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Open Letter to Tigrayans

Posted on by Elias Kifle

An Open Letter to my fellow Tigrayan brothers and sisters who are supporting the TPLF

By Obang Metho

Dear Fellow Ethiopian,
I want to address those Ethiopians who are Tigrayans, especially focusing on those who are benefiting from this regime at the expense of the majority of other Ethiopians.

I am accountable for the following words that I will be saying to you. With that in mind, I am not speaking as an expert or as someone who is perfect because I am neither, but I am doing this because I care about you and you need to hear the truth, at least, as I see it. Take what you agree with from this message and discard the rest. I am hoping you will find something of benefit to you.

I am opening this delicate subject up for discussion and I hope more people will join me in looking for ways to strengthen our broken relation and Ethiopia. I will be frank and straight-forward, speaking to you in love and in hope that all of us can benefit from speaking honestly and directly with each other. Let me start with “the elephant in the room!”

Anyone who says that Tigrayans, not all, but many, have not benefited under Meles, are lying to themselves. We all know that the key positions in the government, in the military, in the economy, in the judicial system, on the national election board, in banking and finance, in education and in any other sector of society are mostly held by Tigrayans who are loyal to Meles. For the most part, those from other ethnic groups are given certain positions by the TPLF only to fool the outsiders so they can look better.

We also know that there has been more development, services and opportunity of every kind in the Tigrayan region and available to persons of Tigrayan ethnicity than in any other region or to any other group of Ethiopians. There is no debate about this being true. Even when I was attempting to start the Gambella Development Agency in 2002, Ethiopian government officials at the Minster of Justice office tried hard to convince me to go to the Tigray region instead of Gambella. This kind of preference has been going on at a large-scale level over the last 18 years of TPLF rule.

In reality, there are only two branches of government in Ethiopia, one that runs everything—the TPLF—which is mainly dominated by Tigrayans, and the other—the EPRDF—which has more diversity, but only pretends to run everything. The public knows this very well, but people avoid talking about it. This preferential treatment is not only unacceptable and wrong, it is immoral. It is a model of government that is built on greed, self-interest, pride, corruption, oppression and lack of empathy for others. It has been doomed to failure from the beginning as were other preceding regimes who were built on the same shaky foundation. We have created a cycle of destruction and deception for ourselves that should be discarded if we do not want to keep repeating our mistakes and perpetuating our suffering.

The purpose of this letter is to ask Tigrayans, the TPLF and also Woyane to join with your fellow Ethiopians in ending this system that perpetuates the destruction of one another. Our society greatly needs reconciliation in order to accomplish this great task. Our Tigrayan brothers and sisters have an opportunity to come together at a strategic moment in our history that could dramatically change our shared future. “Tyranny” and “Injustice” are always thirsty for new victims and perpetrators.

If we are to break out of this cycle, we need Tigrayans to rise up out of their silence, something that will make a bridge of reconciliation between yourselves and other Ethiopians in this very divided nation. This is also for your own protection because somehow, we must heal the animosities that have built up over these past years so when this regime collapses, our future together in Ethiopia is secure and harmonious. In doing so, you are preparing the way for a better future for your children and grandchildren.

Together, we can make this crucial transition from a government built on tyranny and ethnic domination of one group to a government built on God-given principles of “humanity before ethnicity” and the promotion of truth, freedom, justice, the respect of human rights, civility  and equal opportunity for all Ethiopians  for “no one will be free until all are free.” In such an Ethiopia, you will be at home; but do not wait until this TPLF government collapses to claim these principles for yourselves or it may be too late. Instead, I am hoping that you will be part of the solution in bringing about a New Ethiopia right now. Let us start by looking at our history of consecutive “one village rule” regimes and where it has gotten us.

The “One Village Rule All” System:

We Ethiopians are caught up in a cycle of replacing one ineffective and abusive government of a “village group”, (meaning our ethnically-based political groups like the TPLF) with another that duplicates the actions of the last, with the same predictable results. Each new group rises up out of oppression, but fails to learn the lessons of its own past. Instead the new group greedily seizes the new found power, becoming the next “village” opportunist and oppressor, brutally lashing out in pent-up anger and repression against their “previous oppressors” and “new opponents.” Suppression begins against any competing groups vying for power, including those wanting “a legitimate voice in their own regional affairs.” Eventually, the cycle will be repeated with new victims and perpetrators. Let’s look at the stages we have been going through as a country:

Stage One: “Village groups” suffer at the hands of the government, giving rise to rebellions and insurgency groups. Individual groups—“villages”—experience repression, marginalization, exploitation and human rights abuses. Because legitimate ways to voice grievances are denied and because complainants are punished, “village groups” form separatist groups or liberation groups to protect the lives, the rights and the livelihoods of threatened families, communities, ethnicities and regions.

Stage Two: “Village” insurgency groups work alone or join temporarily with other “villages” to overthrow the government, but still pursue their own “village” goals, causing power struggles from within until one emerges as the new “village ruler” of Ethiopia and excludes all the others from the perks of the struggle, such as happened with the TPLF becoming the EPRDF. As soon as the EPRDF gained power, the old “village group” of the TPLF re-emerged to take charge and the EPRDF became its cover name.

Stage Three: “One Village” group rules over everyone else, making the rules, always in their own favor, while pretending to be inclusive of all groups outwardly. Two layers work in synchrony: 1) the public face of the EPRDF in the international community, and 2) the private face of TPLF as controlling everything as the reality lived out by the Ethiopian people. A layer of inclusion on the exterior hides the non-spoken truth, which is that one small elitist group controls and monopolizes every sector of society. Competitors are left out of important government positions.
They fail to get the jobs, bids or opportunities within the “system,” all of which is carefully controlled to reward and punish. More outspoken critics are threatened, harassed, beaten, imprisoned or killed. The justice system and election process cannot be separated from the control of the “one-village rule.”

Stage Four: Anger, resentment, bitterness and rebellion increase and begin to give rise to challenges by others, leading to government crack- downs and counter-insurgency attacks against rebel groups. Those benefiting from the government become increasingly fearful of retribution should the government fall so even if they disapprove of government actions, they continue to do their best to maintain the status quo.

Stage Five: The regime is finally overthrown; vengeance is taken and another “village” government sets itself up to do the same. Now we are back to stage one which starts all over again. It is a given, that there will never be a turn for any minority group, who continue to be oppressed, exploited and marginalized, regardless of who is in charge.

We Ethiopians have to transition to a different system—one where “many villages” exercise representative rule over a “country of many hundreds of villages” rather than one where a single “village” takes complete ownership of a nation and then uses its power to crush opposition and exploit everyone else.

Some False Justifications Used to Perpetuate TPLF Ethnic-Based Domination

Justification for TPLF ethnic domination can be traced to flawed excuses and fear-mongering tactics.  Some are:

  1. We suffered past grievances from others and now it is “our ‘ethnic’ turn to eat.” Those who oppressed us deserve to “finally get what they deserve.”
  2. Other Ethiopians are: a) “less golden than are we,” b) “they are not ‘true’ Ethiopians” and; therefore, c) they are not “as worthy” as are we.
  3. Other Ethiopians would have done the same to us if they “had won” over the Derg; therefore, we deserve what we have gotten since we are “more clever,” “better fighters” and have worked harder for it.
  4. If we do not hold on tightly to our control, someone else will simply come in and do the same, punishing us as an ethnic group; therefore, it is disloyal and damaging to our shared ethnic future to speak out against what some of us are doing—no matter what! If you do not agree, maintain your silence or you will be punished.
  5. As long as we stay in control, you need not fear accountability for what we or what you have done. If you have not done anything, you still will be punished by others for your ethnicity so remain silent.
  6. Do not worry about accountability before God because we are in control of the religious leaders who will not confront your conscience with the truth. You can still “practice your religion” anyway, as long as you stay away from acting on moral convictions.
  7. If you do not support the TPLF, you will be a victim of genocide—there is no other outcome for us all if we lose our hold on this country. Hold on to us for your survival.

I want to tell you, particularly addressing the last point, that violence is a real possibility, but that possibility is greater reduced if we join together and if you do your part (Dersha) in bringing about a more just, reconciled and harmonious society. I am very worried about violence, chaos and killing and am trying to find a way to avoid such a disaster in Ethiopia that would bring shame and sustained injury to all of us. This does not mean that some perpetrators will not face justice, but the truth is, we Ethiopians must find ways to restore a sense of humanity to this country if we are to have any future for ourselves and for our children.

Facing the Truth: TPLF Domination Exists All Over Ethiopia

As you may already know, some research done by Ginbot 7 uncovered the fact that most every key position in the military is held by a person of Tigrayan ethnicity. As you can imagine, the extent of this cronyism has incensed many Ethiopians; something that other justice-loving people will also disdain. Can you imagine if Obama, after being inaugurated, would have removed all non-black people from key government positions and replaced them with only African Americans? What would American citizens, those who elected him and others in the world think of this?

This topic can no longer be avoided and must be confronted because if it is not, it might reach a boiling point and the consequences will be unbearable. Preventing such a catastrophe from happening is something that I and others in the Solidarity Movement are strongly pursuing because we are so fearful that if we do not deal with this now, it may be too late. However, those in the Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia, cannot do it alone. We must work together to change this now, especially re-emphasizing that when we talk about Tigrayans, we must be reminded that it is not all Tigrayans who are benefiting from this Tigrayan-controlled government.

We also know there are countless numbers of Tigrayans who are extremely opposed to this regime and that they have suffered greatly for being lumped together with Meles; however, I strongly encourage those Tigrayans who have been silent on this issue, to come forward in large numbers and speak out about this wrong. We recognize that there is fear and risk in doing so, but if Tigrayans do not speak out, people will assume that things must be good for them and that they want Meles to stay in power. I know some Tigrayan brothers and sisters who are anti-Meles, but are not “anti” the TPLF system or “one-tribe domination.” Do not fool yourselves, for this entire system in Ethiopia is built on a model of exploiting others. This is why it is so important for our Tigrayan brothers and sisters to speak out.

For example, last week when I was speaking in Dallas at a meeting at a hotel in that city, another meeting was being held in the room next to us by the Tigrayan Development Association in celebration of the May 20, 1991 overthrow of the Derg. They showed a video of that victory and of the development that has been achieved since they came into power. In the next room where I was meeting with other Ethiopians, I was showing the video of the genocide of the Anuak and of the destruction of the infrastructure in Gambella by the same Meles regime that had conversely, brought development to Mekelle and destruction to Gambella.

As those in the Tigrayan Development Association were celebrating their “freedom” from the Derg, we were talking about the incarceration of Birtukan, Teddy Afro, Bashir Makhtal and thousands of other political prisoners, about the suppression of every basic right and about the massive human rights violations being committed by this regime against other Ethiopians. These are two totally different realities occurring in the same country, both true.

This is only one example. A few days prior to this meeting, I was in Ottawa and the same thing was happening.  The TPLF group in Ottawa and other TPLF throughout the world were also celebrating their liberation from the brutal government of Mengistu while at the present time, other Ethiopians were protesting and grieving for the millions of their fellow Ethiopians who were suffering and dying at the hands of the brutal TPLF. What are they celebrating? How can they celebrate under these conditions?

Let me make it very clear. I am not suggesting that Tigrayans should be pushed aside, discriminated against or marginalized because that would be a violation of everything I believe in. Instead, I am calling on Tigrayans themselves to wake up and regain their sense of their own shared humanity with other Ethiopians. They can do this by helping to bring genuine justice to all of Ethiopia instead of selfishly celebrating when others are crying.
Together we must stop this cycle of oppression that constantly reshuffles victims into perpetrators and perpetrators into victims. The last thing I want is for someone else to experience a December 13, 2003. I am saying this out of truth and love for it cannot be ignored. Right now, Tigrayans are in a position to help remedy the mistakes made over the last 18 years, but if they fail to help, they could become the next victims.

If you are someone blindfolded by ego, power, money or pressure, open your eyes to the truth. Put yourselves in the shoes of your suffering fellow Ethiopians and take the initiative to stop this holocaust of the people by standing up for justice, freedom and moral right. Speak out against the “village thinking” that has incensed and alienated the public from you. Stop supporting a government system that can only survive off the pain, oppression and suppression of the majority of its people.

If you are only maintaining your silence for fear of what might happen to you should this regime fall, you need to be reminded that a partnership with a criminal regime that commits genocide and robs the majority of people from life, property and liberty, is one that is morally wrong and you should come out and separate yourselves from it. The evil they are perpetrating every minute of the day, all over Ethiopia, to millions of people, will continue unless good people stand up against it. Resentment is only building as Meles cracks down on anyone outside of his own “village,” “tribe,” or “region.”

A Call to Action: Stopping the Cycle of Destruction and Deception

You should no longer be part of this dying regime, which is in its final days. You can see the evidence that Meles and his clique feel vulnerable and weakened as they strike out in every direction in an increasingly frequent display of paranoia and desperation. I say this, hoping to protect our Tigrayan brothers and sisters from some of the worst consequences following years of oppressive “village rule,” once “Meles’ village” loses power. Remember how you felt after the oppression you experienced at the hands of Mengistu and his clique?

If we are not going to fall into mass vengeance, stemming from the anger and bitterness built up over the years, Tigrayans must initiate strong action to prevent it by becoming part of the solution. Please consider this! It will take facing the truth, facing one’s conscience and the finding the moral courage to clearly stop any suggestion of complicity, including support of this brutally exploitive system given through your silence. I am asking you to start challenging this system that was put into place in your ethnic name, but is devastating your fellow Ethiopian brothers and sisters. You will not escape easily unless we all work together for what is right and good.

Right now most of the Tigrayans are grabbing the tail of the tiger, not wanting to let go; fearing that the tiger will bite you; but the hand of most Tigrayans who are supporting the TPLF must be getting tired. There will be a day when you will become so exhausted, that you will lose your grip. Then what? You need a new strategy and to come back to your family. I know there are many Tigrayans who value the principles of the Solidarity Movement. Many of you have told me this yourselves.

I want these Tigrayans to know my hand, the hand of those in the Solidarity Movement and the hands of countless other Ethiopians are reaching out to you. Please start reaching back because the Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia was created for all Ethiopians, including you. There will be a day when the TPLF will finally collapse. Before that happens, we want you to become free of the threat of this wild tiger’s anger by reconciling with your brothers and sisters in your family of Ethiopia.

Stop your secret meetings, sponsored by the TPLF, that have been taking place throughout the world. Instead, start private discussions among other Tigrayans and non-Tigrayans about how to help cage the tiger by working together with others. This is the way to start—from behind the scenes, eventually joining us in the open places throughout the world, including Meskel Square in Addis Ababa! What a day of genuine celebration that will be!

I also call on other Ethiopians to reach out to embrace your fellow Ethiopians of Tigrayan ethnicity, so they might be further encouraged by your acceptance and partnership. Taking such a stand for them is not easy and each of us should help them feel safe enough to make such a break. Ethiopians of other backgrounds have been guilty of pushing them away.

I have spoken with many Tigrayans who have told sad accounts of trying to join with other Ethiopians in opposition to Meles, but have been given the cold shoulder, finally returning to their own ethnic groups as a result. Reaching back to those who are reaching out will make the table of tyranny on which Meles and the TPLF are standing, collapse. This will prepare the way for a peaceful transition to a New Ethiopia where no one is fearful of others.

In summary, why should a 3000-year old country of 80 million people, who stood up against colonialism, now disintegrate? It is not too late to fix this broken society and broken country so that it can re-emerge stronger.

Society is supposed to be like a human body, where the body functions well when all the parts are working. We need every part, for without each part, how do we come back to health? God will help us if we trust in Him fully. Come back to God’s principles—fearing Him and loving one another. Let us put our humanity before our ethnicity and we may find a real homeland where all are free.

I hope the following verses from II Corinthians 7: 8-11 written by the Apostle Paul will be true of your response to my letter:

“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.”

May it be the same for each of you!

Your brother,
""
Obang Metho,
Executive Director
Of the Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia
E-mail: [email protected]

39 thoughts on “Open Letter to Tigrayans”

  1. Dear Mr. Obang Metho,
    As a Tigrian let me tell you the truth. You are totaly wrong. We are indeed in bad condition. As you might be well aware of, only the family of the so called RULERS, like Meles, Aboy Sebhat, Abay Tsehaye, Seyoum Mesfin etc.. are the beneficiary of the TPLF regime.

  2. I totaly agree with this Letter, but I just don’t think it would take such a long dicourse to make Tigrians see the “big elephant in the room” and know that its not good for anyone involved! But most believe and advocate that they wont have a leader equaling woyane, how myopic!

  4. Thank you Mr. Obang! You made a nice point; salvation call to Tigrayans brothers and sisters! My Lord God open their eyes and hearts to see the agony of their Ethiopian mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.

    Mery to those who harass and oppress Ethiopians! Freedom to ETHIOPIANS!

    Oh Lord, LET BE ETHIOPIA A LAND WHERE IT’S CITIZENS LIVE WITH FLOURISHING LOVE!

  5. As I read the letter above I was reminded of an event few days ago at the Paltalk Ethiopian chatrooms when an elderly and very eloquent Ethiopian woman spoke and vividly described the 1991 incident in Ethiopia that led to Derg’s downfall during which thousands of TPLF and EPLF fighters stormed Addis Ababa and how terrified we all were of them. She told a story of her daughter, a young mother of an infant baby, whose neighborhood was surrounded by many fighters who were combing the area in search of a certain high ranking Derg official. During the commotion and confusion, she was terrified to leave her home to go buy milk for her son. But her motherly instinct gave her the courage to go outside and talk to the fighters who were standing guard at a street corner and asked them for a permission if she could walk to the nearest store to buy milk for her baby.

    One of the fighters told her it wasn’t safe for her to leave her home so he himself walked a long distance to the store and returned with some milk for her baby. Later on she learned that he was an EPLF fighter whom until that day she thought of as anti-Ethiopians, but later after she had witnessed his humanity to protect her from any possible harm, and also after she had a brief conversation with the fighter, she was very impressed by his humility, pleasant manners and modesty that all her fears vanished completely.

    It was a very interesting story she told, and she added that she believes the average Tigreans in Ethiopia (the ones not playing any roles oppressing Ethiopians) may experience the same fear when the weyane regime is toppled soon, and she advised all Ethiopians to be more tolerant not to dwell into hatred and vengeance against our fellow citizens from the Tigray region. Just as the EPLF fighter had shown her daughter true humanity in 1991, she urged all Ethiopians to act in the same manner towards our Tigrean brothers and sisters. She reminded us we are not weyanes, and we don’t share the same racist mentality as the weyanes. And we know the difference between weyanes and Tigreans. We are Ethiopians with a strong cultural and ethnic harmony based on historical and deep rooted 3000 years long traditions which makes us who we are as a people. And she went on to say it was our unity that broke the backbones of the fascist Italian invaders to preserve our 3000 years independence!

    As I listened to her speech; I cried, and many others in the room did too. Ethiopia has always been a beacon of hope for the entire African continent until the Derg and Weyane junta came to power and created all the chaos we see today. Just as Derg was overthrown so will the weyane junta. Ethiopia will soon be free, and all the people of Ethiopia will live in peace, perfect harmony, unity and justice and equality. Ethiopian glory will soon be restored. That day has come. Change has come.

    God Bless Ethiopia. One Ethiopia.

  7. I think this letter addresses both ends, that is, those who are tied up with the tyrant as well those who give cold shoulders to fellow Ethiopians because they were born from Tigriyan families. Being born from one ethnic group is not a fault of anyone but to support unjust and non-democratic and one man rule is a curse. To add some practical issues what i have experienced in Ethiopia could give a bird’s eye view to my Tigriyan descended who blindly support the TPLF led Meles regime even they commit atrocities, extrajudicial massacre and abuse of human rights.

    I was working in Gambella from 1993 to 1998 and due to my activities i have visited what the TPLF led EPRDF labeled them as lowly developed Kilils(regions) and my experiences are the following:

    a. all those four regions have regional councils but the function of the council is done by the so called regional TPLF advisers. Asgedom Kahsay was responsible to Ben Shangul Gumuz, Yohanse was responsible to Gambella, Melaku Fanta was responsible for Afar and Moges Abraha (former WPE member but because he is a Tigrigna speaking accepted as TPLF member) for the Somali Region besides also the Southern region was also lead by Bitew.

    What one can understand from these scenario is that TPLF has its tentacles all over the regional states by the core people who are loyal to it and tells us that there are democratically elected regional governments which is a crap and unpractical.

    b. During my stay in Gambella a construction bid was advertised on Addis Zemen and about 9 bid documents were sold for contractors who fulfill the prerequisite and on the day of the opening of the tender a Tigriyan contractor named Hailu came and asked for the tender document and the responsible person told him there is no more document to sell but what happened was to nullify the result of the tender by Asgedom Kahsay because Hailu did not participated. The consequence of this action was to unseat Okello Oman and put him in custody (with four executive members) in the name of Gimgema and he languished for more than four years in prison.

    c. In 1991 I was also working in Ogaden to arrange returnee program to settlers brought by Derg in 1980 and what happened this time was the regional president was from ONLF (at the time TPLF friendly) and he asked to withdraw 5 million Birr (his delegation is 250 thousand in one check) and CBE Gode manager was in dilemma and dialed to the prime minister and they told him it is their money they can withdraw what they want.

    This shows how the TPLF government works. Unless you are not against them you have all the rights and you can do whatever you like but when you are against then they draw different Cards (Green, Yellow or Red).

    What we have to think is that unless we came together including Tigriyans, we do not go anywhere for peaceful transition of power in our beloved country.

  11. Tigray people are lovely Ethiopians that have to stop supporting TPLF.

    Aksum, Mekele, Adwa, Humera, Maychew, Adigrat, Welkait, Raya, Alamata, Enderta, Azebo, Endeselaise, Temben, Zalambesa, Erob and the rest have to stand together with all Ethiopian against TPLF.

  12. THIS IS JUST A HISTORICAL LETTER TO FELLOW CITIZENS. We are about to see off the first half of 2009, but I would like already to nominate this as “LETTER OF THE YEAR 2009”.

    The Bible says also “Let Those Who Have Ears Hear”.

    Bless you Obang!

  13. First, it’s simply rediculous to reach out to this particular ethnic group as if there is a major issue between the general population of Ethiopia and the poeople of the province of Tigray.

    Secondly, in spite of the role played by the mass of Tigray in the war with Derg, the tyrants don’t need them anymore to survive. Haven’t they survived even though the entire population of Ethiopia rejected them and still remains totally against them? What does Tigres matter? They will be crushed like everybody else if they try and oppose TPLF.

    Just don’t make it look like the Tigray people have any more voice than the rest of Ethiopians. Yes, the province did exceptionally well over the past 18 years, and yes, some Tigay individuals got fabulously and scandalously rich. The fact of the matter is TPLF doesn’t consult or ask the openion of the people of Tigray when running the country.

  14. I think it is time to stop window dressing the issue and demand accountability from Tigrians. The most important point to remember here is not whether the average Tigrian has disproportionately benefited from Wyane rule or not. Rather, it is the fact that the overwhelming majority of Tigrians support Woyane actively or silently while the rest of the country is suffering. Due to either naivete or in an attempt to be politically correct, we try to come up with justifications and excuses for this simple fact. Even if we assume that people in Tigray do not have the freedom to express their opposition, how come we don’t see any meaningful opposition among Tigrians in diaspora? Every major ethnic group is well represented across oppostion parties. Yet, we very rarely (if at all) see Tigrians in diaspora opposing Woyane. Why is that? It’s time to be brave enough to ask difficult quesitons and demand accountability!

  15. That is well said. You know those Tigrayan’s who are involved with the Gov’t are an instrument to the Government body they use them to make money and those who are rich are keeping their money in Swiss and other Foreign Banks. Hoping that when they got enough (if they know the word enough though!!!) they will flee the country or the Banks will forfeit the hard earning of the Ethiopian People’s money.

  16. Obang Metho, I am speechless.
    Come next ellection I will make sure to support candidates outside the main ethnic groups. I do not trust any group that is unproportionally composed of one ethnic group.

  18. I expect another well crafted and very convincing letter-to those supporting the government not necessarily “Tigrayans.” Make not mistake about it, they are the one helping the government stay on power. thanks Obang, it is good to be honest and write what you feel. Truth liberates.

  19. Although what Mr. Obang wrote is well articulated, we have to be very careful in the way we deal with this delicate issue. Yes, Tigrians are benefiting from rullling junta but what percentage of the people are we talking about? As we all know the majority of Tigrians are suffering just like the rest of us so let’s be careful in a way we say things so that we do not creat more division among us. we should also be encouraging Tigrians to join us in the fight for true freedom and unity to all Ethiopians.

    GOD BLESS ETHIOPIA!!

  20. Obang – You are one of the few Ethiopians who are voice for Voiceless. Every thing you say is always true and good for the mother land. you earn my vote!

  21. Dear Obang,

    I know your article is well intentioned, but this is another distruction. We are now setting our agenda and the momentum is building and we need to be firm and not invite distractors. No real Ethiopians need a letter to undersatnd the suffering of the Ethiopian people.

    I remember in 2005 election, we were sitting in a coffe shop and when we were questioning the wisdom of killing of our young kids. Those Tigrayans you call Ethiopians were telling us that they deserve to die because they are criminals.

    So, it shouldn’t be us sending a letter to them, it should be the other way around. The Tigrayans should be sending a letter to us to appologize and joins us. And I know they would, because they are opportunist and have no shame.

    Make no mistake. We will be free with or without them.

    Sorry for me being harsh, but that is how I feel.

    Thanks

  23. I’m Speecheless and also scared.Sometimes it’s hard to face the truth.The big question would be how and where to start.Tigray has become the new “North Korea” where people don’t trust each other(even among families).Every atittude is “either you are with us or against us”.So pray for us so that my fellow brothers and sisters come to their senses and reply for these “Historic” call.
    Thanks Obang

  24. Well Written letter. “Lib Yalew Yadmts, Joro Yalew Yisma.” This is not only for Woyanes who are benefited from the killing fields and the loot, but those who trade by their name, in every ethnicity, as leaders. I see, Sumalias, I see Guragies, I see Amhars, I see Ormos, I see Wolayitas, I see, every ethnic group, dancing and clapping meleses rule with Ephoria, when I open Ethiopian Television. What I am saying is that, may be Melese Controls every facet of the rule, but those people are helping exploit the life of Ethiopians everyday. All of them must be told the days are coming and it would be short and swift. No doubt, Ther will be bloodbath, but when and how fast and short only God knows. “Etasiyeni Musnaha Le Eyerusalem” “Do not show me the destruction of Eyerusalem {Ethiopia}” To think that Melese and his woyanies will give the sweet power they are enjoying at the expense of Ethiopian Majority, by peaceful means is doubtfull and rediculous. “Mikerew, Mikerew, Embi Kale, Mekera Yimkerew” My fellow Ethiopians, Do not worry, remember David and Goliha. Melese and his Woyanie gang will be done, God will be with Ethiopian People. Then and only then the Ethiopian People will be one regardless the ethnicity seeds Woyanie has spread. We will see one Ethiopia, even including Eritrea and Somalia. There will be one strong central government with power sharing reginal federation, supported the empowerment of every ethnic people in the region. There will be politically, socially, and Economically united East African Power that can be supported by its People and the Global Power,(Internationl power). Some how we will see One strong East-African Power not by Human design but by the Will of God. Mark my Word.

  26. Thank you for being courage’s, and keep fighting a peaceful fight for our country, I hope you letter may inspire my fellow Ethiopians and follow your foot steps.
    Thank you,

  27. Nice to appeal to the Wayane mass to rise against their own Wayane leadership who disproportionally benefited them politically, economically, psychologically, militarily, socially, etc. That is just a far cry and empty call to deaf earns that are going to be even more deaf for centuries to come. Sorry to disappoint you guys and gals but that is the bitter pill that is going to be forced down your throats gwhether you like it or not in connection with this specific issue: Why is it that 99.99% of all the top military commanders are Wayanes?

    Does it look like that they are going to share any tiny amount of power now or in the future or Tigrians may dislike power monopoly and all the benefits of economic and other virtues? Some kind of make believe and totally insignificant lip services concerning some sort of disatisfactions by the Tigrians against the Tigrians may be heared from here and there but only for strategic reasons of calming down those who cry day and night for the support of the so called “Ethiopian Tigrians”

    You recall that the entire Tigrian population were completely reduced to a single bunch of destitute wretched beggars both under king Haile Selassie and dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam and were living the life of total hell on earth.

    But now the table have been effectively turned upside down as the Tigrians are the current omnipotent and omnipresent majestic rulers of all the rulers and enjoying prime quality hedonist life in an enclosure of paradise surrounded by the hell of poverty and wretchedness.

    They have been treated inhumanly and brutally and they have also learned and taken up the role model and are only applying their own brutal collective experiences unto all others also collectively and blindly instead of applying justice for all but not only for themselves alone.

    But let us keep appealing for support to Tigrians whether to those in power or those in a vibrant beneficiary supportive role and privillages even though it may NEVER WORK truelly speaking but a copy of the appeal letter may stil be filed and kept documented in the museum of modern literature, or even better in Tutankhamun’s tomb at Thebes and let the jackal god, Anubis to guard the enterance just for the record :)

    Here I mean that Tigrians will never come to change their new found super privillages even for the entire planet. So why don’t you guys and gals device a better way or ways out of the impass even after some 20 odd years? :)

  28. Not convinced you are half right. It maybe or may not be beneficial extending a hand to those whom we believe maybe accomplice to Woyane. One side it brings positive intentions between our brother and sisters Tigrayans and Ethiopians and it is also not good to be vindictive that will perpetuate cycle of violence such as revenge, etc. On the other hand, Tigrayans who are supporting TPLF, who are not and just don’t care or who are silent because of fear etc, they need to make an effort to reach out to others and not to be repeating what Weyane advocates. For example, I have had a Tigrayan who told me he can’t stand Teddy Afro, when I asked him why he said he insulted Tigryans so he should rot in jail. I asked him do you believe what your government told you? So he was not in prison because he ran someone over. He told me, Teddy did that too that he ran someone over. So this tells me that there is false sentiment among Tigrayans about Teddy and no wander he is in prison. So, blindly be alubalta to follow even sometimes your own ethnic group that are trying to push their own agenda but not for the sake and safety of yours and other ethnicity is wrong. Let us be logical. So to get back to my point, it takes 2 to Tango, it should come from both ways From Tigrayans and the rest of Ethiopians. Everyone should be equal partners towards peaceful and democratic Ethiopia.

    Thank you for bringing this up Obang

  29. Mr. Obang sounds like he just woke up from hibernation. Please stop pretending that the mischief most Tigrean elites have been committing against us was some accidental incidences. You are talking about some clandestine meetings these shameful bandas held. But is that the first time and is that all they do? Don’t be naive. Ever since they got into power [with the help of Shabya], they have been SUPPORTING the Weyanes in EVERY SENSE of the word. Just look at ALL the Tigray websites. Do you see articles of reason? They are full of hatred against all of us and of course against the Eritreans even after they put them in power? If they betrayed the Eritreans [biting the hand it fed them], do you honestly believe, they will have a second thought of correcting their “mistake”? What “mistake”? There is no mistake there. They simply are crooked who wouldn’t hesitate to sell their own mother! Are you telling us, these people did not realize that the rest of Ethiopians were the recipients of the stick with the short end? Are you telling us that they were silent ONLY for fear of retribution from their fellow Weyane Tigray? Are you telling us that people like Abraha Belay of Ethiomedia was INTIMIDATED not to speak out against the Weyane atrocities when he can and does write anything he wants? When was the last time you have Mr. Abraha Belay state that it was wrong for MOST of the development projects to be done in Tigray alone at the expense of the rest of the country? Or, are you that ignorant – not to know that the Siye Abraha, Ghebru Asrats are STILL the preferred replacements for people of the likes of Ethiomedia’s owner. Do you expect the Siyes and Ghebrus will be any better for us – the non Tigreans? Well, that is what Abraha Belay wants – replace Meles with another “Meles”. Is that the change we are looking and as such calling on the Weyane supporters to abandon ship and be part of us the oppressed? I don’t think so.

    It is true the Tigrean peasants are living from hand to mouth just like the rest of Ethiopians. But, these people do not have any voice to do anything about their misery. The Tigrean elites though, they could if they wanted to. But, the will is not there for they are selfish, greedy, crooked, irresponsible, envious, liars, cheats etc. etc.

  30. This is to Abeba on #27 it is amazing for you to tell us “You recall that the entire Tigrian population were completely reduced to a single bunch of destitute wretched beggars both under king Haile Selassie and dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam and were living the life of total hell on earth.” let me ask you some question where was Meles satnawi when all Tigrians were beggers? and where was the old full Sebehat were they begging @ Dedebit?

  31. Mr. Obang sounds like he just woke up from hibernation. Please stop pretending that the mischief most Tigrean elites have been committing against us was some accidental incidences. You are talking about some clandestine meetings these shameful bandas held. But is that the first time and is that all they do? Don’t be naive. Ever since they got into power [with the help of Shabya], they have been SUPPORTING the Weyanes in EVERY SENSE of the word. Just look at ALL the Tigray websites. Do you see articles of reason? They are full of hatred against all of us and of course against the Eritreans even after they put them in power? If they betrayed the Eritreans [biting the hand it fed them], do you honestly believe, they will have a second thought of correcting their “mistake”? What “mistake”? There is no mistake there. They simply are crooked who wouldn’t hesitate to sell their own mother! Are you telling us, these people did not realize that the rest of Ethiopians were the recipients of the stick with the short end? Are you telling us that they were silent ONLY for fear of retribution from their fellow Weyane Tigray? Are you telling us that people like Abraha Belay of Ethiomedia was INTIMIDATED not to speak out against the Weyane atrocities when he can and does write anything he wants? When was the last time you have Mr. Abraha Belay state that it was wrong for MOST of the development projects to be done in Tigray alone at the expense of the rest of the country? Or, are you that ignorant – not to know that the Siye Abraha, Ghebru Asrats are STILL the preferred replacements for people of the likes of Ethiomedia’s owner. Do you expect the Siyes and Ghebrus will be any better for us – the non Tigreans? Well, that is what Abraha Belay wants – replace Meles with another “Meles”. Is that the change we are looking and as such calling on the Weyane supporters to abandon ship and be part of us the oppressed? I don’t think so.

    It is true the Tigrean peasants are living from hand to mouth just like the rest of Ethiopians. But, these people do not have any voice to do anything about their misery. The Tigrean elites though, they could if they wanted to. But, the will is not there for they are selfish, greedy, crooked, irresponsible, envious, liars, cheats etc. etc.

  33. what has the writer or the opposition to meles done to make tigrians feel comfortable. NOTHING. so how do you blame them not to stand with you when only thing you is condemn, blame and threatened them. only a racist assume people act in a certain way because of their race. there is reason for every thing. the irony is i know non tigrians who directly benefit today from this government but in private they have the audacity to join in condemning tigriams who is not even getting a penny, simply because these opportunist happen to be non tigrians. and the funny thing is the poor tigrian is supposed to protect these very people because they are benefiting in his name. very sad. tigrians are no different from other ethiopians in fact they like to see change more than any ethnic.
    i am amara but it burns me to see innocent people being generalized and condemned simply because of their ethnic background.
    you leave them alone and they will have no reason to support except for the few.

  34. Dear Obang Metho,

    Your long letter to the greedy Tigryans has no effect at all because those Tigryans are multi-milliners; they are not going to give up their lucrative businesses and join the rest of the Ethiopian people in the struggle against Meles Seitanawi. They are too wealthy, and your well-crafted letter will never convince them, and they will never stop supporting their leader, Meles Seitanawi, until that final day, the day of doom. On this subject, I wrote an article on August 11, 2008, and the title of that article was: “That Day! What will happen to the Tigreans?” Some of these wealthy Tigryans were very angry about my article because they thought they would defend themselves with whatever weapons they would have in their hands. This means they will fight against the rest of the Ethiopians who try to oust Meles Seitanawi from his power. They are determined never to give up their wealth and support us, because, again, they are too wealthy.

    You remember what that great teacher of all time, Jesus Christ, said: “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:24)

    The only time they can understand the gravity of the seriousness of the Ethiopian people is that when the Ethiopian people equipped with machetes, knives, swords, spears, start cutting their heads, splitting their necks and exposing their mutilated bodies to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the nights. At that time, you and I would say to them: “We told you so, but you refused to listen to us!” There are few days left for them to repent and to ask forgiveness and permission from the Ethiopian people to join our movement before they get trampled by the angry Ethiopian mobs and be destroyed completely.

  35. As usual,Abong Metho tells it like it is.The TPLF and their supporters hate the truth because they are not on the side of the truth.They want to use Ethiopia and the power they have now to enrich themselves at the expense of other Ethiopians.They want rule the whole house and others should only play as side kicks.Anuaks and Ogadenis know more about evil projects of the TPLF for Ethiopia.

  36. Well Done!Mr.OBANG
    Excellent,I have been exactly thinking about it,but soon they will see it this kind of ethnicity and narrow mindedness it will get them.For now we will pray for them and God Bless them.

  37. Dear Obang
    Thank you! for posting this wonderful letter,but for some people it might not be understood.However,this letter looks like the prophecy of TPLF and their time is coming in to the end they have no where to go,but the problem is it will affect the innocent people of Tigray. They will suffer badly,because if you see the Map where they are you will surprised they will doomed from North to south from east to west wow nobody will survive. Unless, if they are not changing their narrow mindedness. They will be big time taped.It is my prayer for Tigray people.

  38. As an individual tigryan

    After all Mr. Obang needs to know the reality on the ground before he jumps to write about tigray or its people. He does’t have the legitmacy to write with his biased information. The matter of fact most tigryans differ with other fellow ethiopians is that no one has recognized the reality in tigray. Every one of you take ur time to understand the dynamics of the region, understand what the people does, how it is progressing. then u can write and we might listen u.

    After all, tigryans prefer to live in peace with other fellow ethiopians at any cost, as history does tell us. but if people don’t want to live in peace, then we repeat the history, as every one of u understands unless u want to lie.

    Hence, Mr.Obang better to do some thing important for ur people than to serve as instrumental for the old reminances of ethiopia. History is taking a different course these days. try to cope up!!!!

  39. The Tigreans: the straps or rods of Meles Zenawi

    The Tigreans have been the leveling rods of Meles Seitanawi for almost two decays.

    No one knows how many lashes the Oromos, the Amharas, the Ogadenes, and the Somalians have received from the iron hands of the Tigreans – the double whips of the Woyanne regime.

    It is natural in many countries a father occasionally disciplines or whips his child to bring him up in the right way society believes at the time the father trains his child, but Meles Seitanawi straps the Amharas, the Oromos, and the other tribes day in and day out to subdue them, humiliate them, and force them to give up their properties, their values, and their dignities.

    The lash includes not only whippings but also kicking on the stomachs, on the shoulders, on the backs, on the thighs, and on the heads, using testa (one’s head against another person’s head). This heating someone’s head with one’s own head is commonly used by most of the Tigrean people, and this is when they don’t have weapons in their hands, if they do, they use the bottoms of their guns and hit the heads of their victims. However, if the victims continue to resist submission, they will shoot them and leave their dead bodies on the main street for other people to see and learn from this cruel murder a lesson that they will never forget. On the other hand, if the victims easily submit themselves to the Tigreans, they still club their heads, drag them into the police car and from there they will take theme to the darkest world – the Kaliti Jail.

    Why one tribe has become the headaches of the other millions of Ethiopians is very hard to comprehend.

    This particular Tigrean tribe may have been mistreated by the previous government officials during the times of Emperor Haile Selassie and Mengistu Haile Mariam; therefore, the Tigreans, remembering their past sufferings, are now retaliating, instead of joining the opposing party, against the rest of the Ethiopian tribes.

    Are they justified to bring too many miseries to the other millions of Ethiopians for their past grievances Emperor Haile Selassie and Mengistu Haile Mariam may have intentionally or unwittingly brought upon them?

    I don’t quite recall Emperor Haile Selassie and Mengistu Haile Mariam have purposely oppressed certain tribes, particularly the Tigreans, among other Ethiopian tribes. Even if they did, the Tigreans should not harbor in their hearts the misdeeds done to them by the previous administrations.

    The large amount of money the Tigreans are getting, the land they are possessing, and the comfortable lives they are enjoying now on the expenses of the other tribes will soon be replaced by unbearable punishments that the Tigreans have never experienced in the histories of their Tigrean ancestors since their first existence in the annals of the other Ethiopian tribes.

    The justified punishments these traitorous Tigreans receive unwillingly from the generous hands of the rest of the Ethiopian people will be according to the amount of damages they have intentionally brought upon the innocent Amhara, Oromo, and the other tribes.

    The angry Amharas and Oromos will be forced to apply the old rule against these criminal Tigreans: “teeth for teeth, eyes for eyes, bruises for bruises, life for life,” and properties for properties. In fact, the old rule may not satisfy the desperate and angry Ethiopian mob; therefore, the mob just go unrestrained, take no Tigrean money, no Tigrean properties, and no Tigrean lands, because whatever Tigrean the rest of the Ethiopians will consider abominable in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the Ethiopian people, so that the people will collect the money and burn them all – houses, vineyards, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, chickens, and many other belongings stolen from the other Ethiopian peasants but save the owners of each property for the last judgment day before a democratically elected prime minister and the Ethiopian judges.

    These judges, unlike the present Woyanne’s kangaroo judges, will decide the fates of the Tigreans whether to send them to a labor camp or to their graves.

    Then, there will be empty wailings in the camps of the Tigreans, and the walls of Mekelle, once the walls of joys and commerce will be called “the Wailing Wall.” As too much money and businesses have been invested on this particular city, too much wailings will be heard, too, because the glories of Mekelle are now lost within few hours, and never to be restored again; its fallen buildings will be inhabited by the desert awls and nightly creatures instead of by gentle Tigrean men and gracious women.

    In short, Mekelle will be like the Biblical Babylon, where Jeremiah and Isaiah spent their times warning the citizens of Babylon to save themselves from the impending judgment of God the Almighty.

    As a concerned true friend of the Tigrean people, I will continue writing them to get out of their present laxities and share the sufferings of the rest of the Ethiopian people, if not, don’t snitch on your brothers and sisters of the Ethiopian people and keep quiet. Remember, the luxurious, the glamorous, and the happiest lifestyles of the Egyptians never convinced Moses from joining and sharing the sufferings of his own people. Don’t be deceived by the money you are being paid and by the highest rank Meles Zenawi has vested in you.

    I hate to see you going the ways of the Philippians whom St. Paul strongly warned in his own words: “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.” (Philippians 3:19) You have plenty of food to fill your stomach; others have nothing; you laugh every day; others cry every day and every night, and your shameful act is your glory, your pride, and your badge of honor.

    My dear Tigreans, you are hindering the progress of our movement by supporting the illegitimate Woyanne government. Please, say no to Woyanne and yes to our movement!

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