N E G A S H I - OJ

Muslim students in all Ethiopian higher institutions across the country held a protest against the action taken by Mekelle university. Today’s protest and hunger strike started by Muslim students  is a clear message to the country’s political leadeship, beyond their respective administration, that the time of religious discrimination is long gone and any regulation that oblige muslims to choose between their religion and religion is not welcome. By holding these actions Muslims students demonstrated their brotherhood to the Muslim students of MU which are sheltered in the city Mosque since last friday.

Muslim students of Addis Ababa, Jimma, Harar, Arba Minch, Awassa, Gonder, and Bahir Dar universities held their protest rally today, 29. 11. 2007, today morning and concluded without any problem. In the remaining universities the demonstration took place in the afternoon.

In Jimma students demonstrated inside their campus chanting “Allahu Akbar”, “Our right to education can not be compromised by our being Muslims”, “Ethiopia is for all - Muslims and non-Muslims”, “We stand with students of Mekelle University”, “We condemn the action of Mekelle University”, … They finally stopped infront of the office of the president and handed in their petition against the action taken by Mekelle university.

In all other universities similar rallies were held and petition were submitted to their respective administration.

In Addis Ababa university, Muslim students gathered infront of the office of the President at Sidist Killo campus starting from 11:00am local time.

They stayed there for about half an hour chanting “Allahu Akbar”, “Salat is becomes prior to our life”, “We condemn Mekelle Universtity’s action”, ”We demand respect for our constitutional right”,  ”We can not negotiate on our basic and fundamental right of worship”, Is this our gift for the New Millenium?” and other similar slogans. They then left the Sidist Killo and headed to FBE  faculty.

Here they were told to wait until officials come and talk to them. After another 30 minutes, Members of the university Administration including the Vice president and Academic President came to talk to them.

Representatives of the Federal Majlis and Addis Ababa Majlis also arrived. Ato Elias Rediman (on behalf of Federal Majlis) and Hajji Omer Idris (from Addis Ababa Majlis) were meet with protest from the students who accused them of failing to fulfil their responsibilities. The students told the university officials that thay can not hold any discussion until these two leave the meeting hall. They chanted “Lezih yabeqan Majlis new, Majlis aywokilenim, Yiwutulin”. The two were then sent out. After intensive negotiation between the students and the university officials, the later urged the students to hear the message from these two. The students finally submitted to the request by these officials and agreed for the two to enter the hall and listen what they have to say. By the time negashi received this information, the meeting was underway. I will try to get more on the output of the discussion.

In the mean time Mekelle university issued a written warning to all university students. Negashi has received a copy of this letter and you can read it by clicking here.

The crisis which unfolded in Mekelle university some days ago has now become a national issue. Muslim students in all higher institutions in the country are joining in a nation wide protest against the action taken by the Mekelle university administration. Students all over the country will start with the hunger strike tomorrow, November 29, 2007 and collect petition against the measure taken by Mekelle university. By this they hope to make clear to their respective administration that the new regulation is totally unacceptable to them. They hope further to initiate all-encoumpassing discussion on the Muslims’ right of education and freedom of religion.

It is not immediately known for how long the hunger strike is to stay.

Though there was a speculation that the situation in Mekelle would be over by today, Muslim students of the university could not find any usefull item in the issues reported agreed upon during a discussion held between regional majlis representatives and the university officials.

To begin with no one from the students was allowed to attend the meeting. Second, no agreement was made. Rather, the officials told the Majlis people their position which was already known to the students. Muslim representatives of Mekelle city, though attended the meeting, were denied of any chance to present their opinion. Under such circumstance, the students say, it is hard to say a deal was reached on any thing. Above all what was agreed was just by word and it was not put on paper.

In the meantime, the unique hospitability and support students are receiving from the Muslims community of the city is of great proud not only to the students but to Muslims all over the country. They are determined to be with the students cause and fight with them the injustice that came over their children and what is posing eminent danger to our living together and co-existence.

E. Rashid

There are still some remnants of the past feudal bureaucrats and illusionists who dream of Christian Ethiopia, those who can not bear witness and swallow reality the rapid growth and progress of Muslims and the country. These remnants of the past feudal egoist still creates some obstacle and havoc for peace and inequality but their objective can not achieve its desired goal with the grace of Allah.

Even though, that they are still actively engaged on the process of destroying the nation and peace in the country, their time is counting. Whether they like it or not time is running out for them and Islam and Muslims are moving forward. The more they try to sabotage our progress the more we become stronger and united.

• Read more: PATIENCE AND RESIGNATION ARE CONSIDERED AS THE WORTHIEST DEVOTIONS

Mekelle university has told its Muslim students to choose between their religion and study. This position let various questions to pop up in the minds of the Muslim community and those fair minded Ethiopians. Is it really impossible in Ethiopia to be a Muslim and a student at the same time?

The Ethiopian constitution declared the religous freedom of the citizens with clear and easy to understand words and phrases:  

1.  
   1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include the freedom to hold or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and the freedom, either individually or in community with others, and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
   2. Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-Article 2 of Article 90, believers may establish institutions of religious education and administration in order to propagate and organize their religion.
   3. No one shall be subject to coercion or other means that would restrict or prevent his freedom to hold a belief of his choice.
   4. Parents and legal guardians have the right to bring to up their children ensuring their religious and moral education in conformity with their own convictions.

These were the items under Article 27 of Ethiopian Constitution. Does Mekelle university function beyond the law of the country? Does it has its own constitution which is above the country’s constitution that it refused to respect it and abide by it?

The constitution further declares that education shall be free from religious and political influence (Article 90):

Education shall be provided in a manner that is free form any religious influence, political partisanship or cultural prejudices.

Does this allow educational institutions to deny their students their right of education and freedom of worship under the pretext of being secular? Is it realy impossible in Ethiopia to be Muslim and a student at the same time? One of our brathers is here to share with us his opinion on this fundamental question which these days occupy our mind and thoughts. Click here to access document (in PDF).

The following is a message that came from a brother who says is a student at the university.

As we know mekele university has three campuses. From these three campuses til to day the one (the main campus) muslim students were sheltered in the city Mosques. what is the new information is that tomorrow the second campus muslim students(more than 350) will leave the campus. I am one of them.

Negashi will try to verify this info. and bring you update on the latest.

In another news, BADR International Ethiopian Muslims Federation and the Network of Ethiopian Muslims in Europe are following every development very closely and working hard for the issue to be resolved in a just way. They are in close contact with the regional Islamic Affairs Council. They have also contacted the senior officials of the Tigray regional state and the president of the University.

[Ethiopia for Equality and Justic] … Ethiopian muslims should be wise enough on how to react to such provocations. They need to analyze what could be the objective behind these incitements. Indeed the constitution upholds the freedom of religion, and performing prayer is every body`s right .Whether one performs before or after eating , do it individual or in congregation it is the right of the individuals as they don`t ab-use the right of the others . It is not an activity in a sense that it might interfere and involve some unwelcome aspects, rather ceremonial or ritual.

Leaving the campus,however, can’t be a solution to the problem, as that might be the very objective behind the provocation. Muslims along with all peace loving Ethiopians , should strife on how to ensure this God given right freedom of Worship which is accepted globally as a fundamental Human right.They should try to organize discussion panels and bring the topic for discussion.Here Muslim scholars and academicians should come forward and give their opinion . Organizations like Badr has a big role to play here, and as all honored Ethiopians would agree and strife on how peacefully establish such a basic right, we shouldn`t give to it unnecessary dimension. >> Read the full article >>>

After leaving the university, more than 500 students are sheltered in the city Mosques. The students are in close contact with the office of the regional Islamic Affairs Council. The council on its part has made the case of the students its higherst priority and began discussing with regional and university officers. It is hoped that a solution can be found in the days to come.

In the mean time students are determined to fight for their right of education without compromising on their being Muslims. It is quite known to every one that praying five times a day is one of the prime responsibilities of any Muslim. The univeristy officials as well as the government of Ethiopia have to understand this fact and consider it in any rule/regulation that they may come up for educational institutions. Prayer is no way to be seen as ordinary “tselot”. It is an obligation fixed in time. Banning Salat is thus paramount to forcing one to abandon his or her belief.

CORRECTION: In my earlier posting I reported a message from the president of the MU as saying that “Muslim students are all illegan and are going to be punished”. This message was NOT from the president of the University but that of the particular campus where Muslims students were banned from observing their prayers. My apology for not making this clear in my posting.

Mekele University is government sponsored institution with more than 100 departments spread over three campuses: The main campus (Endayesus Campus), Ayder campus and Adi Haki campus. Other than faculty of health which is situated at Ayder Campus and faculties of Bussiness, Economics and Law which are situated in Adi Haki Campus all the other faculties are housed in Endayesus campus. This last is the biggest of the three and it is where where “worshiping Allah” was declared “illegal”. This campus is also the seat of the president and where the university senat meets. By the time when this all happened the president of the university, Dr. Mitiku Haile, was out of the country. He has just returned back and every eye stars on him and his judgement. It is hoped that he may bring some sort of solution to the students case. Many see him as a reasonable and logical person who don’t simply follow his intiutions. We will know that in the caming daysl.

In my reporting on the situation that was unfolding in Mekelle university, it was made mention of the hope of many of the Muslim students that they would be provided with a chance to discuss the situation with the university officials. Unfortunately, this hope of peace loving students had remained as it was. The students Dean office rejected any attempt by students to discuss and see together for any way out. In stead, it opted to effect its imposed rule and regulation, a decision which don’t have any room to take into account the need of its students.

Through a letter written on Hidar 11, 2000 the office of Students Dean gave a last warning letter to 12 representatives of the Muslim students. The letter which is an insult to the institution and higher learning in Ethiopia, the office described the students effort to practice their religion “illegal”. A copy of one of the letters sent to one of students is presented below.

Since the office of students dean sents its written warning to Muslim student representatives, the university continued taking further measures against the students. On Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, the place where students usually pray their Friday prayer was occupied by Police. JThey were then prevented from praying. As the number of students who came to pray increased, however, they changed their stand and allowed students to observe their Fridey pray. So far so good! Can any one guess what would happen next?

No second passed after the students finished their prayer when they found themselves surrounded by police from all directions. They were then told with uncompromising words to leave the place immediately and never try to come back again. They were told right at the spot that all of them are “illegal students who attempt to transcend the law and regulation of the university”.

Students request to meet the university’s president was rejected. They have however received his message through representative from the office of students council. The president’s message stated that “all these students are illegal“  and he “is not going to discuss with them about any thing.  They are all going to be punished.”

After receiving the presidential message, an offer the students council gave for the students (to elect three representatives and discuss the issue with the officials) did not appear plauzable to the students. As far as they are concerned decision is already taken and all are declared illegal. After this they did no see any reason to agree to this deal and elect representatives. The students told the council representative that they all are entitled to seat in any discussion and if the university officials do not consider them worthy of discussing with them, there would not be any reason why they send representatives. The students then held a lengthy discussion among themselves on possiblities they are left with. They finally agreed that under the prevailing condition where all are declared “Illegal”, they can not stay in the campus. They then left the compound until such time that they are considered legal and worth of being considered as “equal citizines who have the right to education and religious freedom”. “The prevailing situation and the position held by the officials”, they observed ”is that no one is welcome as long as he or she is a Muslim.”

According to sources close to the administration, while students were delibrating on their options, university officials put on waiting external force - possibly from the militry - which would use force to bring “these illegals” to prison should they decide to stay in the campus. This force, which still is not known as far as its precise composition was, was on its way to the university by the time students left the compound. 

The latest info. negashi OJ (Saturday midday) received indicate that over 400 male students are gathered in the grand Mosque of Mekelle city. The city Muslim population came out and took the female students to their homes.

The same source indicatetes that the Muslims community of the city is very much disappointed with the action the university had taken.

Sources indicated further that the university may dismiss the 12 Muslim students whom it considers organisers of the students’ activities and issued a written warning on Thursday (letter above).

The speculation that other universities in the country may soon follow suit and take similar action is getting stronger. Similar attempt was made by the Haramaya university and in Addis Ababa Arat Kilo University. In Haramaya students were already told to stop praying in Jama’a while in Arat killo campus police chief told students that their gathering for prayer is “illegal”. No formal action is yet taken.

The students Dean Office of Mekele University published and distributed among the university students a booklet that outlined the “rules and regulations” of the university. Most of the points considered are directed to Muslim students. They are told that “worshiping Allah” - praying and observing the dressing code by Muslim female students - inside the campus is an illegal act that is punishable by total dismissal from the institute without any further warning or discussion. The office made a special emphasis about dressing code for Muslim female students. They were told, with no ambiguity, to choose either their religion or their education.

In spite of this barbaric regulation which without doubt targeted at Muslim students and a clear discrimination against them, Muslims are still observing their salat. It is not clear what action is awaiting for them and when.

Last Friday, 16 October 2007, campus police attempted to disperse Muslim students who gathered to pray their Friday Prayer inside one of the university compounds as they always do until this new regulation. Despite this, students managed to finish their prayer peacefully. Similar action was conducted in various campuses of the university but students had already finished with their Friday prayer by the time police arrived.

According to most of the students, had police or other officials of the campuses opted to take action and stop interrupted them from their prayers, they would immediately leave the campus or some sort of tension would occur. They find that such action needed to be discussed before hand and an alternative should be sought before coming up such discriminatory regulation. Their right to study should not be compromised by their being Muslims. After all, they say, they have the right to study as well as to practice their religion. The rules and regulations of public institutions can not as such put a regulation that reject the people on whose tax and financial contribution it functions.

The students expressed their appreciation for police that they did attempt to exercise force. They further hope that university authorities will soon seat with student representatives and discuss this crucial issue.

Our latest information indicates that representatives of Muslims students will soon meet the university officials.

Introduction

Ethiopian Muslims had developed a strong and sincere hope that the widespread and intense campaign and criminal acts against their religion and values in the years 2005-2006 were to be remembered as history. The Diaspora delegation which visited the country during the month of April 2007 strengthened this hope and the overall positive feeling of the community that has been languishing under various warlords and dictators for the past several centuries. The delegation brought to the forth urgent and critical issues of the community and discussed with the country’s authorities on possible ways to address them. At the end of these discussions, we were told, the government was committed to respect the religious rights of its citizens and would do its best to let them enjoy the rights enshrined in the constitution. This loomed the hope of the Muslim community in that the government would give its attention to the problems they are facing. This feeling was especially strong around schools and institutions of higher learning. This is because for the several months, crimes against Islam and violation the Muslims’ civil and religious rights were prominent in these environments.

The latest incident in Chagni proved however that these positive feelings were erroneously conceived. The very little genuineness in the part of government, if any, was totally dashed out before it got any chance to mature. The incident has reminded Muslims further that the enemies of tolerance and co-existence in the country had only positioned themselves some what lower until the right time has arrived for them to saw their venom and create all sorts of excuses to incriminate Muslims. On the part of the government it came evident that it is not ready to listen to the problem of Muslims let alone to address them. All the promises it gave to the Muslim community were only matters designed to keep its hegemony by deception.

What has really happened in Chagni? How did the incident start? How is the government reacting to the unfolding situation? How did the Muslim community meet this recent challenge and what action they have taken or ready to take?

How it all Started?

During the whole of 2006 and the second half of 2005, Ethiopian Muslims sustained a countrywide campaign against their religion and values that they adore most. Muslims’ peaceful resistance to the crimes perpetrated against them was met with harsh and inhumane responses from the government and its agencies.

Much of the crimes centred themselves around schools, Collages and Universities.  Al most in all the country’s educational institutions, Muslim students had to fight for their rights. In the process many lost their lives and dignity as well as their studies.

The widespread oppressions of Muslims students and their resistance of the misuse of power by their administrators made it necessary to deliberate on the demands of the students to come up with some sort of solution. In the case of Agew Awi administrative zone, it was finally agreed that students may use their 15 minute pause to perform their obligatory prayers as long as that is done outside the school compound. Though hard, this decision of the school authorities was welcomed by students and for long time there has not been that much problem in most of the schools in the zone.

Lately the old director of the school was replaced with another person who nullified the agreement earlier reached at zone level. He denied students of the possibility of leaving the school compound during their pause to offering their prayers. This was not of course acceptable to the students who struggled hard to secure that window of chance without sacrificing one for the other (their prayers for their study). They could however perform their prayers as usual.

On October 23, 2007 Muslim students left the compound for prayer as they usually do. No one told them at this point that they may not be allowed to come back. When they came back and tried to enter the compound, however, the school guards informed them about them being ordered not to let them in. While they were trying to explain the case to the guards, the director called police. No sooner the police was informed that they surrounded the students and brought them to police station. The speed they arrived at the site was like they were waiting on standby at the school backyard. About 60 students were arrested.

What Happened Next?

When the families of the students heard the news of their children being arrested, many rushed to the school to understand what did happen. Their number increased within short time. But there was no one whom they could talk to for information for what crime their children were arrested. They headed then to the police station. They requested there for information on the where about of the arrested and for what crime they were apprehended. So as to know if all the absentees were in detention, the families demanded for police to tell them if their respective child was among those arrested. They told police that they would not leave the gate until they know the wellbeing of their children and where they were taken. At this moment police fired bullets, understandably to terrify and disperse the crowd.

The firing of the bullets however served for the contrary. City dwellers who heard the bullets came out and joined the already assembled angry crowd. In the middle of this situation, some people started to throw stone towards the police and windows of cars were smashed. Police later claimed that a bullet was even fired towards them. A fifteen years old boy was killed on spot and another was wounded from bullet fired by the police.

Within half an hour several lories loaded with the federal police were arrived from Bahir Dar. They arrested more Muslims and tortured those in their hand. They started arresting any one whom they identify as Muslim from the streets, shops, bus station, and of course from their houses.

 Happenings in the Days and Weeks after the Incident

In the days following this unfortunate incidents, which look like well planned and designed on the part of the school administration and the police, Muslim community leaders and religious scholars in the town and surrounding areas were detained. The people were then ordered to come out and denounce the action of “Muslims”. At this rally, organised by the authorities, a fresh story was fabricated to incriminate Muslims. Fundamentalist Christians started to talk about a plan by those detained to burn two Churches and build Mosques at the sites. For this purpose, the participants of the rally were told, four containers of benzene were made ready, two for each. Though it is hard to trace the story for its source, it is widely believed that the authorities had systematically injected it to the crowed to justify their undergoing operation and the widespread arrest of Muslims. This is a good reason for them and a justifiable cause to implicate those who have not even heard about the incident of being part of the criminal. As a result a large number of ordinary Muslims, religious scholars and community leaders were arrested in mass.

While the arrest of Muslims continued, those in detention were beaten and forced to confess for illegally possessing weapon. Those who refused to accept that allegation were inhumanely tortured. Most had to lie to save themselves from being tortured or not to be tortured any further. Since they have nothing to surrender, their family had to buy one in their name and submit it as if it was brought from the detainee’s house or from where he had kept it.

Those who confessed under the power of gun and beatings (for a crime they actually have nothing to do with) were sent to prisons. They were forcefully clean shaved.

During an operation that lasted for more than two weeks, a total of more than 400 people were detained. About 30 people had been released. Latest information indicates however that some of those released were detained again for telling others about the torture they experienced or seen other undergoing inhuman treatment in the hand of federal police.

A month after the incident, many of the the Muslim students are still in detention. Many are joining them every passing day. What can be made out of all these? Does it have any resemblance to atrocities made against Muslims? What alternative Muslims do have to break the cycle of being victimes? What is expected of our “intelectuals” and Muslim organisation within and outside of the country? For these and others, check back for the follow up of this article. Part II will follow soon.