SLF Statement on the Death of Meles Zenawi
August 22 2012-The 21 years of Meles Zenawi’s rule were continuation of brutalization and suffering of Sidamas people that have even worsened during his iron-fisted rule. Now, Meles is gone, but the system he championed has continued preying on Sidama innocents. Even, as he was fighting for his life at undisclosed location, hundreds of Sidamas were unlawfully arrested and thrown into jails. The army that was deployed throughout the Sidama has continued intimidation and terrorizing Sidama people. The former president of South Nation Nationalities and People Regional Government and possible successor of Meles Zenawi, Hailemariam Desalegn, is the main architect of Loqqe massacre, one of worst atrocities ever committed on sidama soil. He is also behind ill-devised policies that targeted Sidama for past 10 years. The demise of Meles Zenawi may open window of opportunity to end the suffering of people in Ethiopia if the ruling party were to stop pursuing the same failed policy of past tha