Awabdal Institute – HAJE Press Release
September 24, 2019
Press Release by the Harari Alliance for Justice and Equality (HAJE)
Ethiopia is going through a turbulent time since we have witnessed a shift in political power within the Ethiopian People’s Democratic Revolutionary Front (EPDRF) in a little over a year ago. And as a result, we have seen fundamental changes that have altered the landscape of our country in a very meaningful way. Challenging problems have also surfaced since then and some of the problems have been dealt with and some are still struggling in search of solutions. One of the regions in Ethiopia that has seen its share of ongoing political turbulence since the shift in political power within EPRDF is the Harari Regional State. Even though the region has passed through a difficult period since its inception in the recent past, other social and political problems have risen since then that need immediate and urgent attention before problems escalate and take a turn for the worst and reach uncontrollable state. One of the issues that requires an immediate action is the reality that is now unfolding in regard to Awabdal Institute in Harar.
Awabdal Institute, located in the historic city of Harar, occupies a special place and significance in the hearts of all Hararis. The Awabdal school and its supporting structures were mainly built by the generous contribution of the late Gessi Mohammed Ture. The contribution of other concerned Hararis was also instrumental to make the project a proud achievement that have produced untold number of educated citizens for many decades. Even though the school had its share of ups and downs throughout its existence, it has managed to survive and immensely contribute to nurturing responsible citizens. From the few pieces of information that we have gathered about Awabdal Institute, the challenges that it is facing right now pales in comparison to the problems that it encountered and succeeded in overcoming during its long existence.
In order to discuss the problems that the school is facing at present, we have learned that responsible Harari citizens called a meeting at Amir Abdullahi Hall, after following the proper and required procedures to hold such meeting. And on the day of the aforementioned meeting, the organizers were told that they cannot go forward and hold the public gathering. At this point, we do not have any information as to the reason for the denial of the meeting by the authorities. Suffice it to mention that Article 30 of the Ethiopian Constitutionguarantees “ the right to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peaceably …“ Therefore, it is our strong belief that citizens have the right to peaceful assemble and petition their leaders to address their concern and should not be denied the right enshrined in the constitution. Needless to say, we will closely follow the situation and help our community achieve the outcome that serves its interest well.
The Harari Alliance for Justice and Equality (HAJE) strongly believes that the problems that are associated with Awabdal Institute need an urgent attention both from the regional government as well as the federal authorities. Even though HAJE does not have the full information as to the nature of the problem in the school, we strongly believe that proper care and attention should be given by all concerned government authorities and community leaders in finding the correct solution. It is the firm objective of HAJE that all the people living in the Harari Regional State should share the benefits and the opportunities that are available for all. We hope that all the people of the region should strive to find a solution to this problem through cordial and respectful discussion. And we have no doubt that a solution will be found very soon to the satisfaction of all concerned.
