Last Saturday’s failed coup attempt in Bahir Dar, Amhara State Capital, has saddened and shocked most Ethiopians. Though it was a failed attempt, the coup caused the loss of time tested higher military and regional leaders. The government and the people have been condemning this atrocious and tragic act. The state’s administration in cooperation with the national defense force foiled the coup attempt within hours without creating much damages it had been intended for.
According to the office of the Prime Minister and the State’s communication office, the coup was coordinated by Amhara State Peace and Security Office Head Brigadier General Assaminew Tsige who was shot dead as he refused to surrender on Monday near . Assaminew served for decade at a jail for he had led similar coup attempt. But he was pardoned and released about a year ago as a part of the reform the nation is pursuing. The evil arrangement orchestrated by this security head killed the State’s Chief Dr. Ambachew Mekonnen, Attorney General of the State – Migbaru Kebede, and Structure Advisor to the Chief – Ezez Wase were murdered.
In parallel with the assassination of Amhara State Officials (most likely linked to) the Chief of the Ethiopian Defense Force General Seare Mekonnen and a retired Major General Geza’e Abera were killed by one of the army chief’s security personnel at his residence in Addis Ababa. Likewise, last year’s assassination attempt on the Prime Mininister at Meskel Square in Addis Abeba was another similar challenge the nation faced.
In a message of condolence, Defense Minister Lemma Megersa stated that Saturday’s fascist killing of top military and government officials is very heartbreaking and this tragic can never affect the national defense force’s unity. The unity and steadfastness of the defense shall be maintained regardless of the challenges
According to Lemma, the defense force has been undertaking various activities cooperatively in all areas and many results are being achieved as a result. “The force has foiled the attempt successfully; it also continues carrying out its duties effectively in order to sustain peace, order and security
To him, the national defense force is not the force of one ethnic group; it is the force of Ethiopia. “Our defense force is always ready and capable enough to assure sustainable peace, order and stability through curtailing such problems.”
He reiterated that the loyalty of the defense force for its country and people has been proved when the country in the past days when the nation went through similar situations. . “So, our defense force will work for our country and our people cooperatively without splitting by ethnicity, religion and language. It achieved different victories by keeping the country and its boundary from external enemy. And also, it is our pride and guaranty, he added.
On his part, Lieutenant General Hassen Ibrahim, Defense Force Intelligence Main Department Head, in his press conference in connection with Saturday’s tragic killings of higher military and government officials stated that the main target of this terrible act was to split the unity of our people and our defense force. He said that this is impossible and in vain hope. “Our defense force has a unity that shall be maintained forever.”
Federal Police Commission Commissioner General Endashaw Tassew in his press conference about Saturday’s barbaric killings of higher military and government officials stated that after the incident the police arrested the criminals and restored the peace and security of Amhara State in collaboration with State’s Security Forces, defense force, and National Intelligence and Security Service. From this, the work of stabilizing the city (Bahir Dar) and the State, and arresting the suspects have already almost been achieved. He said that the federal police force is ready to surmount its responsibility.
The Ethiopian Herald June 28, 2019
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
