“Change will occur if Ethiopians come together and take matters in their own hands. They should not expect someone else come and make changes in their country.” – Ana Gomes

BY ENGIDU WOLDIE | ESAT NEWS
A member of the European Parliament who is a fervent critic of the TPLF (Tigray People’a Liberation Front) said current political developments in Ethiopia could lead to conflict with tremendous consequences to the Horn of Africa.
Speaking to ESAT on the phone, the Portuguese politician said she fears that the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the country will go out of hand with serious ramifications to the region and even to Europe.
Ana Gomes, who was an observer for the rigged 2005 election in Ethiopia, said the 2015 election in the country was a farce and no one came to observe it. As a result, the MP said the Ethiopian regime has no legitimacy. She wonders why the U.S. and EU still continue support the regime.
“It is really shocking to me that powers such as the U.S. and the EU and its member states know very well that TPLF has no legitimacy and democratic bases in Ethiopia and still continue to support under the pretext that it is an ally against terrorism,” Gomes said.
She said recent resignation by officials of the government and members of the army show that there is “tremendous fragmentation” and “lack of coherence with in the TPLF.”
“It shows that the situation is fast unraveling.”
“Those in U.S. and Europe used excuses to turn a blind eye and have neglected the democratic aspiration of the people of Ethiopia. The fact that they have supported and turn a blind eye to the totalitarian regime of the TPLF is going to provoke an uncontrolled explosion in Ethiopia. I am very very worried for Ethiopia as well as the Horn of Africa and Europe too because it has an implication for Europe,” Gomes added.
Speaking about Bereket Simon, who recently announced his resignation, and an official whom she dealt with during the 2005 election, the Member of Parliament described him as “cynical, cruel and despicable.”
“After Meles, he was the most despicable character i had to deal with.
He has a murky character. He could be operating from behind. I had always been extremely suspicious about him.”
She also talked about Dr. Tedros Adhanom, the Ethiopian Director General of the WHO who was recently under fire for nominating Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe. She said Dr. Tedros is “a member the TPLF and responsible for crimes committed by the criminal organization.”
She advised that change in Ethiopia will occur if Ethiopians come together and take matters in their own hands.
“They should not expect someone else come and make changes in the country.”
Ethiopia: At least 30 Killed as Ethnic Clashes, Protests Continue

BY ESAT NEWS
At least thirty people were killed in Ethiopia as ethnic clashes and anti-government protests have intensified in the country’s Oromo region.
The killings of three people in Nekemte over the weekend brought the number of people who were killed in ethnic clashes and at the hands of Agazi forces to at least thirty in a week.
Adisu Gadisa, head of communications with the city of Ambo, 74 miles west of the capital Addis Ababa, told local media that Agazi forces have opened fire and killed at least 10 people while several others were wounded.
“Injuries to those brought to the hospital,” Gadisa said, “were consistent with gunshot wounds and those who died were shot in the head and torso”.
Three people were killed in violence in Nekemte. Latest information received by ESAT show explosion was heard in the town and a bajaj has been set ablaze.
Unrest has resumed in Ethiopia with protesters demanding the removal of the regime as some protesters resorted to ethnic attacks that claimed several lives.