Haacaaluu Hundeessa is a re-known artist, song writer and an activist related to the Oromo community of Ethiopia. It is not until June 29th that his reign was put to an end by unknown attackers. Haacaaluu was praised of his unique music that gave voice to the Oromo people who struggled for their political liberty. His songs expose the abuse of power by those in leadership positions. He was and still is revered for his strong will and fearlessness in addressing political injustices that faced his community. As a result, he became an embodiment of hope to many people not only the Oromo. No wonder his assassination prompted violence that resulted to destructive protests.
Protests that breeded the Violence in the country
Sadly, the protests went too far to claiming lives of civilians. It all started in the capital, Addis Ababa to Oromia region. Looting and destruction of both private and public property continued to prevail until lives of protesters began to take a peal in the country. The current death toll has hit the 239 mark. This includes 9 police officer,5 militias and 215 citizens. This is in addition to 10 deaths reported in Addis Ababa.
Following efforts by the police to try and disperse angry mob and create peace, casualties were inevitable. Hence most of the deaths arose from the officials in charge of restoring peace in the country. And from their training, things could escalate to as far as causing deaths. In their defense, it is collateral damage. As the adage goes, two wrongs never make a right. The wrangles have paved way for the anti-peace members whose motives seek to threaten the constitution. The acting police commissioner of Oromia, Mustafa Kedir has since arrested 3,500 suspects who were using the singer’s death as an excuse to plot their unhealthy interests.
Ethnic tensions
The Nobel peace prize winner, prime minister Abiy Ahmed conveyed his grievances towards the death of the musician. He also condemned the manner in which his killers executed him terming it as an evil act. The Oromo leader still insisted on how the ongoing conflicts posed to expose the country in a state of instability. He has since known to the arrest his opposition leaders during the protests. This is in regard to his efforts to promote a more democratic state in his country which has exposed him to greater challenges.
Last words
The country is looking forward to free and just elections. If it were not for the corona virus pandemic, August would have marked a new revolution for the country. A move that will render over the 100 million people of the Ethiopian nationality free from the iron-fisted mode of governance. It very much explains why Abiy is facing a lot of opposition ever since his reign started back in the year 2018.
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