Muslim group in Ethiopia calls for calm after reports of mosque demolitions

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – A prominent Muslim group in the African country of Ethiopia has expressed concern over the demolition of mosques in the Oromia region.

However, the group called on Muslims to remain calm, saying they would seek a solution through dialog with the government.

In a statement, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Ethiopia said it was holding talks with the federal government.

The council warned that the situation could be exploited by certain groups with political agendas.

At least two civilians were killed and more than 40 people, including police officers, were injured when Muslims protested the demolition in the capital Addis Ababa last Friday.

The Muslim group said at least 19 mosques had been illegally demolished in the city of Shaggar alone.

It called on the regional government to immediately stop the demolitions.

However, the Oromia state government said the demolition campaign was not directed against any particular religion.

The region’s communications office said in a press statement that illegal buildings were being targeted in more than 600 towns.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has also called on security forces to show restraint.

It also called for the release of 140 people arrested following the protests.

Oromia, with a Muslim population of 48%, is Ethiopia’s largest region with 20 administrative zones.

Although Ethiopia is a Christian majority country, it prides itself on having given refuge in the 5th century to the first Muslims who escaped persecution in Makkah.

The region, which included Eritrea and called Abyssinia, was ruled by Ashama ibn-Abjar, a devout Christian emperor.

Hajara, the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim who gave birth to Ismael, is also said to have come from Ethiopia.