Popular Ethiopian singer Teddy Afro (nee Tewodros Kassahun) has been convicted of manslaughter. He faces 5-15 years in prison when sentenced this Friday. Teddy was charged with the hit-and-run of a homeless man in Addis Abba  two years ago. Though he had an alibi, the judge was not convinced and found him guilty of all charges. Teddy’s music (a mix of Ethiopian and reggae music) became the anthem of political opposition during anti-government protest in 2005. Since then he has been seen as a threat by the Ethipian government.

Read the full story here and here.

This smells as funny as the bombings in Mumbai last week. It makes you think, how much have African countries (and leaders) really changed. When it our turn to take over the helms of leadership in Africa, will we be as brutal against those who oppose us? I can only hope not. Our prayers go out to Teddy Afro. Let’s make as much of a ruckus about this as we possibly can.