IHMS COMMENTARY
Recent world political events have shown that a leader’s cumulative ignorance feeds hate and breeds injustices, as well as, arrogance disintegrates a society or a nation. These have also currently manifested in Ethiopia at municipal, regional, and national levels.
We express our deepest concern and utter condemnation of the appalling and distressing reports regarding the egregious acts of land grabbing, Mosque demolishing, discrimination, killings, and religious cleansing that are taking place in Ethiopia today. These are internal Ethio-fascism in all its forms and shapes. These acts are gross violations of the Muslims’ fundamental human rights. Specifically,
- We strongly condemn the demolishing of Mosques, the land grabbing, and the unlawful seizure of land from marginalized communities, which not only disrupt their livelihoods but also perpetuate the cycles of poverty and social inequality in the Sheger City surrounding the political capital of Africa, Addis Ababa. We denounce any actions that resulted in the forced eviction and displacement of individuals and communities, as it undermines their basic human rights, including the right to adequate housing, food security, and dignified life.
- We utterly denounce the authorities of the Oromo Regional State for their discriminatory decisions and heinous acts taking place in Sheger City. Not only violate the fundamental principles of human rights but also undermines the very fabric of peace, harmony, and coexistence within the diverse people of Ethiopia. No ideology, race, philosophy, and political entity are above Islam. For Muslims, their religion and the House of Allah are above anything and everything! The Oromia authorities must understand that undermining the principles of religious freedom, equality, equity, and coexistence in the name of development and building a new city paramount to religious and ethnic cleansing and leading to genocide. Avoid repeating mistakes, that is, setting up a time bomb in a diverse society. These authorities must stop hate-mongering, religious discrimination, abusing minorities, and dictatorial acts in the land of multicultural Ethiopia. Multiculturalism is natural. It is a reality in current Ethiopia. Dignify it to build a peaceful Ethiopia.
- We strongly condemn the deliberate targeting and expulsion of female Muslim students from schools because of their wearing veils (hijab), and Muslim students from praying at schools. These are grave violations of their fundamental right to freedom of religion, belief, and practice. Specifically, the Minister of Education (Prof. Berhanu Nega) is solely responsible for such discriminatory and criminal acts taking place at all school levels including universities. We were appalled to even observe in a parliamentary session that he pretended not to know the official Islamic holiday in Ethiopia in order to schedule examinations on Eid Iftar, Eid Adha, and the Birth of the Prophet (SAW). It is essential that Muslim students are able to practice their faith and maintain their cultural identities without fear of persecution or forced assimilation. Ignoring the over half-significant Ethiopian Muslim population is spreading political corruption in the land, and displaying arrogance at its best.
- We also categorically denounce the killings of innocent demonstrators, who were exercising their natural rights of a peaceful demonstration in protecting their religious rights. The killings, beatings, and incarcerating of innocent Muslims during the demonstrations from Anwar mosque were despicable violations of humanity. Injustices in Sheger City and Addis Ababa are collective injustices in Ethiopia and beyond. Thus, the killings of innocent Muslims not only warrant condemnation by Muslim brothers and sisters in Ethiopia but also by humanity worldwide.
We therefore strongly urge the Ethiopian government to take immediate and decisive actions to put an end to these abuses, violations, discriminations, and grave injustices. We also call upon the government to hold those responsible for perpetrating such inhumane acts accountable. The government must ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that perpetrators of violations, abuses, and injustices are brought to justice. In addition, we urge the Ethiopian government to provide the victims with justice, restitution, compensation, and the means to rebuild their lives. And, for each of the 19 Mosques demolished replacement lands with building expenses must be provided with apologies from the Ethiopian government, Oromia Regional State, and the Ministry of Education.
We also urge the international community, human rights organizations, Islamic countries and organizations, as well as, concerned individuals to raise their voices against these atrocities and exert pressure on the Ethiopian government to protect the right of its Muslim populations. After all, over 50 percent of the 120 million Ethiopians are Muslims, and they are indigenous and the DNA of Ethiopia from its inception!
We also call upon civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and religious leaders to relentlessly and unequivocally condemn such atrocities. For example, we 100% support the actions taken by the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council. Noting that though Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) is completely silent on such atrocities, the media should unite in raising awareness about the plight of those affected by land grabbing and religious cleansing in Ethiopia. It is our supreme duty!
It is only a devil who attacks peace. Islam means peace, and Muslim means a person who completely submits his or her will to the Creator, Allah (Subhanahu Wata’ala). For every twist and turn in the World, Islam withstood. It is here and flourishing with no exception to Ethiopia.
Finally, we implore the Ethiopian government to foster an inclusive society that cherishes diversity and embraces all its nations, nationalities, and peoples of Ethiopia, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. Dialogue, understanding, and respect should be promoted to bridge divides, promote religious and cultural tolerance to encompass development for all. Otherwise, developing the land without the participation and welfare of the diverse people of Ethiopia is irrelevant and in vain!
Our last words for the Muslims. Of course, many non-Islamic institutions and individuals stand by Muslims and defend their rights; eventually, protecting Islam is still the responsibility and obligation of Muslims around the globe. Beyond condemnation of the abusers and insensitive adversaries of Islam, protecting Islam needs timely courage and organized actions in Ethiopia or anywhere. Courage with consistent actions is the most important verities and virtue in protecting Islam. Without courage and consistent actions, practicing the virtues of completely submitting to the Creator would be difficult. Sit down, listen, and get organized but stand up, speak, and empower one another continuously to defend Islam, the universal religion of peace.
We always stand for peace, justice, and humanity.
IHMS Editorial Team
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