‘Many Rastas were chased away, but we’re determined to remain’: Ethiopia’s religious community under threat

Ras Paul, a DJ from London of Jamaican descent, moved to Shashamene in 1999, feeling a connection to Ethiopia and its emperor, Haile Selassie, whom Rastafarians view as a messianic figure. At one point, over 2,500 Rastafarians lived there, but tensions have risen between them and local residents due to political unrest and ethnic conflicts in the Oromia region.

Since 2018, the Oromo people have been involved in protests claiming marginalization, and newly established Protestant churches have criticized Rastafarian beliefs and practices. Many Rastafarians face difficulties in renewing their residency permits and some are living illegally. They are also in legal battles with locals trying to evict them from their land.

The Rastafarians plan to petition the government for recognition of their rights, as their symbols, like the colors of Haile Selassie's flag, have become controversial. The community's history in Shashamene dates back to the 1930s, when Haile Selassie granted land to those who supported Ethiopia. However, as Shashamene has grown into a large town, the original land granted is now occupied by others, complicating the Rastafarians' efforts to reclaim it.

Despite these challenges, members of the community express a strong desire to stay, feeling a deep connection to Ethiopia as their ancestral home.

Continue reading...