Remembering the lives taken by ethno-centric TPLF’s dictatorial rule during 2005 election year
By: Ewnetu Sime
It is very important to never forget any political struggle that happened in our history. June 7, 2020 marks the 15th year anniversary of a peaceful demonstration that was brutally crashed. It is unforgettable massacre conducted by the regime on June 7, 2005 shall established as suggested by Balderas as Remembrance Day. It is a significant part of Ethiopian history and shall commemorated by Ethiopians and friends around the world.
Having a dedicated day or month of remembering atrocities committed on Ethiopians is a noble idea. On June 7, 2020, it is a great program to watch a video clip from Addis Ababa about it. Balderas party shared a moment of prayer for those massacred by the ethno-centric TPLF’s autocratic regime during June and November 2005 wave of protests. The protests were about widespread election fraud during general election in May 2005. . The regime did widespread election fraud which trigger the protests. Addis Ababa were packed with peaceful demonstrators and marched calling for free fair election and an end to undemocratic rule. These protests are one of the largest and earth-shaking mass protests in the country since TPLF dictatorial regime seize the power. The ethno-centric TPLF’s regime struck back, by his soldiers and fired repeatedly to unarmed crowd resulting with the loss of 193 lives, dozens were arrested, dozen went into hiding or left the country. Those arrested brutally tortured and the regime continue hunting the opponents throughout the city. Most Diaspora are deeply sympathetic with peaceful demonstrators and has shown full solidarity. The diaspora community staged events across the world in many American and European cities. They have condemned the TPLF brutal killings of innocent people.
It is a tragic event the consequences are still being felt by the residents of Addis Ababa. Sadly, after the regime committed heinous crimes it claimed to won landslide victory in the elections and cement its grip on power until the current EPDRF group assumed power. It is clear that the pressure of unarmed peaceful protests brought TPLF ruling elite to run away from Addis Ababa. If the current EPDRF continue making mockery of words about democracy rule, and not acting on them, it is betrayal of the sacrifice of the people.
Balderas or other opposition groups have to steadily increase struggle collectively on all available avenues until the struggle eventually led to democratic regime. It is time all freedom loving Ethiopians to pause and reflect this day each year. Month of June should be always seen as Remembrance Month to pay tribute to those killed, tortured, crippled during TPLF tyranny rule.
At the same time, to thank and salute Balderas party and for those who came out in unity to remember this day. There is still reason to hope the sacrifice of the young people will translate into victory.
Freedom loving Ethiopians will continue to build support networks and coalitions to have most effective way in achieving positive and sustainable change to our citizens. We shall overcome!!
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