Decision: Exclude tagged Muslims- Majlis pure `sufi `

Ethiopian Islamic council decided to exclude and ban from election of what it calls `wahabi`, according to the recently released wikileaks confidential document.

In the past year there have been some isolated incidents of religious conflict in Ethiopia, and interlocutors offer several different explanations as to the causes. Vice-President of the EIASC Mohammed Ibrahim Hassan said he believes that the conflicts are a manifestation of "political manipulation of religion" and the growing influence of Wahhabists. He blames opposition parties and Wahhabists for using religion "for political means" to mobilize the masses. Mohammed said he does not believe that religious leaders would incite violence because they have benefited from maintaining a peaceful co-existence for over 1,000 years. He argues that since the Wahhabis cannot find support within the population (because of the long history of Sufism), they have decided to partner with "certain opposition parties" in order to gain political power. Because the EIASC feels that Wahhabism is a serious threat to the stability of Ethiopia and the region, the Council has decided not to allow Wahhabis to be elected to the Council. In March 2009, the EIASC banned Islamic meetings and activities without permission from the Council, and they also closely monitor Imams in the country. At an April 6 lunch, the Mufti of Ethiopia told the Ambassador that the EIASC does not consider Wahhabis to be genuine Muslims, but rather ADDIS ABAB extremists attempting to hijack the religion. 

Interesting to note that, the council claims that what it calls `wahabi` is minority, yet resort to illegal way by forbidding them from standing for election!

In its summary, the report indicates how the Church which dominates the country`s historically feels threatened by the assertive roles of the Muslims ( Please refer to cable document on Gonder incident which concludes that  Gonder Muslims have in no way acted in a way different from Muslim in other regions, yet the Church see their action as a provocative because Muslims were historically stereotyped and excluded from the city which is no more the case)

 Ethiopia has enjoyed a long history of religious tolerance. In the past year, however, tensions have risen somewhat among Muslims and Orthodox Christians, the two largest religious groups in Ethiopia. Although it is likely that the recent conflicts are isolated incidents and are not cause for immediate concern, the attitudes and outlooks of certain groups are worth noting. Orthodox Christian leaders openly exhibit tolerance of Muslims, but there are undertones of entitlement as they are "the oldest Church in Africa," had been the state religion until 1974, and feel threatened by recent acts by Muslims which they see as provocative. Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC) leaders blame the recent religious conflict on opposition parties and Wahhabis who they argue are using religion "for political means," and are trying to exclude Wahhabis from the Council. The Special Assistant to the Minister of Federal Affairs believes that recent religious conflicts were caused by "messengers" sent by organized national and international networks to incite violence, but could not say whether such networks were allied around religion, ideology, ethnicity, or some other social dynamic. The Government has taken several measures to address rising religious tensions and to avoid future conflict, including establishing regional forums to raise awareness and calling upon religious leaders and followers to reveal those attempting to incite religious conflicts. 

Ethiopia pride itself of the religious tolerance  but as the document indicates and until 1974,  the country was under Orthodox christian dominance, marginalizing all other religions and cultures. It was only recently , 1990, that all religions got constitutionally equal right , though many believe that the government has so far failed to fully implement it. The main obstacle remains to be the Church which has yet to embrace the state being secular and the end of its political role.

It is clear that Muslims want to play an assertive role to ensure and see their citizenship  right which includes freedom of worship,  securing worship sites as enshrined in the constitution  without the  interference of the Church. The Church apparently see this as a threat, and want back to the pre-1974 status of quo.

In this 21 century you find a city like Axum in Ethiopia where indigenous Muslims are denied the right to build mosques, or burial places. Any one who advocate for the right of the Axumite Muslims would be condemned by the Church, government and islamic council equally: for the church the person is `extremists`, `security threat/ terrorist` for the government and `wahabi` for the so called Islamic council!!!  

By this standard, it is ALL Ethiopian Muslims who are  the `extremists`, `security threat/terrorists` and `wahabi`!  

Full document 

Mejlis leader seeks PM. Meles`s protection to stay in power

Elais Redman, ex-Mejlis / Islamci affairs council leader sought the assistance of Meles to save his position, wikileaks secret documents reveals. In a discussion with US officials, Redman appeals as a moderate Muslim and accusing all who disagrees with him as `Wahhabi ` who colludes with Saudis.

The Sheikh [Elias Redman] said that moderates like himself are struggling to fend off the influence of extremists, partially due to a lack of resources (particularly compared to that of the Saudi backers of this campaign) as well as a lack of support from the GoE. He charged that the influential director of Middle East and Asia bureau at the MoFA, Mahdi Ahmed Gadid, a former Ethiopian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, is pressing senior GoE officials to replace him and other moderate EIASC leaders. This has led the Sheikh to seek (and was granted) a meeting with Prime Minister Meles to ask for assistance.... 

By the way, Mahdi Ahmed, used to be an Ambassador of Japan,  currently working at the Ministry of Foreign Affaris is Harari  in ethnic. Ordinary Hararis hardly have Saudi Arabian orientation, let alone politician like him who need public support. The accusation is apparently baseless , and it seems that Elias Redmam was a person who would do everything to save his position.

It is known that Elias Redman is widely accused of corruption, and the rampant embezzlement which reached a point difficult to defend is believed to be behind his removal. Elais Redman complained that  the Islamic council is facing financial challenges as it heavily relies on special documents it issues during the Hajj.

Sheikh Elias said that the EIASC leadership is in crisis due to a lack of funding. The EIASC normally gets a large part of its operational budget from fees collected by issuing special travel documents for Ethiopian pilgrims who participate in the annual Hajj. Sheikh Elias recounted, that this year, the EIASC planned to issue 18,000 travel documents to Ethiopian pilgrims. However, the government of Saudi Arabia decided that all Ethiopian visitors must have passports. He said that many pilgrims, if required to file for a passport on short notice, will not be able to make the Hajj. Also, the EIASC will not collect fees and will run out of money within a few months.

Arat Kilo Mosque Demolition


Elias Redman justifies the demolition of the Arart-Kilo mosques which angered Muslims followed by peaceful demonstration,accusing the Muslims chanting against Meles Zenawi during the protest! He also claims that he secured and alternative peace of land to contain the anger.

C) Sheikh Elias discussed the recent unrest in Addis Ababa sparked by the destruction of a mosque in the central area of Arat Kilo (reftel), saying what was reported in newspapers was only partially correct. He explained the property on which the mosque was to be constructed was purchased by an individual who received money from a Saudi NGO (an NGO is not legally able to purchase property) at Arat Kilo. The property had contained a residence and a building permit was granted to renovate the house. Regardless, the new owner proceeded to illegally build a mosque and fence around the original structure, which led to city officials demolishing the newly built mosque. This resulted in large scale demonstrations in Addis Ababa on three consecutive Fridays. The largest clash took place on August 11, for which police were called, resulting in a clash between rock-throwing Muslim protestors and police. (NOTE: Only minor injuries and no deaths were reported in this demonstration. END NOTE) The Sheikh reported that, prior to the break-up of the demonstration, some protestors were calling for PM Meles Zenawi to step down and for the establishment of an Islamic government. ¶8.

(C) Sheikh Elias met with Addis Ababa Mayor Berhanu Deressa to diffuse the issue. The mayor agreed to grant the EIASC a larger tract of empty land on which to build a mosque near Addis Ababa University, not far from the original site. The Sheikh called for the community to relinquish the property at Arat Kilo and to focus efforts towards building a new mosque. The Sheikh reported that hardliners criticized and blamed the EIASC for the destruction of the mosque. Nevertheless, the Sheikh said that the wider Muslim community was satisfied with the new grant of land and there have been no reports of demonstrations since.

FULL DOCUMENT HERE

  

Hailu Showel Sees Ethio-Muslims as threat, unreliable

A confidential cable released by wikileaks which dates back 2008, gives a grim picture of the view of the Ethiopian opposition figure, Hailu Showel. The opposition figure sees the Muslim dominance in the business sector  as a threat to the stability of the country, and blames the government for failing to change it.

Asked to define the greatest threat to Ethiopian stability, Hailu said the rise of extremist Islam is a clear and present danger. "The money is now in Muslim hands," he said, adding that "(the ruling) Tigrayans are fighting for their cut but they get very little. EPRDF companies are mismanaged and inanimate. Even backed by the Central Bank they have no capacity for management and are not growing." Hailu said Ethiopia's (traditionally moderate) Muslim communities are falling under the sway of "those who want to put Ethiopia under (extremist) control." He added, "Many are not aware of the (strength of) the Islamic movement and are not doing anything about it." Throughout the countryside, young Christian women are converting to Islam, Hailu alleged. The EPRDF takes no actions against Islamic extremists

Though Showel urges the Christians to appeal to the Muslims , he  adds his concern of the reliability of the Muslims. Hailu also stresses the importance of `Christian Ethiopia` for the stability.

Hailu said Ethiopian Christians must work to appeal to moderate Muslims, but he worried aloud that, "when crunch time comes, the Muslims will band together." He described the imperative in "Clash of Civilization" terms, arguing that "Ethiopia is where Christianity and democracy have to stand firm; if not, forget about security along the equator. (Extremists) can travel freely anywhere in the Muslim world, which will stretch from West Africa to Indonesia. The tendency of Islam is dictatorial. (Christian countries) face a big contagion."

Read whole Cable
SUBJECT: HAILU SHAWAL: NO NEED FOR COALITIONS FOR NOW 

[Secret] Muslims Exceed 50% of Ethiopia

A US document classified as SECRET//NOFORN states that Muslims to make soon over 50% of the population, explaining the security concern that motivated Ethiopia to interfere in Somalis.

With Muslims soon to comprise over 50% of the population, Ethiopia,s senior leadership views extremism from Somalia as a threat to the balanced and harmonious relationship between the Christian and Muslim communities.

 Ethiopian Muslims widely believe that they make over half of the population, and CIA documents estimate the Muslim population between 45-50%. Local statistics are always controversial and rejected by the Muslims for under estimation.  Until 1974 the Ethiopia has been under the Church, and the recognition of the existence of the Muslims was  rare at official level, if any. That has became history, which many Muslims as positive development  though others are concerned for how long the historical influence would last. On the other hand, the Church still attache itself with identity of the country and see the recognition of Muslim majority as a threat to this. Documents sanctioned by the church itself recognize the facts that Muslims are the majority.

US in Muslim Ethiopian Issues

These confidential document which dates back to 2009, claims that `Wahabis` are are putting the US interest at risk by shaking the delicate Muslim/christian balance. According the document , the `Sufi` Muslims are seeking the the support of US in countering.

As a result, Ethiopia's delicate Muslim/Christian balance and historic attitudes between the faith communities regarding tolerance and mutual respect are being challenged, thereby undermining U.S. interests in the region. Sufi Muslim leaders want support from the U.S. to counter this pressure 

As another document reveals, several measures were taken by US based on grants  under what it calls "Cultural Programming". This includes protecting and preserving shrines, munscripts and traditions that may counter `wahabisim`. Grants to restore Sheik Husein shrine, is an example of the projects and the cable explains the importance of this as follows:

The restoration of the Sheikh Hussein Shrine through the AFCP directly impacts the tens of thousands of pilgrims who visit the shrine every year. Shrine caretakers readily publicize the role of the U.S. in rescuing the shrine and for facilitating the visits of pilgrims who venerate the tomb of Sheikh Hussein every day. Post is currently planning a small booklet that will be produced, printed, and distributed at the shrine that will give the shrine's history, along with publicizing the role of the U.S. in preserving it. Besides American concern for the historical and cultural value of the shrine, pilgrims also perceive that the United States respects Sheikh Hussein, something the Wahabis absolutely do not.

  Reading full documents will give sincere motivation of the US involvement in preserving shrines, tombs or munscripts that would .  The way  `Sufism` and `Wahabism` are defined  may broadly vary among Muslim scholars from theological point of view. However, it is the socio-political orientation which matters for the US and many other western countries.

Full documents

Wahabism In Ethiopia As "cultural Imperialism"

Countering Wahabi Influence In Ethiopia Through Cultural Programming