According to what I am hearing right now from most Ethiopians is that the “separate airport welcomes”, the “separate meetings with the Ethiopians” “the separate meetings with US Representative Chris Smith and Donald M. Payne” and the “separate tours” are serious indicators that this “marriage” of leaders within the Kinijit is broken and in jeopardy of failing. Once you admit there is a problem, it is easier to get help. Covering up and making excuses for what is driving the division, is only increasing the anxiety within the Ethiopian public and tipping the scale in favor of Woyane — the only ones who are benefiting.

Going ahead with a tour under these conditions only brings the “children in the family” into a bitter custody battle — something that will only worsen the situation. However, it may be beyond your capability to resolve this situation without outside mediation so I am offering to organize a small group of Ethiopians who could be objective in bringing the Kinijit leadership to the table to discuss what we all know is happening behind the scenes that has created a rift between top leadership. I am not saying we understand the reasons and differences driving this “separation”, but it must be addressed immediately and thoroughly so your unity can be re-established if possible.

If you cannot meet face-to-face and attempt to reconcile at some level, even if it means splitting up, how do you expect to reconcile with Woyane, if that is your goal? If we break into two, one group may have more support in the Diaspora or one group may have more support within Ethiopia. We need these groups to be united.

You (Kinijit Leaders) have to be bold enough to come forward and tell us your differences, whatever they may be. Ethiopians need to know the real truth. Is it a personal problem where someone is not acting democratically? Is it a financial accountability problem? Is it a policy problem, organizational problem, ideological problem or an ethical problem? Whatever it may be, the Ethiopian public has a right to know before the movement collapses. What Ethiopians want are people who will uphold principles, but not individuals at the sake of higher principles. If leaders are unable to uphold such higher principles, unity is not possible between those who do and those who do not.

In 2005, it was such a united leadership, based on higher principles that created the hope that brought 26 million Ethiopians out to vote. This is why I care what happens and why I am willing to do whatever I can to support all efforts to find a comprehensive resolution of this conflict between you heroic Ethiopians of great courage who stood up for justice and freedom for all of us.

We have much to thank you for in the past, but now we call on you to not quickly lose what you gained only through great sacrifice. The people of Ethiopia who are being punished for supporting the Kinijit deserve such an effort. The people of Ethiopia have already suffered too much due to the tribal thinking that diminishes the humanity and worth of others. They have lived the deprivation, abuses and misery resulting from the inaction, corruption and oppression of the government. They are ready for change and need you to lead the way in a united front.

I still have hope that you can come together to lead this country to greater freedom, justice and opportunity, but unless you tackle the inner problems within your leadership group and until there is some resolution that can be publicly announced to the Ethiopian public, how can you address the complex issues affecting Ethiopians today like ethnic hatred, unemployment, the lack of education, HIV/AIDS, land disputes, the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, the conflict with liberation fronts wanting to break away from Ethiopia, the problems in the Ogaden, in Gambella, in Oromia, in Afar and in many other areas of Ethiopia?..continued on next page >>