The Ethiopian Federal Democratic Unity Forum (Medrek), the All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP) and Blue Party (Blue) Thursday expressed concern over the recent conflict that erupted along the Oromia-Ethiopian Somali Region border.
Meanwhile, at a press conference held at party headquarters Thursday, Medrek called for a swift dialogue and proper compensation for the families of the deceased and those who sustained injuries during the conflict.
At the same forum, Medrek castigated the government for its failure to properly apply the constitution to address questions that could potentially lead to conflict between the two regions. According to its statement, the problems in the country, including the recent clash between the two regional states, are mostly the result of the rigid nature of the ruling party, and further urged it to agree to a negotiation presided by independent mediators and observers.
Apart from this, the party called on the government to provide proper compensation so as to alleviate the problem that displaced persons are facing, and to bring before a court of law those who instigated and participated in the conflict.
Similarly, AEUP and Blue, at a joint presser held at the former’s head office yesterday, also expressed concern and severely criticized the federal government for its failure to avoid such calamities and problems in the area, and lamented the loss of lives and destruction of property.
The parties further stressed the need for the establishment of an independent inquiry body comprising religious leaders, elders and clan leaders so as to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The two parties in their joint press conference also called for both regional leaders to provide swift solutions via public meetings and gatherings than playing the usual political games. The two parties went further and demanded that the government declare national mourning days in memory of those who lost their lives.
The two parties also delivered a request to the United Nations, humanitarian organizations and the diplomatic community to assist those affected by the conflict.
