#OromoProtests Solidarity Rally in France Urges the Cities of Paris and Lyon to Abstain Support for the TPLF’s Politically-Motivated Addis Ababa Master Plan, Also Appeal Presented to UNESCO

(May 11, 2014) – The Oromo community in France held demonstration in Paris to oppose the controversial master plan to expand Finfine (Addis Ababa) and the mass killing act committed against the Oromos in Ethiopia. The protesters gathered from every corner of the country to the capital (Paris) in front of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs and the Ethiopian Embassy.

The protesters expressed their deep condolences by the massacre committed against the innocent students, farmers and urban-dwellers in Oromiya, and urged the French government to stop its diplomatic and professional support and assistance to the dictatorial Ethiopian government. Besides that, they urged the cities of Paris and Lyon to abstain from their roles in Finfine master plan that is politically motivated to uproot our people from their ancestral farmlands in the name of development.

They presented their written appeal* to the Office of the French President, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Parliament and the Cities of Paris and Lyon to use their diplomatic channels to stop this unpopular and destructive plan.

They appealed also to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris for this plan could destroy the natural resources and cultural heritages of the Oromo people. Finally, they vowed to intensify their struggle until our people attain their full human, social and political rights and democracy reign in our country.

Report by Ahmed Abbaa Bulguu

(Demonstration Organizing Committee)

Miseensa koree Hawaasa Oromoo Faransay

(Miseensa Qinddeessituu Hiriiraa)

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[* Please click here to read the appeal letter submitted to the different branches of the French government as well as UNESCO, the Ethiopian Embassy in Paris, human rights organizations and media organizations.]

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=>gadaa