March 20, 2007

Whereas, the current political situation in Ethiopia is deteriorating and we are entering into a new phase where the political, social and economic crisis is leading us to a point of no return.

Whereas, we are inviting disaster unless urgent actions are taken to solve this crisis, there is no doubt that there will be no winner — we will all be losers.

Whereas, the only path out of the political crisis in Ethiopia is the release of all prisoners of conscience and dialogue with all peace-loving forces inside and outside of Ethiopia.

Whereas, the ruling party is not willing to take this path and has refused to accept repeated calls for peace and negotiation.

Whereas, the political and civic groups, and major Ethiopian websites listed below believe that the ruling party can play a big role and has a huge responsibility to save the nation from catastrophe.

Whereas, if all parties have the will and the desire for peaceful solution we can withstand the challenges facing us.

Therefore, we call on the regime in power to give peace and reconciliation a chance.

In the light of these self-evident truths, we, the undersigned, call on the EPRDF to:

1. Immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Kaliti prison and in all other prisons throughout Ethiopia.
2. Come to the negotiation table in good faith.
3. Respect the rule of law and guarantee democratic and human rights in Ethiopia.

It is our hope that the EPRDF government will heed our call, and join us to work for freedom, peace, equality and good governance so that we can, together, focus our energy to combat our common enemies
poverty, disease and illiteracy.


Kinijit (Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party)
Southern Ethiopian Peoples Congress
Tegbar League
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
International Ethiopian Women Organization
Anuak Justice Council
Ogaden Human Rights Group
Ethiopian National Congress
Ethiopian American Council
Ethiopian American Civic Advocacy
Network of Ethiopian Scholars
Michigan Association for Democracy in Ethiopia
Ethiomedia.com
Ethiopian Review
Ethiox.com
Ethiolion.com
Mahder.com
Addis Voice
Abugidainfo.com
EMF(Ethioforum.org)
Ethiopian Politics Blog
Qaliti Radio
cudethiopia Forum
Kinijit Forum