have read the Prime Minister's response regarding the uproar following his decision to award medal of honor to his predecessor
Daily News From Oromia.
I have read the Prime Minister's response regarding the uproar following his decision to award medal of honor to his predecessor.
- He says 'some people complain they lost loved ones during his ( former PM) rule. No, its not some people. Over 5000 people were killed by armed forces under his command. Moreover, a state sponsored crime is a crime against the collective people ( the whole country) not just direct victims
- He says the former PM, 'let alone order killing people, he used to cry with us ( OPDO?)' when people die. That might be true. HD might be a sympathetic person. But that does not absolve him from responsibility. In dealing with state sponsored crime, command responsibility is much important than individuals who perpetuate the crime directly. HD was commander in chief the entire armed forces and leaders of the ruling party. He publicly gave order to the security forces to take all actions necessary. Even if he might not have given that order wholeheartedly, he was responsible for failing to restrain the security forces and failing to hold those commanders who refuse his order, if indeed he was against their action. I cannot see how one can hold General Samora Yunus accountable while absolving the commander in chief.
- The current PM might be right about how nice HD was and how he was not giving order for the killing. That makes him a defense witness if and when HDF stands trail. By testifying to the innocence of the former PM and giving medal of honor, the new one is acting as prosecutor, witness and judge . Let alone the PM, the entire ruling party does not have legal and/ moral authority to deal with state crimes committed under their rule. Therefore I strongly advise the ruling party, the opposition and citizens of that country to establish an independent commission that deals with such matter. Only such independent body can make legal and political decision that will be fair to perpetuators and victims, and pave the way for national reconciliation. Failure to undertake serious transitional justice would be detrimental to the future peace and unity many hope for.
I have read the Prime Minister's response regarding the uproar following his decision to award medal of honor to his predecessor.
- He says 'some people complain they lost loved ones during his ( former PM) rule. No, its not some people. Over 5000 people were killed by armed forces under his command. Moreover, a state sponsored crime is a crime against the collective people ( the whole country) not just direct victims
- He says the former PM, 'let alone order killing people, he used to cry with us ( OPDO?)' when people die. That might be true. HD might be a sympathetic person. But that does not absolve him from responsibility. In dealing with state sponsored crime, command responsibility is much important than individuals who perpetuate the crime directly. HD was commander in chief the entire armed forces and leaders of the ruling party. He publicly gave order to the security forces to take all actions necessary. Even if he might not have given that order wholeheartedly, he was responsible for failing to restrain the security forces and failing to hold those commanders who refuse his order, if indeed he was against their action. I cannot see how one can hold General Samora Yunus accountable while absolving the commander in chief.
- The current PM might be right about how nice HD was and how he was not giving order for the killing. That makes him a defense witness if and when HDF stands trail. By testifying to the innocence of the former PM and giving medal of honor, the new one is acting as prosecutor, witness and judge . Let alone the PM, the entire ruling party does not have legal and/ moral authority to deal with state crimes committed under their rule. Therefore I strongly advise the ruling party, the opposition and citizens of that country to establish an independent commission that deals with such matter. Only such independent body can make legal and political decision that will be fair to perpetuators and victims, and pave the way for national reconciliation. Failure to undertake serious transitional justice would be detrimental to the future peace and unity many hope for.
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