It was hailed as a watershed moment for Ethiopia’s large Muslim community that has been mired by strife, deep divisions and co-opting attempt from the regime. A call for the establishment of an independent body free from the government influence was started some seven years ago, a move that made the regime irate, going so far as imprisoning several Muslim scholars, activists, and clergies. For example, the chairman during the Derg’s period, Haji Mohamad has remained steadfast and independent in his position, despite threats and intimidation from the government,” says Elias Kedir, member of the Ethiopian Muslim Arbitration Committee and an activist freed from jail. Over the ensuing months, the protest has grown to encompass wider anger and frustration against the Muslim Council and political elite, calling for a new “mejlis”, or Muslim Council. The judgments are still reserved on the issues that separate the Ethiopian government policy and Muslim interests.

Source: Ethiopian News May 09, 2019 15:17 UTC