Ethiopias ambo city from freedom to repression under abiy ahmed

Ambo is a city located in the West Shewa Zone of the Oromia Region in Ethiopia. It has a rich history and has played a significant role in the country's struggle for freedom and democracy. Here's an overview of Ambo's journey from freedom to repression under Abiy Ahmed's government:

Early Years: Freedom and Resistance

Ambo has a long history of resistance against colonial and authoritarian rule. During the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1935-1941), Ambo was a key center of resistance, and its people played a significant role in the fight against Italian colonialism.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Ambo was a hotbed of student activism and political dissent against the military regime of Haile Selassie. The city was home to many prominent intellectuals and politicians who were involved in the struggle for democracy and human rights.

Derg Regime (1974-1991)

After Haile Selassie's overthrow in 1974, Ambo continued to be a center of resistance against the military regime, known as the Derg. The city was a key location for the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), a rebel group that eventually toppled the Derg in 1991.

Post-Derg Era (1991-2018)

During the EPRDF's rule, Ambo continued to be a hub of political activism and dissent. The city was home to many opposition parties and civil society organizations that advocated for democracy, human rights, and good governance.

Abiy Ahmed's Government (2018-Present)

In 2018, Abiy Ahmed became the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, promising to reform the country's political system and address long-standing grievances. However, his government has been criticized for its human rights abuses, repression of opposition voices, and attempts to silence dissent.

Repression in Ambo

Under Abiy's government, Ambo has experienced a significant crackdown on political dissent. The city has been the site of numerous protests and demonstrations, which have been met with violence and repression by the authorities.

In 2018, Ambo was the epicenter of a major protest movement against the government's plans to expand the capital city, Addis Ababa, into the surrounding Oromia Region. The protests were met with violence, and many people were killed or injured.

In 2020, Ambo was again the site of protests against the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The protests were sparked by the government's decision to impose a state of emergency and restrict people's movements.

Current Situation

Today, Ambo remains a hotbed of political activism and dissent. The city is home to many opposition parties and civil society organizations that continue to advocate for democracy, human rights, and good governance.

However, the government has responded to these demands with repression and violence. Many people have been arrested, detained, and tortured for their political beliefs, and the city remains under a state of emergency.

In conclusion, Ambo's journey from freedom to repression under Abiy Ahmed's government is a tragic tale of the suppression of political dissent and the erosion of human rights. The city's people continue to fight for their rights and freedoms, and the international community must hold the Ethiopian government accountable for its human rights abuses.