To:
- Irish Government
- All Political Parties in Ireland
- European Council (EU)
- Human Rights Watch
- Amnesty International, Ireland Office
- Human Rights Watch, London Office
Dear Sir/Madam,
On behave of the Oromo Community in Ireland I am writing this appeal letter to you out of the grave concern of the human rights violation in Ethiopia. Oromo community is a registered community charity helping its members to integrate into its host society through different activities. As we are originally from Ethiopia, and still, have connections through the family and cultural heritages we are very much worried about the current situation of killings, war, and displacement of our people. It is our great belief and hope that your office, as it has been doing, can, and is keen to act on our appeal.
With heavy hearts, we, the Oromo community residing in Ireland, write to express our deep sorrow and outrage over the horrific atrocities recently committed by the Amhara terrorist group known as Fanno in the Salale zone of Oromia. Innocent lives have been lost, and unimaginable suffering has been inflicted upon peaceful communities.
Terrorist Fano recorded slaughtering a young Oromo boy from Salale, Oromia Region
In Salale and beyond, villages have witnessed the slaughter of innocent Oromo youths, the killing of farmers, the brutal rape of women in front of their husbands and children, and the destruction of critical farm equipment and produce. These heinous crimes are not just a tragedy for the Oromo people but a stain on our shared humanity.
This hilarious act of terror can be seen in the following video, if still available on YouTube.
A Call to the Ethiopian Government
We request the Ethiopian government to uphold its duties to protect its citizens and address the root causes of these atrocities. Specifically, we have seen that the Ethiopian federal and regional authorities have acknowledged, and publicly denounced the acts of the Fanno malicia group. While this is an important step, it is far from sufficient. Words must now translate into action. The government, both at the federal level and in coordination with regional authorities, must apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and bring them to justice without delay.
We ask the government of Ethiopia to communicate openly and transparently with the public, using media channels to inform citizens about the actions being taken to hold these criminals accountable. We also ask the Ethiopian government to engage the public in this effort, urging communities to assist in locating, identifying, and apprehending these individuals.
All Ethiopians must be united in ensuring that such atrocities are not repeated; and that the Ethiopian government provides immediate and lasting security to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in Salale zone, Oromo zones of Amhara, and Eastern Wellega zones. We ask the government to provide permanent policing services around the voluble zones until things get normal and lasting peace prevails.
We ask the Ethiopian authorities to reach out to all opposition groups, including those currently engaged in armed Conflict within Ethiopia, to initiate peaceful dialogue. Political, social, or any other differences must never be resolved through violence and bloodshed.
A Call to the International Community
We urge the international community, including peace-loving nations, superpowers, and global movements, to denounce these barbaric acts committed by Fanno and other violent groups destabilizing Ethiopia. We appeal to the international peace-loving community to support efforts for peace, including facilitating dialogue among Ethiopia’s political groups and the government. We also ask to provide logistic and expertise support to assist Ethiopia in addressing ethnic-based violence, promoting reconciliation, and strengthening institutions for sustainable peace.
A Special Appeal to Ireland and the European Union
As members of the Oromo community in Ireland, we appeal to Irish government and the European Union to take a leading role in promoting peace and stability in Ethiopia. We request Ireland and the EU to: Influence Ethiopia’s government and opposition groups to come to the table for peaceful negotiations and support humanitarian efforts for victims of violence and Internally displaced populations.
We appeal to the EU and Irish government that they provide technical and diplomatic assistance to foster lasting solutions to Ethiopia’s complex challenges. The suffering in Ethiopia must end. Violence only deepens wounds and delays progress. The Ethiopian government, opposition groups, and the international community must act collectively and urgently to address these crises. Let us all work towards peace, justice, and equitable measures for all Ethiopians.
The killing of innocent people has never been, and will never be, a solution to any problem—political, social, or otherwise. We call on the Ethiopian government to take bold and courageous steps to engage in dialogue with all political groups, opposition forces, and stakeholders. A peaceful resolution to differences is the only path to a better future for the Ethiopian people. We call upon stakeholders, local and international to work collectively and urgently towards a peaceful, democratic, and just Ethiopia.
Yours Faithfully,
Oromo Community Ireland
27th November 2024.