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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