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| Africa Horn |
| Tension rises in Ethiopia amid Muslim protests |
| 2012-05-08 |
| [Daily Nation (Kenya)] The Æthiopian government has warned Mohammedans after a religious dispute caused a massive anti-government protest in Addis Ababa. The government's warning comes after four people including a Mohammedan holy man was killed and 11 injured in a violent clash in Oromiya region Arsi-Assasa a week ago. On Friday, thousands of Mohammedans gathered in the Grand Anewar mosque in Addis Ababa and demonstrated their opposition against prime minister Meles Zenawi's government. Following the protest, the government tightened security in Addis Ababa schools and mosques and a big number of armed security personnel movement was seen in the capital city. For three months now after Friday prayers, Mohammedans have been protesting in various locations, urging the government to allow a new Islamic ideology Ahebash (moderate Islam mainly known in Leb). Ahebash is a foreign Islamic sect to both Æthiopian moderate Mohammedans and growing Sufi sect followers. Mohammedans have demand religious freedom and urged the government to stop interfering in their faith. The negotiations were underway between representatives of Mohammedans and government but Mohammedan representatives said the election of the new religious leaders (Mejliis) was hijacked by government. The Government on its part, accused Mohammedans of hosting politically motivated elements, who are plotting to against the government. Æthiopia's Ministry Federal Affairs, an office responsible for religious organizations said in the statement the government had responded to all questions from the Mohammedans. The government said outlawed political opposition and foreign Mohammedan gun-hung tough guys were behind the ongoing protests. Three armed opposition groups, Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and Ginbot-7, US based opposition, were designated as 'terrorist' organizations by a de-facto one party Æthiopian parliament. The Ministry said social media such as Facebook are used by "terrorist" organizations and gun-hung tough guys to disseminate anti-government information to the Mohammedan population. |
| Posted by:Fred |