As you may know from my Facebook posts, there has been some unrest in Ethiopia recently. I’d like to inform you about why this is occurring and the current state of affairs (from my perspective as a foreigner who doesn’t speak the local language). Take everything I say with a grain of salt – a lot of what I know is hearsay and gossip because the news outlets here are mostly in languages that I do not know and most information goes through a sort of filtering process at the government’s discrepancy.
So, in order to understand the situation, you should first know that Ethiopia is made up of a variety of ethnic groups. Some sources say that there more than 70 groups, but it depends on the criteria you set for what distinguishes one group from another (rather than just a variation of the same group). The groups are spread out regionally although certain groups are found in almost all parts of Ethiopia, especially urban centers, like Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. According to the 2007 census, the percentage of each ethnic group is as follows: Oromo 34.5%, Amhara 26.9%, Somali 6.2%, Tigray 6.1%, Sidama 4%, Gurage 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Afar 1.7%, Gamo 1.5%, Gedeo 1.3%, and "other" 11.3%.
Ethiopia is divided into nine regions and each region has its own capital and its own ethnic make-up. However, Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa are more neutral since they are chartered cities. Another interesting point to make is in regards to language. Amharic (the language of the Amhara people) is the national language. It became a national language for political reasons during the imperial regime – King Menelik chose his own ethnic group’s language (Amhara) to become the lingua franca.
Let’s focus our attention on just Addis Ababa (AA). Although AA is its own chartered city and technically “neutral” in terms of ethnic favoritism, it is located in the middle of Oromia land. Recently, there has been a proposal dubbed the “Master Plan” in which AA hopes to extend its boundaries. Unfortunately, this means that Oromo people, mostly farmers, who live in that area will have their land taken away. While this is the main cause for concern, there has always been some hard feelings and resentment between the major ethnic groups (particularly the Amhara and the Oromo). So, the “Master Plan” acted as a bit of a catalyst in the most recent uprisings.
In addition, there are many people who are upset with the government in general and its controlling nature. There is a lack of freedom of speech and an abundance of “covering up” politically incorrect situations. Just days before the most recent rioting, nine Ethiopian bloggers and journalists were arrested. These young people were trying to express their opinions (shared by many other Ethiopians), but were punished for doing so. If I were an Ethiopian writing this blog, I would not feel safe and would make sure that this blog was anonymous. More info about this incident here:
http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/apr/30/press-freedom-ethiopia
So, in order to understand the situation, you should first know that Ethiopia is made up of a variety of ethnic groups. Some sources say that there more than 70 groups, but it depends on the criteria you set for what distinguishes one group from another (rather than just a variation of the same group). The groups are spread out regionally although certain groups are found in almost all parts of Ethiopia, especially urban centers, like Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. According to the 2007 census, the percentage of each ethnic group is as follows: Oromo 34.5%, Amhara 26.9%, Somali 6.2%, Tigray 6.1%, Sidama 4%, Gurage 2.5%, Welaita 2.3%, Hadiya 1.7%, Afar 1.7%, Gamo 1.5%, Gedeo 1.3%, and "other" 11.3%.
Ethiopia is divided into nine regions and each region has its own capital and its own ethnic make-up. However, Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa are more neutral since they are chartered cities. Another interesting point to make is in regards to language. Amharic (the language of the Amhara people) is the national language. It became a national language for political reasons during the imperial regime – King Menelik chose his own ethnic group’s language (Amhara) to become the lingua franca.
Let’s focus our attention on just Addis Ababa (AA). Although AA is its own chartered city and technically “neutral” in terms of ethnic favoritism, it is located in the middle of Oromia land. Recently, there has been a proposal dubbed the “Master Plan” in which AA hopes to extend its boundaries. Unfortunately, this means that Oromo people, mostly farmers, who live in that area will have their land taken away. While this is the main cause for concern, there has always been some hard feelings and resentment between the major ethnic groups (particularly the Amhara and the Oromo). So, the “Master Plan” acted as a bit of a catalyst in the most recent uprisings.
In addition, there are many people who are upset with the government in general and its controlling nature. There is a lack of freedom of speech and an abundance of “covering up” politically incorrect situations. Just days before the most recent rioting, nine Ethiopian bloggers and journalists were arrested. These young people were trying to express their opinions (shared by many other Ethiopians), but were punished for doing so. If I were an Ethiopian writing this blog, I would not feel safe and would make sure that this blog was anonymous. More info about this incident here:
http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/apr/30/press-freedom-ethiopia
So, back to the situation at hand. On Wednesday, April 30th, students from around the country organized protests. Most people point the finger at Oromo students who wanted to show their disapproval of the “Master Plan”. Inevitably, other ethnic groups got involved (because they were also against the “Master Plan” or because they supported the “Master Plan” or because they were upset that others were protesting in the first place). As far as I have heard, the protests all started out peaceful. Apparently, in Ambo (in the heart of the Oromo region), federal police shot at peaceful protesters (according to Human Rights Watch [HRW]). There are conflicting reports about the number of casualties and injured people, but possibly up to 30 people died.
On the same day, there was an explosion at Haramaya University. The students often watch the English league soccer games at the old stadium on campus. There is a screen on which the game is projected. On this particular evening, the students were watching the game when an explosion went off. Once again, some people are saying it was the Oromo students who organized this bomb, but there is no concrete evidence that I know of to indicate whether or not this is true. One student died and over 70 were injured according to various sources.
On the same day, there was an explosion at Haramaya University. The students often watch the English league soccer games at the old stadium on campus. There is a screen on which the game is projected. On this particular evening, the students were watching the game when an explosion went off. Once again, some people are saying it was the Oromo students who organized this bomb, but there is no concrete evidence that I know of to indicate whether or not this is true. One student died and over 70 were injured according to various sources.
I did not find out about this until the afternoon of the following day. I was contacted my Ethiopian counterpart as well as two people from the U.S. Embassy to make sure that I was safe. According to rumors, there was more fighting between Oromo students and Amhara/Tigray students Thursday night. I heard from some people that no one was killed, 2 people were killed, and 4 people were killed. So, I can’t say with any certainty how many students were injured in the fighting that followed the explosion. I do know that it was enough to scare the students. A sort of exodus occurred over the next few days; thousands of students could be seen leaving campus with their suitcases. Many just went to the neighboring towns of Harar and Dire Dawa while others went all the way to their hometowns.
The week that followed the incident was full of confusion. The university made announcements that all teachers should attend class and teach no matter how many students were present. The students were told to return to campus. This had little effect. Classrooms were empty while federal police, local police, and university police patrolled campus with unusual diligence. I went to my classes as usual without much luck. Along the way, I saw dried blood on the sidewalk outside my office (which is near the stadium where the explosion occurred). It was disheartening, but I still felt safe. Even though the situation is ongoing, foreigners are not the target. Yes, I could get caught up in the middle of something, but it is unlikely if I stay aware of my surroundings.
The situation garnered international attention as well. Over 30 cities around the world protested the killing of peaceful protesters.
http://www.midnimo.com/2014/05/09/killings-ethiopia-outrage-minnesotas-oromo-community/
Last week Wednesday and Thursday, I had only had one student in each of my classes. On Friday, I had 21 students out of 32 (all males and most likely there so they could eat in the student cafeteria). Now it’s been almost two weeks since the explosion and campus is only half-alive. Two days ago (Monday), I had 7 students out of 23 in my afternoon class. They told me that some of their classmates were on campus, but choosing not to come to class. I taught as usual, but do not look forward to repeating all of the information to the students who were absent. Today (Wednesday), I had 15 out of 17 and 27 out of 33 in my two classes. This is definitely progress! My afternoon class, however, was canceled due to a meeting that all students were expected to attend. As predicted, many student didn't actually go...they were scared of being in a crowded area and others didn't see the importance of going.
Yesterday, my department had a meeting to address the commencement of classes. Most of us voiced the same frustrations: a lack of students attending class and a segregation among the students who were choosing to come to class. We talked about ways to remedy the situation. Mostly, we agreed to be sensitive to the students' emotions, but encourage them to think about their goals and reasons for being at university. Rather than focus on the recent incidents, the student should focus on doing well in their courses and learning what they're here to learn. As teachers, we have to also return to normalcy attending all of our courses, no matter the number of attendees and covering the usual information (not finishing early or doing supplemental activities until the rest of the students return).
Well, those are all of the updates that I have for now. I just want to reiterate that I feel safe and am almost continuing my routine as usual.
The week that followed the incident was full of confusion. The university made announcements that all teachers should attend class and teach no matter how many students were present. The students were told to return to campus. This had little effect. Classrooms were empty while federal police, local police, and university police patrolled campus with unusual diligence. I went to my classes as usual without much luck. Along the way, I saw dried blood on the sidewalk outside my office (which is near the stadium where the explosion occurred). It was disheartening, but I still felt safe. Even though the situation is ongoing, foreigners are not the target. Yes, I could get caught up in the middle of something, but it is unlikely if I stay aware of my surroundings.
The situation garnered international attention as well. Over 30 cities around the world protested the killing of peaceful protesters.
http://www.midnimo.com/2014/05/09/killings-ethiopia-outrage-minnesotas-oromo-community/
Last week Wednesday and Thursday, I had only had one student in each of my classes. On Friday, I had 21 students out of 32 (all males and most likely there so they could eat in the student cafeteria). Now it’s been almost two weeks since the explosion and campus is only half-alive. Two days ago (Monday), I had 7 students out of 23 in my afternoon class. They told me that some of their classmates were on campus, but choosing not to come to class. I taught as usual, but do not look forward to repeating all of the information to the students who were absent. Today (Wednesday), I had 15 out of 17 and 27 out of 33 in my two classes. This is definitely progress! My afternoon class, however, was canceled due to a meeting that all students were expected to attend. As predicted, many student didn't actually go...they were scared of being in a crowded area and others didn't see the importance of going.
Yesterday, my department had a meeting to address the commencement of classes. Most of us voiced the same frustrations: a lack of students attending class and a segregation among the students who were choosing to come to class. We talked about ways to remedy the situation. Mostly, we agreed to be sensitive to the students' emotions, but encourage them to think about their goals and reasons for being at university. Rather than focus on the recent incidents, the student should focus on doing well in their courses and learning what they're here to learn. As teachers, we have to also return to normalcy attending all of our courses, no matter the number of attendees and covering the usual information (not finishing early or doing supplemental activities until the rest of the students return).
Well, those are all of the updates that I have for now. I just want to reiterate that I feel safe and am almost continuing my routine as usual.