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The hoax being played on us by the Hailu Shawel gang

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

Ethiopian Review Editorial

The Oct. 14 public meeting in Washington DC has left the Hailu Shawel gang naked. Let’s explain why:

1) By restricting media access and harassing members of the media at the public meeting, Hailu Shawel and friends proved themselves to be as dictatorial as Derg and Woyanne. They committed this outrageous abuse of press freedom in the center of the free press capital of the world — Washington DC. This alone makes Hailu Shawel the wrong person to lead a democratic organization such as Kinijit. What was done to the media on Oct. 14 by Hailu Shawel is against the spirit and letter of Kinijit’s manifesto. It is also against what H.R. 2003 is intended to accomplish in Ethiopia.

2) At the Oct. 14 public meeting, Dr Taye Woldeseytanat (Hailu Shawel’s chiqa shum in North America), reported that $120,000 was raised (and two cars were pledged for Wzt. Nigist Gebrehiwot, a poor woman who is being exploited by him and Ato Hailu). While the Oct. 14 meeting went on at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington DC, Ato Hailu’s confidants in Addis Ababa had invited several hundred people to the AEUP office to listen the meeting live. These poor people were standing, clapping and cheering as Dr Taye and Ato Solomon Bekele took turns to announce the fake $5k and $10k pledges and gifts that were coming from paltalk rooms. Now it turned out that only $26,000 was raised — over half of it from members of the Shaleqa-Taye gang. But the Reverend Mirchaw [he owns a church] still believes the $120,000 figure and has been pestering Dr Taye to pay for his radio program in Washington DC. Ato Bedru Adem wants his share, too — $10,000. The frustrated Taye reportedly told both to suck their thumbs instead. Unable to pay, the Reverend Mirchaw’s radio program in DC was cut to 1 hour from 3 hours this week. The scoundrels are now at each other’s throat. Hailu Shawel has been in hiding since the Oct. 14 fiasco. The plan by Shaleqa and Taye to organize several meetings in the U.S. for Ato Hailu, Ato Bedru and Wzt. Nigist has been canceled (the schedule has been removed from their web site).

3) After promising that there will be an audit report, the Shawel gang presented the public with the following financial statement [watch the video here] through Shaleqa Yoseph’s hand picked “auditor” Wzr Yenealem Kebede:

a) Wzt. Yenealem said that her report concerns financial activities starting August 11, 2006. From Aug. 2006 until Oct. 14, 2007, the total amount deposited was $308,000, according to Yenealem. Of that amount only $72,000 was sent to the families of the jailed Kinijit leaders and members in Ethiopia. But even that amount did not reach the families of Kinijit members and leaders. For example, Wzr. Nigist Gebrehiwot — one of the jailed Kinijit CC members who was sitting next to Ato Hailu on Oct. 14 — disputes that claim. Her family had not received a penny while she was in jail. When she got out of jail, Ato Hailu gave her some money out of his own pocket as a personal favor, according to Wzt. Nigist who is much grateful. Ethiopian Review has spoken with other jailed leaders, too, and none of them has received any money. So who took the $72,000 that was sent to Ethiopia, as reported by the Shaleqa’s own auditor?

b) Shaleqa’s ‘auditor’ Wzt. Yenealem reported that $76,000 (out of the $308,000) was paid in salary for Shaleqa and friends. More money went into Shaleqa’s pocket than what was sent to Ethiopia, by his own auditor’s admission.

c) Yenealem Kebede reported that $62,000 was paid for a radio program (named ‘Andinet’) that was launched to attack Ato Andargachew Tsige and other Kinijit officials. Is that why Ethiopians in the Diaspora donated their hard earned money?

d) Wzr. Yenealem did not want to report about the over $1.2 million dollars that were collected by Kinijit North America in the past two years claiming that she was denied access to documents by Ato Berhanu Mewa and others. Invited by EMF, Ethiopian Review and other media to explain this further, Wzt. Yenealem refused. The invitation still stands.

Former Kinijit North America auditor Ato Tesfaye Asmamaw alleges that close to or over $1 million that was not reported by Yenealem Kebede have been diverted to bank accounts controlled by Ato Hailu Shawel’s friends, Shaleqa Yoseph Yazew and Ato Mogus Brook. Ethiopian Review has received information from at least two credible sources that some of this money was used by Shaleqa Yoseph and Ato Mogus to pay for Hailu Shawel’s mortgage for his huge house in Rochester, Minnesota. Since Ato Hailu made himself unavailable to answer such questions, it is difficult to get to the bottom of this credible allegation. But this could also explain the reason why Hailu Shawel has been trying to obstruct the Kinijit delegation’s tour in the U.S. A serious investigation must be conducted by an independent accounting firm into Ato Hailu’s involvement in the diverting of hundreds of thousands of dollars that were collected in the name of Kinijit.

The hoax being played on the people of Ethiopia by Hailu Shawel and friends does not stop with finance. Just before rushing to the U.S. to protect his friends from investigation, Ato Hailu held meetings with central committee members of his former party, the AEUP. Out of the central committee’s 110 members, only 16 showed up. And out of the 9 executive committee members, only 3 showed up. Four executive committee members — Ato Gizachew Shiferaw, Ato Aschalew Ketema, Ato Brook Kebede and Ato Akalu Girgire — who called the meeting illegal and did not show up were summarily fired by Hailu Shawel and replaced with Dr. Tadios Bogale, Wzr. Mesobework Kitaw, Ato Zeleke Alemu, and Shaleqa Argaw Kabtamu. The fifth member, Ato Mulat Tasew, had left the AEUP executive committee before the Kinijit merger. Hailu Shawel also formed a four-member finance committee including himself and Wzr Mesebework Kitaw, Dr Tadios Bogale, and Shaleqa Getachew Mengiste. Additionally, Ato Hailu formed an AEUP task force of seven individuals that will reorganize the party through out the country. All these decisions were being made with the presence of only 3 out of the 9 AEUP executive committee members and 16 out of the 110 AEUP council members.

After telling the people of Ethiopia and Kinijit supporters around the world that all the four parties that created Kinijit no longer exist, Ato Hailu Shawel has been busy reorganizing his own party behind the scene and paying mortage for his house in Minnesota with the money collected in the name of Kinijit.

72 thoughts on “The hoax being played on us by the Hailu Shawel gang”

  1. Elias, First of all you should know the Federal Bank financing system and rules before you open your wide mouth accusing Hailu of taking Kinijit’s money to pay his mortgage. Hailu is not a resident of the United States and cannot borrow money from any bank in the United States. Furthermore, he is rich enough to pay his debt, if at all has bought any property in the United States. He can even subsidize for homeless people like you if you approach him. You earn your daily subsistence by lying every day. I suggest to you that it would be much better for you to beg in the street with dignity rather than to lie every day. You are disastrous person.

  2. Dear the so called “Deribe”

    Either you are Habtegeorigis Cherinet or Getachew Haile or someone who is their twin. The content of your comment is dishonest, rude and bully. This kinds of backward and arrogant comments usually come from them or others who mislead Hailu Shawel. Shame on you guys. Full of liers and power greeds at that elderly age.

  3. I think, now it becomes very clear that Eng. Hailu is planning to lead an armed struggle to kick out the Weyanes. He knows that EPRDFs won’t give up their power peacefully from his experience of the last election and the conditions at hand in the country now. He will divert all the money for the sole purpose of the armed struggle and not to pay for his mortgage as you think. The truth will come out in the near future, any way. While Eng Hailu is committed to lead the armed struggle, settling here in US, Dr. Birhanu and others will continue the peaceful struggle back home hopping EPRDF will be ready for a democratic election. I support both approaches because we have to fight Weyane in both directions to free our people.

  5. Really!…This is the first open discussion I’ve seen from an independent Ethiopian news source.
    Elias, to be honest, you’re one true concerned Ethiopian, and am 100% with you in every effort that u do to throw out fascism and Dictators from our Homeland.

  6. Hi Ere Gorrow (#52) and Deribe (#50),

    First of all, the assumption that Hailu Showel won’t steal money because he is rich is a poor argument and it does not hold water. In fact, people with money may be more susceptible to stealing depending on the amount of money involved. In this case, we are talking about a huge sum of money. So, we will be highly suspicious until we defintely prove that our money is not stolen.

    ERE GORRAW (#52) argument is plausible. You may be right in stating that the best way to fight the Weyanes is in a language they understand. Force. This is my firm belief also.

    But I am supporting Kinijit all the way now because I want to go with them as far as they could to find out whether the peaceful struggle works with the Weyanes. I think if HR-2003 does not become law, then it may be the end of the peaceful struggle. We should allow the process to work itself out so that there is no any ambiguity in choosing the method of struggle to adapt in the future.

    Having said that, the armed struggle approach by Hailu Showel et al ( if true), does not give them the right to insult and demonize the respected Kinijit delegation under the leadership of Burtukan Mideksa. By the way, while Hailu Showel et al are whinning,complaining,bad mouthing this great and wise delegation members, they have actually helped the public enemy of the Ethiopian people-the Weyanes.

    On the other hand, the delegation members are doing a phenomonal job aroung the globe by organizing the diaspora in additon to fund raising and answering questions of concern. They have also scored many diplomatic victories with governments around the world. Remember the role they played by testifying in the congress to pass HR-2003. They are also restructuring the diaspora. This is a huge success compared to Hailu Showel et al who are wasting their time whinning like a baby, name calling and gossipping.

    W/t Nigist was furious for not getting a car like Burtukan She essentially cried like a baby. I heard she finally got one and they say she is happily driving the car in Washington DC. Wait. There is a difference though. A big difference. Burtukan got her car from many poor people who love her while Nigist got her car from a buddy who is a member of her mafia group-KIC(Keysi). This is a huge difference. Any way, I am happy for Nigist. I hope she will now leave Burtukan alone.

    As far as Hailu Showel’s plan to start an armed struggle, I am 100% with him if he has the guts to do it. I will even stop pestering him or his buddy Shaleqa about the whereabouts of our money provided that he is not bluffing to steal our hearts once again. I will also put addtional condition. He should stop working against the Kinijit delegation. If Hailu Showel satisfies these two conditions, I think we will forget about everything.

    I firmly believe that if what #52 is saying is true, it is going to be a great achievment for our struggle. But my hunch is telling me that #52 is dreaming a sweet dream. It may be another hoax again but a good one this time.

    Last but not least, #50 and #52, please leave Elias alone. I know he is a nut. I have many problems with him. But, we need at least one nut in the diaspora who tell it like it is. I think Elias is getting better and better. I think his writing skills and investigative reporting are getting sharper and more interesting. We should give him room as he travels through his own way. Reality and time are better teachers than your insults. Elias is just doing his job as you are doing yours based on his belief.

  7. Ethiopians should not be afraid of telling the truth when it comes to their God given rights. A person who is agianst freedom of speech, assembly and free media should not be CUD but TPLF or Derg. We need another PARTY in addition to TPLF and CUD. What about GREEN party?

  8. Dear Hailus Kampf you have commented that the necessity of another party;green party, establishment in ethiopia other than CUD or TPLF. But I need to remained you that we ethiopians are tired of to look another party. So, it is the best way to search the weakness of the exisising parties to be more democrats than fabricating another useless party. Ethiopia is not poor if we see the number of political organizations.What is important is to contribute your share in urging the existing parties more democrat.Espacially i want to see you contributing your part for strengthening CUD. Why i say CUD because it exceeds other in enlithing democracy. So, if you add your contribution, it will not long take time to see the desired freedom in ethiopia.

  9. Listen my brother Elias. You are ok. An ok nut, as I read it, written by Abiy, #55. Please have respect for your Elders. Let us have respect for each other.

    I have been in this country for several years and I participate in the political process evryday. I have some experience in an elected Democratic Committee Person representation. I have been a Radio Personalities for a number of years. When you go to a Political party Meetings, gatherings, you have to be invited, or/and you have to have your Credential and sign a form. I was there, by the way my wife did not agree with the announcement. I asked about it, but I was told that you did not want to sign a form. I believe, it is standard to sign a form for any reporter/photographer. Otherwise, who knows, who you say you are, who knows whether you are a legitimate reporter/photographer, or tabloyed terrorist, nut, Elias.
    You know what! I am begining to appreciate you, if you do not write this analysis, I would not have all these opportunities, and knowlege to read all types of comments, bad/good. I am learning a lot. Thanks. Just be Careful and don’t go overboard, reduce the white lies.

  10. Elias, for the last more than thirty years the new generation adopted a culture of killing their Ethiopians heroes who fought for the unity, stability and prosperity of the country. You should recall the Derge regime told all those officials and dignitaries to give in themselves and they willingly went to 4th Division with strong belief and confidence that they have not committed any crime. Then what followed was that the Junta regime killed them summarily without any due process rule of law. The so called progressive organizations in their part, such as EPRP, MESON, TPLF, EPLF and the like were indoctrinating the youth to exert on discrediting and degrading the rest of the dignitaries whom they thought could substantially oppose the revolution and their murderous activities. And these youth accordingly were insulting and embarrassing many prominent persons in public including the priests calling them Abdala, Mohamed, etc because of their turban they wear on their head. This culture has now become normal and many radio owners, web site and other Medias are insulting, discrediting and accusing any person whom they think is prominent or capable intellectual who has the potential to organize and lead the party
    Elias I submit to you that that is what you are doing now. I must also say that sometimes you might be right that there could be some discrepancies in administering funds collected or even stolen. If that is true it should be investigated by credible auditor not like Tesfaye a mercenary who could not even convince you let alone other people as I listened to the pal talk few days ago. The accusation should be in order and legal with due regard and respect for the dignity of the parties involved. There should be tangible evidence and you should avoid accusing any one on false and fabricated evidence for the exigency of your purpose. In this respect, do you really in your right mind think that Hailu has taken money from Kinigit to pay his Mortgage in Minnesota? This is insane.
    I know you support the Birhanu/Burtukan group, it is fine with me and it is your right. However, you don’t have exert in incriminating others, namely Hailu without any evidence You should know that there are many Ethiopians who support Hailu and you should respect their views and their position. In any case what matters is Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people? But from what I gathered reading your web site, you are taking this case personal. You are not even interested for the truth of investigation to come out. You are more interested in blaming and incriminating Shalaka and Hailu for ever rather than the issue to be settled. Despite exerting to insults and blaming individuals you should try to reconcile the figures reported by Tesfaye and Aynealem. If it does not reconcile ask another auditor to review and come up with conclusion. Ask Shalaka to submit all the documents he has and others, Birhanu Mawa, Dr Mogus, Birhanu (Accountant) and others, if any. This is money and they all have legal obligation to account for it.
    In conclusion, I beg you to absolutely denounce and end the culture of discrediting, insulting, accusing our leaders on false and fabricated evidence

  12. Derebe

    Although you are trying to cover up the elderly thieves, you are gettting better than your twins.

    You should have respect for a journalist who is doing very well. Elias has the brain and the skills. On the other hand, you are just blinded to see how these people are liars and how they betrayed us. First, they said there is KIL and Shaleqa took the sit although he does not have the brain to lead Edir let alone this kind of huge organization. When they failed sooner they said the KIL was not real. Now even Shawel said that it was real. Who would expect Shaleka and Getatchew Haile could lie at the age of 80. GUD eko new.

    How could you fail to see this Derebe?

  13. Ato Hailu Shawel is one of the millioners in Ethiopia…..He had been a millioner since Dereeg and he does not need anyone of america hezebe money to pay for his mortgate..he is rich…….Regarding the party messing up with the money i can accept this might be a possibility………but i really don’t recon such a big man as Ato Hailu Shawel would be involved in such Kelete…he is a big man who sacrificed himself and all his family for the democracy of Ethiopia….anyhow tewereame aletewerame “Time will tell who is better!………………..! but before we make conclusions it is better to analyse………..think!

  15. Derebe is actually Getachew Haile, a mentally crippled individual who spreads his hate to all other ethnic groups. I wish who ever shot you some twenty years ago finished you. No wonder you, Shaleqa, Moges, and Hailu are good friends. The difference is in the name only.

  16. # 52 is just one big loser like his mentors the Woldesemaite-Hailu gang. Of course, you would even say that I’m 100% sure, Hailu’s shit doesn’t smell where it’s natural for it to do so. You know you are lying, aren’t you?

  17. Hailu is building his house when poor Ethiopians expected him to save them. He is not Ethiopian he is a volture from another planet. You know what taye said one time ” they asked me (ie. kinijit) to mobilise teachers to strike, but I refused…” Now he acts like a “hero” he is another demagog volture.

  18. you and your likes are the reason that woyanei justifyed banniningthe free press. I for sure knows that you and your followers dont understand what freedom or free means.you are acomplet idiot with a brain of a mouse.

  20. Ato Tegegne

    You think you are better when you insult some others “idots with a brain of mouse?” who is now more ingnorance of free press and having a brain of mouse?”

    Andu bandu sisik teshay tiliq! Grum naw!

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