His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, President of the Crown Council, on the 18th of Säne 2011 (June 25, 2019), issued the following statement on behalf of the Council:
The Ethiopian Crown, along with all Ethiopians, mourns the tragic loss of life which occurred in our family of peoples on the 15th of Säne 2011 (June 22, 2019), and the animosities and responses these killings engendered.
We should by now have rejected the tool of assassination and armed violence to resolve our internal concerns. The Crown, along with the Ethiopian People, also mourns and regrets the fact that mis-trust and fear continue to exist in our society between some of the great nations which make up our beloved Ethiopia.
It is obvious that we have a legacy of some four decades of distrust to overcome. But we must return to the view all Ethiopians have equal rights and opportunities.
We have, since the overthrow of legitimate governance by the Dergue, been subjected to policies which denied us our collective history and legitimacy. These deprived us of our birthrights in many respects. But a year ago we began the path back toward normalcy, prosperity, and greatness, and we cannot now allow distrust to continue to find a place within our ranks.
The Ethiopian Crown stands ready to help arbitrate, if called upon, to help rebuild the bridges between our Ethiopian peoples and regions. We send our condolences to the families of those killed on the 15th of Sane 2011. Let us ensure that we learn from this tragedy, and ensure that our Government safeguards the equal rights of all Ethiopians.
We are stronger together. May God Bless Ethiopia.
