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Ethiopians in Washington DC spoke loud and clear – democracy is the way

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle
Kinijit town hall meeting in Washington DC
Kinijit town hall meeting in Washington DC,
Oct. 28, 2007 [photo: Tewodros Mekebeb]

Another historical Kinijit town hall meeting was held Sunday, Oct. 28, in Washington DC as Kinijit delegates Wzt. Bertukan Mideksa, Dr Hailu Araya, Ato Gizachew Shiferraw, Ato Brook Kebede and Dr Berhanu Nega concluded their USA tour.

The Oct. 28 town hall meeting was where Ethiopians spoke loud and clear that they support leaders who stand for democracy, and respect the rule of law.

The town hall meeting was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, which was full and overfilled into the hall ways, as the photos here show. What a contrast to the Oct. 14 fiasco organized by Keysi’s (KIC) Taye Woldesemayat for Kinijit’s estranged chairman Hailu Shawel.

The host of Sunday’s town hall meeting, the Kinijit Washington DC Metro, allocated more time than usual for questions and answers, cutting down time from speeches.

The meeting was opened by Kinijit DC Metro chairman Ato Yilma Adamou, and Kinijit North America chairman Ato Aklog Lemeneh.

Ato Aklog read a resolution passed by representatives of Kinijit North America chapters who held a full day conference yesterday with the Kinijit leaders. The resolution, among other things, calls for a genuinely democratic election of Kinijit North America officials to be held next February.

Following Ato Aklog’s speech, Prof. Alemayehu Gebremariam was invited to update the audience about the progress being made with H.R. 2003. Prof. Alemayehu said a lot of grassroots work needs to be done to persuade the Senators to pass the bill without delay. He asked every one to use the Senate Advocacy Packet prepared by the Coalition for HR 2003.

Kinijit Vice President Wzt. Bertukan Mideksa took the stage next. Wzt. Bertukan, who normally speaks in a low-keyed manner, brought the house down with Churchillian-like oratory. Her speech was Churchillian because it is defiant in the face of adversity, yet full hope and promises of a better future. The main theme of her message was that the multitude of problems facing Kinijit can only be solved with the active participation of every one who wishes to see Kinijit succeed as a democratic party that strives to bring about freedom and a government by the people for the people. She said Kinijit will overcome its challenges and move forward, because that is what the people of Ethiopia want. Wzt. Bertukan proved once again that she is a shining star in Ethiopian politics.

The rest of the program was a question and answer session, which was moderated by Kinijit North America Inspector General Dr Abraham Bekele. Dr Abraham announced that there is no any kind of restriction on the kind of questions asked in the 2 minutes allotted for every one. Usually Q & A is the most interesting part of these town hall meetings during which one can get the most honest, straight forward, and unrehearsed answers from the leaders.

The questions ranged from possible war with Eritrea, the Woyanne quagmire in Somalia, the death and destruction in the Ogaden to the leadership crisis inside Kinijit.

Regarding the leadership crisis, Dr Berhanu said that the dispute is over whether Kinijit’s rules and procedures should be respected.

Dr Hailu Araya said that the only way to avoid war with Eritrea is by establishing democratic governance in the region. Dr Hailu explained that genuinely democratic countries do not go to war against each other.

This week, some of the Kinijit delegates will return to Ethiopia, while Wzt. Bertukan will join Kinijit Central Council member Ato Debebe Eshetu in Toronto to start a working visit to several cities in Canada.

32 thoughts on “Ethiopians in Washington DC spoke loud and clear – democracy is the way”

  4. OUR PRAYER IS WITH THE DISTINGUSHED DELEGATES WHO HAVE A LONG HARD STRUGGLE AHEAD OF THEM. OUR SUPPORT FOR ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE IN ETHIOPIA AND FOR LEADERS WHO LOVE ETHIOPIA STANDS FOREVER!!

  8. To be frank, I was not satisfied with the Q&A. Most of the questions were trivial. Many unnecessarily wasted their alloted time, focusing on choosing words to praise the leaders, thus had to cut their questions (the important part) short. In my opinion, the most burning questions were:

    1. Regarding the apparent split in the leadership: It seems that some in the leadership are unlikely to be happy with the Central Council’s decision and may attempt to enlist followers along their old party lines. We are not sure if people back in Ethiopia get sufficient information to tell who the wronged side is and put pressure on it. What we have now is a betrayed public by their very leaders who were preaching about democracy and the rule of law. Given the lack of free press in Ethiopia, the blockage on the Internet, the jamming of radios, and the deliberate disinformation campaign, I imagine that the people at home are confused and may find it difficult to know and expose what is being hatched by disgruntled groups. What is the guarantee that the crooks cannot exploit this opportunity to organize using the old party structures to get support from /less/dis/un/informed public?

    2. Now that the Election board is unwilling to reinstate the legitimate leaders of CUD to resume their political activities, do they have any other plans to reach the public and keep the spirit of freedom and democracy active if the current trend is to continue?

    3. Regarding the looming TPLF-EPLF war, there are too many variables in the equation. The CUDP shouldnot keep silent, while at the same time it is difficult to support unjust wars waged to satisfy the lust of warlords. What measures will the CUD take to make sure that our quest and journey to freedom and democracy are sidelined or derailed if the worst is to happen?

    There were also other questions supposed to be raised such as the AFD. I hope anyone who reads this comment forward my concerns the the delegation.

  9. Fellow Ethiopians, this great event is a pleasure, and a power that carries us in the struggle for Democracy, Unity, and Development. Ethiopians in the US have done an exemplary effort in fighting the injustice, the brutality that daily subjugate the freedom of the Ethiopian people. The oppression of the people is the oppression of each of us. Wherever we are, we have to join hand in hand to strengthen the struggle to succeed a long desired free society in our country, which we will be proud of.

  10. First of all many thanks to those who organized this a wonderfull meeting,in which really how kinijit has a heartly support almost from all ethiopians ,except those some puppets of the Keys’s artificial kinijit.And it was clear the difference of this meeting with the 14th Oct .of the Keys’s/KIC,first it is a great shame for Taye, Shaleka, and others who are trying to kill the sprit of the Ethiopian people, sorry I am saying this b/s these persons (especialy Taye and Co) are dangerous & poisens for our mother land. They are not even confident of themselves. That is they didn’t allow even journalists to ask questions, and they didn’t want to show public their activities. Many peoples are worried for Eng. Hailu, I think he is innocently hijacked & misled by these keysi persons. We hope he will return to his way, b/s Eng. Hailu is a very strong person who have contributed a lot for the struggle, but lastly he made such a mistake which nobody expects from him, b/s he was cheated by Shaleka and taye. Any way if these guys have a normal brain it is their last trial in politics and they must immediatelly stop such arogant actions, stop talking even in the name of kinijit… Lastly many thanks to the ER editors for their excllent job.
    God bless our Kinijit!
    God bless Ethiopia!

  11. let’s keep the hope alive!Hailu may start listning his heart,anyone can imagine the cry of Ethiopian people for the last 16 years,millions voted for democracy TPLF responded with gun mothers fathers young and old become prisoners,Hailu listen to your heart don’t forget the the people in this critical time you sacrifice a lot we don’t know exactly why you decided to let us down by stand with unelected immoral and corrupt community outcastes.tomorrow is an other day think about to your name in history book ??????????

  13. I was at the meeting with many of my friends and I am the witness that I have never seen such a big crowd standing fully behind the leadership.It was a referendum on the leadership and the majority had approved this leadership. More photos might help those who were not here. Therefore, please post additional pictures,Elias.

  15. Thank You Elias for allowing me to read all receipes for disaster. Yes the Diaspora can shout, clapp and be happy. That is all we can do. But Democracy in Ethiopia, is only determined by the Ethiopian people who live in the country, and are determined to get it by any means necessary, by their Ballot Box or Bullet, if that is what it takes.
    I hope and pray that Prime Minister Melese Zenwi will give up power to the Ethiopian People without any more bloodshed. Thank you all for writing your pieces, minds.

  16. I watched it on ETN with high enthusiasim. These leaders were well versed to answer questions to our satisfaction.At times it was enlightning specially when Dr. Araya talked about war and democracy.Where there was no democracy there was always war refering to Ethio Eritrea boarder disputes. Everlasting peace would prevail if both nations turned in to a demcratic states. Tamnge really hit a home run when he addressed his message that he was rejoiced at these leaders good achivements though he would not worship them. put big emphasis. looked unhappy at Hailu and Taye group. Over all it was fantastic. Last but not least the set up for the delegates was pretty bad. Should have made it conferance style tables.It was sad to see them using their lap as a table.

  17. To Hiwot #13:

    The interest or reason why U was there and ur attitude is going to determined ur perception but let me tell U one thing if U ever attended the meeting with full attention the speech of Ato Fekade Shwakena, or Ato Akelog Lemlem refers to U on one of the category that was mentioned.
    We have no place for lairs & Alubalta.

    So Don’t lie under ur teeth.

    To Nebiyou D #8

    Instead of backbiting now blaming those who ask why not U ask then using the chance that was available?
    U too Stop ur Hamet learn form the speech.

  18. The voice of the overwhelming majority of Ethiopians has been delivered through the democratically elected CUD leaders with great determination to achieve the goal of democracy, prsperity, equality, jusice, and for sure, the unity of the country.

    All ethiopians residing in the global community have been profoundly and honestly touched, moved, and encouraged by the profesionalism and leadership ability of these products of the unified voice of Ethiopians,in all walks of life, such as, children, youths, men and women who started the journey along with their priceless leaders, and still are marching through thick and thin to reach the acme of freedom.

    What every single Ethiopians amazed by and proud of was that, every CUD democratic individuals have exhibited a unique leadership quality which can never be compromised by any thing; anything, at all. Well done!

    We have been observed the unique ability of the leadership and members in many ways and from different angles without being compromised; this is a well-done job.

    Today, in Ethiopia, there is no at least, satisfactory democracy let alone a meaningful democracy for all. There wasn’t a time where Ethiopians were wrong; in fact, Ethiopians have been right in their searc and find of democracy. They chose their trusted leaders out of their need and quest for democracy.

    Because of their unified might, Ethiopians said “Ethiopia will get moved to equality and prosperity by the devotion of the democratically elected leaders of ours where every single Ethiopians will have greater benifit economically and socially which in return, be invested in in Ethiopia for prestent and future generation. This is the quality of the people.”

    This means, Ethiopians have a unique ability to be good leaders and determind followers in the march for democracy for all.

    The good thing is, Ethiopians know how to creat a valuable opportunity to make legitimate and valuable history; history for all.

    There is always a child, a boy or a girl born in the global community where Ethiopians are living.A leader is always born, not made.When a leader is made, their is alwyas the issue of quality and leadership integrity. Meles Zinawi was born and made in the disfunctional group and as a restult went against the people and failed terribly, to this day.

    Ethiopians have always been wanting to be with their elected leaders, and they have done so. Democratically elected leaders have been born in the hearts and minds of Ethiopians; and they will always succeed chiefly because their are the voice of people.

  19. Here we go. Ethiopians in diaspora have already rejected anti democratic spirit and stand by true kinijit;s delegates. compare 350poweer mongers, old aged turetegnoch , EPRP’s and TPLF’s supporters at the ” historical meeting “on 14 oct with on 28th of oct meeting where true and devoted ethiopians particapted. Mlese is a dictator with marcist- leninist mentality ,where as eng hailu is the worest dictator with feudalist and dergist mentality.This selfish and self appointed king hailu must learn from 28 th oct meeting in dc and give power to the new generation. really Ethiopia doesn’t desrve to have such an arrogant leader like eng hailu. God bless ethiopia and it’s people

  20. Despite bombarding the Diaspora and other Ethipoians with negative campaigns and lies, the Shaleqa group has been exposed for its lies and smear campaign.

    The Ethiopian people are wiser, smarter and are no more fooled by the fedual lords, who see nothing but power for the sake of power and unfortunately in the name of their narrow nationalism like the Woyanes.

    They might make life and the road to democracy difficult, but it is better to expose them now than face them for many years to come, as the legitimate holder of Office, which in many ways will not any better or bring any relief but another misery like the one seen under Woyanes.

    It is sad, these feudal lords can not even learn from the mishaps and mistakes of Woyane that ethnocentrism is bad for Ethiopia

    dh

  21. I was there too. I am Grateful to the organizers and the delegates because they made it, in spite of so much bombardments from many directions. You persevered and made us proud. Each day of the past 50+ days is to be remembered by history. So much has happened in such a short time. Kinijit has survived enemies from outside and from within. Democracy in Ethiopia is going to be a reality soon.

  22. Elias,

    I watched the grand finale of the Washington DC meeting with the delegation with mixed feelings. I was extremely satisfied about the success of the delegation’s tour beyond any reasonable doubt demonstrated by over a 1000 people attending it. Well,this is here in this land of liberaty and democracy. There is always an end to every good thing. Without exaggeration, the Kinijit delegation tour was a stunning success under the leadership of Burtukan Mideksa. But it has to end.

    What comes next is the nightmare. The delegates have to eventually go back to Ethiopia where dictators and killers are terrorizing the nation. So far nobody knows what is going to happen to them except their Weyane tormenters and their security dogs. There is no doubt. The future is blick. This saddens me and I will be extremely angry and furious if I hear anything bad about this group of good people.

    Have Hailu Showel et al learned anything from this meeting yet? May be not. I don’t expect them to learn this quick. They are slow learners. By the time they get it, they will find themselves out of the game. In the mean time, they can pretend as if they are doing something. They are just busy bodies who move up and down desperately but without progress and getting nowhere. By eroding Kinijit from within like cancer, they will probably continue providing their anti-kinijit services to the Weyanes.

  23. I was so happy to witness history in the making.Any Ethiopian who misses these meetings should be ashamed of himsel for herself. I hope God will help our leaders to deliver what they promised.

  25. Wow!!!what a great success!It was really fantastic.It is know clear Eng.Hailu will make up his mind and join this historic group.
    The other fact is that organizers need to be praised,the diaspora also should be given thanks too.
    CUD showed itself,it is a party that never dies forever.

  26. Great day indeed!!!

    I wish Elias could put side by side the two photos of the meeting and that of KIC-EPRP so that people can see them

    Great Job Elias.

    Keep up the hard work

  27. ቅንጅት እንደ ፓርቲ ሆኖ እንዲቀጥል በውስጡ የግድ የጥራት ሂደት መኖሩ የማይቀር ጉዳይ ነው:: ያልበለዚያ የጅምላ ጉዞ ነው የሚሆነው:: ትግሉ የበለጠ እንዲጎልብት ካስፈለገ ደግሞ ግልጵነት ግልጵነት አሁንም ግልጵነት አሰራር ከተጠናከረ ፓርቲው በብቃት ተልእኮውን ሊውጣ ስለሚችል ሂደቱ መቀጠል አልበት::አበው ሲተርቱ ካልደፈረሰ አይጠራም ይላሉ::

  30. I am really pleased and got inspired once again. I watched on TV from Norway. Having known its transmission in advance, I subscribed online. I saw the whole process. I was really impressed. Needless to say about the commitment, honesty and good faith of our leaders. Of all things, i was amazed when i saw the attendants, the oganizers,the event manager or the Dc community in general. Ethiopia has really born many heroes and heroenes. I got confused why Ethiopia didnt get its place it would have been so far, given this potential. I hope Kinijit will save Ethiopia from the sharp Jaws of Woyane. Kinijit will also save itself from wolf in the sheep’s skin.
    Long Live Kinijit
    Long Live Ethiopia
    Long Live Ethiopian Diaspora, KURAT NACHEW

  32. After reading and attending the actual meeting with the Kinjit delegates, I am convinced Ethiopia will lead Africa in real democracy with free election. I heard them loud and clear they want to respect the people’s voice. No one is above the law. all their teachings were music to my ears. I am going to miss their presence in the USA. Long live the bylaws of Kinijit!!!
    Thanks.

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