Ethiopia’s UDJ: 59% of first year plans achieved in spite of Govt pressure

June 20th, 2009 | EthioPolitics.com |

By Yelibenwork Ayele

Reporter - Leaders of the Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) party told a press conference Thursday that the party had financial problems which have impacted the amount and quality of the party’s activities.

According to the party, one of the causes for its financial incapabilities is wealthy businessmen and members’ fear of what the ruling party might do to them if they supported the party.

The party has been facing external problems as well since its founding last year. Its leader, Birrtukan Mideksa, has been detained and the efforts the party is making to ensure that her rights are respected are imposing additional burden on its regular work, Dr Hailu Araya, public relations officer of the party, said.

The party’s major external problem is the obstacles that the ruling party is putting on its paths both in Addis Ababa and throughout the regions.

Although the UDJ is a legally registered and recognized party, regional officials are calling it illegal, shutting down its branch offices and threatening and beating its members.

Owners of houses are receiving warnings that they should not rent their houses to the party, UDJ leaders said.

The UDJ said Thursday on its first anniversary that it had achieved about 59 percent implementation of its first year plans in spite of pressures from the ruling party.

The party had achieved 25 percent of its financial plans and had opened about 58 branch offices around the country from the planned 117 offices.

The UDJ has been unable to hold public meetings. For various reasons, it has been unable to rent halls and was denied permission to hold outdoor public meetings.