CUD-UEDF Press Release

CUD-UEDF Press Release

June 7, 2005

The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) are organizations committed to democratic and peaceful determination of who should hold positions of authority and transition of power from the incumbent to the winning party. It is on the basis of this fundamental principle that they opted for the peaceful and legal resolution of the intimidations, killings, imprisonment, beatings of their supporters following the 15 May 2005 election.

The CUD and UEDF would like to express their esteem and gratitude to the Ethiopian people for accepting their advice of patiently awaiting the finalization of the process of counting votes and their official reporting by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). These peaceful stances of the public notwithstanding, the repressive measures taken by the government on students of Addis Ababa University the evening of 5 June 2005 continued with ferocity on 6 June. The measures included the following:-

1. The unrest which started during the night of 5 June at the Main (Sidist Kilo) Campus and ensuing imprisonment of students spread to the Arat Kilo Campus and later to institutions of higher learning in the city. As a result, total instability reigned in Addis Ababa. Students were brutally beaten and loaded on trucks and taken to unknown destination.

2. There was constant and unrelenting tracking and intimidation of leaders of the Opposition Parties by members of the security.

These actions of the EPRDF government are likely to seriously derail the democratization process.

The government of EPRDF should bear all responsibility engendered by these illegitimate and illegal measures.

The student unrest was triggered by the attempts by the EPRDF to defraud the public of their votes.

The problem would be resolved in no way other than the speedy conclusion of vote count reflective of the preference of the public. It should be born in mind that students at all education streams are members of the society, and are right to consider the problems of the people as their own. The harsh measures taken by the government would worsen the already unstable and tense environment and is of great concern to the UEDF and the CUD.

Given the government's obligation of ensuring the safety and security of the people, we urge it to take the following measures immediately:-

1. Release all imprisoned students unconditionally

2. Respect all human and democratic rights of students

3. Deal with the demands of the tertiary level students in a civilized and democratic manner

and provide appropriate solutions

4. Release the result of the election as per decisions of the people

5. Put an end to blaming opposition parties for its own failure to the proper resolution of the legitimate and appropriate demands of the people Issues raised by the students of higher institutions and those of the public at large, should be dealt with properly. It should be obvious that brute force can neither be a solution to the plight and predicaments nor suppress peoples' legitimate concerns. The government should appreciate the demands of the people and opt for appropriate measures to address them properly. Failure to do so is likely to broaden the unrest and instability to the national level and entail consequences that would benefit no one.

We are certain that the EPRDF is very much aware of the dire consequences of attempts at governing by brute force. The Opposition Parties would therefore sternly warn the government to desist from inappropriate and illegal actions. The opposition parties would be willing to do whatever is in their capacity to calm down the currently tense situation.