Ethiopian Government forms security team to defuse religious tensions
An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian church candle seller walks past
federal policemen during celebrations to mark the ancient Ethiopian
Orthodox Christian festival of Timket.
27 April, 2009
Capital - Conflict between Muslim and Orthodox Christian followers has prompted the Federal Government to team up with regional security officials to get the situation under control before it worsens.
Abay Tsehaye, security advisor to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and the Minister of Federal Affairs, held a two day discussion with security officials from all regional states and two federal cities.
The security officials reported on existing tensions in their respective regions and their effort to prevent clashes between followers of the two religions.
Quarrels erupted two years ago in Jimma Zone of Oromia regional state, where followers clashed, killing dozens, forcing the national defence force and federal police to step in. However, although the situation seemed to have settled down, it appeared again this year in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa and other cities.
Three months ago, street clashes in Dire Dawa spread to the capital. Although quickly brought under control, Dire Dawa witnessed numerous clashes between Muslim and Christians at the time of the Orthodox festival, Timkat, involving stone throwing and knives. When word spread to the capital, police responded by collecting provocative leaflets distributed in Addis, and rounding up suspects. The situation led the Federal Government to discuss with leaders of the two religions. Meles also got involved and cautioned those involved, as well as those he accused of using the disturbances for political purposes.
Currently, the conflict seems under control, but Government officials are
still giving it their full attention.
The two day conference led by Abay and Minister Shferaw Tekle - Mariam listened
to reports from security officials and designed a national team that will
monitor the situation on a three months basis, and report to the Ministry
of Federal Affairs.