From Myanmar to Ethiopia: A Pattern of Persecution as Orthodox Christians Become the New Rohingya”

Religious Persecution: A Growing Concern in Ethiopia and Myanmar

In recent years, the world has witnessed a rising trend of religious persecution, with Ethiopia and Myanmar being two of the most prominent countries where this issue is prevalent. Despite being led by Nobel Peace Prize Winners, Abiy Ahmed Ali and Aung San Suu Kyi respectively, both countries have failed to protect their citizens from religious attacks.

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Abiy Ahmed Ali and Aung San Suu Kyi has come under scrutiny, with many pointing to the failure of the Prize to analyze and take time before awarding it. This highlights the lack of in-depth understanding of the social dynamics in the global south and the tendency of the western media to rely on tabloid journalism.

In Ethiopia, the Orthodox Christians have been the target of brutal slaughter, with reports of mass killings, forced displacement, and widespread violence against the community. The Ethiopian government, led by Abiy Ahmed Ali, has been accused of not only failing to protect the Orthodox Christians but also of being complicit in the attacks. In one particularly disturbing incident, 35 Orthodox Christians were reportedly gunned down by security forces (Oromia Police) while protecting their church from an illegal takeover. The Ethiopian government has also been accused of arresting and harassing legally appointed Orthodox leaders while protecting the illegal group supported by the government.

Similarly, in Myanmar, the Rohingya Muslim community has suffered widespread persecution, including mass killings, rape, and forced displacement. The Myanmar government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has been accused of not only failing to protect the Rohingya Muslims but also of being complicit in the violence by failing to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Both Ethiopia and Myanmar are countries with diverse religious communities and a history of religious tolerance. However, in recent years, this has changed, with the rise of religious persecution becoming a major concern. The failure of the respective governments to protect their citizens, coupled with the lack of accountability for the perpetrators, has only served to perpetuate the cycle of violence.

The current situation in Ethiopia and Myanmar serves as a stark reminder of the continued threat of religious persecution in the world. The tragic loss of life and the widespread violence against religious communities is unacceptable and must be addressed. The Nobel Peace Prize’s failure to analyze the situation in these countries highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the social dynamics in the global south. It is imperative that the international community takes action to address this issue and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Only then can we hope to achieve a world where all individuals can practice their religion freely and without fear of persecution.