ADDIS ABABA (Halbeeg)- Ethiopian Parliament on Thursday approved a resolution dropping the designation of opposition group as terrorist organizations.
Since April when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office, the Ethiopian government has been carrying out reforms to end violence in Africa’s second most populous country.
According to Ethiopia’s State-owned media, FANA, the parliament voted unanimously to remove the “terrorist” label ascribed to the Oromo Liberation Front and the Ogaden National Liberation Front, two secessionist groups, and the ‘Ginbot 7’.
The resolution was submitted by the government last week, a move the Prime Minister wants to gain the trust of the long-time rebel groups.
Last Month, Ginbot 7, Ethiopian rebel group suspended its armed resistance against the government of Ethiopia.
The group which is based in neighbouring Eritrea had been designated a terrorist organization by previous governments.
Ginbot 7 secretary-general, Andargachew Tsege, who sentenced to death for allegedly plotting a coup was pardoned by the government of Prime Minister Abiye.
Ginbot 7 said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s reforms had given it hope that “genuine democracy” may be “a real possibility”.
The ruling coalition picked Abiye early this year to replace Hailemariam Desalegn, who quit to clear the way for reforms in Ethiopia.
After taking the oath of office, the former army lieutenant general struck a conciliatory tone towards the opposition and pledged to end the inequality.
Discussion about this post