Thursday, July 19, 2007
EPRDF - TOMORROW MIGHT BE TOO LATE
July 18, 2007
Girma Kassa (Chicago)
muziky68@yahoo.com
For the seventh time, EPRDF officials are squandering an opportunity to reconcile themselves with the Ethiopian people.
In May 1991, the former EPRDF rebels entered Addis Ababa and other major cities in Ethiopia without any major fights. The Ethiopian People allowed them in their cities hoping a better Ethiopia would come out after a 17 years bloody, repressive and brutal reign of Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam.
Unfortunately the EPRDF officials offended Ethiopians by implementing a backward and medieval ethnic politics and making Ethiopia a country with no sea outlets. These added to many arrogant comments of disrespect towards the Ethiopian green-yellow-red flag from the part of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, exasperated the mistrusts and disapproval of the EPRDF by the people. (First opportunity lost)
In 1998, Ethiopians, setting aside the past serious mistakes of the EPRDF, rallied behind Prime Minister Zenawi to defend the aggression of Shabia (The Eritrean regime of President Issayas Afeworki). “This could be a chance for EPRDF to undo its past mistakes” many thought.
Again, after the death of tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters, the Ethiopian defense forces reached the gates of Asmara and could have removed once and for all the long time trouble of Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Meles and his colleagues in Arat Kilo reversed the victory though, signed the Algiers agreement, unconditionally accepted the decision of the border commission that exclusively gave Badme to Eritrea and squandered again the good will gesture they got from the People. (Second opportunity lost)
In May 2000, during the first relatively democratic election, the ruling party has gotten praises and admirations from different angle of our society for allowing democratic exercises. The public media was relatively free. Peaceful demonstrations against the government were held without harassment. International elections observers were allowed…
When it comes to the result of the May election it was not what the regime expected. The regime then started destroying what they have built. Had they accepted the decision of the people, they could have written their name in the history book. They could have earned the respect and love of the people for being humble and true democrat. It could have given them the opportunity to come back again in power in next elections.
By rigging the election and killing our unarmed civilian’s brothers and sisters, they, nevertheless, lost for a third time a very golden opportunity to be respected and loved by the people. (Third opportunity lost)
From June 2005 to November 2005, many were hoping the negotiation between Kinijit (CUD) and UEDF on one side and the EPRDF on the other would bring some sort of understanding among all parties, and the country would be spared from political crisis and instability. The CUD postponed the first civil and peaceful disobedience campaign it called for, to give peace and dialog a chance, agreed to enter parliament and decided to focus on the future. Their only demands were demands that strengthen democratic institutions so that Election 97 would not be repeated in the next 2010 election.
To the surprise of many, the EPRDF leaders took the compromise of the CUD as a weakness and refused to come to the table. They continued their intimidation.
In November 2005, in an unprecedented barbaric show of force, security forces directly under the command of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, indiscriminately fired on peaceful demonstrators and killed more than 200 innocent civilians. They brutally detained more than hundred thousands from their kebeles and weredas and placed them hundreds miles away from their home in more than 4 concentration camps across Ethiopia. (Ziway, Shewarobit, Kolfe, Dedessa ..) Reporters, human right activists, anti poverty campaign advocates and Kinijit/CUD leaders were arrested and send to prison. (Amnesty International called these prisoners prisoner of conscious.)
These totalitarian actions of the EPRDF added fuel to the hatred and disgust the people has against it and closed another opportunity that could bring stability. (Fourth opportunity lost)
For the last two years, efforts were being made to secure the release of prisoners of conscious and bring peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia. The European Union, The United State Congress, International civic groups, the US ambassador Donald Yamammato and Ethiopians from different angles called the regime in Arat Kilo to take concrete actions for peace and democracy. They called for the government of Ethiopia to unconditionally release the prisoner of conscious and come to the negotiation table to solve the political crisis of the country in a dialog.
On March 23, the government controlled court was to give its preliminary judgment on the merit of the case against incarcerated prisoner of conscious. Many of us hoped this time The EPRDF leaders would do the right thing and learn from their past mistakes. We hoped the case would be dismissed and the regime would start undoing its damage.
“Mon Dieu” - The cadres of the regime in black robe allowed the court proceeding to continue and showed their disrespect to the rule of law they were supposed to uphold.
Three month later this same court found the popular and loved prisoners of conscious guilty of ridiculous charges and sentenced them with life imprisonment. (Opportunities five and six lost)
After heavy pressures from the international community, from some rank and files within the TPLF itself, from Ethiopians in the Diaspora and for fear of the anger and bitterness the Ethiopian people has towards them that may explode and possibly devour them alive at anytime, the EPRDF rulers decided to free prisoners of conscious. The Board of Amnesty approved their release.
The release of prisoners could have opened a new era of a rapprochement and a new beginning. It was a very good opportunity to, once and for all, open the door for peace and reconciliation.
Shockingly, they spoiled it again. Officials in Arat Kilo are currently actively engaged in killing the great efforts of the shemageles and started a campaign of deception that does nothing but build up tension with the opposition.
Dr Merrara Gudina, a prominent opposition leader from the UEDF expressed his dismay and frustration towards the latest campaign of misinformation against Kinijit leaders by the government controlled media. He said:
” It is not a normal national reconciliation. It looks like the government tries to humiliate them (kiniit leaders) rather than stretch its hand for national reconciliation. So that is what makes me skeptical, whether we are moving forward or not. “ [1]
It would have been prudent and wise for EPRDF officials to admit mistakes, offer olive branches to all their opponents and be ready for a true reconciliation that is based on honesty, love, forgiveness and “ethiopiawi chewanet” . They could have used this opportunity to redeem themselves from their past.
But, their forged letter and their massive campaign of deception to humiliate the “dear ones” of Ethiopia have made them the sole looser at the end of the game. The People of Ethiopia knows the EPRDF; and the EPRDF knows the people. (Sennetewawek Anetenanek)
The “Shemgelena” process was supposed to be a win-win situation for all. Now it has ended as a WIN-LOOSE situation (with the EPRDF being the loser).
The recent embarrassing interviews of Ato Bereket Simon on BBC focus in Africa and the VOA, the editorial of the Wall Street Journal [2], the passage of HR2003 in the House of representative [3], the recent hearing in the United States Senate subcommittee chaired by the Wisconsin Senator Feingold [4].. are clear indications that the regime has made itself isolated internationally and lost diplomatically.
As reported by various bloggers from Addis Ababa [5][6], Ethiopians are expressing their rejection to the lies of the regime and are awaiting the triumphant release of their heroes. The EPRDF has long lost the heart and mind of the people. (Opportunity seven lost)
I for one have always hoped for the better. I always believe mankind has the capability to change. If the bandit on the right hand side of the cross on which our Lord Jesus was crucified, had reconciled with himself and with God, the door is not closed for anyone to repent and reconcile with himself, his God and his brethrens.
The EPRDF officials must know that there might not be another opportunity for them. We are at the 11th hour. Tomorrow might be too late. I therefore respectfully ask they take a pause, talk to themselves and repent today. If they make peace with God today, God himself will guide them through the path of righteousness tomorrow.
“Forgive them for they know not what they do” said the Lord Jesus Christ praying while on the cross to His Father for those who crucified him. It is time for all Ethiopian to pray for EPRDF officials so that their eyes can be opened for the truth and so that cool headed people would emerge from their midst and guide them away from the politics of deception, arrogance, bloodshed and rigidity.
Yes many of us may want to put a nail on their head. Many of us have nothing but hate towards them. The great book says:” Love your enemy”. ONLY LOVE IS THE SOLUTION FOR OUR COUNTRY.
May God open their eyes to His Wisdom and to His Understanding!
May God Bless Ethiopia!
[1] - http://www.abugidainfo.com/?p=1577#more-1577
[2] - http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article22897
[3] - http://www.ethiomedia.com/atop/us_officials_angry_at_zenawi.html
[4] - http://www.ethiopianreview.com/news/?p=338
[5] - http://temelkatch.blogspot.com/2007/07/reminiscing.html
[6] - http://lewit.blogspot.com/2007/07/things-they-cant-suppress.html
Saturday, July 07, 2007
July 7, 2007
Girma Kassa (Chicago)
Dr Hailu Araya is one of the prominent leaders of Kinijit who is currently languishing in Kaliti prison.
It is known to many, that Kaliti leaders were first accused of "genocide”. This charge was later taken back by the so called prosecutor and replaced by another ridiculous charge of "inciting genocide”.
Dr Hailu Araya, who is from one of our Northern Province Tigray, was also accused of genocide/inciting genocide.
Dr Hailu Araya was supportive of the 1991 peace initiative proposed by the father of Kinijit, Professor Mesfin Woldmariam, who is also in Kaliti prison.
The proposal of Professor Mesfin was a proposal that was intended to bring all Ethiopians together. It called for national reconciliation and a new beginning based on traditional and “ethiopiawi” values of “shemguelena” and “forgiveness”.
http://www.mesfinwoldemariam.com/docs/MWM_EthiopianStudies_1991.pdf
This proposal was courageously presented on April 1st 1991, at the 11th International Conference of East Africa Studies in Addis Ababa.
Professor Mesfin risked his life when he boldly challenged Colonel Mengistu Hailemarim and called for his regime to be replaced with a government of “shemageles”.
During that time Dr Hailu Araya who was a member of the then Shengo (People’s representative Assembly), publicly rebuked Colonel Mengistu, declared that the people and the government are "Hod and Jerba". He insisted that the peace proposal of Prof Mesfin be considered.
As Prof. Mesfin did, Dr Hailu Araya risked his life by telling it as it is to the military junta. For him, to publicly confront the brutal dictator was basically equivalent to signing his death sentence. Dr Hailu did just that for the sake of peace, Ethiopian Unity and the cessation of hostilities.
Please refer below for the speech of Dr Hailu Araya in the Shengo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuweGoV10Os&mode=related&search=
Dr Hailu Araya joined the opposition group and continued his struggle for peace, democracy and national unity of Ethiopia by joining the EDP-MEDHIN party. (One of the four founders of Kinijit). He was the vice chairman of EDP-MEDHIN party.
When Kinijit was formed, Dr Hailu Araya served as the Public Relation chief of KINIJIT. (Replacing Ato Lidetu Ayalew). Since then he has been one of the leading and much respected figure within Kinijt and nationally.
With his other colleagues in Kaliti, Dr Hailu Araya has been repeatedly showing with deeds and self-sacrifice his love for Ethiopia, his determination to peaceful struggle and his humble, matured and civilized politics.
Dr Hailu Araya is an Ethiopian patriot who loves Ethiopia. Yes, Ethiopia may be poor now. She may not be a good place to live on the surface. Many of her children may have left her to spend their time and energy in foreign lands. However, Dr Hailu in the love poem he wrote to Ethiopia, from Kaliti prison, eloquently expressed the deep rooted love he has for his country whatever different circumstances it may be in.
http://www.ethiopolitics.com/Poems/poemDrHailu.html
Dr Hailu is not only showing us his love of country with a poem. He has been showing us his love of country, courage and selflessness by again standing against another “high-tech dictator" (which claims to be a democrat and a modern on the outside but is backward and totalitarian from the inside).
It is an embarrassment and shame to see such brave Ethiopians in prison. Dr Hailu Araya and his colleagues in Kaliti must be unconditionally released from any incarcerations.
The current regime in Arat Kilo must remember that Dr Hailu Araya has been always a man of peace. They must remember that he risked his life back in 1991 so that the government can make peace with them. When the Derg declared “Kitet” to eliminate the “weyanes”, Dr Hailu advised engaging and talking to latter.
As he had been asking for a dialog, peace and reconciliation with the TPLF leaders while there were rebels with “kumta” and sugars in their pocket (their food), he is also calling dialog with the same people who are this time in Minilik Palace. Dr Hailu’s view has been consistent and principled.
As the TPLF rulers alleged, Dr Hailu and his colleagues in Kaliti are not individuals who incite violence. They are men and women of Peace, who love their country in deeds and have been preaching all their life civility, dialog, ethiopiawinet and democracy.
What a fool would be the one who keep such people in jail?
Friday, July 06, 2007
THE SYMPHANY CALLED "KINIJIT"
By Mesfin Feleke
April 28, 2007
This is Spring in the north American continent, every where you turn leaves are springing, trees that were dormant and seemingly dead during the long winter are all over again clamoring to show there is life inside them after all. In most areas flowers have started blooming again showing off their colors and telling the world they can also compete with the best of them, that there is boldness in them, that there is a mission given to them by their God to be their best at all times and make the world a better place for the next generation.
Just go out and see for yourself if I am pulling your legs. You see, life is like a big symphony where every thing, little or big is interconnected and everyone has to know their part and play it well to remove unnecessary death and suffering but instead bring beauty and happiness, And finally to turn around that happiness towards us and at our last minute of breath in this life, lie in bed and proclaim “Now I am ready to go. I have played my part well and because of that little part I played there is now so much less death and suffering in my world. Because of that there is now more happiness, freedom and prosperity in this world. Because of that, now plants will continue to grow, flowers will bloom and little Ethiopian kids will run around in their own homeland, playing soccer and singing 'bebayehu hoy, Lemlem..' ".
Through the commitment of our CUD leaders in Kaliti we have seen it is not that hard. Years ago they were just like us, but at some point they decided to do something about playing their part very well and above all in unison. Together they created this symphony called Kinijit and you all have seen the beautiful music it played and still continues to play in our soul. Here is a new beginning for us.
Let us be the birds that fly together and create the beauty of freedom and prosperity for our Ethiopia . Let us be the bees that perform in total unison and make sure death and suffering will never happen again in our country.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
ETHIOPIA HAS A CHOICE TO MAKE
July 4, 2007
In this world we are living in, human beings are dying in hundreds and thousands in man made wars and atrocities. The lack of peace and good governance is destroying cities, villages and countries.
Ethiopia is a country who has lost millions of its children with man made and natural disasters for the last one thousand years. Its history is a history of war and bloodshed. The politics of hate, mistrust, corruption and violence has crippled it to deep misery.
As we celebrate the new millennium Ethiopia has some clear choices to make.
It can either be like Iraq where one group of the population is going after the other, where its citizens are fleeing all over the place, attacks and counterattacks are basically destroying the social fabrics of the society or it can be like South Africa where mercy and reconciliation has brought the country from its ugly past.
It can either continue being a country at the peripheries of the peripheries, the poorest of the poor; entirely dependent on outsiders to feed its people or it can be a country which is self-sufficient and the “bread- basket of Africa.”
It can either be a country where its government continues ruling its people with an iron fist and by the barrel of the gun or it can be a country where a forward looking and civilized system of government by the people, for the people and of the people is established.
It can either choose to be divided by ethnic groups and immerse itself into ethnic tensions and ethnic cleansings like Bosnia or it can live together as a multi-ethnic society where all Ethiopians are respected regardless of their gender, ethnic or religious affiliation.
It can either allow itself to disintegrate and vanish from the face of the Earth or re-emerge as a proud and historic nation and a major power in the African continent.
It can either allow full political freedoms, and unconditionally release all political prisoners (Kinijit Leaders, free press journalists, human right activists, and ex-TPLF leaders) and respect individuals’ rights or it can choose to digress backward and lead the country into medieval barbarism.
It can either be a country where its children are incessantly fighting each other or it can be a model society where its children come together, forgive one another, reconcile their differences through civil discourse and make peace with each other.
Peace is not something that can be imposed and exported from the outside. It is not a gift from the Americans and Europeans or a product of the United Nations. It is something that comes from within.
Unless, we Ethiopians solve our problems ourselves, it is being naïve to expect peace from foreign governments.
Foreigners may have a hidden agenda. They might seem our allies when, in fact, they are our adversaries. They may not want us to have peace to use our natural resources like the waters of the mighty Blue Nile. They may not want to see a stable, democratic and prosperous Ethiopia. They may systematically be holding our neck to drag us down.
For many western governments the life of poor Ethiopians are cheap. They do not care for black Africans. What they care is only their interest. Haven’t we read what had happened in Rwanda? Aren’t we listening about the genocides in Darfur? What have western governments or for that matter the United Nations did to save the life of million black Africans? Foreigners cannot give us solutions. We are our own solution to our own problems. Only, we can turn around the fate our country. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said,” nothing can bring us peace but ourselves.”
Peace is neither stability nor the absence of war. It is freedom, joy and a life lived without fear and torment. There is no peace where there is fear. “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom” said Malcolm-X. There is no peace where there is no freedom. There is no peace where there is no joy.
We have been consistently calling for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia. In my September 8 2006 letter to the Prime Minister I wrote:
“Though the TPLF seems to be the winner for now it will be the ultimate and permanent looser at the end unless it takes some concrete, positive and reconciliatory steps as soon as possible”.
I then called for a new beginning in a new year of 1999 Ethiopian Calendar, the unconditional release of prisoner of conscious who are unjustly convicted by “judges” who are anything but judges.
The only crimes the “convicted” prisoners committed are: winning elections, informing the public the unfolding events, and being human right and anti-poverty advocates. They should have been appreciated for their efforts and contributions to the country. They should not have been jailed in the first place, let alone to be convicted.
Therefore, I respectfully call again the EPRDF officials to make the right and godly choices and:
Unconditionally release all political prisoners. (Kinijit leaders, OLF and ONC members, reporters, human right activist, former TPLF members like Siye Abraham ...)
Then form a negotiation team that immediately starts a dialog for a political solution with Kinijit (with leaders in Kaliti being at the negotiating table) and other political groups.
Failure to release prisoners will be a monumental political blunder of a historic proportion that no Ethiopian will look at it lightly. It will definitively take us to a point of no return, where armed resistance, insurrections, killings and bloodshed will take the stage.
EPRDF officials must know that, failure to act positively now may lead us to an irreversible chaos in Ethiopia that will surely consume all of us like wild fire, including rulers in Arat Kilo themselves (wherever they may escape), their children, their relatives. Unless we come together and reconcile our differences today no-one will be safe tomorrow. As Frederick Douglas said:
“ Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is in an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob, and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”
It is my hope and prayer that the leadership of the EPRDF will look beyond the horizon, and above their individual prides, stop their deceptive and arrogant behaviors, act in good faith and take historic steps at this historic moment in this historic country of ours.
“How could you expect good thing from weyane?” some may say. I do not expect good thing from the EPRDF leaders for they have repeatedly disappointed many of us. However, one should never close the door for peace.
Does anyone expect water to come out from a desert? Or expect rainfall where there is no cloud? I only expect good thing from the Almighty God. Who knows maybe this time the Lord may speak to them with love as he did to Soul on the road to Damascus or with judgment as he did to King Herod who was stricken down by angels while seating on his throne.
Oh Dear God,
You are our only Hope. What we want is bread, water, peace and the chance to live with dignity in our great country ETHIOPIA that you gave us. Please speak a word and let the demons of bloodshed, war, arrogance, racism, mistrusts, hate, bitterness and poverty be casted out from our land once and for all. May your Spirit of love, peace, joy, reconciliation and forgiveness cover the skies of Ethiopia from Moyalle to Ras Kassar, from Welwel to Assossa.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and they are saved” says the book of psalms. May your Name be glorified across all regions in Ethiopia from generation to generation.
AMEN.
Girma Kassa (Chicago)
muziky68@yahoo.com
