March 1, 2000

 ON THE STEPPED REPRESSION IN THE HADIYA REGION

The EPRDF government's relentless campaign of intimidation and repression in Southern Ethiopia has focused particularly in the Hadiya region where the opposition Hadiya Democratic Organization (member of the SEPDC), led by Dr. Beyene Petros, is active. The repression has particularly focused on the districts of Kuntab (Mosha), Soro, Limu and Badanoch. The government controlled national Electoral Commission has rejected the political motives attributed to the arrests by alleging that all the detained were in prison for failing to pay debts incurred as farmers. Farmers who support the government and who have huge debts to pay have not been jailed, observers note.

List of detained people: 1. In Kuntab (Mosha): Atos Andago Adise (75 years old), Abera Madebo, Tamene Archefo, Eyako Ayuse, Worku Dalemo, Tesfaye Haigemo,Tadesse Haigemo, Ayele Anito, Abera Wongere, Jemal Ambego, Ersemo Alore,Wuluro Ajebo,Eresi Abiche, Mekuro Chilango, Judge Lala Danamo, Woizeros/Mmes Mulunesh Chemiso (pregnant), Tagesetch Belaineh, Tsigitu Belaineh.

In addition, office employees of the Hadiya People's Democratic Organization, Ato Workineh Zerfu and Ato Ayele Anito, have also been jailed. 2. IN SORE District: Atos Petros Markos, Alemu Gade, Lega Melaku, Ayele Degso, Ayele Handiso, Alemu Higore,Tadesse Jeware, Ayele Hibam,Tesema Shirago,Ersumo Ansamo, Tadesse Hibote,Tadesse Hurdero and Woizeros (Madams) Mulunesh Ainalem and Almaz Abe . 3. In Badawoch district (Sike Danema, Mazoria,Kencheri and Mehal Korga Kebelle Peasant Association : Atos Elias Genemo,Yohannes Ergeno,Tekalign Lekemo, Kasaye Jefero, Mamo Menta (shoe shine),Tekel Bekele, Debo Menjata, Melese Negero, Negemo Jarso, Bulamo Debero, Lemma Belete, Yohannes Chakiso, Bekele Gemu, Tamrat Sedona, Yonas Arefo, Sefe Gedebo, Abera Soreto (candidate for the coming election) and the Badewa district secretary of the opposition Hadiya Democratic Organization, Ato Elias Hadaro Ugamo. 4. In Limu district : Atos Berhanu Abano,Fatamo Abamo,Erafo Ayano, Bachero Anfeso, Belaineh Ejemo, Tadesse Bafeto, Matios Lapisso, Gerkabo Ibiso, Degu Mekero, Dejene G.Mariam,Tarefe Annose, Feleke W.Giorgis,Abu Moke, Biyam Anjere, Melese Tiredo, Arega desta, Desta Gade (candidate for the elections), Tshale Dahmo, Berhanu Belatchew and Judge Ermeko Dinbero.

 In all cases, reliable reports indicate that the motive for the arrests is primary political while the non-payment of land taxes and fertilizer debts is being used as a pretext by the government. These and other instances of mass arrests and acts of intimidation in Southern Ethiopia cast negative light on the prospects of the election scheduled for May 2000. Allegations that the election will not be free and fair are being backed by concrete evidence as the government security forces and cadres continue to harass, intimidate and jail rival candidates and supporters of legal opposition organizations.

SOCEPP