YM - I think it is a simple question to answer. I do believe all religions have the right to build mosques, churches, etc in a private place no matter what. This has also to include in Ethiopia as well.
About the ground zero Mosque, according to Unites States constitution, the Muslims have the right to build a mosque on the ground zero. They have granted to do that so far. The other issue comes what about the sensitivity issue? Some of them are upset and don't want a mosque to be build near to Ground Zero. The Tea party group want to make an issue on the November election.
Think about it for a while, what is the main issue over here? The Imam of that Mosque, has to sit down with those who lost their loved ones and make a deal with them. I don't see a big deal as far as he has granted to build a mosque in New York. that is what it matters to him. On the other hand those Tea party groups make it a political game and it is not going to calm down soon. Even some of the construction workers refused to do so. We will see what will happen. That is what I like about freedom.

As to freedom of speech, it is true what I said. Freedom of speech is not only a problem of Muslims in Ethiopia. Christian Ethiopians are in the same boat as their fellow Muslims.

I agree

I gave my opinion on the many Mosques that I saw in Addis and around Addis all the way to Awassa. I made it clear that I had no knowledge of the situation on Mosques in Tegrai and I asked for someone who has information about Islam and Mosques in Tegrai to share it with us. The debate on where institutions of religion can be built is a very debatable subject. For example, see what is happening with the controversy of Muslims trying to build a Mosque at the Ground 0 sight. Or, what could happen if Muslims request to build a Mosque at the Vatican. I don't know why only Orthodox church is allowed to be built in Axum. I will have to find materials to educate myself on that matter.
As to freedom of speech, it is true what I said. Freedom of speech is not only a problem of Muslims in Ethiopia. Christian Ethiopians are in the same boat as their fellow Muslims.

The Ethiopian muslims are right, they are denied of practicing their religion in their homeland but in America they can practice their religion, because America is a land of Constitution and laws. In America people can pray as many times as they wish, and to as many gods as they want to pray to. All you have to do in America is live in peace and freedom. America is the soul of the Earth, if there was no America the world would not have a soul. That is why everyone must protect America, even those that are not Americans must protect and defend the ideals of America.

God bless the United States of America

LONG LIVE AMERICA!!!

[size=150]YM - I think it is a simple question to answer. I do believe all religions have the right to build mosques, churches, etc in a private place no matter what. This has also to include in Ethiopia as well.

Although I agree with you in the spirit of your argument, it is difficult to make a blanket statement like that. I recall when there was a conflict like that about a year ago in Dessie. I happened to be in Ethiopia at that time. There was a piece of land which was claimed as a holy land by Muslims and Christians. The Christians raised money and were going to build a church on the sight. The government said that neither the Muslims or Christians can build a church at the sight. The Christians, one of them happened to be my family member, marched to the sight and started to fence the land. The government forced intervened and I believe one or two people died in the confrontation. Had the government forces not intervened, it would have caused a face off between the Christians and Muslims in the area. I don't know much about this group of Ethiopian Muslims who built a Mosque in the USA, but why would they want to build a Mosque in Axum if they knew that it was not permitted to build a Mosque in Axum ? I don't intend to prejudge the motives of this group, but there are mosques in Tegrai, not as many as some of the other provinces which consist of higher number of Muslims than in Tegrai. From what i can understand, they can build a Mosque, but not inside the city of Axum. This did not start with Woyanne , otherwise there would have been Mosques built before 1991.

To commemorate the first immigration in the history of Islam, Muslims in the city of Axum tried to build their own mosque and were denied permission by the Ethiopian authorities.

"Only when Christians are allowed to build a church in Mecca would Muslims in Ethiopia be allowed to build a Mosque," the Ethiopian government is reported to have stated.

The woyane's argument would have make more sense if it was Saudi Arabia that has requested to build a Mosque in Ethiopia. But these are Ethiopian Muslims who want to build a Mosque in their homeland, and the regime's response has shamelessly categorized them as "foreigners."

What could be the reason behind today's institutionalized persecution of Ethiopian Muslims in their own country, centuries after the Islamophobic Tigrayan warlord Yohaness IV's well documented persecution against Ethiopian Muslims that drove tens of thousands of Muslims to flee their home country to seek refuge in neighboring Eritrea?

Perhaps if they're allowed to build a Mosque in Ethiopia it would pose a threat to the woyane's "Ethiopia is a Christian only country" fallacy that they recurrently use as a begging tool to get handouts from predominantly Christian donor nations.

It should be noted that the TPLF minority regime does not represent the country Ethiopia and its people. The actions taken by the genocidal apartheid woyane regime do not reflect those of the tolerant, harmonious, caring and loving Ethiopians.

HAGER YE'GARA HAIMANOT YE'GEL NAW

Ethiopia is a home for Islam, christianity, waqefetaa and for many other traditional beliefs as well, and all these great religions are subjected to be treated equal and as one as it has clearly been written on our constitution. Ethiopian followers of these great religions don't ever let a suspicion to cross your mind - even for a second - for your constitutional right of freedom of worshipping will be abrogated as long as ehadeg is on power. In addition to our Moslem brothers/sisters, have a faith on your government which is to be the only and first govt. in Ethiopian modern history that openly declared " ethiopia Ye' eslamochem deset nat" on the front page of Addis zemen in the next morning after it came to power. Don’t ever fall in the trap of your enemies within. Say no to these Sheep-skinned wolves, the tireless until they see your country fall apart into chaos in the name of religion.

No place of rest for both Christian and Islam extremism in today’s Ethiopia. Arat nexb.

HAGER YE'GARA HAIMANOT YE'GEL NAW

Ethiopia is a home for Islam, christianity, waqefetaa and for many other traditional beliefs as well, and all these great religions are subjected to be treated equal and as one as it has clearly been written on our constitution. Ethiopian followers of these great religions don't ever let a suspicion to cross your mind - even for a second - for your constitutional right of freedom of worshipping will be abrogated as long as ehadeg is on power. In addition to our Moslem brothers/sisters, have a faith on your government which is to be the only and first govt. in Ethiopian modern history that openly declared " ethiopia Ye' eslamochem deset nat" on the front page of Addis zemen in the next morning after it came to power. Don’t ever fall in the trap of your enemies within. Say no to these Sheep-skinned wolves, the tireless until they see your country fall apart into chaos in the name of religion.

No place of rest for both Christian and Islam extremism in today’s Ethiopia. Arat nexb.

Practice what you preach, Mr Woyane !

The Ethiopian muslims are right, they are denied of practicing their religion in their homeland but in America they can practice their religion, because America is a land of Constitution and laws. In America people can pray as many times as they wish, and to as many gods as they want to pray to. All you have to do in America is live in peace and freedom. America is the soul of the Earth, if there was no America the world would not have a soul. That is why everyone must protect America, even those that are not Americans must protect and defend the ideals of America.

God bless the United States of America

LONG LIVE AMERICA!!!

It is the Muslims in Tigray in particular who have been victimized by TPLF's anti-Muslim policies, and they are the ones fleeing the country in scores. For instance, last year the government demolished a 100-years old Mosque in Mekelle to build new roads and residential complexes in its place. The demolition angered local Muslims who made formal complaints to the governor's office only to be told that the city's Municipality office has the jurisdiction over the case. The Municipality office in turn had rejected their complaints on grounds that the Mosque was found to be in violation of a city ordinance. What a sick joke!

The Muslims being the minority in Tigray there was little they could do about it but to flee the country to find refuge in free countries like neighboring Eritrea and America where they can freely worship without fear of persecution. Yes, God Bless America!

Ethiopia: Mekelle University President “Muslim Students are Illegal and Going to be Punished”


In my reporting on the situation that was unfolding in Mekelle university, it was made mention of the hope of many of the Muslim students that they would be provided with a chance to discuss the situation with the university officials. Unfortunately, this hope of peace loving students had remained as it was. The students Dean office rejected any attempt by students to discuss and see together for any way out. In stead, it opted to effect its imposed rule and regulation, a decision which don’t have any room to take into account the need of its students.

Through a letter written on Hidar 11, 2000 the office of Students Dean gave a last warning letter to 12 representatives of the Muslim students. The letter which is an insult to the institution and higher learning in Ethiopia, the office described the students effort to practice their religion “illegal”. A copy of one of the letters sent to one of students is presented below.

Warning letter given to Muslim Students of Mekelle University



Since the office of students dean sent its written warning to Muslim student representatives, the university continued taking further measures against the students. On Friday, Nov. 23, 2007, the place where students usually pray their Friday prayer was occupied by Police. They were then prevented from praying. As the number of students who came to pray increased, however, they changed their stand and allowed students to observe their Friday pray. So far so good! Can any one guess what would happen next?

No second passed after the students finished their prayer when they found themselves surrounded by police from all directions. They were then told with uncompromising words to leave the place immediately and never try to come back again. They were told right at the spot that all of them are “illegal students who attempt to transcend the law and regulation of the university”.

Students request to meet the university’s president was rejected. They have however received his message through representative from the office of students council. The president’s message stated that “all these students are illegal“ and he “is not going to discuss with them about any thing. They are all going to be punished.”

After receiving the presidential message, an offer the students council gave for the students (to elect three representatives and discuss the issue with the officials) did not appear plausible to the students. As far as they are concerned decision is already taken and all are declared illegal. After this they did no see any reason to agree to this deal and elect representatives. The students told the council representative that they all are entitled to seat in any discussion and if the university officials do not consider them worthy of discussing with them, there would not be any reason why they send representatives. The students then held a lengthy discussion among themselves on possibilities they are left with. They finally agreed that under the prevailing condition where all are declared “Illegal”, they can not stay in the campus. They then left the compound until such time that they are considered legal and worth of being considered as “equal citizens who have the right to education and religious freedom”. “The prevailing situation and the position held by the officials”, they observed ”is that no one is welcome as long as he or she is a Muslim.”

According to sources close to the administration, while students were deliberating on their options, university officials put on waiting external force - possibly from the military - which would use force to bring “these illegals” to prison should they decide to stay in the campus. This force, which still is not known as far as its precise composition was, was on its way to the university by the time students left the compound.

The latest info. negashi OJ (Saturday midday) received indicate that over 400 male students are gathered in the grand Mosque of Mekelle city. The city Muslim population came out and took the female students to their homes.

The same source indicates that the Muslims community of the city is very much disappointed with the action the university had taken.

Sources indicated further that the university may dismiss the 12 Muslim students whom it considers organizers of the students’ activities and issued a written warning on Thursday (letter above).

The speculation that other universities in the country may soon follow suit and take similar action is getting stronger. Similar attempt was made by the Haramaya university and in Addis Ababa Arat Kilo University. In Haramaya students were already told to stop praying in Jama’a while in Arat killo campus police chief told students that their gathering for prayer is “illegal”. No formal action is yet taken.

http://blog.ethiopianmuslims.net/negashi/?p=178

so what ? you are jumping here and there. higher institutes are secular areas be it in tigrai, oromia, amara, south, else where in the world. period.

the Muslim students didn't ask the university to build them a mosque on campus but to allow them observe Friday's prayers in designated area since Friday for Muslims is what is Sunday for Christians. In countries governed by civilized people, Muslim students are allowed to pray on campus. In the United States, for example, Muslim students are allowed to observe Friday's prayers in designated areas on campus. That is what secular higher institutions do in counties run by civilized people. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about Ethiopia run by backward idiots with a jungle mentality who view Ethiopian Muslims as second class citizens.

May be you can read the following and forward it to your illiterate bosses at Mekele university so they can learn a lesson or two about religious freedom.
Muslim Prayer Room At Australia’s La Trobe University
http://sheikyermami.com/2010/05/02/musl ... -upgraded/

so what ? you are jumping here and there. higher institutes are secular areas be it in tigrai, oromia, amara, south, else where in the world. period.

You can learn more from Universities in the United States who, ironically some of them have actually financed the building of the however many universities you brag to have in your tigrai.

UC Davis, California.
Campus places to pray

Muslims like Tezcan and Yusufzai have places on campus to pray -- it is hard to leave campus five times a day. In the Shields Library basement, a place exists for Muslim students to register their devotions. "Hardly anyone knows about it," Yusufzai says. "You just need a clean place to pray."

http://www.ucdavis.edu/spotlight/0805/r ... slims.html

YM- At least abyssinean explained better than you. he said that" imagine you can not change society at once."
As you see here in USA, you can build in a private place with out any kind problem. Sometimes there is a sensitive issue and you have to sit down and find a way to have a good understanding. Ground Zero is one example.

I don't know much about this group of Ethiopian Muslims who built a Mosque in the USA, but why would they want to build a Mosque in Axum if they knew that it was not permitted to build a Mosque in Axum ?

Ethiopia is their country and Axum is one of them. If you don't give them permission to build a Mosque, In the eyes of the Muslims you consider them as a second citizen. The Muslims are fighting side by side with their Christians brothers and sisters in time of War. In my opinion, they want to build the Mosque because they want to know if they are accepted the same as their Christian brothers and sisters. At the end we have seen it, they are not. It might take another century to let them build a Mosque in Axum.
I don't know time will tell. In my opinion, the Muslims have the right any where in Ethiopia to build a Mosque by any means. The same as the Christians as well. These two great religion have to live together side by side with out any difficulties. They have to respect each other and pray together side by side during in peace time as well as in war time. I hope the weyane govt think twice on this issue and make a reasonable decision for the sake of our country. I am glad I am living in USA and I don't have that kind problem at all.
I am not a religious person but I have to fight for those who don't have a voice to be heard. The only problem so far I saw here in USA is about the ground zero Mosque and they haven't decide whether the Mosque to build or not. As I have told yesterday, the Imam has to think twice and make a final decision about it. We have to live together as brothers and sisters if we want to be on top of the world. PEACE

[size=150]YM - I think it is a simple question to answer. I do believe all religions have the right to build mosques, churches, etc in a private place no matter what. This has also to include in Ethiopia as well.

Although I agree with you in the spirit of your argument, it is difficult to make a blanket statement like that. I recall when there was a conflict like that about a year ago in Dessie. I happened to be in Ethiopia at that time. There was a piece of land which was claimed as a holy land by Muslims and Christians. The Christians raised money and were going to build a church on the sight. The government said that neither the Muslims or Christians can build a church at the sight. The Christians, one of them happened to be my family member, marched to the sight and started to fence the land. The government forced intervened and I believe one or two people died in the confrontation. Had the government forces not intervened, it would have caused a face off between the Christians and Muslims in the area. I don't know much about this group of Ethiopian Muslims who built a Mosque in the USA, but why would they want to build a Mosque in Axum if they knew that it was not permitted to build a Mosque in Axum ? I don't intend to prejudge the motives of this group, but there are mosques in Tegrai, not as many as some of the other provinces which consist of higher number of Muslims than in Tegrai. From what i can understand, they can build a Mosque, but not inside the city of Axum. This did not start with Woyanne , otherwise there would have been Mosques built before 1991.