The Belgian and Dutch branches of Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF-Belgium and Holland), over the last few days, have been disseminating through the international news media a number of inaccurate, and distorted reports about the Somali Regional State and its government. These are damaging to our on-going-processes of development, dispensation of justice and the building of a democratic system in the region. 

Ethiopia, presently, has put in place, a broad based democratic order, where the rights of citizens are protected, good governance is taking root and government structures are installed at all administrative levels on the basis of public interest and their active involvement. Organized in conformity with the federal and the regional constitutions, State Government of the region is committed to respect of human and democratic rights of citizens, and as such, is answerable to the public. In fact, MSF allegations of undemocratic practice simply couldn’t have happened because of the nature and structural features of our current democratic system. 

Medicines Sans Frontier, Belgium and Holland, were licensed by government along a number of other indigenous and international humanitarian organizations, in the conviction that they would foster our national development endeavors. They were provided with all support necessary for their activities. This makes their recent statements all the more distressing.   

The claims that these agencies have been circulating amount to deliberate propaganda. Although we do not know their aims and objectives, these distorted and unrealistic reports are certainly in violation of the code of ethics they are committed to in their line of duty as neutral bodies. They appear to have become mouthpiece of anti-peace forces devoted to conflict and against the democratic changes taking place in Ethiopia. These are groups intent upon unleashing violence and making our region a zone of conflict. 

There are striking similarities between the claims by MSF and recent media reports quoting these same groups. It appears MSF’s statements are part and parcel of a smear campaign launched by groups bent on tarnishing our efforts to realize good governance, development, justice and a democratic system. The Somali Regional State government urges all to desist from malicious, spiteful and inaccurate propaganda.  

We would like to make it clear to everyone, that all democratic institutions in the region, from the regional administration down to the woreda level, and to local kebeles, are functioning and active. There is active public involvement in all levels of government, and the movement of people is unhindered throughout the region. We would emphasize that any interested parties would be welcome to the region. 

September  5^th. 2007