Mixed views behind the death of Ex-Oromia President

ESAT News

March 07, 2014

 Amsterdam- The Ex-President of the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia, Alemayehu Atomsa, 45, died yesterday in Bangkok Hospital, Thailand, after attending treatments for the past two years on and off hospital beds. Members of the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) and residents of the Oromia region are airing their views regarding the secrets behind his death. Most of them believe that Alemayehu was poisoned and killed by his opponents and want the cause to be investigated.

 Members of the OPDO are also discussing the issue and are suggesting about issuing press statement to prevent division among the members. The private bodyguard of Alemayehu is suffering from a similar illness and this has reportedly opened the door for more suspicions.  The fact that OPDO issued a statement of self resignation in the name of Alemayheu last month without his knowledge is also the second point of debate.

 As soon as Alemayehu’s death was announced, the Addis Abeba City Administration has instructed all governmental offices, members and supporters of the OPDO and EPRDF to attend the arrival ceremony of the body from Bangkok.

 Employees of the Administration argue that unnecessary resources; time, vehicles and petrol are lost due to such decisions and ceremonies.

 Alemayehu is survived by his wife and three children.

 The Oromia Administration has also indefinitely extended its meeting to approve the election of its new President.

 Muktar Kedir, Abdulaziz Mehamed and Aster Mamo have been presented as candidates to fill Alemayehu’s position and assume the regional presidency. The Addis Abeba based weekly English has reported that Aster Mamo has been elected as the next President of the region. ESAT could not independently confirm the report.