Dozens of National Movement of Amhara members reportedly arrested. The spokesperson himself, Christain Tadele, is arrested.

borkena

June 28, 2019

Three Council members of National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) are on Friday, reported DW Amharic Service.

They were arrested in West Gojjam zone, Sekela locality, where they went for a work-related trip, Chairman of the movement, Dr. Desalegn Change confirmed to DW Amharic service.

It is unclear whether it is regional authorities or Federal authorities who are involved in the arrest of the party’s spokesperson. What is known is that Federal security forces and the defense force is deployed to the region following the alleged coup d’etat in Bahir Dar which may Ethiopians say is a cover to crack down on NaMA and ethnic Amhara people in Ethiopia.

Reuters quoted chairman as saying “Our spokesman is arrested along with the other three members of the party, we are trying to communicate with the regional officials asking for their release.”

Christian Tadele , NaMA spokesperson

Among the leaders arrested are the party’s public relations head, Christian Tadele, Belayneh Getachew and Gezahegn, both of them are council members of the party.

The Ethiopian government has confirmed the arrest of hundreds of people in connection with what the government says is “failed coup attempt,” according to a report by Reuters on Friday.

On Thursday, the chairman of the party tweeted that about 39 NaMA members were arrested in the capital Addis Ababa and Asela. He also indicated that nearly 300 ethnic Amhara are arrested in Addis Ababa and a number of other towns including Sululta, Jima. Furi, Nazareth (Adama), Asela, Fiche, Legetafo, East Wollega, Bale Zone, Selale, Sebesta, and Assossa.

The arrest of NaMA members came as the party was undertaking public meetings in different parts of the region.

Meanwhile, Amhara region police commissioner, Abere Adamu, said over 300 individuals who are allegedly linked to in custody in connection with the “alleged coup d’état”, and they have already appeared before the court, according to a report by Amhara Mass Media Agency (AMMA)

The alleged coup d’état happened in Bahir Dar on June 22, 2019, around 5 p.m local time claimed the lives of the region’s president, Ambachew Mekonen, and two other top officials namely Migbaru Kebede and Ezez Wasse. Four hours later, Chief of Staff of the Defense Force, General Seare Mekonnen, was killed in his residence, along with Brigadier General Gezai Abera, a retired general who was said to be visiting the Chief of staff. Government has linked the killings of the chief of staff with the alleged coup in Bahir Dar.

Based on reports on social media by activists, nearly 300 ethnic Amharas are arrested in different parts of Ethiopia and the government seems to exploit the alleged coup to mount a crackdown on ethnic Amharas and members of NaMA.

The development is generating criticism and skepticism towards Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. In Germany, Ethiopians took to the street to condemn Abiy Ahmed’s government move to crack down on ethnic Amhara and ethnic Amhara party like NaMA.







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