltu Takkele and Gemmechu Ayana, senior political officers, and Kennesa Ayana, a member of the party's central committee.

Tigrians living in Australia and New Zealand, the Union of Tigrian Associations in Australia and New Zealand (UTAAN) wishes the successful conduct and conclusion of the election 2020
(ANZ) July 2020 - It is clear that our government is doing all necessary preparations to conduct the 2020 regional elections in Tigray in an inclusive, fair and free manner. Therefore, on behalf of all Tigrians living in Australia and New Zealand, the Union of Tigrian Associations in Australia and New Zealand (UTAAN) wishes the successful conduct and conclusion of the election.

Plea for Help to Stop Ethnically Motivated Political Imprisonment and Gross Violation of Human Rights in Ethiopia
July 2020 - We are a group representing Canadians of Tigray origin (North Ethiopia) and kindly writing this letter to plead with you to put pressure on Mr. Abiy, the Ethiopian Prime Minister, to stop harassing, selectively imprisoning, and waging Nazi-like propaganda campaign against the Tigray nation of Ethiopia. His bellicose narratives and actions have reached dangerous levels that would inevitably create havoc in the already volatile region of the horn of Africa.

Hachalu Hundessa: Ethiopia singer's death unrest killed 166
July 2020 - With a government that commits horrific human rights abuses against its own people, plays reckless political games in regional affairs, amidst the ongoing spread of COVID-19 pandemic and a country with one of the weakest health systems, Eritrea is currently exposed to an unprecedented humanitarian and political crisis. We, the undersigned 95 Eritrean Scholars and Professionals, are writing to share our serious concerns about these issues.

A tale of twins: the Derg Brothers
Aesop 07/03/2020 - The political assassination of Hachaalu Hundessaa angered most Ethiopians. Oromo elites started calling the government and its supporters neo-fascists. But millions of Ethiopians compare the incumbent regime to Derg 1.0 (1974-1991). Derg is an Amharic term for "team". People who suffered under Derg 1.0 panic when people say: "team Lemma". But the resemblance goes deeper. We all know how Mengistu eliminated his superior comrade Atnafu...






The 2020 Manifesto of Eritrean Scholars and Professionals in the Diaspora
A top police chief said 145 civilians and 11 security personnel died in Oromia region alone. Ten people have been killed in the capital Addis Ababa.Hachalu, 34, was killed on Monday, sparking unrest that spread from Oromia where he was seen as a hero.The motive remains unclear. Hachalu had said he had received death threats.

Defusing Ethiopia's Latest Perilous Crisis
The killing of a prominent Oromo musician has unleashed a wave of protests that have left dozens dead, highlighting anew the fragility of the country's transition. Authorities and opposition leaders should call for calm and engage in sustained dialogue to bridge the bitter divisions.

Sooner or later, the Crisisgroup will have to call a spade a spade and tell the world Ethiopia is lead by an inept and 'gilgel' dictator! Ethiopia is failing and no one but the color revolutionaries is to blame. Crisis group being one of the key sponsors of these sham revolutionaries should be ashamed to keep talking about 'change' !What change?

Covid-19 is No More Force Majeure
Temesgn Kebede 07-03-20 - It is an incontrovertible fact that the country was assembled by bringing together different nations and nationalities to exploit and dominate. This was done by the use of force the local imperial power managed to garner from white colonial powers in return for strategic and material gains they would have for the services they provided.

Death of Oromo singer Hachalu Hundessa deepens divisions in Ethiopia
The turmoil sparked by Hachalu's death has left the Prime Minister Abiy fighting for his political survival, experts say."I think it will be very difficult if he survives," comments Mehari Maru, a scholar on peace and security at the European University Institute."If he does, he will be the prime minister of Addis Ababa only. The country is a de facto confederation now," he tells RFI.




Ethiopia's Nobel Winner Can't Rest on His Laurels
No clampdown on communications can conceal the fact that Ethiopia's [PM] Abiy Ahmed, is struggling to calm his own people.
Even Bloomberg the worst promotor of Abiy can't hide their dismay with Abiy! I am thinking Bloomberg is afraid the auctioning of the country may not happen if the ongoing civil protest is not arrested soon. Otherwise, they were cheering him until yesterday, so to speak. [Zeru Hagos Jul 3, 2020]

Climbing the Towers of Tigray in Ethiopia Adventure films have been in short supply recently, in part because most of us haven't been able to actually go out on an adventure. One of the clips that truly caught my attention-not to mention my imagination-is this beautiful film shot in Ethiopia, as they visit the dramatic landscapes of the Tigray region.

The bitter dispute over Africa's largest dam
For biruk negafh, as for millions of Ethiopians, the summer rains may bring the climax of a decade's work. As a high-school student in 2011 he bought 100-birr bonds (then worth $6 each) to help finance the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a giant edifice that would span the Blue Nile, the main tributary of the Nile river...

NPR: Slain Singer Is Laid To Rest After Days Of Deadly Turmoil In Ethiopia

Abiy, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, said authorities are investigating Haacaaluu's killing, while law enforcement has also tried to smother the upheaval. The government shut down the Internet and arrested at least two major opposition figures who had pressed the government

One by one Western Media outlets has come to realize who Abiy is. Unlike yesterday, today, all of them have dropped the paragraph where they acclaim Abiy as a reformer! Now that he is naked, it looks, Abiy has decided to go for a make it or break it forceful eviction of Oromo nationalist from Addis Ababa to please the Unitary/Ahadawiyan forces. We shall see how this drama will end soon.

Update 07-02-20 #1 - Addis Ababa is relatively quiet today compared to yesterday. Some restaurants and neighborhood shops are open but fresh produce is very scarce. All roads leading to Addis are still closed with few people venturing outside of their homes. According to an eyewitness, the military is still present in most public places.

An eyewitness who spoke with anonymity told us, a group of young people had visited Tedy Afro residence in the CMC area the other day. Teddy was not at his residence at the time.

The protest has been going for three days now. Many people are believed to have been killed and many business buildings destroyed. To minimize the destruction, Addis residents were told to come out and make noise if and when rioters come into their neighborhood. This may have worked as there are fewer buildings destroyed since then. Stay tuned! Aigaforum Jul 2, 2020


Ethiopia Cracks Down Following Popular Singer's Killing )

(Human Rights Watch) - Lift Internet Shutdown, Avoid Force at Protests, Free Unjustly Held Politicians

Ethiopia: Military deployed after more than 80 killed in protests

"The assassination of an important Oromo musician, subsequent protests which have in places involved property destruction and security forces using lethal force, and the arrest of Oromo leaders, creates a dangerous situation and is another blow to Ethiopia's troubled transition," said William Davison, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.

William Davison, why did you fail to foresee the fostering Oromo discontent as a potential threat to democracy in Ethiopia the same way you foresaw 'Amhara-Tigrai' schism in your last report? I wonder if your sponsors got a research report worth their money? [Zeru Hagos 07-01-20]

Ethiopia protests spark Internet shutdown and fears of high death toll after popular singer killed...(Washington Post)



The Security and Justice for Tigreans in Ethiopia is shocked and deeply saddened by the senseless killing of a popular Oromo artist Hachalu Hundessa.
SJTE Executive Committee Washington, DC June 30, 2020 - We express our condolence to his family and friends. The killing clearly indicates the utter failure of the current government to bring about peace, security, and stability. The break down of law and order in Ethiopia in the past two years is created and facilitated by an environment of hate, ethnic-based conflict, character assassinations, and pitting one group over another.

Hachalu Hundessa: 'Fifty killed' in protests over Ethiopian singer's death
At least 50 people have been killed in Ethiopia after the death of a popular singer sparked huge protests in the Oromia region, a local official has told the BBC.Thousands of fans had gathered to mourn Hachalu Hundessa, who was shot dead on Monday night while driving. Police say 35 people, including prominent politician Jawar Mohammed, have been arrested.

Note: The Internet is shut down across the country(Ethiopia) and there is news posted that prominent politicians Bekele Gerba and Jawar Mohammed were arrested earlier. Stay tuned! June 30, 2020

Back in the dark: Ethiopia shuts down internet once again
Yesterday evening, June 29, prominent Oromo musician and social activist, Haacaaluu Hundeessaa, was shot dead in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. Following his tragic death at the hands of unknown assailants, it is reported that numerous protests sprung up in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas, with people taking to the streets demanding justice.

Ethiopia's Mortal Enemy: Not Just Abay But Worst, Its Tributaries too!
Hailemariam Abebe 06-30-20 - Sometime a half-century ago, when Ethiopia was on death row courtesy one of the most ignorant and corrupt government on the African continent, someone had captured Ethiopia's predicament, with the famous maxim to the effect "what was hurting Ethiopia was not only Abay but its tributaries too!" .

Martyrs and Elections
Sponato 06-29-20 - The first multiparty elections in Ethiopia following the demise of the Derg, a military regime that ruled the country with an iron fist for 17 years, were held in May 1995. I, together with my Ethiopian TV crew, was deployed to the town of Sheraro and its environs. This area would later get international media attention due to the Ethio-Eritrean war of 1998-2000.

CAN ETHIOPIA BE SALVAGED?!
Dr. Tsegazeab k. A (MD, MPH) 06-28-20 - IFor all realistic and practical purposes, the current state of Ethiopia can be considered to be the work of two prominent political forces; The Minilik'ites and The EPRDF'ites, namely. That is setting aside the role and influences of foreign actors. Both forces had left a significant; may be an irreversible, political foot-print of theirs on modern Ethiopia.