The Mayor’s assertion that people from other regions entering Addis Ababa are attempting a coup is a covert attack on specific groups of individuals who are frequently denied entry to the city. It is a disingenuous pretext for the infringement of citizens’ political and human rights by both the city and the Oromia region.

Addis Ababa is a city with a diverse population, consisting of people from various ethnic groups across Ethiopia. However, there has been a history of political unrest and social tension, largely driven by the marginalization and exclusion of certain ethnic groups, particularly the Amhara people. The Amhara, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia, have faced discrimination in accessing political and economic opportunities in the city.

The Mayor’s accusation of a coup by individuals from other regions is an attempt to divert attention from the infringement of human and political rights by the city and the Oromia region. It is also a pretext for further restricting the movement of people, particularly the Amhara people, who have been historically marginalized and excluded from the city. By portraying the entry of individuals from other regions as a threat to the city’s security, the Mayor is seeking to justify the use of force to suppress legitimate political dissent.

Moreover, this accusation is a deliberate attempt to incite ethnic tensions in the city and the country, a tactic often employed by the government to suppress opposition and maintain control. By demonizing people from other regions, the government is creating divisions and detracting from the real issues plaguing the country, such as corruption, inequality, and political repression.

In conclusion, the Mayor’s allegation of a coup attempt is a false pretext used by the government to justify the infringement of citizens’ political and human rights, including the perpetuation of the Oromuma apartheid policy. It is time for the government to take concrete steps towards promoting equality and ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services and opportunities, regardless of their ethnicity or background. The government must address the underlying causes of political unrest and social inequality and uphold the rights of all citizens, including the Amhara people.