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Corruption, not power struggle, the root cause of Kinijit’s leadership crisis

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

Ethiopian Review Editorial

Ethiopia’s eminent scholar, human rights advocate, and one of the founding fathers of Kinijit, Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, gave interviews to the DW (German Radio) and VOA on Tuesday from his hospital bed in India. Both interviews focused on the leadership crisis inside Kinijit.

DW: Click here to listen [forward to the 16:00 minute mark].

VOA: Click here to listen [forward to the 27:00 minute mark].

The professor’s interview on VOA, in particular, was a complete rebuke of Hailu Shawel’s failed leadership. It may well have sealed Ato Hailu’s fate as chairman of Kinijit. At the same time, his endorsement of Bertukan Mideksa to lead the party is a big boost to Kinijit’s collective leadership. In that sense, Prof. Mesfin’s VOA interview was beneficial. But many of his other points were uninformed, confusing and off the mark. His interview with the DW was particularly negative and demoralizing. Fortunately, the VOA interview, which followed a few hours later, was much better and some what uplifting.

Let’s start with Prof. Mesfin’s argument that the current leadership crisis inside Kinijit is in large part caused by a power struggle between Ato Hailu Shawel and Dr Berhanu Nega, which is far from reality. The fact is that Dr Berhanu is not going after Ato Hailu’s job. He is not even in line to be the top leader of the party any time soon. Kinijit’s bylaws require that some one has to be an executive committee member to be elected as a chairman. Berhanu Nega is not an executive committee member. Prof. Mesfin’s argument that there is a power struggle between Hailu and Berhanu is therefore baseless.

Even if it is true that Dr Berhanu is going after Ato Hailu’s job, what is wrong with that as long as he does it by trying to get the majority of the central council members on his side? Does that warrant Ato Hailu’s recent divisive comments and his refusal to implement the majority decisions of his colleagues?

In politics it is normal to forge alliances in order to attain power as a means for turning one’s vision into a reality. If it is done within the bounds of the party’s rules and procedure, and without being divisive (undermining the party’s integrity as Hailu Shawel is doing now), there is nothing wrong with vying for power. That is what politicians do.

Having said that, charismatic, domineering leaders like Berhanu Nega must be closely scrutinized and forcefully challenged. Otherwise, their blind supporters usually turn them into demagogues and dictators. If Dr Berhanu falters, it would be because of friends who lie to him and fail to challenge him, not because of his detractors. Look how Hailu Shawel’s corrupt friends brought about his disgrace and political demise. In that context, Prof. Mesfin’s stinging criticism (unfairly) directed at Dr Berhanu does no harm to him, depending on how he takes it. It can only make him a better leader, and a greater asset to Kinijit. The emotional reaction to Prof. Mesfin’s criticism by SOME OF Berhanu Nega’s supporters is disappointing, to say the least. Stop being sycophants.

The other point Prof. Mesfin raised is that the Kinijit delegation should have stayed in Ethiopia to resolve the problems faced by the party instead of going on a worldwide tour. Perhaps Prof. Mesfin was not informed that Kinijit didn’t have a penny when the leaders got out of jail, thanks to Hailu Shawel’s friends who left the party’s treasury empty. Without money Kinijit cannot move an inch.

On top of raising funds, the Kinijit delegations are currently conducting intense diplomatic works in Europe and the U.S., with a great deal of success. The delegates’ presence in the U.S. Congress when H.R. 2003 was voted on last month no doubt had a positive influence. However, raising funds for the party was a top priority and that is what the leadership is currently doing. Even if Ato Hailu disagrees with the majority on this matter, he doesn’t have the right to do what he is doing now. In a democracy, the majority has the right to make mistakes. As a chairman, his responsibility is to chair, not to dictate.

It is also hard to believe that had the delegation delayed its travel to the U.S., as Prof. Mesfin suggested, the leadership crisis would have been resolved. The reason Ato Hailu did not want the delegation to travel to the U.S. is that he doesn’t want them to investigate his corrupt friends in North America — Shaleqa Joseph Yazew and Ato Mogus Brook. That is why he changed his plan to go to Germany and rushed to the U.S.

As expected, the so-called financial report that was presented at Hailu Shawel’s public meeting last Sunday (Oct. 14) in Washington DC attempted to exonerate the Shaleqa group. The report states that only $72,000 was sent to Ethiopia in the past two years. This is out of close to $1.2 million that was collected from Kinijit supporters in North America. Currently, only $12,000 remain in the account, according to the report that was accepted and endorsed by Ato Hailu. Of the $72,000 that was sent to Ethiopia, reportedly to support the families of the jailed Kinijit leaders and members, $0 was given to those who needed the money the most, like the families of Kinijit Central Committee member Wzr. Nigist Gebrehiwot who went through terrible financial hardships. When Wzr. Nigist and others came out of jail, Ato Hailu gave them some money, which some of whom took as a personal favor and started accusing the other Kinijit leaders of ignoring their plight. What Wzr. Nigist and the others who were ignored do not realize is that the money they received from Hailu Shawel as a personal favor was in fact collected in their name. The question remains: if Wzr. Nigist and others did not receive any of the $72,000 that was sent to Ethiopia, who took it? And where is the over $1 million that was collected for Kinijit if only $12,000 remain in the account now? It is because Ato Hailu doesn’t want to answer such questions that he is creating all this mess. Corruption – that is the bottom line here.

What Hailu Shawl got himself in now is the worst financial scandal in the history of Ethiopian opposition parities — for which he is responsible both by commission and omission. And it is this scandal and the attempt by Ato Hailu to cover it up — at any cost — that is the root cause of the leadership crisis — not power struggle, as Prof. Mesfin argued.

Prof. Mesfin has also said that the jailed leaders should have not excluded members of Kinijit Central Council who joined the Woyanne parliament from the decision making process when they got out of jail. Let’s not forget that many of the Council members who were not jailed had failed to respect the party’s majority decision not to join the parliament. It would have been a mistake to bring back those council members to the decision-making process right away without establishing some kind of procedure that would inquire into their failure to adhere to the party’s most important decision that had required total compliance from every one. A political party must be able to enforce its decisions. Otherwise, it will cease to exist as a viable organization. Those council members who joined the parliament disregarding the council’s decision must be held accountable. That doesn’t mean they should be banned from the party permanently. But they have to explain themselves first through a formal proceeding before they are brought back to the decision making process of the party.

The Kinijit leaders, according to Prof. Mesfin, think that just because they were jailed they think of themselves as big heroes and that the accolade they are receiving from Kinijit supporters in Ethiopia and around the world is getting to their heads. There is no evidence of that so far, but this kind of criticism is needed to help keep the leaders humble. We need some one like Prof. Mesfin, a fatherly figure, to keep the Kinijit leaders on their toes. We have had too many bad experiences with popular leaders going astray.

Prof. Mesfin said in his interview with the VOA that Hailu Shawel has failed to provide leadership and has been unable to keep the party united. Ato Hailu not only failed to provide leadership, he is totally immersed in gross corruption. He must be impeached and removed from the chairmanship before he does further damage to the party and the struggle. Make a good case study out of him for future leaders.

Without saying it in so many words, that was the message Prof. Mesfin tried to convey — a message for Ato Hailu to resign.

As Prof. Mesfin said, Wzt. Bertukan is more than qualified to lead Kinijit. She is intelligent, competent and caring. What is even more required from a Kinijit leader at this point is the humble, low-keyed, yet firm personality of Bertukan who is careful not to bruise the egos of Kinijit’s big men.

We wish Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam a speedy recovery.

74 thoughts on “Corruption, not power struggle, the root cause of Kinijit’s leadership crisis”

  2. Funny how selective listening is at play here. The good Prof. said what he wanted to say laud and clear – clear enough for even a lay man to understand. Save your interpretations for yourself and to your satisfaction and do the reporting work please!!!!!!

    Rgds

  5. Well said!! ER
    Could you please post the transcript of what the Auditor said yesterday at the teleconference? Most of us didn’t get a chance to listen the interview.

  6. Wow I like the analysis brother Elias

    Specially this one

    In a democracy, the majority has the right to make mistakes. As a chairman, his responsibility is to chair, not to dictate.

  7. Let me first say that until I heard Professors speech I was rooting for Dr. Birhanu and I still Like Dr. Birhanu but I don’t think we should jump to defend him or anyone else but rather ask some legitimate questions. After listening to the interview my initial reaction was shock and a bit of disappointment maybe because I didn’t see his criticism of Dr. Birhanu coming. But as always he got me thinking.

    Weather we like it or not at least in retrospect their decision to come to the states was a mistake. How they decided to come was also against Kinijit policy they had no right to exclude the rest of the laelay mikerbet just because they didn’t go to jail. I heard (this one is for B) Judge Birtukan and Dr. Hailu trying to defend this decision on VOA and to say the least I wasn’t convinced that they couldn’t get in touch with them let alone considering the unconfirmed rumors that some members were asked to leave because they weren’t in jail. The mikerbet is a democratically elected group and the jailed ones don’t get to decide who can and can’t participate in a meeting and make decisions that affect the whole party. So as far as EZ saying what rules they broke this is one of them.

    As for the power struggle Between Lidetu and Birhanu it was for the mayors position according to something I read a while back. I’ll try to find the source and share.

    I agree with Kostir about the power struggle between Dr. Birhanu and Engr. Hailu There is nothing wrong with a democratic struggle for influence but in this case it is destroying the party’s image at the very least, and threatening to split it. We have to remember this is still a very young Party and as the professor mentioned there are groups based on the old party lines that he said have been a challenge since the early days.

    The bottom line for me is those of us who are supporters of CUD were falling into a trap of taking sides, for me the biggest message in his interview was the party is more than personalities and his approach was IMHO to let this leaders know that they can’t fall into the trap of feeling like they are invincible because we cheer them on now.

    Ms. Birtukan has so far tried to reconcile the two sides by visiting the Engr In the hospital and publicly pleading with him to join them. Right now she is the leader of the delegate and so far she seems to sincerely be trying to steer clear of the supposed split and the Party needs that more than anything at the moment. I don’t think he said anything about her replacing Engr Hailu as president if I understood the professor’s interview right he said it looks like it’s in her hands to make sure this is contained and that’s her test. He seems to have confidence in her and I hope he is right.

    Lastly like Alex said I am sure as much as we think we know there is a lot we still don’t know. Don’t get me wrong I know the Professor is human and I know he can make mistakes but based on what I know about him I am just not arrogant enough to say I know better than him. He earned my trust based on his reputation and So far he hasn’t disappointed me so when he speaks I listen!

  8. Good analysis ER.

    Yes I agree as much as I am a big fan of Dr. Berhanu Nega, our loyalty should not be for an individual instead to Kinijit’s basic core principle: Democracy, accountability and transparency.

  9. The respected prof. Mesfin’s interview was such painful interview I ever had listened ,hard to admit what he was saying about the eagely awaited kinjit’s (the would be liberator party’s )crisis it has reached now ,though it has lot of truth in it.But I do believe that it helps to listen his part of the story to clear the air from rumours.As ER explicitly and Prof. implicitly said the problem goes to the leader ship-the failed Eng.Hailu’s leadership.My advise for supporter is donot be taken aback by this totally disappointing devlopment and resent and giveup the fight(we are only 2 year in to this great cause struggle) in all venues ,because it us, the people who will give and take way the power this need to lead.
    thankyou ER

  10. An assault on oour legend,must be fought.If professor Mesfin had a lust for power,he could have had it,rather he stood steadfastly for his moral and integrity.Any one who tries to detract this last remaining national symbol of ours is not only rude,but an enemy to the interest of our myserable Ethiopia.It is sad how western garbage thinking has twisted our generation!!!!!!!!I am not saying the professor is blamless at all,for he is a human being,but one thing is clear:He lives for his helina/conscience and not for hod.I know there are some who may try to brand him”neftegnia/Amhara”.Well,we can not convince any one against this legend!!!!!Leave him alone.It is the lack of such individuals which is causing us all this crisis.At last I would like any rude commentator about Mesfin to shut up!!!!!

  14. Is there any result from the official investigation that was carried out by an independent auditor in regards to the Kinijit fund? That investigation was carried out a few months ago, and we have not heard that publicly.

    Any one knows what the status is and when they are disclosing their result. Let us have some facts out in the open.

  15. You just spoke my mind. I’m very much convinced that the problem within Kinijit is corruption. One can tell from the HS et al. meeting last Sunday. BTW, I hate to say this but the moderator on that meeting was less than educated. Don’t tell me, he is a political scientist!

  17. As a journalist, your job is to report the news. The fact, but not other than the fact so helps you God. We the people can make the analysis for ourselves. The good professor said what he said. We listen to his take. We do not need a translator. Can you please forward your evidence about the corruption? In the country where you reside, you have the right to file for Freedom of Information Act and you can nail the corrupt person. I do not think it is a reason to destroy a political party. Remember, a prison is innocent until proven guilty.

  18. አቶ ኤልያስ ጥሩ ትንተና ሰጥተሃል። ሌላው ፕሮፈሰሩ የሳቱት ነገር ቢኖር ስለ ልደቱ ያነሱት ነው። ብርሃኑ ከልደቱም ጋር የስልጣን ግብግብ ይዞ እንደነበረ ተናግረዋል። የሚገርም ነው። ልደቱ አሉ? ምን ለማለት ነው?

  20. This is a balanced fair analysis….this can only come out of a CALM mind.

    In the future too, make sure that you are in a state of calmness before publishing your comments.

    Good Job!!

    Hailu

  22. Dear Anonymous (On number 7,

    I think you got the wrong perception… there was no any power struggle between Lidetu and Dr. Birhanu at all as both were representing different nominations… Dr. Birhanu was represented for Regional council (Addis Aababa-Region 14) and Lidetu was represented for ‘House of People’s Representatives’….. and the man represented for the ‘House of People’s Representatives’ never becomes a Mayor…. As for the comment you raised that the decession made by the CUD deligates to pay a visit overseas was wrong is worng by itself.. you try to grasp the fact and lear the reality before passing such judgements.. let alone the contribution they made to let the West Nations to learn facts of atrocities and injustice in Ethiopia, the successful bussiness they are carrying out now (the fund rasing and other stuff) will help the party to proceed through many up an downs the party will definetely face in the coming days when all they go back home… You know it and i know it that it is hardly possible to get any financial aid from people back home for many reasons… people back home are striving for survival.. and also we know what happened to bunches of people who have been organizing a get together party and a gift to the noble CUD leader Birtukan Mideksa.. in case you did not know, just pay a call to one of your friends in Addis Ababa (Ferensay Legassion) and learn what had happened to those people from Birtukan’s neighbourhood.. Federal police incarcerated all them and their families are being humiliated by TPLF cadres and police officers too……. let me tell you one important thing.. it has been said so many times ….. Dr. Birhanu or other deligates represent as many people as Eng. Hailu represents.. all are on their positions not because of their wishes.. it is only because of the wishes of the people.. SO, why is it that Eng. Hailu reckon his only decissions/ideas should be explicitly be implemented????? “In Democracy the Majority has all the rights to make mistakes” …… the decission of the majority is the decission of the people.. if the people are not satisfied with what the deligates are doing then the people has all the rights to make a choice on the next round public elections.. but till then these representatives of the people have all the rights to decide and implement whatever they think is right until the next election.. if the people who elected them are satisfied with them then they will be renominated on their posts… if not they will lose their positions…… But for now, an individual should not try to dictate the system in his own ways.. he should acknowledge the collective leladership policy.. that is what works in Democracy…… even a person does conflict with his own ideas .. what makes one wise is his decission to compromise and come to a point where the majority believe is right and benefit…

    Long Live to Ethiopia & the Nations!

    May The Almighty God help us. Amen.

  23. I am not Birhanu’s fan but can never accept the Prof’s presentation of him and its analysis even if I am against Birhanu. Unless we have established principle and objectivity through which we judge things what matters is not what is said but who says it. Had this interview was given by some one else, I am pretty sure this analysis would have been different and the interviewee would have received ER’s blast. Let’s be consistent and not flip-flop

  24. You said….
    “Prof. Mesfin has also said that the jailed leaders should have not excluded members of Kinijit Central Council who joined the Woyanne parliament from the decision making process when they got out of jail. Let’s not forget that many of the Council members who were not jailed had failed to respect the party’s majority decision not to join the parliament. It would have been a mistake to bring back those council members to the decision-making process …..”
    Aren’t those people the majority? How many of the ‘laelay mekir bet’ members joined?
    Why don’t you check your facts brother? I agree with some of your argument but this one in particular is flawed.
    Thanks

  25. I appretiate Professor’s comment but he went a little rough on Berhanu.
    It’s okay, Berhanu’s a tough guy – unlike most of us, he can take constructive criticism without getting personal.

  26. Dear Elias:

    I had a chance to listen both the DW and VOA interview with Professor Mesfin Wolde Mariam, on the subject of lack of leadership on the part of the chairman. From day one since the chairman set foot in USA, he had shown a lack of responsibility and leadership that is fundamental in leading an organization like Knijit to the future. Instead of focusing on the central issue of implementing the will of the people, which is clearly noted in the Kinjit manifesto, he is leading the organization to a disgrace.

    The word corruption does include that if someone knowingly cooperate with subordinates in mishandling funds that belong to the public is also lumped into the category of corrupt. After listening the interview made by the Auditor, the mishandling of CUD collected fund by the Shaeqa Yosef and Engineer Moges is the tip of the iceberg that is going to take the chairman down to drain. At this time, I would not like to make further comment on the issue, however as we move forward more developments will be available to make a judgment on this critical issue.

    As Eliase clearly stated, members of kinjit should not indulge themselves in wasting no more time but to exercise their right by removing the chairman and pass the leadership position to Woizerit Bertukan temporarily until the general council meet and select a new leader.

    We should not be discouraged by the current affair of Kinijit, this is expected of a young organization that will go through trial and tribulation. Such open discussion is a sign of maturity and an introduction of democracy to all of us.

    Thanks

  28. Elias,

    I think you hit it on the mark this time. You are getting there. It is a professional analysis. I assume you must have started maturing in your understanding of politics and people in general. You still have a little way to go while disagreeing with people. You don’t have to be vindictive and mercilessly mow down your opponents as if there is no tommorrow.

    You remember how you mowed down Dr. Berhanu during the election in 2005. Observe how far he has come and look where he is now.

    Speaking of Dr. Berhanu, I think you are right he has every right to seek power democratically to accomplish his vision. We have been abused by power for so long, the word power is already a negative thing, unfortunately. People forget that we need power to accomplish good things that people support. If Dr. Berhanu seeks power democratically to unsit Hailu Showel, there is nothing wrong with it if the majority in Kinijit supports him. And I think after what trasnspired in which Hailu Showel turned Kinijit into his own pocket book, it is not only legitmate but also necessary to seek power and take the leadership to stir Kinijit in the right direction.

    By the same token, I agree with you and I don’t like those who reacted angrily to professor Mesfin’s comment on Dr. Berhanu either. They can respectfully disagree with conviction without reacting as if bullets were fired on them. This is how we are busy manufacturing dictators. And this is how we created the new Hailu Showel. Who thought Ato Haily will go this low changing overnight from someone who claims to stand for democracy into a monarchy type of dictator to the surprise of many?

    I have a feeling that the professor may have been a little cruel on Berhanu because I don’t see any visible destructive behavior I noticed on him. All is positive and constructive starting from writing his book in that difficult environment upto the distinguished and respectable role he is playing in making the success of the delegates a reality.

    After all is said and done, the greatest contribution of Professor Mesfin’s interview is his verdict on Haily Showel’s incapacity to lead the party and his recommendation of Burtukan Mideksa to lead the party for now.

  29. Muluneh A.
    Thanks for highlighting the truth.

    ER, what is wrong with you? The interviews were in Amharic, were very clear and loud, consistent in both the interviews. He has slapped and whipped very well the conspirators in Kinijit by exempting the young & promising lady. Don’t be disappointed and twist to justify your present flirtations with unreliable ally.
    When the father of kinijit speaks you must listen and follow. Don’t fall low like EZ & Ethiomedia, otherwise you lose your shining position in the opposition camp.

    Anyways to speak the truth, Elias are not boring but irritating.

    Cheers

  31. Elias,

    Your view is very simplistic and does not overview the essential part of the matter. We are not talking about Hailu and Birhanu. We are talking about who stands for the cause of the Ethiopian people and who is betraying Kinijit to serve the Woyane. Birhanu already announced that he and his team of five will negotiate with TPLF Government and work together. That is what the US Ambassador in Ethiopia has asked them while they were in the jail and after the jail. But you simply close your eyes and support Birhanu at any cost. You do not care about Ethiopian people. On the other hand, you can shoot Hailu but he will never waver from his principle that Kinijit stands for.
    Derebe

  32. Dear Editor,

    I liked your editorial very much.

    As most of the Ethiopians who heard Prof. Mesfin’s interview on VOA, I was initially shocked by his speech. This was just because I could not find in it any of his constructive roles, as an elderly mediator, for the best of Kinijit and Ethiopia at large.

    He said he has resigned from his position in kinijit because he was not comfortable…… But we expected him to bring down – through round the table negotiations – any of the mishaps in kinijit, as a prominent public figure. He rather chose to ran away at the time kinijit badly needed him. Now, the Professor comes back with his criticism, which adds nothing good to this public party.

    I am also surprised on how he looked at Dr. Berhanu’s book. The Prof’s comments on it went much below expected. I see the book as a valuable material in political economics in general and the current Ethiopian politics as well as the May 2005 election in particular. The book in no way is something like “…. Berhanu wrote about Berhanu ……”.

    It should be remembered that had the book been so low in its content as described by Prof. Mesfin, EPRDF wouldn’t have gone that far to ban its circulation in the country, unlike that of Lidetu’s “Ye Arem Ersha”.

    Any ways, I appreciate the Professor’s personal freedom of expression. But, I also advise my brothers and sisters to look at it only as his own personal opinion. The Prof’s comments might be used only as additional information [made from his own perspective] on the bigger issues of kinijit.

    With Respect,
    Yirga.

  33. What is all this? we listened what the proffessor said. He lashed at both Birihanu and Hailu:not Hailu only. So why do you keep whining? Are you after individuals or after the disadvanaged ethiopian people?

  34. I think he smoothly tries to show Hailu’s incompetency by seemingly degrading Birihanu. He tried to tell us both are alike which is hard to swallow.
    The distinguished professor seems misinformed about the defunct shaleka-Taye group.
    What is the problem of seeking position or power as long as it follows the party’s procedure?
    How could he try to convince us by saying all the 15 or 19 council members did wrong among which are found highly educated and committed individuals.
    Had he listened to both sides, at least he could have discouraged well the wild and arrogant speeches made by Ato Hailu and, supported the public reaction here in USA.
    Anyways the fact is crystal clear although we need to listen more from the other delegate members.

  35. Dear Woy-Nedo,

    I think you have lost the right track… why would you think those memebers who joined the pupett parliament should have been given a chance to have a role on key decissions of CUD party?????? Did not they refuse to comply as per of the decission made with explicit democratic procedures not to join the puppet parliament which renders legitimacy to the injustice which EPRDF inflicts on the nations?????? Then, what is its importnace to go for extra procedures to give a voice/poll inorder to pass a legislation????? These bunch of individuals whom TPLF led government did not need to imprison did imprison themselves in their own made cells of disloyalty and betrayal…. What TPLF-EPRDF feared most was those who are entrusted by the people and to the people….. Hence, by any logic and by any democratic thinking, those who disobeyed their responsibility, those who betrayed the people should never ever be allowed any more chance to decide on the fate of the interests of the nations at all… they already have disqualified themselves.. and not anybody forced them out of the game…… Let me tell you one big fact, I was there in Ethiopia when the CUD niminees let the people decide on their choice either to join and not to join the parliament.. and fortunatley, i could attend Dr. Birhanu’s discourse on the issue .. he was addressing to tens of hundreds of people on that event.. and he was so keen that CUD should join parliament (at least that was what many could understood from what he talked then)… But later on when he felt the feelings of the people he reversed his own wish and wanted to submit to the wishes of the majority and the people…. that is what a ‘Man’ should be like….. and my point for you is that the decission of CUD not to join Parliament is not based on their mere interests or poll results rather based on strong public interests and decissions… Then came the decission of CUD days later which ratified the already public decided stance…. So, those members who did not confirm their solidarity to the stance of the party, those mebers who did disobey the decissions made by the majority, those memebrs who did want to follw their own track and not of the people track should never ever be given a role to play.. because if they do, then the destruction woul be more and more harsh than it is now………… When people give somebody a privilage of leadership it should be understood that it comes with full risks and responsibilities as well and not only with service benefits… i cited this in case you raise a concern that they joined parliament because they feared harsh treatment of EPRDF…

    Victory to the Nations!

  36. I think prominent scholar Pro. Mesfin has the right to comment and give advice whatever it seems to him true based on his current data although he is in hospital.We have to respect his opinion. As to the facts,in my opinion we don’t have to rush for judgement.The comments made for Ato Hailu needs no further explanation.Because we heard him talk a lot on the air including publicly despised radios.As to Dr Birhanu, he is able man.He can explain for the recent comments made by Pro. Mesfin if asked.Birtukan is Birtukan like KINIJIT IS KINIJIT.The fight for democracy, rule of law and so forth continues no matter what.Why? Because none of us are free until we all are free.Never give in!

  37. To Derebe

    Stop day dreaming listen to the auditor audio it’s crystal clear what Hailu game is all about now we know more who betray us በስማቸዉ የተነገደዉ የንጽሀን ደም እንዲህ ያጋልጣል don’t waste ur time to create confusion now we know better.

  38. Pro. Mesifin’s interview is the final wetness that the true Ethiopians have been waiting for long. Whether you like it or not, this is the last card the Ethiopian can play. I know it is a kind of condolences for both side highly, and negatively charged of group cause supporters. Believe it this is a word of Pro Mesifin who is well known for his righteous personality, and telling the truth is the very distinctive quality of Pro Mesifin. If you get difficulty of believing Pro. Misfin’s wetness, you may have been waiting for Jesus or Prophet Mohammed to tell you the truth, which will line you with Jewish, who refused Jesus wetness.

  40. This is the Elias that I want to read and support. Not the one who mocks an old man, like President Girma.

    Sir, I totally agree with your argument and keep up the good work. U THE MAN!
    Can you email this editorial to Ato Hailu?, .. that would be helpful

  41. Selam Elias:

    I like your commentary better today than at any other time. I agree with you that Ato Hailu has failed to provide leadership.Your attempt to accuse him of corruption is unfounded in my opinion. Regarding Berhanu, Professor Mesfin spoke what he saw and observed closely and should be taken as such. Having said that Berhanu is indespensable to the struggle by giving conceptual framework for the democratic struggle. Mesfin’s comments may force people to look in the mirror.

  42. Elias,

    What can I say, man. You did it. Nothing ever made sense to me, among your editorials until now. I like it. I was afraid you were going to butcher this guy for good. You stayed cool, to the point, and “non-partisan”. Keep it up bro.

  43. No matter how you guys who support the prof. Mesfin testimony define it, I believe he is dead wrong I think the aging mechanism working against his well-known intelligence. Ethiopia came out of kings, monarchs, emperors rule just few dozen of years ago. The population still behaves and aspires with that kind of discipline; the leaders of that generation cannot admit to be challenged, even though they preach like one. They are not seasoned enough to give the leadership that this generation and the world at large is looking. The professor on his time really tried to challenge the most powerful king ever ruled Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, for human right and injustice, his struggle continue in the aftermath of the king fall with the military junta and the current dictator consequently he suffered prison term several time. He is a well known respected Ethiopian as a defender of civil right in Ethiopia. Today he really messing up with his latest self promoted witnessing from his hospital bed in India. We have so many divider, troublemaker, warmonger, but not enough wise troubleshooter, committed to uphold and advance only people’s affaire and interest against their own. Look the 70 years gentleman Eng. Hailu Shawel, he went against the party he help to found just after he implicate himself with people suspected of dishonesty and embezzlements of peoples’ fund. It was high time for the professor to support and encourage the younger unproven hopful colleague Dr. Birhanu and Wt. Birtukan, instead of inflaming the already burning fire.

  44. I’m with you ER! The Professor should have been a middle man to solve the Kinijit problem not to create more confussion. I expected he would urge both sides to bring the situation to an end to start the struggle for democracy together. Tooooo Baaaaaaad!!!!!!!!!

  45. Elias your analysis is excellent. we should not take the proffesor’s comments as an absoulte trueth. It deserves critical objective analysis just like you did. I think some of us are swade by his popularity and took his comments for granted.
    With all respect to the Proffessor,
    I wish him speedy recovery.

  46. This was one of the best articles I have read so far on this issue. Thank you, Elias. Corruption is what it is. After reading your article, I just said WOW. How true!

    It is strange to see ambition to move up and serve is portrayed as power hunger in our society. Such traits are the desired ones in many advanced cultures like the one we live in. I found it very disturbing to notice this part of our culture. Dr berhanu is a driven high achiever. Rather than encouraging such behavior, we tear down people who aim high. I just hope he doesn’t listen to these jealous and backward thinking individuals and change his behavior. Dr Berhanu is too intelligent and important not have him in our politics.

  47. This is good commentary on Professor Mesfin’s interview.

    Just one point:

    we all know where the truth lies.We all are behind the true line of KINIJIT which is being led by Birtukan, Berhanu, and others. This is the team that made JINIJT what it is and that currently displays a credible potential to chart our ways in these difficult times through such difficult waves.

    But if our goal is a principled struggle against tyrany, a strong KINIJIT,a credible pressure againt the tyrant regime, and, ultimately, a democratic country, then “SMART” is the name of the game.The rules of that game require, among other things,avoiding animocity with any one else except the very click that is at the helm of power, i.e. TPLF.

    It is neither necessary nor, I beleive is justifiable to antagonize Hailu Shawel beyond and above what the circumstance requires.In the first place, he served his way in his own time and that could be some how sufficient to cast him in a more positive light.Even if that is not the case, demonizing individuals just a day after they abdicate from a responsibility they had hold for quiet a while does not help our own KINIJIT to win hearts and minds , what the real battle is for right now.

    On the other hand,it is normal for some politicians to lose lustre every time any struggle takes more comlicated turns as ours is now.However,it is always unwise for those who spearhead the torch to open several small battles here and there.

    We may have a point to ctiticize Ing. Hailu or any one else in his camp.There are indeed many other groups or politicians who are clearly impeding our progress towards democracy, or people who are , in general, very easy to make a case against due to the negative effect of the role they are playing. But every case or accusation, however true or justified it may be,is not worth publicizing in politics.Week politics or politicians always die a natural death with out requiring a shot from others.

    Brother Elias: I understand your point of view and your frustration by the havoak authored by Ato Hailu.(In some ways I prefer to view him as a victim rather than a vilain, the real vilains being Taye Wolde-SeyTanat, Shaleqa Zref,and Mirchaw Komche.)You also have a full birth right as blogger/journalist to freely share your views to the public. But for the sake of a strong KINIJIT, let’s not pay unwarranted attention to Ato Hailu or over play his follies. Instead we need to to focus only on the big picture.One enemy at a time, my brother.

    Otherwise, you are doing a good job.You have a good understanding of the problems and a clear vision for our country. Keep it UP!!!

  48. Elias,well said!I was so disappointed on Professor Mesfin. I was expecting a better attitude and answer from him but today after I read your analysis I feel much better.you explained his mistakes and faults very well. Thank you. What’s wrong with the professor he used to be my teacher and I had a big respect to him.Why was he attacking Dr Berhanu? I don’t see any thing wrong on any of them except Ato Hailu Shawel. Dr. Berhanu is a charismatic, articulate politician who sacrified him self when he can live a good life in USA he was imprisoned almost 2 years. Any ways I wish him quick recovery.

  49. ፕሮፈሰር መስፍን ላለፉት አርባ አመታት በላይ ማንነቱን ያስመሰከረ እውትና ልምዱ ተወዳዳሪ የለለው አባታችንና አለንታችን ነው.
    እሱን በለላ ነገር መተርተርም ሆነ
    ለመተችት መሞከር ግብዝነት ነው.
    ከሱ የበለተ እንደዚህ ኩልች አድርጎ በድፍረት ሊነግረን የሞከረ አልነበረም.
    አገራችንን እትዮፕያ እንደዚህ ያለ መካሪ አባት አያሳታት.

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