As the murder of an Ethiopian singer a revolt against a decadent democracy On

As the murder of an Ethiopian singer a revolt against a decadent democracy On

June 29 murder of Haacaaluu Hundeessaa, singer and activist, has sparked a popular revolt in Ethiopia. TIME columnist Ian Bremmer describes the protests in the last piece; as it is written, the death toll has risen more than 7,000 arrested at least 289th Internet services were shut down within a few hours after the murder, and were restored only after four weeks. But it is important to understand what is taking from the base in Ethiopia perspective. What would this single event as a national uproar it causes many problems, was the Haacaaluu? What are your songs? Because his death evoke such an outpouring of fear, pain and anger? Haacaaluu, 34, a bold artist cultural property has been considered, especially by the Oromo, the largest nationalities in the country, the cultural and linguistic group, with a population of about 40 million. His murder has touched every young person between the Oromo and many others who had access to a radio or a playlist. Haacaaluu songs created an ancient art form with great skill, so that his music for generations is accessible throughout, and nationalities. Mainly driven his messages, the basic movement of politically active young people often called Qeerroo (which means young, single person) so that the world beyond Ethiopia only begin to understand. They played the leading role to create the political opening that brought the current prime minister, Ahmed Abiy, in his position. Haacaaluu musical messages historically marginalized deeply in tune with him as the embodiment seen standing proudly in their own identity. Music Haacaaluu the soundtrack for the youth protests erupted in 2014 against the Addis Ababa expansion in the Oromo region. At the center of this base protest the issue of rights in the light of past and current land grabbing, the Oromo was expropriated on their own land and let strangers. In his words playing in her ears, held against the brutal raids en masse in the streets to end. This movement led to the repressive regime of Haile Mariam Desalegn down, asking that the fundamental freedoms and justice. Haacaaluu songs highlighted deep historical and eco bottom injustice with those whose lands have been confiscated to provide Ethiopia and its capital in the late 19th century. He said that to build decentralized un’Etiopia with his dream that reflect the rich diversity of its many peoples. However, this desire alarm and anxiety generated by the Ethiopians, who support the kind of assimilation that created the country. From the perspective of the underprivileged, Haacaaluu murderess crushed their hopes. His death arouses fear and anger, because it symbolizes an attack on their identity, their dignity and their deepest desires. The idea that Ethiopia into ethnically separate areas by their constitutions is the question incorrectly understands the West. It ‘s just one side of a great debate in the Ethiopian politics today. The 1995 Constitution begins, created: “We the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia ….” in recognition of the various peoples to build and live together in multinational association of the country in Ethiopia, the identities of all It reflects its peoples. Before then, most of the country’s population lives under governments that have made the policy of assimilation, suppressed cultural expressions and diversity. Create constitutionally protected multinational States was the first sign of a historic transition to democracy. The base in Ethiopia appreciate the Constitution and are determined to protect them. Surprisingly, it is the vision that deals Abiy that resulted now in conflict with the will of the majority, the ruling. His vision of a single national identity claims for ethnic divisions “Transcend”. In contrast, for the basic movements, it is a return to the assimilation policies of the past. This vision has been proven time and again failed completely Emperor of Ethiopia and the Dergue military regime that was in power 1974-1987, but it has. The Constitution established multinational organization as a democratic answer to the age old question of nationality or cultural identity in Ethiopia. What goes out as a “unit” in Abiy vision and pursue the ethnic identity and the rights associated veiled. As such it can be seen from the base of the youth movement as anti-democratic. Haacaaluu, youth inspired, in favor of a vision Abiy backfired. The popular movement has taken it Abiy Ahmed has resorted to a policy that is deeply troubling to postpone the opening of old wounds of conquest and historical trauma and the elections indefinitely. This on the closure of the country is above only independent Oromo news outlet ironic because they supported peaceful protests and civil disobedience in 2014, holding – opposition leader also imprisoned Bekele Gerba and Jawar Mohammed on false charges of incitement to violence and journalists killing protesters show that Ethiopia’s transition to democracy is in danger. Up again for this crackdown on the opposition movement it was remarkably peaceful. But as JFK said, “those who make peaceful revolution impossible violent revolution inevitable.” The current situation, in which people are attenuated with brutal violence is not sustainable. As the second most populous nation in Africa and a major regional political brokers, the causes of the current crisis in Ethiopia has political Ganges and be resolved in order to achieve stability in the region. The international community can make a big contribution by adopting measures to promote a democratic process, Abiy encouraging to reinstate the early promises of freedom of expression and assembly transition, democracy and access to opportunities to return. Abiy can not be assumed to pursue democracy with the opposition in detention. In addition to the publication of important journalists and opposition leaders urge demonstrators, global institutions have a real political dialogue with the contribution of all parties and interest groups, including young people, to support a road map on participatory democracy through free and fair elections to be developed. Although he is gone, to come to Haacaaluu demand for people together and build Ethiopia, it reflects the still resonates all its peoples. image
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