Two senior leaders of the Ethiopian People Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Ato Iyasu Alemayehu and Ato Mersha Yoseph, were guests on the Voice of America Amharic program Saturday. Mersha Yoseph is one of the leaders of the faction that split from EPRP and named itself EPRP-Democratic about two years ago.
In explaining the main reason why his faction left EPRP, Ato Mersha said that he and his comrades had opposed the dialogue that Iyasu Alemayehu initiated with the Government of Eritrea. He accused Ato Iyasu of taking it upon himself, without the leadership committee’s knowledge and approval, to establish contact with Eritrean officials. EPRP insiders argue otherwise, and are expressing outrage at Ato Mersha’s claim. They say that Ato Mersha was on board when the leadership committee decided to send Ato Iyasu Alemayehu and Ato Mohammed Ahmed (EPRP’s head of foreign affairs) to Asmara. On the second trip, Ato Tegegn Moges had joined them.
It seems that after some 40 years in politics, Ato Mersha has yet to learn the ABCs of politics: In politics there is no permanent enemy, only permanent interest. EPRP and EPLF (the current ruling party in Eritrea) were once enemies. But that was then. Today, these two forces have a common interest — the removal of Woyanne that is currently pillaging Ethiopia and preparing to invade Eritrea. The irony in Ato Mersha’s position is that he favors dialogue with Woyanne, which was and continues to be a deadly enemy of EPRP.
On the interview, Ato Mersha was incoherent, self-contradictory, and ideologically bankrupt. He opposes cooperating with Eritrea, but says that his party wants to work with those who cooperate with Eritrea. Ethiopian Review is not a big fan of Iyasu Alemayehu, but we need to give credit where it’s due. He explained himself well, he was articulate, consistent, and intelligent. Whereas Mersha exposed his weak stand toward Woyanne, Iyasu was clear about what he believes needs to be done. From what we heard on the VOA interview, the Mersha faction is more like EPRP-Hypocritic, not -Democratic. Click below to listen the interview:
[podcast]http://www.ethiopianreview.info/audio/Iyasu-vs-Mersha-VOA-06132009a.mp3[/podcast]
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20 thoughts on “Mersha Yoseph makes a fool of himself on VOA”
For the old communist he have the right name Mersha. E.P.R.P. is now Expired people revolutionary party. The 21st century the peoples vanguard is E.P.P.F. What did they do for their comrades still suffering in tplf labor camps?
Rejectionists vs accomodationists!
Ato Eyassu strikes me as an honest and sincere person. His party’s position on the woyane has been crystal clear all along. While many others vaccillated back and forth (no need naming names here), his postiton has been like a straight arrow denying any legitimacy whatsoever to the woyane clique. At various stages in the evolution of the Ethiopian politics under the woyane, the EPRP’s position has been one big fat NO! No dialogue with the woyane, No participation in its phony election, No sitting on the table for negotiation, No to its Somalia invasion, No to its divisive constitution, No to its fake parliament. They have always understood Meles for the outlaw that he is and treated him accordingly by rejecting him in toto.
The woyane have been merciless in their campaign against this total rejection, directly themselves and indirectly through the various accomodationists (some of them now turned rejectionists). This campaign has much to do with the negative picture people have of Eyassu and the EPRP.
It is clear that ato Mersha`s faction has softened its position vis-a-vis the ethno-fascists led by Meles Zenawi. The firm and unflinching stand and strong determination of the EPRP led by ato Iyasu deserves due credit as stated by the editor of the ER above. We can not defeat ethno-fascism and liberate Ethiopia via dialogue and surrendering the vital interests of the country and our rights. All the means and venues including cooperation with the regime in Asmara, should be used to dismantle ethno-fascism wrecking havoc in our country. Some Ethiopians seem to be disoriented and missing the main point when they oppose any contacts and possible partnerships with the regime in Asmara in an effort to rid our country of ethno-fascism. The ethno-fascist Meles Zenawi is the worst enemy of Ethiopia and the struggle should focus on this destructive element among us. The ethno-fascists are also conducting their own coordinated campaign of misinformation posing as the concerned citizens of Ethiopia while the reality is that they fear or dread any cooperation with the regme in Asmara.
I have listened to the discussion myself.
I am not a person of the EPRP generation. But I want the EPRP officials to be accounted for what they did during those troubling times in Ethiopia. I am not dergist either but I want to see justice done. Not now while the woyane thugs are in power but when we have a free and democratic Ethiopia. It always amazes me the most that no one has ever mentioned about these EPRP leaders bringing them to justice. One thing we don’t have to forget is that in so much as the derg is accused of red terror EPRP has to be accountable for white terror.
Having said this, I found Ato Mersha very incoherent in what he was saying. He said that the split was mainly because of lack of democratic leadership from inside. Well as far as I am concerned that should not be a major reason to split a party. You don’t split a party just because the leader started to have contact with EPLF. After all the God Father of EPRP is EPLF so what is the problem to say “hi” to your God Father during “holiday seasons”? When it comes to ideology both Iyasu and Mersha said that they have clandestine operation in Ethiopia and are operating openly in the West. Iyasu on the other hand said that the Mersha group left the party because they advocated an idea of working with woyane. He even said they signed an affidavit. BUT what the interviewer (I believe it was Tizita) missed to ask and what Iyasu didn’t want to disclose or mention was the time that affidavit was signed or the time this idea of working with woyane is raised. Was it during the 2005 election when almost all parties in Ethiopia were participating? Or is it now? Are the “anja” – the EPRP-D – still promoting this idea of working with woyane? From the outset when someone hear this allegation it is really appalling but Iyasu didn’t disclose the whole truth.
Mersha was candid in explaining the status of his group and he also mentioned that his group is now working with other parties and civic organizations. Which is a very good start because at least now EPRP is not attacking democratic forces that are fighting against woyane. HOWEVER, Iyasu didn’t say anything of this sort from which one can conclude that he will pursue his modus operandi and keep on attacking others.
Lastly, the Mersha group, when they left the Iyasu’s group, should have come with a new name than to stick with the old guard name – EPRP and add a D. They should have a new start and a new beginning that embraces all parties of the public especially focusing on the youth. I don’t think they can win the hearts and minds of my generation and those younger than me while they are sticking with the name EPRP. Besides that word REVOLUTIONARY is outdated and coupling this word with DEMOCRATIC will remind us nothing but EPRDF.
Anyway good luck for all.
Mersha and Iyasu as it is customary of EPRP are lying. Iyassu has visited Asmara-Why lie about it. Mersha approved the visit why lie about it. Most of all when EPRP lies they say they are working in the underground. To start with just like TPLF they were born in Asmara.
I have read an article on this website a while ago that Ato Mersha is an old man way beyond retirement age. I remember his age to be around 75 or 76. Please help him in signing up for federal help with food stamps and a public housing. He shouldn’t mind living in a public house with poor people. May be he will be able to liberate the poor people from public housing. He is a communist tug after all. Isn’t he?
On the other hand, if Isayas and his group have learned from their mistakes and come up with a new game plan, then may be, I say may be, it is worth giving them the benefit of doubt. What still bothers me is the fact that I am not sure if they have completely and unequivocally trash their Marxist-Leninist diatribes. This philosophy is a collection of name calling and baseless anger. That is why their growth is stunted since we have heard about them.
I remember in the 70’s a friend who used to bring some of their publications and preach me to death. He used to tell me that the poor peasants and urban dwellers need democracy much more than improvement in their living conditions economically. That was where I unraveled my silence and asked him this: “Are you telling me that if I give a starving/destitute peasant and urban dweller a choice of bread and jobs or election ballot, that he will go for the ballot? You guys must be a collection of arrogant individuals or utterly stupid or both.” That did it. He stopped coming to my house with trash publications. Then I heard later on that his party split into two factions and these factions started killing each other. From what I heard is that due to the split the party killed more 0f its own members than the Derge did. I would not doubt it. If you read the history of all communist thugs, they don’t tolerate dissention. They hit very hard at it. Stalin did it, Moa did it, Pol Pot did it, Castro did it you name it. They have a history of merciless and barbaric violence. There is no such thing as pardon in their ruling dictionary. I am not saying that they don’t have the right to exist and be a part of democratic society, but they are not qualified to lead.
I hope and pray that one of these days our beloved son Elias will bluntly ask Isayas if his group’s doctrine is still based on Marxist Leninist hotchpotches. By the way, do they have a website? May be it is there. What is their website? Please someone help.
EPRP should be in Addis Ababa museum rather than in exile.!!
Eritrea is now a make-it or break-it situation for Ethiopian opposition groups. EPRP-Democratic, i only say that Flies are always attracted to rotten fish. It is puzzling and sad that a few “Ethiopian oppositions groups” take Eritrea as the enemy of Ethiopia after all the facts and lies are on the table. We blame Eritrea for annexing itself. period. no more, no less. It is not about sea port but it is a love/hate relationship with many dimensions. The hate is none existent from the other side (Eritrea) thanks to PIA interview. Do we have the right to blame them for our misfortune? From Menelik to TPLF/ Meles Ethiopians have suffered based on their affiliation, race and education. Eritrea was part of these suffering and they needed change as evrey Ethiopian. Not to mention the suffering under under italian fascists. Now, a poor Nation is leading and living by principle and courage. They tell the truth as they see it regardless of its ugly consequences. It is they way of life we Ethiopians have been fighting for the last 100 yeas, to be Proud, prosperous and self- sufficient. The myth about Assab port is busted except for EX-TPLF thugs and this EPRP-Democratic man is off the line and illogical to say the least.
Go G7
Regads!!!!
Lafiw (comment 4 above)has some good ideas, and I quote here below the one which I think is most important for EPRP-D to consider. I believe ERPR-D has the potential and opportunity to bring positive changes. It has broken that inhibitor internal froce, which has made the party ineffective for so long. But it has not yet done enough to allow itself to move forward suficiently.
“…the Mersha group, when they left the Iyasu’s group, should have come with a new name than to stick with the old guard name – EPRP and add a D. They should have a new start and a new beginning that embraces all parties of the public especially focusing on the youth. I don’t think they can win the hearts and minds of my generation and those younger than me while they are sticking with the name EPRP. Besides that word REVOLUTIONARY is outdated and coupling this word with DEMOCRATIC will remind us nothing but EPRDF”
I have heard many other concerned observers also saying the same thing. They are not comfortable with the old name having lots of buggages around it- particularly the younger generation is more sensitive to it. After the death of communism, the word “revolutionary” does not appeal to most people around the world, including Ethiopians. Since Ethiopians associate the term “revolutionary” with the brutality of the Derge, they hate this terms along with “comerade”. To prove, ask any ordinary Ethiopian back home (if you call him “guad”, he will answer you “gudguad giba”. Furthermore, TPLF is also considered a communist party and uses these terms within its own ranks. Western governments associate the term “revolutionary” with Latin America bandits who oppose their interests. They label them as involved in drug businesses and distrubing their own societies. The Chinese ruling party is a communist party not also liked by its own people and the world at large. Although EPRP-D is not like these groups at all, carrying the name “revolutionary” with it still sends the wrong message to Ethiopians and the rest of the world. This can make people suspecious and inhibit them from offering the support needed. From these observations, I suggest that the party should consider improving its old negative image, particularly with respect to the youger generation and the western world. Still keeping its core principles/bliefs as as a guide, with some adoptive creativity, this can be done, and the split is a good opportunity for this. Think about it. Otherwise, it remains to be the same old…
All the current and previous opposition leaders including Berhau Nega and Andargachew tsegie came to understand or acknowledge the position of the EPRP/Iyasou Alemayehu after seventeeen long years after long sufferning of our people and after Ethiopias survival became questionable. This is because of selfish personal interest coupled with blind hate politics towards the EPRP. I hope they both, Berhanu and andargachew have changed their attitude for good and their current position is not fake as it has been before. I don’t want to honor the dirty lier OLD man, MERSHA by commenting on his cheap interview on VOA. The sad thing is how a scoundrel like mersha survived in the EPRP, the party of SAMUEL, GIRMACHEW and many other valiant and genuine heroes of the people?
Long live the EPRP
The fact that EPRP had the same leadership for the last 25-30 years shows it is a defunct political party, which is unable to pass the torch to the new generation or bring new blood in to its membership let alone its leadership.
This guy is an idiot who is the curse of Ethiopia. His party should drop his ars.
With respect to the current Ethio-Eritrea politics, one has to clearly identify and weigh the advantages and the disadvantages to pass decisions. We can either use Eritrea or be used by it. If we want to use it, then it is based on the confidence that Eritrea won’t have the power to dismember us, and EPRP of Iyassu knows, I believe, how to avoid things that tears us apart by placing a means of contol valves. Iyassu, just go on in the business of doing what your party believes in for essence lies in the doing without compromising principles. You’re clear, I believe, on our country’s problems and solutions, and I like your decisiveness. I know many who have not only been doubting EPRP but, also, have become its sworn enemies throughout many decades. I tell you this Iyassa: For those who spend sleepless nights to attack you, give them something that they can chew on as you would give a dog a bone, but you need to mind on creating a favorable time than waiting for the time to come in that would let you achieve your goals. Iyassu, fabrication of lies will always be there, and therefore, don’t be bothered to much about it. You know every time a new cycle of development starts, the enemies of Ethiopia and that of your party will almost immediately start casting their spells of curse and illusion fabrication on you. Iyassu, the better choice would be to keep on moving forward and higher but stillness and reverse motion is non-permissible. Do you think so? Would to God help you see the fruits of freedom along with your freedom loving people.
thanks
ras says:
EPRP should be in Addis Ababa museum rather than in exile.!!
You are free to dream. Sorry to disappoint you.You will never get it!
Lafiw & yedeg,
Gim-Legim-Abro Yazgim, The two cadres know full well who their real enemies are. One is the people of Ethiopia and the second enemy is EPRP.
Justice shall prevail in the land of Ethiopia!!
Gudu Kassa (comment 15)
Please make yourself clear. I am so sorry I didn’t get your idea.
Thanks
There is a saying in Amharic “A fool is biten by snake twice
the first stepping on it and secondly pointing his finger at
the position he was bitten.” Times have changed where the devils are saints and the saints devils, as usual we say that is politics. But the snake still have venom and the fool never learns.
EPRP had/has three or four times different types of anjas, however, this time, the north pole anjas are trying to use the real name of EPRP. Mersha Yoseph weren’t in Ethiopia when EPRP was huge & strong party through out the country.He was in Somalia as a refugee, when Somalia & Ethiopia were at war, he ran away to Yemen, so, he has no knowledge of the party how it functioned/functions under ground in Ethiopia. Last munite, he joined the army wing of EPRP in the northern Ethiopia with the help of Iyasu Alemayehu; From the military wing, Mersha Yoseph didn’t accept democratic princples & always he used to lie his comrades & leaderships; that is why he ended up in north America, here you go again he stsrtd lying to his folowers & at large diasporas. My point is, Mersh Yoseph is fooling him self & his folowers again.
EPRP is not a one man or two men’s party. It was the first political party in our country which led the struggle of our people with courage,persistent and sacrifice. It has a great history. We have hope in the end ,it will overcome all its short comings and lead again; i say this because, in EPRP there are Ethiopians who are courageous, unflinching,persistent men and women who are struggling to defeat our enemy every second. I have seen the rise and fall of parties in our country because i think their leaders could easily get subdued by the enemy. They dont want to struggle but to assume power by any means. EPRP dont have this characterstics. I salute Iyassu, Fassika, Tegne, Nugusse, Johny and many others who are still working to dismantle Woyanne politically. As of Mersha, i cannot say more as it is obvious that he is tired of it all and he wants to taste a little power before he is done. The sad thing is that he could have retired from the struggle with grace instead of choosing to work with Melese to destroy the party. His mental health is gravely in disarray…let us leave him alone!!
Ato Mersha,
Both of your given cases are not strong enough to walk out from your 40-year-comrades. If you are truthful, why u ran away from the conference place in the middle of the night as claimed by your oppoenents? Why Ato Mesrha? Why did not you fight back Ato Iyasu and try to pursue the participants of the conference.
In the interview, Ato Mersha, you are contradicting yourself. On the one hand, you are accusing Iyasu of meeting Isayas, and that was one of your reasons to walk out from the conference. On the other hand, you are confirming to work closely with Birhanu’s organization, Ginbot 7 which is having close working relationships with Isayas. What makes right the close working relations between Berhanu and Isayas.
Who is confused? You or Me?