Addis Ababa Islamic Affairs Supreme Council Urges Muslims To Refrain From Protesting During Friday Prayers

ADDIS ABABA - The Addis Ababa Islamic Affairs Supreme Council released a statement yesterday urging Muslims to refrain from protesting in today's Friday (Jum'a) Prayers. Last week, hundreds of Muslims in Addis Ababa protested the demolition of more than 30 Mosques around the newly formed Shaggar City in Oromia. The result was a confrontation with police leading to the death of three.

"The government led by His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed has freed Muslims from previous oppression, established good relation between government and Muslims and prevented Muslims from being taken advantage of by others. This government has also made the legal establishment of the Islamic Affairs, interest-free banking and legalization of religious places," said the Addis Ababa Islamic Affairs Council in the statement.

In the statement, the city's Islamic Affairs Council said there is a committee of nine members being established to go over the issues of Mosque demolition with government. But until then, it said, Muslims should wait patiently with prayers and refrain from protesting.

This statement is viewed by many as conflicting. The Islamic Affairs Council, which is currently being led by individuals who came to power with the support from Prosperity Party, seems half-hearted to criticize the ruling government while at the same time fears criticism from Muslims for not doing anything about the problem.

As this story was being written government security forces are tightening security in Addis Ababa especially around Piassa and Merkato.

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Ethiopian Muslims Protest Over Demolished Mosques By Government

Addis Ababa – As Ethiopian Muslims completed their Friday (Jum'a) Prayers, May 26, they began denouncing government decision to demolish more than 30 Mosques in the newly established Shaggar City, formerly Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne. Addis Ababa Police attempted to storm the Anwar Grand Mosque amid protests on Friday. But the police angered the Muslims inside who saw the police's move as an attempt to desecrate the holy place. This forced the Muslims to throw stones at the police pushing them out of the Mosque. In a statement released on Friday, Addis Ababa Police said that two were killed. Although the statement did identify the victims, they were later identified as Siraj Mohammed and Abubaker Elias. Addis police said only four individuals, 37 police officers as well as 15 different police backup forces were injured. Many expected better years when the Oromia Regional government decided to establish the Shaggar City with a promise of ensuring equal growth and

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