(Sunday, May 6
2012, Addis Ababa)--The Ethiopian government has warned Muslims after a religious dispute caused a massive anti-government protest in Addis Ababa. The government’s warning comes after four people
including a Muslim cleric was killed and 11 injured in a violent clash
in Oromiya region Arsi-Assasa a week ago.
On Friday, thousands of Muslims gathered in the Grand Anewar mosque in Addis Ababa and demonstrated their opposition against prime minister Meles Zenawi’s government. Following the protest, the government tightened security in Addis Ababa schools and mosques and a big number of armed security personnel movement was seen in the capital city.
For three months now after Friday prayers, Muslims have been protesting in various locations, urging the government to allow a new Islamic ideology Ahebash (moderate Islam mainly known in Lebanon). Ahebash is a foreign Islamic sect to both Ethiopian moderate Muslims and growing Sufi sect followers.
Muslims have demand religious freedom and urged the government to stop interfering in their faith. The negotiations were underway between representatives of Muslims and government but Muslim representatives said the election of the new religious leaders (Mejliis) was hijacked by government.
The Government on its part, accused
Muslims of hosting politically motivated elements, who are plotting to
against the government. Ethiopia’s Ministry Federal Affairs, an office
responsible for religious organizations said in the statement the
government had responded to all questions from the Muslims. The government said outlawed political opposition and foreign Muslim extremists were behind the ongoing protests.
Three armed opposition groups, Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and Ginbot-7, US based opposition, were designated as ‘terrorist’ organizations by a de-facto one party Ethiopian parliament. The Ministry said social media such as Facebook are used by “terrorist” organizations and extremists to disseminate anti-government information to the Muslim population.
Source: Sunday Nation
1 comment:
first of all i am ashamed of the government of Ethiopia.being a liar being a prime minister it is sham full to lie peoples all around. the Muslims are not asking for political power. they are asking their religious right. we are asking short and precise questions.
1.those paid ah-bash's should live our institutions u can give them their own they don't have a right to use Muslim institutions
2. those mejli's leaders whom meles assign also should live our institutions and sit to ur office
3. the government has no right to order our islamic institution AWELIA for his political and ahbesh education
but the lier meles talks what we are not asking every body can believe in what he want also ahbesh too but not in our mosques and institution. it is better to stop ur edit mission which u took money from israel government to dismiss islam u better stop other wise every muslim gives its life for islam jihad will be ur last fate
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