Prominent Ethiopian peace activist detained

Ethiopian authorities have detained a prominent international peace activist Ambassador Mussie Hailu last week, reported the Addis Abeba based Wednesday newspaper, Sendek, today.

According to the Newspaper, Mussie has been detained in the Central Prison in Addis Abeba since last Wednesday.

The following profile information about Mussie retrieved from antnews contains the activist’s biography.

Ambassador Mussie Hailu was born and grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and studied Comparative Religions, International Relationships, Management and Metaphysical Philosophy. He also attended at the Peace building & Development Institute at School of International Service of American University Summer Course.

He is an international advocate and activist for Culture of Peace, Interfaith Harmony & cooperation, world citizenship, right human relationship, reconciliation & dialogue, environmental protection and volunteerism.

Mussie Hailu believes in creating and building a culture of peace and a better world for all. To that end, he works with numerous peace-related organizations. He is the Regional Director of United Religions Initiative for Africa, Boar Chairman of Interfaith Peace-building Initiative, Representative of world Federation of United Nations Associations to the Economic Commission of Africa (ECA) and African Union (AU), Lifetime Deputy Governor of the American Biographical Research Institute, Peace Representative of the World Peace Society, Chairman of Haile Selassie Aid Ethiopia, Special Adviser to Africa for World Peace and Love Federation, Patron of United World College National committee of Ethiopia, Representative of World Citizen Association for Africa, African Diaspora Foundation Chairman for Africa, and Advisor of Center for Peace building International.

Mussie Hailu was also appointed as Ambassador at Large of The Republic of Burundi by the President of Burundi. He is the Good Will Ambassador for the Unity and Reconciliation Commission of Rwanda and Special Emissary to his Majesty King Kigeli V of Rwanda, who is currently in exile in the USA.

The Paper did not state why the activist was put under police custody. Mussie has been involved in local peace, conflict resolution and reconciliation groups and programs including roles in the post 2005 election mediator’s group, Elders Group.