Habtamu Ayalew, a notable Ethiopian journalist and activist,and mostly wanted person in the list of people wanted for crimes by the security forces and joint task force in Ethiopia was invited by the Sweden Amhara Association and the Europe Amhara Association to give a speech in Sweden Stockholm may 18 2024 , focusing on the ongoing violence and alleged genocide against the Amhara people in Ethiopia. His speech aimed to highlight the systematic persecution and ethnic cleansing of the Amhara community and to urge international action to address these human rights violations.
Key Points from Habtamu Ayalew’s Speech
- Historical Context and Recent Escalation:
- Habtamu traced the roots of the violence back to the political dynamics in Ethiopia, noting that tensions have significantly escalated since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018.
- He pointed out that the targeting of the Amhara people is not a new phenomenon but has deep historical roots. However, the intensity and frequency of the attacks have increased dramatically in recent years.
- Nature of the Atrocities:
- The speech detailed numerous instances of violence against the Amhara people, including extrajudicial killings, mass detentions, and forced displacements.
- Habtamu mentioned specific incidents where the violence was particularly brutal, involving the disemboweling of pregnant women and other acts of extreme cruelty, highlighting the deeply rooted hatred fueling these crimes.
- Government and Militia Involvement:
- According to Habtamu, various armed groups such as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), along with government forces, have been implicated in the violence against the Amhara.
- He accused the Ethiopian government of not only failing to protect the Amhara people but actively participating in their persecution through policies and military actions designed to weaken and marginalize them.
- International Response and Call to Action:
- Habtamu criticized the international community, particularly Western countries and the United Nations, for overlooking the genocide against the Amhara. He called for a more robust and urgent response to prevent further atrocities.
- He urged international human rights organizations and global leaders to investigate and acknowledge the genocide, implement targeted sanctions against Ethiopian officials responsible for inciting violence, and provide protection for the Amhara people.
- Impact on the Amhara Community:
- The ongoing violence has left the Amhara community in a state of fear and insecurity. The speech emphasized the psychological and socio-economic impact of the atrocities, including loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of Amhara people.
- Habtamu stressed the need for unity among the Amhara diaspora to raise awareness and support efforts to end the violence.
Conclusion
Habtamu Ayalew’s speech in Sweden was a poignant and urgent call to action against the ongoing genocide of the Amhara people in Ethiopia. By detailing the historical context, the nature of the atrocities, and the involvement of both government and militia forces, he aimed to shed light on a crisis that has been largely ignored by the international community. His call for immediate and decisive action underscores the dire need for global intervention to protect the Amhara people and bring an end to the violence they are facing.
