SALAALE, OROMIA — A coalition of traditional and community leaders, including the Abbootii Gadaa (Gadaa Councilors), Haadholee Siinqee (Siinqee Women Leaders), and Jaarsollee Biyyaa (Elders of the Land), has issued a strong condemnation against recent derogatory remarks made about the Salaale Oromo people.

The leaders have denounced a social media broadcast in which an individual named Heenok Girmaa allegedly used offensive language that “attacked the dignity and honor of the Salaale people.” The broadcast, aired on December 13, 2018, on a private media outlet called J.P.S., is described by the leaders as containing “insulting speech and false information” that violates Oromo cultural norms of respect (safuu) and taboo (duudhaa).

In their statement, the traditional authorities emphasized the respected standing of the Salaale community. They highlighted that the Salaale people are known for their “dignity, deep adherence to Oromo culture, and peaceful coexistence.” The community comprises followers of various religions who, they stated, “live together in love and peace, without their faiths causing division.”

The leaders contextualized the Salaale community’s significant contributions to Ethiopia. They noted that Salaale is the homeland of renowned national figures who fought for equality among nations and nationalities, including General Taaddasaa Birruu, Archbishop Luuba Abune Pheexiroos, and heroines like H/mariyaam Gammadaa. It is also the birthplace of global athletics champion Shaambal Abbabaa Biqilaa.

“Like other parts of our country, the Salaale people paid immense sacrifices for the sovereignty of this nation,” the statement reads. “Therefore, the act of defamation by this individual against this community is baseless and far from the truth.”

The condemnation also raises legal and ethical concerns. The leaders argued that in a country governed by law, it is unacceptable for a private individual to broadly insult and belittle a large community. They characterized the slurs as a calculated act driven by a “hidden personal agenda,” not representative of any religious or ethnic position.

Consequently, the Abbootii Gadaa, Haadholee Siinqee, and Jaarsollee Biyyaa have formally called upon the government to intervene. They have requested that the relevant legal authorities take appropriate measures against the broadcaster for launching what they deem a “campaign of hate speech and defamation” against a dignified segment of society. The leaders reaffirmed that such attacks have no place in the community and will not be tolerated.