TIBIBIR Consortium of Ethiopian Civic Society Organization (TIBIBIR) 2134 West Highland Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 Tel: 773 341 8511 - tibibir2010@gmail.com To: Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. From: The Consortium of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations (TIBIBIR) Subject: Letter of Appeal for Immediate Hearing on H. Res 128 October 16, 2017 The Consortium of Ethiopian Civil Society Organization (TIBIBIR) is a newly established coalition of 25 major Ethiopian civil society groups within and outside Ethiopia that have consolidated their efforts to defend and advance human rights, justice and the rule of law, national consensus, peace and reconciliation as well as the institutionalization of a democratic society in Ethiopia. We intend to do this in a collaborative and sustainable manner. Mr. Speaker, We write to respectfully request that HR-128, which has a strong bipartisan support of over 70 co-sponsors be brought to vote in the house and pass it into law. The Consortium (TIBIBIR) has determined that the civil conflict between Oromo and Somali Ethiopians is instigated by high officials of the government of Ethiopia. The
ongoing conflict has caused massive displacements of tens of thousands of children, the elderly, women and men; the deaths of numerous Ethiopians; and the destruction of property under the watch of the Tigray People s Liberation Front (TPLF) dominated government that has been in power for more than a quarter of a century. These latest civil conflicts and unrests in the Afar, Amhara Oromia and other regions have been followed by widespread protests in Oromia over the past week. All told, these simmering conflicts have deepened instability that may potentially lead to Ethiopia s Balkanization and possible genocide. The time to act is therefore now. Thousands of Ethiopians in the cities of Ambo, Shashemene and other towns and villages in Oromia have been demonstrating since October 11, 2017 demanding the immediate and unconditional release of prominent political leaders Professor Merera Gudina, Mr. Bekele Gerba and 25 others affiliated with the Oromo Federal Congress; Andargachew Tsige abducted by government agents and toiling in jail under the draconian Anti-Terrorism law; Andualem Aragie of the Unity for Democracy and Justice Party who was sentenced to life in prison under the same law; Mamushet Amare, leader of the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP); prominent Muslim activists, Ahmedin Jebal and Ahmed Mustefa's; as well as numerous other promising political leaders as well as prominent journalists Eskinder Nega and Wueshet. Protestors demanded cessation of land grab and expansionism and Tigray People s Liberation Front led repression and extrajudicial measures as well. They demanded an end to TPLF minority rule and a revisit of the current ethnic-federal system that is used as a tool to divide and rule. On October 11 alone at least 8 demonstrators were killed by security forces and scores were wounded. We are deeply concerned that this volatile and explosive situation might lead to civil war. It is clear from these recent demonstrations and extrajudicial killings, maiming and arrests that the government of Ethiopia is neither capable of nor willing to address the root causes that led to the deaths of more than 1,000 Ethiopian demonstrators and the imprisonments of tens of thousands in the last two years. The current bloodletting is ominous and is likely to spread fast to other parts of Ethiopia. There isn t any part of Ethiopia where civil conflict is not the norm. Signatories of this Consortium commend members of the U.S. Congress, especially Congressmen Chris Smith and Mike Kauffman as well as over 60 other members of Congress for co-sponsoring and championing H. Res 128. We urge others to join these friends of Ethiopia and champions of democracy. The purpose of this memorandum is therefore to urge the distinguished Speaker and Majority Leader of the House and other Congressional leaders to hold a hearing and pass H. Res 128 into law at the earliest opportunity. We need your help and cooperation to pass this important bill. Passage of this bill will send a powerful message to all Africans that the American people stand for freedom, the rule of law, justice and democracy.
Mr. Speaker, The Consortium believes earnestly that the government of Ethiopia s request, undue influence and pressure on Congress and on the government of the United States using expensive lobbyists to postpone this human rights legislation is not credible. Ethiopia s rulers have failed to advance the rule of law, respect human rights, decriminalize dissent and release political prisoners and strengthen democratic institutions for more than a quarter of a century. Postponing H. Res 128 won t bring genuine democratic reform in Ethiopia. It will simply give more time to the ruling party to hone its instruments of control and repression. The fact remains that the human rights situation in Ethiopia is worse today than it was in 2005 when Ethiopia s freest election was stolen and leaders of the opposition were all incarcerated. It is worse today than when President Obama visited the country and failed to take a principled position by defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights in Ethiopia. Our Consortium believes that H. Res 128 offers the prospect of advancing the rule of law, respect for human rights and the advancement of democracy in one of the most important countries in Africa. Ethiopia s 105 million people, most of them below the age of 35, have demonstrated their hope and determination to bring about change in government by dismantling the discriminatory, exclusionary and corrupt system of government and state that pits one ethnic group against another in order to rule. Studies show that the vast majority of Ethiopians resent the current dictatorial regime. Instead, they value the rule of law, equitable and fair treatment of every Ethiopian citizen, democracy, transparency and accountability in governance, mutual tolerance, non-violence, gender equality and the eradication of poverty as well as the pursuit of sustainable peace, and reconciliation among Ethiopia s diverse population. Ethiopia s youth continue to sacrifice their lives for justice, the rule of law and democracy. Our Consortium believes that unity among the Ethiopian people is achievable through democratic governance; and that democratic governance is indispensable for sustainable and equitable development of the country. In turn, the institutionalization of democratic governance in Ethiopia will no doubt mitigate terrorism and fundamentalism in the Horn of Africa. We formed the new Consortium to accomplish the following: 1. Advance and foster civic engagement and democratic institution building and empower Ethiopians in establishing an accountable government; 2. Advocate the causes of freedom, democracy and human rights by approaching foreign policy makers, legislators, Human Rights organizations and foreign policy think tanks; 3. Promote accountability for human rights violations;
4. Support policies and legislations such as H.Res 128 that are necessary to advance freedom, democracy, human rights and sustainable and equitable development in Ethiopia; 5. Create mechanisms and provide tools to educate and broaden understanding of human rights in the Ethiopian community at large; 6. Promote and facilitate dialogue on collaboration, transition to democracy, multiparty system, federalism, government accountability and respect for human rights; 7. Monitor and document human rights violations in collaboration with international Civil Society Organizations; and, 8. Provide a clearinghouse for information and materials on human rights and democracy. While we do our part, we also urge Congress to hold a hearing with a view of passing H.Res 128 into law at the earliest opportunity. We are ready and willing to collaborate with members of your staff. Our Consortium is willing and ready to send expert witnesses to Congressional hearings and staff discussions anytime. We thank you in advance for your attention. Sincerely, Betru Gebregziabher, Chairman PS: List of sponsoring members of the Consortium of Ethiopian Civic Organizations is attached for your easy reference. CC: Rep. Kevin McCarty, Majority Leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader Rep. Steve Scalie, Majority Whip Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, Minority Whip Rep. James E. Clyburn, Asst. Minority Leader Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers, Republican Conference Chair Rep. Joseph Crowley, Democratic Coccus Chairman Rep. Luke Messer, Republican Policy Committee Chair Edward R. Royce, Forien Affairs Committee Chair Mac Thornberry, Armed Services Committee Chair Chriatopher H. Smith, Chairman, Sub-Committee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
Consortium of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations: TIBIBIR, founding members: 1. Afar Human Rights Organization 2. Association of Human Rights in Ethiopia 3. Border Affairs Committee 4. Center for the Right of Ethiopian Women 5. Ethiopian American Council 6. Ethiopian Dialogue Forum 7. Ethiopian Heritage Society 8. Ethiopiawinnet: Council for the Defense of Citizen Rights 9. First Hijerah Foundation 10. Gasha for Ethiopia 11. Global Alliance for the Right of Ethiopians 12. Gojam Global Alliance 13. Gonder Hibret 14. International Ethiopian Youth Union 15. One Ethiopia Movement 16. Shewa Hibret 17. Sidamo Maheber 18. Solidarity Movement for a new Ethiopia 19. The Legitimate Ethiopian Orthodox Church 20. United Ethiopian Muslim Movement 21. united former Ethiopian Airforce Association International 22. Visionary Youth Association 23. Vision Ethiopia 24. Wollo Heritage Society 25. Ya Tewlid Tequam