Message to: Ethiopian Political Leaders, Ethiopian Communities and Leaders of Faith Organizations, Ethiopians and Friends of Ethiopia

From: Ethiopian Scholars, Academics and Students

Date:  March 14, 2021

Re: Urgent Appeal to Save Ethiopians from Genocide

1. Ethiopia has been subjected to the politics of ethnic division that targeted especially the country that has historically resisted slavery, colonialism, imperialism for all oppressed humanity with Ethiopianism. The ethnic genocide that we are sadly bearing witness to now has been going on for 30 years since

1991 when the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) took power with the support of the Western powers. There was great hope in 2018 when the TPLF was removed from power, that there will be peace and stability in Ethiopia. Unfortunately, the ethnic cleansing has continued to escalate in every part of the country mainly targeting the Amharas in Metekel (Benishangul-Gumuz), Wollega, and Maikadra. The genocide is continuing every day.

2. All those who are engaged in politics in Ethiopia whether they are allies or opponents with each other must come to an urgent and immediate agreement to make sure no civilian citizens of Ethiopia are killed based on their ethnic identity. The silence of the Government and over one hundred political parties, when ethnic cleansing and genocide are everyday realities is totally immoral, unjust and inhuman. The Government has an obligation to protect civilians and must ensure the rule of law to make sure all citizens are freed from death.

3. We the Adwa Great Africa Victory Association (AGAVA) (https://nesglobal.org/adwa124) of South Africa. the Black Lion Ethiopian Global Unity Council and the Network of Ethiopian Scholars (www.nesglobal.org), the Ethiopian Scientific and Academic Network, and the Ethiopian Educators Without Borders appeal to Ethiopian Political Leaders, Ethiopian Communities and Leaders of Faith Organizations and Friends of Ethiopia to save Ethiopians from the on-going genocide.

4. Ethiopians are appealing for help and relief of their pains, and from all directions. We are losing men who can work, women who can bear children, children who could grow, and old men and women who could lend their wisdom and love to the younger generation.

5. We acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice of the Ethiopian people and the Ethiopian defence forces to bring peace and stability in many parts of the country. We believe divisive power politicking cannot replace the power of dialogue that can bring a lasting solution to problems. We encourage and support the application of restorative and rehabilitative justice by using and combining both traditional and modern ways, means and instruments for conflict resolution. We pledge to provide logistical and intellectual support for the peaceful resolution of all conflicts in Ethiopia. We wish to see the promise of the future in our young people as they play and learn, and as they grow to become the change makers and game-changing leaders we want them to be.

6. Finally, the on –going daily killing is heart-breaking. God help us to make the whole world live with unity and with the values and principles of the humane security of hope to all people and humanity!