journalist Kidus and activist Habtamu Ayalew continued their discussion the next day in “Voice of Ethiopia in sweden ” at Radio Sydväst . Their focus remained on the Ethiopian government’s violations of journalists’ human rights, delving deeper into specific incidents and broader implications.
The “Voice of Ethiopia in sweden ” radio program in Sweden is a part of various multicultural radio offerings and focuses on providing news, current affairs, and cultural content for the Ethiopian community. The show is typically broadcast in the Amharic language and features a mix of news coverages for over 30 years in sweden.
The “Voice of Ethiopia in sweden” radio program has gained popularity due to its commitment to delivering fast and accurate information about events affecting Ethiopia and the world. The show is designed to respect and engage with its listeners, encouraging constructive communication and community involvement.
The aims and goals of the radio were to inform Ethiopians residing in Stockholm and the surroundings about the cultural, economical, and political situations in Ethiopia.
The radio became popular among Ethiopians all over the World in a short period of time due to:
1.The relatively high quality of the programs that are broadcasted
2.The broadcasting of the radio both live and over the internet
3.The live sending of the programs through the different Ethiopian paltalk Groups.
Habtamu’s background is marked by severe persecution and torture by the Ethiopian government. He was imprisoned at the notorious Maekelawi Prison, where he endured extreme forms of torture. These included being hung on a cross, subjected to beatings, and various other brutal interrogation techniques. The torture led to severe health problems, including serious kidney issues that left him confined to a wheelchair for some time
After being acquitted of charges but still under travel restrictions, Habtamu eventually left Ethiopia. He continued his advocacy from abroad, working with various media outlets such as ESAT and Ethio360 Media, and became a significant social media influencer on Ethiopian political issues. His participation in the “Voice of Ethiopia” radio program is part of his ongoing efforts to raise awareness about human rights violations in Ethiopia and to support the Ethiopian diaspora community in Sweden and beyond
Key issues mention in radio program
Advocacy and Media Involvement
Role in the Diaspora Community:
- Habtamu talked about his role in the Ethiopian diaspora community in Sweden. He explained how he continues to advocate for human rights and democracy through various platforms, including the “Voice of Ethiopia in sweden” radio program.
Current Political Views
Ethiopian Political Landscape:
- Habtamu offered his perspective on the current political situation in Ethiopia. He discussed the challenges facing the country, including political repression, ethnic tensions, and the need for democratic reforms .
Future Aspirations:
- Habtamu shared his hopes for the future of Ethiopia. He expressed his commitment to continuing his advocacy work and supporting efforts towards establishing a democratic and just society in Ethiopia.
Personal Reflections
Resilience and Hope:
- Throughout the interview, Habtamu reflected on his resilience and the sources of hope that keep him motivated. He highlighted the importance of solidarity among Ethiopians and the international community’s role in supporting human rights efforts in Ethiopia.
During the interview, we also discussed the actions of the Ethiopian Prosperity Party and its impact on the Amhara people. He highlighted several critical points regarding the party’s actions and their consequences:
Unjust Acts and Killings
Targeted Violence:
- Habtamu condemned the Ethiopian Prosperity Party for its role in orchestrating violence against the Amhara people. He provided specific instances of killings and other brutal acts carried out by government forces and affiliated groups in the Amhara region.
Human Rights Violations:
- He emphasized the widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Habtamu described these acts as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent and maintain control over the region.
Political Repression
Suppression of Opposition:
- Habtamu highlighted how the Prosperity Party has systematically targeted opposition figures and activists. He spoke about the repression of political dissent and the silencing of voices that challenge the government’s narrative.
Ethnic Tensions:
- The discussion also touched on how the Prosperity Party’s policies have exacerbated ethnic tensions in Ethiopia. Habtamu explained that these policies have often pitted different ethnic groups against each other, leading to further instability and violence.
International Community and Advocacy
Call for International Intervention:
- Habtamu called on the international community to take a more active role in addressing the human rights violations in Ethiopia. He stressed the need for external pressure on the Ethiopian government to halt its unjust actions and ensure accountability for the crimes committed.
Continued Advocacy:
Despite the challenges, Habtamu reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for justice and human rights. He urged the Ethiopian diaspora and global human rights organizations to amplify their efforts in supporting the Amhara people and other oppressed groups in Ethiopia.
