Open Letter to Political Leaders

 A Viable Alternative to a New, Better and More Inclusive Ethiopia Will Not be Delivered by Foreigners like Humanitarian Aid! 
By SMNE

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Dear political leaders in Ethiopia,
Warmest greetings to you!

We are writing to you because we believe you are among those who have shown courage and perseverance in pursuing the struggle for freedom and justice in the face of many obstacles. Despite the lack of political space, you have found a way to bring light through the cracks in the foundation of the TPLF/ERPDF. Kudos to you and to those working with you! We want you to be successful, not only for the sake of Ethiopians and those in the opposition, but also for those fellow Ethiopians currently in power who may be realizing they are trapped in a faltering system of their own making. How can we all find a way out before it is too late? 

The next concern on everyone’s mind today is what can replace the TPLF/EPRDF and will it be any better? Are we Ethiopians ready to discard tribal politics and to embrace inclusion of all our diverse people, Putting humanity before ethnicity and caring about the wellbeing of those who are beyond our tribal groups, for No one is free until all are free? No nation can sustainably prosper when one tribe takes all, like has been happening in Ethiopia under the TPLF/ERPDF. As one group dominates over the majority, tensions have escalated.

Many people now fear for the destabilization of the country, believing the TPLF/ERPDF, as is, may have become the greatest source of its own fall and the biggest contributor to possible violence. However, no one seems to know what can alter the course from self-destruction, short of either a change of government or meaningful and comprehensive reforms. Both of these alternatives are far from the minds of the TPLF/ERPDF; yet, they might not have an option. If this is the case, we want it to be a good option for the common good of the people of Ethiopia, both now and for future generations.

As you know, Ethiopia’s national elections are coming up only a year from now May 2015 and we all expect the TPLF/ERPDF to continue to suppress any genuine opposition, but yet, it might also be the best opportunity in years for genuine change. Outsiders in the international community are showing a greater readiness to abandon the TPLF/ERPDF, should there be a viable alternative. One may wonder the reasons behind this shift of support. We have heard through various connections in Europe and North America that the TPLF/ERPDF’s increasingly repressive policies are catalysts for increasing discontent in Ethiopia that could lead to ethnic-based violence and chaos.

As TPLF/ERPDF policies are increasingly running counter to donor’s interests of maintaining stability in the Horn, they are looking for a better alternative. They can see for themselves that the tightening of political space and the crackdown on civil society through anti-terrorism laws and the Charities and Societies Proclamation have led to the arrest of increasing numbers of journalists, bloggers, activists, students and religious leaders. If there were a strongly supported, inclusive and well-organized Ethiopian alternative, capable of bringing greater stability to Ethiopia for the long-run, alliances may quickly change. Now they are asking the question, “Where is that viable alternative?” The warning signs are apparent and there is not that much time for inaction.

Tensions are already simmering so close to the surface that many Ethiopians are seriously concerned that an unexpected event or action may trigger violence, destruction and the disintegration of their society. How will the TPLF/EPRDF clamp down during this election period without becoming that trigger? The most dangerous scenario of all is an Ethiopia post explosion, without structure. Without structure, a vacuum of power and leadership could easily spiral into a failed state. In other words, people are afraid of what will happen if the TPLF/EPRDF remain in power; and even more so, if they lose power quickly through the internal implosion of Ethiopia into ethnic-based strife.

Without significant change within the TPLF/EPRDF or without the emergence of a viable, NON-ETHNIC based alternative—one which could challenge, reform, or replace the TPLF/EPRDF—the end results may be the same. The TPLF/EPRDF, as is, have become a source of instability, endangering both itself and everyone else. The best course of action and the least probable is for the TPLF/EPRDF to pro-actively initiate actions leading to a more inclusive electoral process and the transfer of power back to the people. Currently, the TPLF/EPRDF have much to lose if there is an eruption of violence, leading to their downfall. On the other hand, their best interests and the interests of their children and future generations could be served by pro-actively opening up society and the political system to a genuine transition of power that would lead to meaningful reforms, the restoration of freedom and justice to all people, and to national reconciliation; all of which must be people-driven, not controlled by the TPLF/EPRDF.  

With the 2015 election coming, it is a make or break year and we may not get another chance soon. The Ethiopian people will be an alternative, but ONLY IF political leaders and the parties they represent on the ground are willing to convene, strategize and do the hard work of establishing a common agenda for the common good rather than to compete against each other for an otherwise impossible goal. Only then could it become a strong force for genuine political change, reforms and national reconciliation.

We all know the majority of Ethiopians, both in the Diaspora and at home, are not happy with the difficult conditions for the majority within the country. This in itself is the grassroots base for an alternative, though not yet made viable. What will make it viable? It will only be viable if there is a willingness among leaders and opposition groups to sacrifice personal ambition, self-interest and power for something of far more importance—the freedom, well-being and reconciliation of Ethiopians, including members of the TPLF/EPRDF. Think of it this way, groups like the Unity for Democracy and Justice, the Blue Party, All Ethiopian Unity Party, Oromo People’s Congress, Union of Tigrians for Democracy and Sovereignty, Medrek and others, have established these organizations for goals and objectives that still remain unaccomplished. All of these groups and many more have something in common. They were established to help make things better for their constituencies and yet share many common objectives that go beyond their constituencies.

Whether it is land rights, political rights, injustice, human rights, inequality or lack of opportunity; are these goals of only one party or are they the desire of every Ethiopian, transcending political groups? More specifically, are your goals bigger than for one tribe, one region, one religion, one gender or one political group? If so, you are better and more equipped than you know. If so, the opposition is not divided and weak. If so, we believe you may be that viable alternative for which Ethiopians are waiting. Freedom will not be delivered by foreigners in trucks like humanitarian or foreign aid, which Ethiopians have learned to depend upon rather than doing it themselves. In fact, such aid contributes to nearly half of the budget. Are we not capable? We think we are!

There is no way they can bring the viable alternative for which Ethiopians are hoping. One foreign policy maker told us, “Ethiopians need to know that we will never free them, even if we stop all foreign aid and support. It is the people of Ethiopia who will do the work, not us, the donor countries! Ethiopians should understand this and create a better alternative than the TPLF/ERPDF and that will leave us no choice but to support them.”

This also applies to the Ethiopians outside the country who cannot free people within the country. Freedom will not come from the Diaspora, but from those most available and invested in change—those inside Ethiopia. To do so, some of us are paralyzed with a victim mindset that restricts us from even trying, oftentimes dwelling on past grievances or prejudices against others that prevent us from coming together. Where this applies, this individual or collective victim mentality is defeating us.

It convinces us to wrongly that we cannot do it ourselves—with God’s help—but must wait for someone else to free us or to sacrifice themselves for our own freedom. Instead of doing something, we only complain and blame others, weakening the prospects for ever getting out of it. We cannot use this mindset as an excuse for not doing our share in contributing to the change. In terms of the Diaspora, we can be supporters, but we are not the same as being on the ground. The best thing the Diaspora can do is to advocate on behalf of the people of Ethiopia to urge policymakers to shift their support to this new alternative; if, it is indeed better, more inclusive and genuine. This is something we, in the SMNE, have been doing for a long time and we know how to do it. If we now have another God-given chance of forming a noble and authentic alliance for the common good, how can our joint efforts finally bear fruit, yours and ours? 

Some or most of you may be planning to run for office in a challenge to the TPLF/EPRDF’s monopoly of most every government position, but we assure you; there is zero possibility that any one of these candidates or their parties can win individually. If you do, you may only be a token without any power or influence. Many of you understand this and are already making efforts to reach out to others; knowing that numbers of different political groups, all working independently, will never be a threat to the TPLF/EPRDF. Instead, it will give the TPLF/EPRDF the means to remain in power and the legitimacy to appear democratic to outsiders. In fact, to promote a better image, they may even give some unexpected political space to a select few, as long as there is no collaboration with others. However, if a strong and viable alternative emerges, the people of Ethiopia will have far greater ability to become a force for change. 

What will replace the TPLF/EPRDF and will it be any better?

An alliance of political groups will have the goal of creating a political environment conducive to genuine political engagement. Freedoms and rights must be restored. This is a primary core goal. To accomplish this, there is no other choice than to put differences aside so as to create a viable force that can confront the TPLF/ERPDF. The effort cannot stop short of accomplishing these goals or it could be reversed. If you cannot do this; then at the very least, Ethiopians must stop inflammatory, derogatory, and degrading criticisms towards others—it is complicity with defeat. If something needs correction, use constructive criticism, civility and humility. There is no other choice if we are to create a healthy working environment where cooperation can flourish. Only then can a well-functioning alliance or coalition be formed. 

There are successful examples of various countries in the world run by coalition groups, like Israel, the United Kingdom, and Germany, where for the common good of the country they formed a coalition government for the sake of the people. You also can do this, keeping in mind that the purposes are larger than one’s own. Our people are leading examples in the world of living in extreme misery. How can we help change the future for Ethiopians of today and tomorrow? How can we help end ethnic division and hatred, the flood of refugees out of the country, the imprisonment of some of Ethiopia’s most courageous voices, the displacement of the people from their land so it can be leased to foreigners or government cronies, and the never-ending poverty and corruption?

These are our goals and they go beyond oneself and one’s groups to include the common good of the people. This means opening up the media to all Ethiopians so the dominant group does not control it. This means protecting free speech so that a journalist, activist or political opponent would not be charged for terrorism and locked up. This means holding violators of human rights accountable for their crimes. This means allowing groups to meet without threatening, harassing and arresting either them or those providing meeting space to them. This means upholding the law justly so no one is above it.

When we look at Ethiopia, we see that God has given us a beautiful land, beautiful people, abundant resources and great potential. Why have we not better capitalized on these gifts? Time and time again, the people of Ethiopia have been given opportunities to make life better; however, despite great efforts, Ethiopia remains one of the poorest and most un-free countries in the world. In the event that an alliance of political groups arises and successfully overcomes the TPLF/EPRDF, people also fear, rightly so, the effort may be hijacked and not end up being any better than what it replaced. Look at our past. Successive governments have been repressive to large sections of the people. How can we get it right this time? 

Our history of political hijackings of Ethiopian freedom movements

In 1960 we saw the rise of the student movements as many young people awakened to the yearning in their hearts for change. They worked hard, many sacrificing their lives and futures to bring about political change. Yet, in the midst of their efforts, mistakes were made and good intentions were hijacked on many levels by those with political, ethnic, regional or other ambitions. Their dreams were further dashed once the “old” system was overthrown in 1974 because the “new” system was no better than the previous one. The people did not get what they fought for; instead, the Derg regime under Mengistu Hailemariam became known as the Red Terror, a government characterized by its brutality.

The suffering of the people gave birth to ethnic-based rebel groups, like the TPLF, OLF and many more. Even the TPLF had to form a coalition in order to overthrow the Derg. Many regions and ethnic groups joined together, but when the victors established the EPRDF, it was a coalition in name only. Instead, it was controlled by the elite of the TPLF and the organization served the interests of this group. In total, four ethnic-based political groups were represented—the Tigrayans, the Oromos, the Amharas and the Southerners. Even though other groups contributed to the victory or were part of Ethiopia, they had no role in the new government. It soon became apparent that only the TPLF held the power and that even the representation of the major groups was bogus.

Dissatisfaction grew among most every sub-section of society, but no one talked with each other until the formation of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), only six months prior to the 2005 national election. Since the EPRDF came to power, this was the only time it looked like the TPLF/EPRDF could be defeated. The formation of this coalition awakened a massive groundswell of people. Their burning desire for justice, freedom and inclusion shook the ground underneath the TPLF/EPRDF, but when the CUD leadership became embroiled in a conflict over achieving a personal victory rather than victory for the people, the entire movement was killed. It became another lost opportunity. These same risks exist today within any struggle for freedom and should be guarded against by a viable alternative that embraces principles and protections

Will you align with others to become that viable alternative?

We now face another God-given opportunity. How can Ethiopians stop the worst from happening in Ethiopia? Could Rwanda have been saved? How about Somalia, Sudan, or now South Sudan? This must not happen to us! It is our moral responsibility to leave our own private ambitions behind—being willing to lose something in order to gain something of far greater value than our own personal, political or regional aspirations. If we refuse, we will carry the burden of our failure into the next generation if Ethiopia descends into violence, killing and chaos. How can we turn the situation around, using this crisis for the common good? How can you, working with others who share similar core values, create an environment that will end the misery of the people? This can only be done by the people of Ethiopia themselves.

First of all, do not buy in to the idea that there is no alternative. You who are on the ground can become that viable alternative: 1) if you form an alliance based on core principles of truth, freedom, justice, equality, accountability and limited power; 2) if you focus on core goals of opening up political space, restoring the rights of Ethiopians and endorsing a process leading to national reconciliation; and, 3) if you and other leaders and groups are willing to give up immediate political goals of leading a country in order to build a better foundation for a New Ethiopia for everyone. 

As previously said, if you cannot do this, at least you can stop the politics of hatred and division, personal attacks, name calling, the dehumanization of others and their groups and the lack of civility. This is critically important! If you get an opening or want to do a rally, like the UDJ is planning on doing this coming Sunday May 4, make it something for all Ethiopians—Christians, Muslims, Jews, Oromos, Afars, Tigrayans, Ethiopian Somalis, the Blue Party, Arena, AEUP, the Oromo Congress, and everyone else. All of these groups and others should come out in unison. Make this rally a rally of one people for change for all Ethiopians, joining together for the common good. This is not really about politics but about bringing foundational change and restoring rights and freedoms.

Imagine what could happen if all these people could somehow agree to work together! The number one threat to the TPLF/EPRDF is unity. If you want to win, the majority must create the political space, or it will never be offered except by the promotion of false parties who are really not representative of the opposition at all but government-controlled. The TPLF/EPRDF is a tribal-based party. The way things are now, you could be smart and qualified, but if you are not in one of the four represented parties: the Amhara, the Oromo, the Tigray or the South, there is no room for you and even if you are part of one of these groups, you must bow to the TPLF dominated EPRDF. Under the EPRDF umbrella, the TPLF control the whole party. Ethiopians have to put this system of deception, discrimination, marginalization and exclusion—all based on ethnicity and crony networks—to an end. No one should attempt to gain a constituency by inciting age-old grievances, prejudices or ethnic arrogance.

Ethiopians can create a better alternative than this. It can be put to an end if there are enough people willing to view others as human beings, with intrinsic worth, rather than dehumanizing them through the lens of their own tribe, region, gender, religion or crony networks. You deserve better than this. This is really a golden opportunity. The election is coming and if the TPLF/EPRDF really claim they want to run, let them be challenged. This illusion that there is no alternative is only present because of the resistance from the TPLF/EPRDF to any other voice and the lack of aligning together. This can all be changed if you choose to participate. Those who join should examine the principles, core values, the vision of what is to be accomplished and the reason for uniting in an alliance, all of which should be clearly understood and agreed upon. 

However, you do not have to give up your own organizational distinctives to do so unless so desired. For example, we in the SMNE have encountered a number of requests in the past to abandon the SMNE in order to join a newly formed organization. However, just like within this alliance, there must be convincing reasons to join. Joining simply for the sake of unity is not enough. We have a responsibility to guard our core values, guiding principles and vision. Where we can share these core imperatives, we can come together fairly easily. What went wrong in the past is where compromises of these core imperatives sabotaged the heart and outcome of the effort. We cannot afford for this to happen again or it will be another hijacking of the Ethiopian struggle for a New Ethiopia. 

Simply stated, we are not telling anyone to give up your organizations but instead to cooperate for the common good. In fact, different political parties among Ethiopians may eventually want to run with your own platform in the future; however, if you decide to run as part of a larger alliance of political groups to achieve broader goals, it will take many of us and you have to be strategic. It will not be easy. You must have tactical strategies. For example, within one particular area you must find a candidate who is more likely to not only promote the common values for the common good, but also who is more likely to win. This is the only way to be effective.  It must be carried out in every area of the country.

You who are registered party members can take the lead. Despite the lack of political space, you are not an outlawed group and you are in the country. This is the only way to awaken the silent and sleeping Ethiopians. Who knows, it may be what brings the TPLF/EPRDF to the negotiating table. It is a far better alternative to an explosion of violence. We also know that many within the TPLF/EPRDF are disillusioned with the status quo and may be ready for change if the Ethiopia of the future had room for all Ethiopians, including them.

We must institute protections to ensure that the effort remains focused on the common good rather than for sectarian or ethnic factions. Powerful groups cannot forget about the rights and needs of minority groups and individuals. In the United States, the Bill of Rights ensures that the rights of individuals will not be trampled on by either the majority or by one group that dominates over others, like the TPLF/EPRDF has done. We want the right leadership, not just a replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF. We want this alliance to create an environment where there is political space. If you decide to do this, we in the SMNE will do all we can to support the struggle for a New Ethiopia where humanity comes before ethnicity or any other identify factor and for the establishment of a system that upholds the freedom and rights of our neighbors close and far—for no one is free until all are free. This will require national reconciliation and this is a high priority.

The SMNE is currently working on a project to empower and organize civil society, both in the Diaspora and within Ethiopia; so that it might play a bigger role in mitigating the root causes that may ignite the explosion of ethnic violence. The SMNE is also committed to the continuation of its current work within the international and Diaspora community in advocating for democratic reforms, but we are also willing to help in advancing this work within the country.

For example, we may be able to assist in finding people who could help with such things as structure, training, workshops, and other supports in order to help maintain the core values throughout the system and process; however, the main leverage for change will come from the people on the ground. Ethiopians, with God’s help, must free themselves.                                      

Conclusion:

It is time to achieve a consensus among political parties. This means sealing a deal to cooperate and to work out your major differences; not necessarily the minor differences, which are considered negotiable. Oftentimes minor issues cause major divisions; instead, let us focus on the important issues. There is a major difference between negotiable and non-negotiable issues. Non-negotiable issues cannot be given up without sabotaging the entire effort. An example of such is the critical need to replace a system of ethnic-based domination with a system of government that is inclusive, fair and just to both the majorities and minorities.

A negotiable issue may have varying sides, sometimes both legitimate, but the outcome will not jeopardize the larger goals and explains the need for multiple organizations to promote a variety of positions. More simply, major on the major issues and work out the minor ones. Try not to compete but instead try to complement each other. Focus on a working structure, recruiting and making sure there are representatives from all over. Build on the youth who make up 65% of our population. It is their future. Involve women, farmers, miners and the urban poor. Challenge students and unemployed youth. Design campaign strategies. Prove to the Ethiopian people you are serious this time. Call on God for his help. It will not be easy.

Expect to serve instead of being served. As many Ethiopian Christians just celebrated Easter, they should remember that Jesus became a servant to offer his life for others. This example is one we should model no matter what faith tradition we come from. Give up personal ambition for it will take extraordinary acts of serving the common good of the people over self-interest to solve the crisis before us. If we dwell on selfish motives, anger, hurt, revenge or violence, our country may fall apart, but if we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before our God, will He not heal our land and show us the right path to a new and more inclusive, just and prosperous Ethiopia for all? The future may look grim, but with God, nothing is impossible! 

May God soften your hearts towards each other in order for you to see you are brothers and sisters and always will be. May God reward you as you stand firm with the humility, love, respect and wisdom that will help restore life to a darkened land!

Obang Metho,
Executive Director SMNE

Email: obang@solidaritymovement.org
Website: www.solidaritymovement.org

http://www.ethiomedia.com/16file/4556.html

John Kerry urges press freedoms for Ethiopia

AFP,Thursday 1 May 2014 — US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Ethiopia on Thursday to allow greater freedoms for civil society and journalists, expressing concern for a group of bloggers and journalists arrested last week.
“They need to create greater opportunities for citizens to be able to engage with their fellow citizens and with their government by opening up more space for civil society,” Kerry told reporters.

Rights group accuse Ethiopia of having one of the most closed press environments in the world.

“I am raising a very legitimate concern, we are concerned about any imprisoned journalist here or anywhere else,” Kerry added, following a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

Washington is one of Ethiopia’s largest donors, and Kerry urged Addis Ababa to support a free press as an essential precursor to a legitimate democracy.

“The work of journalists, whether it’s print journalism or the Internet or media of other kinds, makes societies stronger, makes them more vibrant and ultimately provides greater stability and greater voice to democracy,” he said.

Nine people were arrested last week on charges of “serious criminal activities”. Rights groups said they were journalists and bloggers targeted in a sweeping crackdown against free speech.

Ethiopia has been accused of cracking down on independent media and has doled out several heavy sentences for journalists charged under controversial anti-terror legislation.

“We shouldn’t use the anti-terrorism proclamation as mechanisms to be able to curb the free exchange of ideas,” said Kerry.

The secretary of state is in Ethiopia as part of his first major Africa tour, aimed at addressing bloody conflicts in several troubled countries including South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kerry is due to travel on to DR Congo and Angola on his Africa trip, which runs until May 5.

http://ethioforum.org/john-kerry-urges-press-freedoms-for-ethiopia/

Is Obama on the Right Side of (Ethiopian) History?

Alemayehu G Mariam

The sophistry of history

President Obama likes to pontificate about being on the “right side of history” and rhetorically clobber those who are on the “wrong side of history”. Debating Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election and defending his own record, Obama said, “… they can say that the president of the United States and the United States of America has stood on the right side of history.” On numerous occasions, President Obama has invoked the moral commanding heights of  ”the right side of history” to proclaim American exceptionalism in the field of human rights. When Iranian protesters went into the streets in 2009, he proclaimed, “Those who stand up for justice are always on the right side of history.” At the UN General Assembly a couple of years later, Obama rhetorically asked,  “Who in this hall can argue that the future belongs to those who seek to repress that spirit [of change] rather than those who seek to liberate it? I know what side of history I want the United States of America to be on.” Right side?!?

President Obama likes to hector those who are not on the right side of history. Vladimir Putin is on the “wrong side of history” for annexing Crimea and supporting Syrian dictator Bashir Al-Assad. Assad himself is on the wrong side of history for visiting absolute misery on his people. All of the Arab dictators in the Middle East were briefly on the wrong side of history until President Obama absolved them of their transgressions; and arguably on the right side of history today. The U.S. never wavers from the straight and narrow path of the right side of history. “We’re on the right side of history now throughout the Middle East, because we believe in preventing innocents from getting slaughtered, and we believe in human rights for all people,” declared President Obama. As the protests faded in the streets of the Arab capitals, Obama switched sides in a heartbeat and joined the Arab dictators on the wrong-right  side of history. Last week, Obama partially lifted the suspended U.S. military aid program following the military coup in Egypt last year by releasing half the annual U.S. aid package and authorizing the delivery of a dozen Apache helicopters considered to be the “world’s most powerful attack helicopters”. As the Obama Administration publicly announced resumption of its business as usual with Egypt, the Egyptian military sentenced 683 alleged supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood to death in kangaroo court proceedings. Is Obama on the right side of history or the wrong-rightside of history?!

There is something humorously ironic about the fetish of the metaphor of “history”. Marx declared in his Manifesto, “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” Hegel argued the “course of history” is irreversible. Mahatma Gandhi disagreed. “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” Will Durant instructed,  “If we do not learn from the mistakes of history, we are doomed to repeat them.” For Napoleon  “history is but a fable agreed upon.” Regardless, Napoleon and all other dictators who came after him were eventually swept into the “dustbin of history” where they will spend the rest of eternity.

Obama Kerry-ing on with African dictators: Is President Obama on the right (front, up) side or wrong (back, down) side of African/Ethiopian history?

When President Obama visited Accra, Ghana in 2009, he intimated that there were two types of Africans and that “History is on the side of brave Africans”. His message to the brave Africans was inspiring, upbeat and passionate. “…You have the power to hold your leaders accountable, and to build institutions that serve the people. You can conquer disease, end conflicts, and make change from the bottom up. You can do that. Yes you can. Because in this moment, history is on the move.” He emphatically warned the dastardly African dictators, “…Make no mistake: history is on the side of these brave Africans, and not with those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power. Africa doesn’t need strongmen, it needs strong institutions… [G]overnments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable, and more successful…”

In June 2013, I wrote a commentary entitled, “Kerry-ing on with African Dictators”.  It was about American “diplocrats” and “diplocrisy”, (neologisms I was compelled to create to describe the attitudes, actions and behavior of forked-tongue practitioners of U.S. human rights diplomacy by hypocrisy). In that commentary, I predicted Kerry would downplay and soft-pedal human rights in Ethiopia and Africa in general during his tenure as Secretary of State. There would be a “Skerry U.S. human rights policy in Africa” without a “meaningful shift in U.S. human rights policy in Ethiopia.” I predicted that under Kerry, in much the same way as Hilary Clinton, human rights in Ethiopia and Africa will be sacrificed at the altar of political convenience and the “global war on terror.” The Obama Administration has indeed turned a blind eye, plugged its ears and pursed its lips in the face of crushing restrictions on civil society, theft of elections, repression of dissent and opposition politics, suppression of free expression, press and the Internet and the metastasis of corruption in Ethiopia. Obama’s Africa policy agenda today does not include human rights.

When Kerry visited Ethiopia last June, I had hoped that he would urge or even plead for an end to the crackdown on civil society organizations, press for release of political prisoners and insist on an end to suppression of the independent media and harassment and jailing of journalists and dissidents and opposition leaders. I was not just hoping naively or pipe dreaming. I took Kerry and President Obama at their words. In September 2008, candidates Obama and Joe Biden promised to “work for the release of jailed scholars, activists, and opposition party leaders such as Ayman Nour in Egypt.”  On January 24, 2013 during his confirmation hearing Kerry said, “I’ve occasionally wrestled with that when I made a visit to one country or another and we have a primary objective and we’re trying to get it done, but I’ve never hesitated in any visit to raise human rights concerns, usually in the context of particular individuals where we are trying to get them out of a jail or trying to get them, you know, out of the country. And I obviously will continue to do that…”

When Secretary Kerry visited Ethiopia in June 2013, he invoked his right to remain diplocritically silent. He did not say a word about human rights to the thugtatorship in that country let alone “work for the release of jailed scholars, activists, and opposition party leaders such as” Eskinder Nega, Reeyot Alemu, Woubshet Taye, Andualem Aragie, Olbana Lelisa, Bekele Gerba, Abubekar Ahmed, Ahmedin Jebel, Ahmed Mustafa, Kamil Shemsu and so many others.”

The art of  human rights diplocrisy by the Obama Administration  

As Secretary Kerry visited Ethiopia last week, his hosts greeted him with news of fresh arrests and detentions of opposition party leaders and members, journalists and bloggers and massacres of university students. It was a slap and a spit in the face.  Those thugs in power in Ethiopia are so confident and so contemptuous of the Obama Administration that they embarrassed Kerry by presenting him with live evidence of their criminal activities as he stepped off his plane. “What you gonna do Kerry!?”

Kerry’s was in Ethiopia to discuss “security issues”, but not the security of Ethiopian citizens who are arbitrarily arrested and subjected to extrajudicial killings.  Kerry was forced against his will to give lip service to the issue of the detention of over two dozen Semayawi (Blue) Party (youth party) leaders and organizers on trumped up charges last week. The detainees include, among others,  Merkebu Haile, Solomon Fetene, Zerihun Tesfaye, Anania Esayas, Fasika Bongar, Jemil Shikur, Seife Tsegaye, Yeshiwas Asefa, Emebet Girma, Yonas Kedir, Eyerusalem Tesfaw, Abera Haile Mariam, Abebe Mekete, Blen Mesfin, Asnaqe Bekele, Mesfin, Tesfaye Ashagre, Iyob Mamo, Kurabachew, Tewachew Damte, Fikremariam Asmamaw, Eyasped Tesfaye, Gashaw Mersha, Tesfaye Merne, Habtame Demeqe, Getaneh Balcha, Nigest Wondifraw, Meron Alemayehu.

Kerry also found himself pleading for the release of journalists and bloggers jailed on trumped up charges of  “working with foreign human rights organizations and using social media to create instability in the country.” Among those jailed include  Asmamaw Hailegeorgis, Tesfalem Waldyes, Edom Kassaye, Abel Wabella, Atnaf Berhane, Mahlet Fantahun, Natnail Feleke, Zelalem Kibret and Befekadu Hailu.

The State Department’s reaction to the news of the fresh arrests was predictable. “Ho-hum!” Official spokesperson Jen Psaki “diplocratically” stated, “We urge the government of Ethiopia to expeditiously review the cases of these detainees and promptly release them. We have raised these concerns on the ground directly with the government of Ethiopia. And we, of course, reiterate our longstanding concern about the abridgment of the freedom of press and the freedom of expression in Ethiopia, and urge the government of Ethiopia to fully adhere to its constitutional guarantees.”

In June 2012 when independent Ethiopian journalists were convicted in kangaroo court and sentenced to long prison sentences, spokesperson Victoria Nuland said pretty much the same thing.  “We are deeply concerned about the Ethiopian government’s conviction of a number of journalists and opposition members under the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation… The arrest of journalists has a chilling effect on the media and on the right to freedom of expression. We have made clear in our ongoing human rights dialogue with the Ethiopian government that freedom of expression and freedom of the media are fundamental elements of a democratic society.” Such is the practice of the art of human rights diplocrisy by the Obama Administration.

Is President Obama on the wrong side of American history?

In his first inaugural speech, Obama said, “America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.” When Obama stands tall with African dictators, is he standing “faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.” One of America’s greatest founding documents, The Declaration of Independence, proclaims:

… Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness… [W]hen a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security…”

Is Obama on the right side of the Declaration of Independence when he stands by Africa’s thugtators and despots who govern deriving their unjust powers from the barrel of the gun?

The greatest of all American founding documents, The Bill of Rights, mandates that government

…shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances… No person… shall be nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…

 Is Obama on the right side of the Bill of Rights when he provides billions of dollars to African dictators who massacre their citizens (last week BBC reported the regime in Ethiopia massacred 47 university students), jail and persecute journalists, suppress religious expression, persecute  citizens for speaking their minds, harass and intimidate citizens  who assemble peaceably  and rip off  their people in  corrupt schemes with impunity?

Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Is President Obama on the right side of the “new birth of freedom in Africa” when he stands side by side and holds the bloody hands of Africa’s thugtators who have established  governments  of  thieves (thugs), by thieves (thugs), for thieves (thugs)?

Verdict of history on Obama

If there is a right, wrong, up and downside of history, then there is also the verdict of history. The verdict of history is that Obama is not on the right side of history and history is not on the side of Obama. He will always talk about being on the right side of history, but when the chips are down, he will side with those who are on the wrong side of history. Action, better yet lack of action,  speaks louder than words; and the verdict on Obama is that he is on the wrong side of history in Africa.

The verdict of history is that Obama has done less for Africa than his immediate predecessor George Walker Bush. It is not my intention to compare Bush with Obama. (I did not vote or support George Bush. However, I must speak truth not only to power but also about those with power and how they have used, abused, misused and simply declined to use power.)  Bush put his money where his mouth is and delivered billions of dollars to fight the spread of AIDS and help AIDS victims in Africa. Obama slashed hundreds of millions of dollars from programs on the frontlines in the global fight against AIDS. According to the Washington Post, Obama cut a  whopping  $214 million in 2012, “the first time an American president has reduced the U.S. commitment to fighting the epidemic since it broke out in the 1980s during the Reagan administration” Obama has proposed an additional $50 million cut for 2014.  The verdict of history is that Bush made significant contributions for the eradication of malaria in Africa, one of the leading causes of death in Africa. Bush pushed for debt relief for some of the poorest African countries. Obama?!?

When Obama visited Africa last June, he announced an initiative to launch massive electricity projects to light up the Dark Continent. He promised to commit U.S.$7 billion to his “Power Africa” program over the next five years  supplemented by more than U.S.$9 billion in leveraged private investments. So far, Obama has only empowered African thugtators with military and economic aid. When and if the promised billions arrive in sacks of empty promises in the Dark Continent, they will be lighting up the off shore accounts of the African kleptocrats like a Christmas tree.

The verdict of history is that Obama offered Africans empty words and filled them with empty hope.  He made fresh promises about old broken promises.  He promised to “launch a new program that’s going to give thousands of promising young Africans opportunity to come to the United States and develop their skills at some of our best colleges and universities.” What about the millions of young Africans watching their futures evaporate under the sweltering oppression of African thugtatorships?

The verdict of history is that Obama has been a sore disappointment to those in Africa who believed in his promise of “hope and change” and followed his clarion call to go “Forward”. His “audacity of hope” proved to be an audacity of indifference and a source of disillusionment for millions in Africa. Obama offered “change we can believe in.” The verdict of history is that “we can’t believe nothing changed!”  No one in Africa believes in Obama anymore, except the thugtators and their cronies. Obama’s “Yes, We can”, in action became, “No we cannot do anything to improve human right conditions in Africa.”

Audacity of Hope in Obama

I enthusiastically supported and mobilized to get Obama elected. Let me make it clear.  I am not feeling buyer’s remorse. When I supported Obama in his presidential bid in 2008 it seemed like a very good idea. In 2012, I was faced with a Hobson’s choice.  What can I really say about Mitt Romney?! Jon Huntsman, Jr. was not on the Republican ticket. Perhaps in 2016.

But my decision to support Obama in 2008 was not based entirely on wishful thinking and sentimentality about the first African American president. It was based on careful scrutiny of Obama’s record in public service. I studied his meager legislative record in the U.S.  Senate and appreciated knowing that he supported HR 2003 (“Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007”). I was impressed by his commendable efforts in the Illinois Legislature to restructure that state’s welfare program and provide subsidies for low income families and tax relief  for working families. I appreciated his efforts to protect workers  facing layoffs and plant closings in Illinois. I was  inspired by his lofty and eloquent speeches and excited by his informed and principled policy statements. I enjoyed reading his compelling memoir about the “dreams from his father” (in one sitting), books, articles and speeches. I was proud of his leadership role at the Harvard Law School and academic commitment teaching  constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.  As a teacher and practitioner of constitutional law myself, I found a kindred spirit in Obama.

The fact that Obama could be the first African American to become president was the icing on the cake, but not a pivotal factor for me. It was inspirational for me and millions of others to see the coming to pass of the prophetic words of Robert F. Kennedy who said in May 1968  that “in the next 40 years a Negro can achieve the same position that my brother [President John Kennedy] has…” Obama’s election as president of the United States was received by millions of people around the world, especially in the U.S. and in Africa, as proof of the “audacity of hope” in America itself —  the impossible is possible in America. Obama’s paternal heritage in Kenya gave me and millions of Africans hope that he would raise Africa’s profile in U.S. foreign policy formulations, with human rights taking a central role.  For these reasons, I had the audacity of hope to believe in Obama.

Mendacity of Hope 

In the last couple of years, I have been struggling with the mendacity of hope, with Obama’s broken promises and the dashed hopes of millions of Africans. In his book “The Audacity of  Hope”, then Senator Obama approvingly quoted President John F. Kennedy on the aims of U.S. foreign policy founded on human rights: 

To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required, not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

In his prescriptions for change, Senator Obama wrote, “In almost every successful movement of the last century, from Gandhi’s campaign against British rule to the Solidarity Movement in Poland  to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, democracy was the result of  local awakening. We can inspire and invite other people to assert their freedoms… we can speak out on behalf of local leaders whose rights are violated; and we can  apply economic and diplomatic pressure to those who repeatedly violate the rights of their own people…

As for “speaking out on behalf of local leaders whose rights are violated” and who were “inspired and invited to assert their freedoms”, has President Obama said a word on behalf of Eskinder Nega, Reeyot Alemu, Woubshet Taye, Andualem Aragie, Olbana Lelisa, Bekele Gerba, Abubekar Ahmed, Ahmedin Jebel… Merkebu Haile, Solomon Fetene, Zerihun Tesfaye, Anania Esayas, Fasika Bongar, Jemil Shikur, Seife Tsegaye, Yeshiwas Asefa, Emebet Girma, Yonas Kedir, Eyerusalem Tesfaw, Abera Haile Mariam, Abebe Mekete, Blen Mesfin… Asmamaw Hailegeorgis, Tesfalem Waldyes, Edom Kassaye, Abel Wabella, Atnaf Berhane, Mahlet Fantahun, Natnail Feleke, Zelalem Kibret and Befekadu Hailu…?  Such is the birth of the mendacity of hope from the womb of the audacity of hope!   “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”

Scarcity of  hope

Obama has turned a blind eye to tyranny in Ethiopia and in Africa. Over the years, President Obama has offered praise for President  Ronald Reagan. Perhaps he could take a lesson on history from the Gipper.  “Every form of government has one characteristic peculiar to it and if that characteristic is lost, the government will fall.  In a dictatorship, it is fear. If the people stop fearing the dictator he’ll lose power. In a representative government such as ours, it is virtue. If virtue goes, the government fails. Are we choosing paths that are politically expedient and morally questionable? Are we in truth losing our virtue? . . . If so, we may be nearer the dustbin of history than we realize.” Could the end of history come in a final Armageddon between the virtue of human liberty and the vice of abuse of power?

The verdict of history is that President Obama will be remembered for generations to come as Africa’s most illustrious and renowned prodigal grandson.  For Africans who have now abandoned all hope in Obama, I commend them to heed the steely words of Frederick Douglass, a great American who escaped slavery to become a champion of freedom.  “Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and those will continue till they are resisted with either words or blows, or both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”

What are the limits of endurance for the people of Ethiopia? The people of Africa?

Obama care for Ethiopia? Africa? Obama don’t care!

Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam teaches political science at California State University, San Bernardino and is a practicing defense lawyer.

Previous commentaries by the author are available at:

http://open.salon.com/blog/almariam/

www.huffingtonpost.com/alemayehu-g-mariam/

Amharic translations of recent commentaries by the author may be found at:

http://www.ecadforum.com/Amharic/archives/category/al-mariam-amharic http://ethioforum.org/?cat=24

http://ethioforum.org/is-obama-on-the-right-side-of-ethiopian-history/

Overplaying Senseless Propaganda: The Most Stupid and Lethal Way of Doing Politics

by T. Goshu

As it generally means a systematic way of dissemination and promotion of one’s ideas, propaganda can be used for good or bad. As the very focus of this piece of writing of mine is on the bad (deadly) play of propaganda, I want to proceed expressing my points of view accordingly.

Jason K. Stearns, the author of a book – Dancing in the Glory of Monsters: The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa, 2011) states how an evil-driven propaganda incited and organized by political elites, more particularly by ruling elites could result in an incredible tragedy. He raises the case of Rwanda as an extremely shocking and fresh memory by stating that, “Rwanda’s genocide was organized by elites but executed by the people.” He states a figurative expression about the consequences of this very hard -to -comprehend situation as follows: … killing a sixth of the population and sending another sixth into refugee camps. I just wanted to begin my opinion with this deeply heartbreaking reality of our time to show how the propaganda of political madness could change a longtime and relatively peaceful neighborhoods into the killing fields of one ethnic group against another, of brothers against brothers, sisters against sisters, and neighbors against neighbors. Now, the Rwandans have a museum of skulls to be handed down to their children instead of museums which should have been stuffed with pictures, documents, arts and statues of peace and love among their parents and grandparents. Although, we may argue that this “horrible museum” can be taken as a bitter lesson not to repeat itself, there is no doubt that it is an extremely painful part of history that remains terribly hard to comprehend for the generations to come. The challenge that should not simply be ignored is that unless the politics of exploiting ethnic or any other differences within a society by deadly-selfish ruling elites comes to an end and replaced with a genuine political freedom and socio-economic justice, there is no guarantee for not slide back to similar, if not much more horrible situation.

Needless to say, the world has gone through unbelievably destructive conflicts. Most of those horrible conflicts had been caused by those individuals and groups whose minds and hearts have terribly been blinded by their blood-thirsty power monger. Those evil-minded individuals and groups have used any dirty means to get their evil-driven political agenda satisfied. They have incited hate propaganda between or among races, ethnic groups, religions, religious sects. The First and Second World Wars were the most devastating wars incited and waged by individuals and groups who terribly lost their minds of very basic and common human reasoning or rationality because of their madness about getting their monstrous power achieved and maintained. The very idiotic and deadly propaganda of racism by Adolf Hitler and its consequences is part and parcel of the unforgettably painful history of world politics.

The propaganda of great conspiracy of “controlling, ruling and modernizing a dark continent” had been employed in the process of partitioning Africa among the great European powers of the time which is historically knows as the Scramble for Africa (the Berlin Conference of November 1884- February 1885) with the exception of Rwanda of which its fate had been orchestrated and decided in Brussels, Belgium.

A very dirty work of propaganda of “civilizing the savage continent” had conspiratorially been played as the weapon of “legitimizing” the horrible colonial rule over Africa until the 1960s.

An evil work of propaganda had been used by Mussolini of Italy to propagate his own people in order to get support for his invasion that was aimed at settling them in that fertile and strategic part of Africa. He used the propaganda of making that part of the continent” a family of the civilized world”. He also had attempted to make the Ethiopian people believe that invading and establishing his fascist rule was good for them to be part of “modern civilization”. It has to be noted here that even religion (the Roman Catholic Church of the time) was part of the propaganda of that international political crime by offering its “Holy –blessings.”

We recently have witnessed many disastrous political propaganda works in Africa that were incited and inflamed by those ruling elites who had and have no any sense of morality and humanity except fulfilling their evil-driven self-interests by any evil means. Let me mention the following few cases just to make my points more clear and specific : one of the most notoriously ruthless dictators of Africa who had come to power by coup de ’ate and who had anointed himself as field marshal id -Amin of Uganda ( a country under a less-brutal dictator , Yoweri Katuga Museveni since 1986) ; the most horrifying genocide of the 20th century in Rwanda in 1994 which has given a chance for the current president, Paul Kagame to be seen as kind of benevolent dictator ( the developmental leader); the Darfur of Sudan that has made AL Bashir a wanted criminal by ICC (International Criminal Court in the Hague); the most devastated country ( Congo-Kinshasa ) by its late monstrous dictator-Mobutu Sese Seko and steal is suffering from the absence of an inclusive and truly reconciliatory political atmosphere; the suffering of Zimbabwe because of a stupidly power-mongering man (Mugabe) who is in power since its independence in 1980; the very terrible crisis in one of the small countries of West Africa (Liberia) during the rule of the most idiotic African politicians ( Samuel Doe ,1980-1989) and later Charles Tylor (1997-2003) ; the ongoing horrible killings of brothers against brothers in newly born South Sudan after two decades of deadly fight for independence.

The Horn of Africa? It goes without saying that the sub-region is one of, if not the most unfortunate part of Africa. Yes, it is a very sad situation to witness the peoples of this sub-region facing misery after misery mainly because of the coming and going of undemocratic and ruthless rulers who have employed any dirty and deadly propaganda machine in order to perpetuate their political power and economic exploitation. Despite the fact that the negative propaganda and conspiratorial political and diplomatic games by foreign powers (for their own interest) had and have a lot to do with the continuation of the untold sufferings of the peoples of the sub -region, there is no doubt that the main responsibility rests on the shoulders of the ruling groups or families of each country (Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Eritrea) were and are mainly responsible.

We may argue that Djibouti’s (a port city state) situation is not as bad as the rest of its neighbors. This apparently sounds true mainly because of the heavy influence and “protection” by its former colonial master (France).

As the case of Somalia (without government since 1991 in the real meaning of the term) is a very self-evident case, I do not want to say more about it. But, it is absolutely necessary to underscore that the dirty, divisive, and deadly propaganda by the ruling elites and war lords of that country since its independence is the root cause of the untold misery of the people. Imagine how a senseless and evil-driven propaganda can make the people even with the same religion and the same language hate and kill each other.

The ruling elites of the sub-region have had neither public legitimacy (in the real sense of the term) nor political set up with certain principles and values of democracy throughout the political history of the sub-region. They had used and still use deception, killing machine and betrayal in order to perpetuate the power they have grabbed by hook or crook. Their deadly propaganda of inciting or provoking hatred and animosity among their own people; and between or among the peoples of the sub-region is getting worse and dangerous from time to time. There is no need to do kind of study let alone research to tell or show how the people of the sub-region are being dehumanized by their own monstrous ruling elites in this 21st century. Needless to say, the main instrument for making the people not to fight against the ruthless ruling elites is keeping them apart by waging the propaganda of hatred and division under the cover of national interest and security. By the way, as there is no constitutionalism other than just a document (constitution) to serve the interests of the ruling elites, there is no national interest and security in the real sense of the term other than protecting the interest and security of the ruling elites under the cover of keeping a nation or a country save. In other words, the very essence of national interest and security have been terribly abused as they have become victims of senseless and lethal political propaganda by chronically cynical and tyrannical ruling elites.

The people of the countries of the sub- region have never had any opportunity to have their own says about their interests and destinies in their own respective countries let alone to make meaningful peace, stability and cooperation between or among their countries. The end of the cold war has brought about relatively better opportunities in many former socialist countries in most Eastern Europe and Asia. In Africa, we may mention the case of Tanzania only as relatively success story. Unfortunately enough, tyrannical regimes such as ours have gotten another play card for playing their internal dirty politics. And that very deceptive playing card is anti-terrorism. Sadly enough, what we are witnessing is that this ‘ deadly new ‘playing card is targeting and attacking civic organizations and opposition political parties which vehemently oppose the sufferings of the innocent people under dictatorial ruling elites .

Ethiopia? Yes, we have a great country of never-colonized and one of the sources of ancient civilization that should make us proud. There is no doubt that our Patriotic forefathers and mothers had to pay ultimate sacrifices for protecting, and safeguarding and handing down a country from generation to generation. It goes without saying that we should be deeply grateful to those leaders of our country who had used a powerfully articulated, genuinely patriotic propaganda in mobilizing the people during extremely difficult times of foreign invasions. Yes, we remain proud of them for providing their wise and decisive leadership that had/has a lot to do with our shining and exemplary history of never surrender to the enslavement under foreign invaders and colonizers. Unfortunately enough, our rulers who have come to power in different times and through different means have made the country one of the economically impoverished and politically oppressed countries of the world. That truly patriotic propaganda against foreign invaders and colonial powers did not change into the propaganda of internal political freedom, the supremacy of law, genuine social cohesion and socio-economic justice. The reign of the absolute monarchy of Emperor Haile -Selassie used a very mystified propaganda of “God- chosen and God-anointed”, and a very deceptive and fake expression of “The people we love; and so do they”. The military junta in its turn used a very horrible propaganda of “crashing white terror with red terror” that killed a very patriotic and energetic generation of the country under the cover of “saving the revolution and protecting the nation.” Well, all these and so many other senseless, deceptive and deadly political propagandas have left us with another deadly divisive and poisonous political propaganda which we are terribly suffering from at this moment in time.

For the last quarter of a century? The propaganda machine used since the very inception of TPLF of the late Ato Meles Zenawi has been deadly poisonous. Although the people of Ethiopia have never allowed the deadly poisonous political propaganda well-orchestrated by TPLF that has been and is being accompanied by its brain children (ANDM, OPDO and SEPDM) to destroy the very essence of peoples’ togetherness, there is no doubt it has made its own severe damage .And the damage is painfully felt in our difficulties and failures to shorten the incredible suffering we are experiencing by bringing down a tyrannical ruling circle. The very reason why I just highlighted TPLF is that the other three members of the so-called Front are nothing, but parts and parcels of a senseless and lethal political propaganda as they were created and nurtured by TPLF itself. I wish things could be otherwise. But the very hard fact we have witnessed for the last 20 years and continue to witness could not be otherwise. And that is a very sad reality the country and her people are facing. Who controls all the critical political powers and most important positions of all ministries and agents, and who benefits the most from all available resources of the country is a very common knowledge of the people. Yes, it is powerfully self-evident that the ruling elites and their parasitic cronies are the ones who do live at the very expense of the very lives of the innocent people of Ethiopia.

Needless to say, the political practice of the ruling party has proven itself to be dangerously deceptive and highly contaminated. I here strongly want recommend to any genuinely concerned Ethiopian to read the book (YALTEHEDEBET MENGED -In Amharic) written by a truly patriotic citizen who has been sentenced with a politically fabricated and orchestrated accusation and is paying a huge sacrifice in Kaliti prison, Andualem Arage. He particularly dedicates Part One of his book on this dangerous ethic-based political propaganda of the ruling party, particularly TPLF. I want to add here that given an extremely hostile environment he is forced to be in, Andualem’s approach to the subject matter he wants to deal with, and his analytically objective and powerfully constructive discussion is amazingly remarkable.
I am well aware that some fellow Ethiopians may argue that as all evil-driven political propagandas by the ruling party are well-known, it is not necessary to repeat them. Well, this kind of argument makes sense if we really make unnecessary repetition over and over again without being selective at all (major and minor). But, we cannot afford not to repeat very major and critical issues as long as they stay with us unresolved.

It has to be underscored here that if we do not as a people come together, walk together and work hard together, and change the challenges we are facing into opportunities and get rid of the those ruling elites whose political power base is deadly irresponsible and senseless propaganda, there is no reason not to expect the worst .

Yes, it has to be reiterated that the most stupid and lethal political propaganda is still a very serious threat not only to bring about a genuinely democratic and prosperous Ethiopia but also to the very survival of the country itself. Our ruling elites have never shown any sign of regret and correcting what has terribly gone wrong, and I strongly believe the cannot afford not to say zero -tolerance to this horrible political behavior and practice.

Sadly enough, the more the ruling party becomes frustrated and worried about losing its political power as the result of the zero tolerance from the people, the more it loses its limits and boundaries of its responsibilities and functions and the more it acts just like a dangerously mad beast. That is why it attempts hard to make a dangerous hatred and conflict not only between Christians and Muslims but also within the same religion. We have a strong reason that emanates from our day-to-day experiences, not from far-fetched or past experiences that if the ruling party is not challenged with a strong, well-coordinated and mutually respectful popular uprising; there is no any plausible ground not to expect the worst. I hope the better will prevail over the worst through a rational and well-coordinated leadership of genuinely concerned opposition political forces with rationally aggressive and timely participation of the people.

We witnessed when our current ruling elites tried hard to locate and dag the mass graves of the victims of the red terror not to honor the ultimate sacrifices they had paid, but for an extremely cynical and hypocritical political propaganda consumption. As a matter of fact, it is not an exaggeration at all to say that TPLF/EPRDF has used the remains of the victims of the red terror for its political propaganda while it has on the other hand kept torturing, killing and burring those innocent citizens for the simple reason they have tried to exercise their political freedom and basic human rights. The case of what happened during the 2005 election is a fresh and horrible memory. Will this repeat itself next year? I hope it will not!

We have witnessed and continue to witness the erection of statues, building memorial halls, and naming roads and schools after those members of the former rebel force and the current ruling party who have sacrificed their lives in the name of the struggle for freedom and justice. Unfortunately enough, the reality on the ground for the last two decades has shown us quite the contrary. I strongly argue that the horrible history of glorifying a brother or sister who kills/ killed his or her brother or sister for the benefit of very few tyrannical ruling elites on the one hand, and condemning the brother or sister who was/is killed for the simple reason he or she stands against those who grossly violate his or her fundamental rights has to come to its end. Yes, the political history and culture of erecting or building statues/memorial squares for brothers and sisters who kill each other as a political propaganda has to be dealt with seriously and honestly. How? By not allowing those few ruthlessly power- mongering ruling elites to continue their deadly political agenda.

I recently (4/16/14) watched the continuation of a very idiotic, irresponsible and deadly political propaganda on ETV. Although the political history of the inner circle of the ruling party is chronically characterized by senselessly irresponsible behavior and practice, “Akeldama” and “Jihadawi Harakat” were and are the most idiotic and dangerous political dramas of our time. The latest one (the orange revolution) was held by two journalists of ETV. By name: Tadesse as a moderator, Gebre-Michael as the producer of a documentary film on “Yeqelm Abyot” in Ukraine, and Yenebeb as “international affairs researcher.” It is not difficult at all to understand that the main objective of the “discussion” was to send a warning message to opposition political forces in particular and the public in general that TPLF/EPRDF will never tolerate a popular political movement like the one in Ukraine which forced the former pro-Russian corrupt president, Victor Yanukovych to step down and run away. Imagine how “our” ill-guided ruling elites are extremely frustrated and worried about losing their dirty political game. They had to instruct those self- disqualified “journalists” working for one of the deadly propaganda machines (ETV) to pull out a documentary from their junk file or borrow from the Russian Embassy in Addis and use it to make a scare propaganda aimed at the people of Ethiopia.

I really felt sad about those three people when they struggled hard to make sure that they could perform the very mission they have been assigned by the tyrannical ruling circle. I am well aware about our usual argument that those ETV and Radio employees (if it makes sense to call them journalists –in the real sense of the term) have to do any dirty job assigned by the ruling party in order to secure their daily livelihood. And that is exactly what the inner circle of TPLF/EPRDF and all its painfully parasitic cadres are doing. They never hesitate to make art and artists and even religious institutions parts and tools of the continuation of the miserably senseless and deadly political propaganda let alone ETV which is the main propaganda machine under their absolute control. What is an extremely difficult challenge we are facing is what and where is the bottom line to say no to a this kind of dehumanizing way of doing politics. The poor “producer” of the documentary tried to show himself as if he did a very fantastic job. He struggled to describe and discuss the various phases and timings of the Orange Revolution (before, during and after elections) and tried to show his bosses ( the top ruling party cadres) that “his documentary” accomplished its mission by making it “strongly” relevant to the very approaching elections in Ethiopia (next year). I felt deeply bad about the so-called international affairs expert (the poor Yenebeb) when he tried to educate us that development and democracy are internal matters of his bosses (providers of his daily beard and butter). I do not think the guy is that much stupid about the universality of democratic and human rights values? I do not think he has without an elementary knowledge about the question of who are the beneficiaries of “development “in a country of which its resources and economic sectors (investment, trade and business, etc.) are controlled by the ruling party and deadly parasitic cronyism. I hope all these very sad self-disqualifying and self-dehumanizing situation can become the story of the past by only and only get rid of the dirty and deadly political game.

Let me conclude my opinion with a powerfully challenging argument by Andualem Argage in his book I cited earlier. On page 107 of the concluding paragraph, he argues, “Selezeh bewunet, benetsanet enna befitih layi yetemeseretchn ager lelijochachin lemawuress zare eyye’tesereche yalewun yetsere-wondemamachinet merz mamiken khulum belayi qidimia lessettew yigebbal- (And therefore, in order to hand down a country that firmly established on truth, freedom and justice to our children; overcoming the ongoing dissemination of anti- brotherhood poison must be given the highest priority.” I want to remain optimistic that this very powerful message will be taken seriously by those opposition political forces which are trying to do the best they can in particular, and the all citizens in general.

http://ecadforum.com/blog/overplaying-senseless-propaganda/

Nearly fifty people killed in Oromia

(BBC) At least nine students have died during days of protests in Ethiopia’s Oromia state, the government has said. However, a witness told the BBC that 47 were killed by the security forces.

She said the protests in Ambo, 125km (80 miles) west of Addis Ababa began last Friday over plans to expand the capital into Oromia state. The government did not say how most of the deaths had beencaused but the Ambo resident said she had seen the army firing live ammunition.

“I saw more than 20 bodies on the streets,” she said.

“I am hiding in my house because I am scared.” The Ambo resident said that four students had been killed on Monday and another 43 in a huge security crackdown on Tuesday, after a huge demonstration including many non-students.

Since then, the town’s streets have been deserted, she said, with banks and shops closed and no transport.

She said teaching had been suspended at Ambo University, where the protests began, and students prevented from leaving.

In a statement, the government said eight people had died during violent protests led by “anti-peace forces” in the towns of Ambo and Tokeekutayu, as well as Meda Welabu University, also in Oromia state.

It said one person had been killed “in a related development” when a hand grenade was thrown at students watching a football match.

The statement blamed the protests on “baseless rumours” being spread about the “integrated development master plan” for the capital.

BBC Ethiopia analyst Hewete Haileselassie says some ethnic Oromos feel the government is dominated by members of the Tigre and Amhara communities and they would be loath to see the size of “their” territory diminish with the expansion of Addis Ababa, which is claimed by both Oromos and Amharas.

http://addisvoice.com/2014/05/nearly-fifty-killed-in-ambo/