Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-04-11 09:02:21
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has recently called for a fair and impartial investigation into the tragic killing of Bate Urgessa, a political officer with the opposition Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). Urgessa was fatally shot on Tuesday night in his hometown of Meki, located in the East Shewa zone of the Oromia region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Senator Cardin extended his condolences to Urgessa’s family and urged Ethiopian authorities to allow an independent international body to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The senator expressed shock and sadness over the killing and emphasized the need for a credible, neutral investigation to uncover the truth.
Senator Cardin also criticized the Ethiopian government’s actions against political opposition figures, media personnel, and dissenting voices, which he believes have contributed to insecurity and instability in the country. He condemned extrajudicial killings, harassment, and political repression in Oromia, calling for accountability for those responsible for such policies.
The U.S. government, through the State Department’s Africa Bureau, joined the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in calling for a full investigation into Urgessa’s killing. The EHRC also called for a prompt, impartial, and comprehensive investigation by both Oromia region and federal authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Despite the Ethiopian government’s denial of responsibility for Urgessa’s killing, the armed group Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) alleged that he was taken from his room by security forces and executed. The OLA accused government security forces of obstructing the recovery of Urgessa’s body and impeding further autopsies.
According to reports, Urgessa’s body was discovered by the road early on Wednesday after he was allegedly taken from his hotel room by individuals resembling government security forces. His family members and the OLF have condemned his killing, describing him as a courageous and selfless advocate for the Oromo people.
In response to these events, Senator Cardin and other international entities have called for justice and accountability in the investigation of Urgessa’s killing. The pursuit of truth and justice is crucial for ensuring the protection and rights of all individuals, regardless of their political affiliation or beliefs.
As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that Ethiopian authorities cooperate fully with international bodies to conduct a thorough and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Urgessa’s tragic death. The quest for justice and accountability is essential for upholding human rights and preventing further violence and repression in Ethiopia.
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