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| Posted to the web on June 11, 2008 |
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June 11, 2008 (Addis Ababa) - An Ethiopian government official from the Gambella regional administration was reportedly denied entry in to Canada in connection to the 2003 incidence in the region in which 400 ethnic Anuak are said to have died.
The official was scheduled to meet members of Gambella community in Canada to discuss on the situation in Ethiopia in general and the Gambella region in particular.
"Ethiopian ex-pats hoping to ask tough questions of an Ethiopian governor left disappointed here Saturday afternoon after the official was a no-show, having been denied entry into the country a day earlier," Canada.com wrote Saturday.
According to the report some supporters say Omot had no involvement and said he infact tried to stop the killings.
"The Canadian government did not give us a reason and we do not know why he is not allowed in the country," Gatkuoth Bim, one of the supporters who organized the event was quoted as saying.
Ojulu Didumo, who travelled from Edmonton early Saturday morning to attend, said he was disappointed at the cancellation and was looking forward to asking questions about what happened in 2003.
"We have family members who have been affected by what's going on in the country and I think we are owed some answers," he was quoted as saying.
The report said Canadian Border Services could not be reached for comment.
In related news, the faminily of the Canadian citizen in Ethiopia over terrorism charges, who say he was to be given the death sentence urged the federal government to intervene, according to Canadian Press.
Canadian Bashir Makhtal was arrested in December, 2006, on the Kenyan border while fleeing the civil war in Somalia before he was "secretly" flown to Ethiopia and imprisoned.
"I am really scared, confused and shocked," cousin Said Makhtal of Hamilton was quoted as saying on Friday.
The report said Ethiopian officials confirmed was on trial on terrorism charges, "but did not say whether he could be sentenced to death."
(The Daily Monitor)
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