Oromos, the largest ethnic minority in Ethiopia, make up 34.5% of its population. Though these numbers don’t seem to matter when it comes to discrimination. The Ethiopian criminal system stems from a marginalized persecutory structure that goes against the Oromos. Oromos have been victims of prejudiced arrests and murders for decades.⠀ ⠀ Since 2014, Oromos have been fighting for their rights through protests, in order to eradicate their discriminatory government. In 2018, they accomplished their mission: the Prime Minister stepped down, and Abiy Ahmed, an Oroman activist, succeeded in his place. ⠀
Despite the new leadership representing the Oromos, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed turned out to be corrupt nonetheless. No change was implemented and the Oromo people were still falsely accused of criminal offences.⠀ ⠀
Furthermore, on June 29, 2020, a famous Oromo singer and activist was murdered. This sparked protests throughout not only Ethiopia, but the United States too. Due to the protests, the Ethiopian government shut down the internet in most of Ethiopia, so as to shut out Oromo voices. ⠀ ⠀
Oromo people were and are still being persecuted for no reason at all.⠀
Written by Mariam Al Raisi
Artwork by Zara Masood
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