According to Kinijit officials, the party’s Central Council will soon discuss and decide on whether to officially join the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD). Before making a decision on this critical matter that has already changed the political landscape of Ethiopia for the better, ER urges members of the Kinijit Council to consult with the public. To help with the discussion, we are re-posting some of the arguments that have been been presented by the following writers in favor of AFD:
The win-win nature of the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy
By Messay Kebede
AFD is a new reason to celebrate By Obang O. Metho
The AFD is created in response to the Ethiopian people’s cry for unity and democracy By Lealem Yitayew
The essense of AFD By Olaana Abboma
Is UEDF running out of arguments against AFD? ER Editorial
32 thoughts on “Recommended readings on AFD for the Kinijit Central Council”
Elias,
Kinijit will not be part of AFD. There is not reversal on this. There is no reason Kinijit would sacrifice its vision for an ethnic alliance that does not advance Kinijit’s visoin – united Ethiopia with individual rights as the founding prinicple.
Can you provide what AFD has done over the last couple of years, except increase OLF’s presige?
No to AFD
I think Kinijit and AFD are different in terms of political tactics and strategies persued by these parties. If kinijit allies itself to spearhead in arms struggle, then it has violated what they have been preaching a “peaceful struggle”. Given the fact that members of AFD especially OLF and ONLF are engaged in arms struggle (re:recent ONLF attacks), Kinijit should not associate itself with AFD, lest it has to tell us changes in strategy.
I do not see the merit of CUDP officially joining with AFD unless the OLF and ONLF drop their demand for self-determination including secession.
It is not for CUD, but for members of the AFD to adjust their ideology before anything like an AFD is palatable to Ethiopians.
AFD as it stands now does not even have the name “Ethiopia” in it. That is very important. Ethiopia has existed way before many nations on the planet. Every startup should not be given support to destroy this proud history. AFD’s refusal to even adopt such name speaks volumes about its intentions. It appears more an AFD of the Peoples of the Horn of Africa. We are not ready for that yet.
AFD should also adopt the basic principle of the prominence of individual rights if they comes in conflict with group rights. Group rights is a suspcious concept that CUD should watch out. Unless handled wisely, group rights is a way by which a group of ethnic elites would hoist itself on an unwary public. Hence, AFD should be clear on that score.
The objective of AFD should not just be the removal of Woyane from Ethiopia. It should be on how to create a democratic and common platform for the various ethnic groups to coexist in a perhaps federated Ethiopia. Any plans to dissolve the Ethiopian entity should not be tolerated. That should be clear from the start, or else to h#ell with AFD!!
AFD as it now stands fails in these and other basic criteria. Hence, AFD should be recreated. If the members of AFD do not like it, it would be better off for CUD to go it alone. Who wants to raise a beast that will eventually eat its own master? CUD should watch out!!
Elais;
It is a good move in your part. What i do not understand is most of the media prefer silence on the matter, why? Is not important issue for the country? what ealse they can say? Hope, we will get postive respose from Kinijit council on this burning and important issue! Peace!!!
Elias:
You are trying to resurract the dead AFD from its grave. It is long gone so it is impossible to bring it now.
Dear ER,
Here are more recomended articles in support of AFD. I got the list from ER’s old Discussion Forum:
1. The essence of AFD By Abboma Olaana, June 4, 2006
http://www.ethiomedia.com/carepress/essence_of_afd.html
2. AFD, the Unity of Ethiopia and the Oromo/OLF Issue
By Qooraa Jaarsoo, June 6, 2006
http://www.ethiotribune.com/files/AFD.htm
3. AFD – Success stories behind the limelight By Workie Briye, September 2, 2006
http://www.ethiomedia.com/carepress/afd_behind_the_limelight.html
4. In defence of the Alliance, By Prof Getatchew Haile
http://www.addisvoice.com/reply-prof-getachew.htm
5. Support AFD for the Right Reasons
http://www.ethiopiafirst.com/news2006/Mar/Support-AFD.html
6. OLF affirms its commitment for democracy and Ethiopian unity,
a speech given in Paris, France, by OLF’s Dr Shigut Geleta on June 17, 2006
http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/520
7. AFD and Its Pledge Of The Alliance by EACA (Ethiopian American Civic Advocacy)
June 6, 2006
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?contentid=1757
8. Ethiopian American Civic Advocacy on AFD, Press Release
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?ContentId=1695
9. “TEBABERU woim tesebaberu” : Opinion On ADF By Wondem WoldeEmanuel, June 7 2006
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?contentid=1688
10. View On The Formation Of The Alliance For Freedom And Democracy (AFD)
by Mr. Obang O. Metho
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?ContentId=1686
11. What With The ADF? By Fekade Shewakena
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?ContentId=1683
12. The Pros And Cons Of The New Alliance By Abebe Gelaw
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?ContentId=1674
13. Barraging the Enemy Camp Zenebe G. Tamirat
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?contentid=1671
14. ADF’s Strength And Limitations By Sewenet Kenennie
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?contentid=1665
15. Welcome Aboard Fighters for Democracy! The Government of Ethiopians by Ethiopians for Ethiopians is at Hand
By Professor Getatchew Haile
http://www.kinijit.org/content.asp?ContentId=1653
Minyaregal,
Well said, I agree with that AFD should be recreate to set an appropraite platform. Having said that, CUDP must bear in mind that it will not can not bring changes in Ethiopia single handedly. If CUDP continues the way it is (no moves whatsoever) the ballgame will still be the same (this is to the benefit of Woyane). Therefore, to disrupt the current situation (the way things are sat by Woyane), there is must be some tactical changes from the side of CUDP. This could be CUDP joining fully to the AFD (I strongly believe to reform it first), only then would we see changes.
Fact is that the two spirits (CUD spirit and OLF spirit) complement each other. Ethiopia without one of the two spirits is doomed to failure. CUD`s spirit is the spirit for individual freedom of Ethiopian citizens and OLF`s spirit is the spirit of collecitve (national) freedom for all nations, nationalities and peoples in Ethiopia.
CUD without accomodating OLF`s spirit has no acceptance in Oromia, Somali, Afar, SNNP, Gambella, Benishangul and even in Tigrai. OLF without CUD´s spirit in Oromia meanse dictatorship after liberation of Oromo people, like what we do now see in Eritrea!!!
So the best remedy for Ethiopia is AFD, the combination of CUD spirit and OLF spirit. The moderates in both camps need to accomodate both spirits and fight for the NEW Ethiopia in which both individual (citizen`s) right and collective (national) rights are fully respected with out reservation!!!
I am sure Frew is open for this vision, but I doubt if Askale is ready to accomodate OLF`s spirit!!!!!!!!!
For CUD to officially join the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD) would be a suicidal attempt.
Joining here and there does not guarantee freedom and democracy to Ehtiopia.KINIGIT must spend more time to reorganize it self first,there are a number of important ideological and organizational tasks to tackle.It is the best way to take a reservation stand at this time instead of joining.It is not the allience that beat Woyane ,it is the tactics,the disciplin,and the Ideological consitency that helps to succeed.Ethipians are not made to work together,they just don’t have a nature of staying together,the more allience the more squabling and disintegration.KINIGIT itself was born as a result of allience which is still a chalenge.If they join the allience they will definately fail.The allience is just periodic rise of a new form of failur,there were many organizations fronts and coalitions formed,nine of them worked.
It is not OLF that Kinigit has to work with but the people of Oromo,KINIGIT must adress the Oromo question in its program,work with Merara Gudina,and the honorable sons of Ethiopia Bulcha,Beyene Petros and so on.
Dear Elias et all:
The Kinijit leadership has said that they do not know about AFD for they were in prison. They said that KINIJIT is not part of the AFD. They did not say they will go, discuss and make decision. they said that They are not part of it. PERIOD.
Why was that ? I think it is mainly because members of the AFD some of them ceased to exist some are currently engaged in intense armed struggle.
The AFD since its formation two years ago has basically done nothing meaningful. It has not even increased in membership by one members. Civic groups were not engaged. The groups do not meet regularly. (or if they meet they do in in secret :) ) . Even one of the member of the AFD has ceased to exist (EPPF). The ONLF is currently engaged in intense armed struggle aided by somali insurgent.
So practically the AFD is dead. Why would CUD leaders want to join something that is dead.
I think let AFD be something of the past. Instead it is time to focus on forming an alliance of all civic, political groups that believes in peaceful non-violent struggles. Such alliance , unlike the AFD which was exclusive must be inclusive and very open to the public. Let there be rapprochement of the CUD, EPRP, ONC, OFDM , Tigray Arena, teachers Union, Journalist unions, ENC, southern people cogress, Tegbar League …
While all the above groups are working together for the common good of Ethiopia which is the establishement of democracy in our country, in a peaceful manner, talks with armed groups must be intensified to convince them so that they join the peaceful struggle.
Armed struggle can force the regime out. BUT it does not brin solution to Ethiopia. In Somalia the main Somali rebel group successully removed Siad Baree from power. However thereafter that group split and continued fighting among themselves. Until now Somalia is in turmoil.
GK
i can’t believe this. all of you who want to wage armed struggle should leave cud and join the rebel movemnts. cud was born and become successful as a result of peaceful political organization and not a rebel movement. cud failed to capitalize on its success beecause of the decision not to join parliament as a result of the diaspora influence which wanted all or nothing. all the defacto military strategist and politicians in the diaspora would like to ride cud as they want. why don’t you go and do the war yourself?!!!
AFD is very important for our joint struggle against dictator . but all who have picked arm and are fighting againt weyane should create united front and continue thier struggling where as kinijit is continue it’s struggle at home peacefully.
Elias – You are simply one genuine Ethiopian patriot who understands the political landscape of Ethiopia unlike some hypocrites who are indirectly advancing Woyanes agenda of divide and rule.
Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD)has created a bridge between major poliitical forces of the country (Oromo, Amharas, Somalis, the southern nation etc). The lies told by Woyane and “neftegna offsprings” about OLF and ONLF is in a nutshell to deceive and mainytain the status quo. BTW: The “neftegnas and offsprings” designation is a reference to those advocating occupation of Oromia, Ogaden, and others with the barrel of the gun.
Those of you who are desperately trying to place a bandage and apply makeup on the Meles tyranny and Woyane’s ugly face are doomed to fall. The truth is OLF (Oromo Ethiopians) and ONLF (Somali Ethiopians) are fighting for Democratic Ethiopia – anything less is unacceptable. Oromia and Ogaden are major part of Ethiopia and will continue to fight until the Oromo and Somali Ethiopians attain there rightful place and role in a democratic constitutional governance.
AFD is an alliance for democratic Ethiopia. It is lack of democracy that is pulling us in to endless conflicts and disunity. Unless we totally deny the fact that Ethiopia is a country of different ethnic groups, we should not deny the rights of citizens to raise any question and organise to that end, including organizing along ethnic lines. For me what matters would be how a group wants to promote its interest. I can not see any problem as long as individuals and groups are ruled by democratic principles in pursuing their objectives. AFD is not meant to remove points of differences, rather it is a means to compromise and learn peaceful coexistence. What AFD does not suit for is dictatorship only. Therefore, there is no reason for CUDP to hesitate joining AFD; with the objective of consolidating efforts to democratize Ethiopia.
Personally, I place my self next-to-none in terms of love for united Ethiopia. Considering ethnic issues as well, I place my self next-to-none in terms of bearing the pain of discrimination and mistreatment due to ethnic origin. If ethnicity doesn’t matter why do the pains we feel due to the killings in ‘Ogaden’ differ? Why do our voices for the people of ‘Agnuwak’ lower than that of Mr. Obang Metho? I’m not blaming anybody, but just wanted to note that ethnicity does matter, and it is natural.
The new Ethiopia I envision is decorated with equality, love and respect. This would be possible only through the struggle of those who have been mistreated and have been feeling the pain most. The question of how to fight dictatorship should be left to the choice of individual groups; and all options should be open.
AFD can be a forum to consolidate efforts to build the new Ethiopia. I think, those who truly understand the problem of Ethiopia and are looking for long lasting solution should join AFD or collaborate with AFD in different ways.
The idea behind AFD is to create an alliance against the TPLF. Alliance is good but there are some significant problems with AFD.
1. As some supporters have stated AFD seems to be advocating an alliance between the Amara and Oromo against the Tigreans. This is the very antithesis of the vision of Kinijit. For starters Kinijit does not represnt Amaras. More important Kinijit does not believe in creating alliances among ethnic groups against another ethninc group.
2. Kinijit has from the begining advocated non violence as its preffered means of struggle. All the other members of AFD are organizations that have raised arms.
3. The objective of ONLF, OLF, EPPF and SLF as different as that to TPLF from Kinijit’s prespective.
As Birtukan made it clear CUDP will support the inclusion of all parties to bring an amicable solution to the problems in Ethiopia. But Kinijit will never be part of AFD. No meeting will be held or no debates for joining AFD.
Beside what has AFD done in the last two years?
VIVA AFD AND VIVA CUD
Very well articulated by Bulcha that joining AFD is not for a debate, but rather as to how to implement what the AFD STANDS FOR:-
”Bulcha says:
Elias – You are simply one genuine Ethiopian patriot who understands the political landscape of Ethiopia unlike some hypocrites who are indirectly advancing Woyanes agenda of divide and rule.
Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AFD)has created a bridge between major poliitical forces of the country (Oromo, Amharas, Somalis, the southern nation etc). The lies told by Woyane and “neftegna offsprings” about OLF and ONLF is in a nutshell to deceive and mainytain the status quo. BTW: The “neftegnas and offsprings” designation is a reference to those advocating occupation of Oromia, Ogaden, and others with the barrel of the gun.
Those of you who are desperately trying to place a bandage and apply makeup on the Meles tyranny and Woyane’s ugly face are doomed to fall. The truth is OLF (Oromo Ethiopians) and ONLF (Somali Ethiopians) are fighting for Democratic Ethiopia – anything less is unacceptable. Oromia and Ogaden are major part of Ethiopia and will continue to fight until the Oromo and Somali Ethiopians attain there rightful place and role in a democratic constitutional governance.
November 21st, 2007 at 1:24 pm”
This short note is to comment on the current discussion topic; whether CUD should join AFD or not. First of all, I want to thank Ato Elias for brining this important subject to public attention.
For me whether CUD join AFD or not is not an important thing by itself (as I believe that formation of coalition for wrong reasons would not make any sense for the vicious cycle of political and socio-economic problem that we are in). What is more important is to decode the rationale behind why or why not CUD join AFD, as it inform us how much we have learned from our horrible past and our readiness to make meaningful progress in the future. Reading the comments, both for and against CUD joining AFD, I decided to comment on the position of those who argue against.
I summarized two major reasons, people have mentioned, as to why CUD shouldn’t join AFD.
1. The first group argues that there is nothing in AFD for CUD. To put it in their own words, this group argues that CUD should not talk to organizations like OLF and ONLF unless they drop their demand for self-determination. This group also argues that “AFD does not advance Kinijit’s vision – united Ethiopia,” AFD does not even have “Ethiopia” in it, AFD is organized by OLF etc,. Let me ask you a question here. Have you ever asked yourself why these organizations such as OLF or ONLF have raised the questions they are struggling for and how successive Ethiopian leaders used Ethiopian unity to deny the unalienable rights of these oppressed people.
Enough of the hypocrisy surrounding your position of Ethiopia unity which by the way has produced nothing good other than the mess from which we can not even clear ourselves for long time to come. Guys wake up and open your eyes, if you were to care about Ethiopian unity and its people as a whole, we could have seen series of demonstrations as you guys were doing to free jailed CUD leaders. Can we ever see a demonstration by the Ethiopian Diaspora protesting the outrageous killings and imprisonment of fellow Ogaden people? I will leave the answer to you. The Diaspora CUD supporters who were busy welcoming CUD delegation in major airports have not time for thousands of fellow Ethiopians currently suffering in Ogaden.
Before I conclude my comment, I want to say some thing, i.e., either these people do not the political program of CUD or CUD is playing the same old game of preaching Ethiopian unity (and nominal democracy) to ones again deceive the Oromos, Ethiopian Somalis, and others. I hope these people do not reflect the position of CUD at all. And even in that case, CUD has a big job of teaching its so called “supporters” its programs and visions for Ethiopia.
2. The second group seems to believe in that CUD should work with AFD and other political organizations to bring in a lasting solution to the long over due political problems of the country. Working with other stakeholders, be it OLF, ONLF or the current regime in power, would help to create political platform that would be inclusive and help to build a new Ethiopia where individual rights are respected, and nations and nationalities live in peace and harmony. It is time we end the zero sum game politics, based on hatred and mistrust. It is only through cooperation and understanding one another that we would be able to see a new Ethiopia built on free will of its people where both individual and group rights will be respected.
Hence, this group in principle accepts the need for CUD to with OLF or ONLF as long as each party believes in democratic values. This is the case because what we need in Ethiopia today is not competition among parities with different ideology, rather parties that are willing to lay down foundations for democracy. As to competition of ideology, that comes later on ones we have the ingredients of democracy in place. Hence, cooperation among political parties with divergent interests would not only lay down the foundation for democracy but also eases the immense hatred and mistrust among our political forces.
Hence, although this group believes and commend the formation of AFD in principle, has reservations on what such involvement would bring to CUD which have chosen to pursue its struggle to be peaceful. As we all may expect, CUD’s official membership to AFD would give the current regime in power a reason to ban CUD from peaceful political struggle because of its association with armed groups. Hence, the argument that CUD should not officially join AFD makes sense only on this ground, if we believe CUD will be part of the solution to the Ethiopian political problem. As the first group argued, if CUD is as insincere as its supporters who don’t care about fellow Ethiopians suffering in Ogaden or Oromia, but discourse Ethiopian unity, and at the same time condemn ONLF and OLF for struggling for their people, it is better for CUD not to join AFD.
Thanks
AFD whether we like it or not has already scored significant victory. At least in diaspora, Oromos and Amharas who have totally cut any meangful communications, have started to talk after the formation of AFD. This is one great achivement. HOwever, this was not developed or taken to a higher stage because of the division within CUD. The main reason that AFD was to some extent paralyzed was caused by the division of CUD. Who would represent CUD in AFD? That was the main problem.
At any rate, if real victory is needed over Woyane the only way is through AFD. I do not believe CUD could achieve this by itself. Neither could OLF achieve victory by itself./ Both group need each other. Woyane knows this, and that is why they are very much against AFD. There was nothing more than the formation of AFD that scared the Woyane.
This is also another substantial article on AFD written in Amharic language:-
http://www.kinijitethiopia.org/docs/AFD/afd_one.pdf
http://www.kinijitethiopia.org/docs/AFD/afd_two.pdf
http://www.kinijitethiopia.org/docs/AFD/afd_three.pdf
NO one party can kick the dictator out of office. Even if there is one, it will soon slide to another dictator. This includes CUD which has no gun for now and which is seen as the most democratic party on earth by some of its supporters.
AFD is the only way out unless we are dreaming of another round of misery on Ethiopian peoples.
It is understandable if CUD leaders are scared of Meles to officially declare about joining AFD. But all other reasons and explanations are absurd and unacceptable.
Peace!
AFD will continue its struggle for FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY and the RULE OF LAW, against dictatorship and fascism with or without CUD simply because there is no other option. Remember, at the end of the day it is ONLY THE GUN or somesort of presure supported by the GUN that can remove MELES. Wait and see…..
So, what should CUD do at this point? Reject or join AFD? Well, that is a tough decision to make for CUD. To me, rejection of AFD or any form of alliance is not an option if CUD is seriously thinking of coming to political power. On the other hand, officially joining AFD is also a risky business at this time! They can go back to that jail. So what is better?
I think the best option they have is to take the risk and declare joining AFD. Here is why: 1) If they do that they will further galvanize the trust and love they already got from their supporters and the rest of Ethiopians. Being in prison is better than sitting outside of prison (but inside the country) without doing anything meaningful. Hereafter, do not expect Meles allow them to repeat the situation of the 2005 election peacefully. No way that he repeat that anyomre! 2) If they go to prison this time around, they will further expose Meles putting him under intense international pressure. 3) If you need to come to power you need to be prepared to dearly pay for it. Be prepared to pay sacrifice whenever it is absolutely necessary. You can minimize your sacrifices, but you can not completely avoid it. Nobody will give you anything for free, let alone your FREEDOM. Yes, that is the reality that everybody should understand. Yes, they need to expect going back to jail if they are really determined to bring freedom. 4) If they decide to join AFD by taking all risk they will unite all forces that are oppsed to Wayyane. They will get more trust among the Oromo, the Ogaden, the Sidama, and other peoples of the country. The only way you can win the heart and mind of people is by standing on their side during such difficult times. If CUD does this more and more Oromos and others will come to believe that CUD is struggling for their right. Cursing the libration fronts such as OLF and ONLF is a grave mistake, and it only widens the ethnic differences as these fronts have already been popular among their respective populations. 5) If they take the risk and decide to join AFD Wayyane itself will probably be pushed to sit and talk with AFD. ….. Many more. So I suggest that CUD leaders be brave and decide to do what is right boldly. Join AFD and put presure on Wayyane.
Freedom and Democracy shall prevail in Ethiopia.
I’m certainly sure that the respected CUDP leaders will never be afraid of any thing. Concerning AFD, they have to make careful assessment if the low that prohibits OLF and ONLF from officially functioning in Ethiopia allows them to officially join the alliance. If that would be illegal I can not see any reason for them to defy a written low.
I was just reading a lot of interesting articles. But most of those articles were hostile to self-determination of Oromo or Ogaden people. To those have really hard time swallowing the bitter pill, I can only advise you to go back and read the Ethiopian Constitution. If I am not mistaken, every State has right for self-determination of its own people’s fate including secession that is guaranteed under the Constitution. . Or proof me wrong. Blame Wayane but not any one else. Not OLF nor ONLF.
This is my opinion on this issue.
I blieve an alliance between groups with different understanging of nationality, Method of struggle and political motto is dangerous. They have to come to a common Path of struggle, not just a common goal just like AFD which is bringing down woyanne. I believe AFD is not a solution for Ethiopia’s mysery as it sounds, instead it is an alliance that could harm Ethiopia’s Unity.
Long live Ethiopia.
And this is my comment on this issue, if i am allowed to.
Thank you.
Hi,
CUD can not identify itself with AFD at present as the stake is high. Forcing this organization to take a stand on AFD is like presenting the organization to the danger of merciless attack and giving the ground for their persecution by the government. Please don’t push the organiztion to committ such things
To be honest, if we want to see peace in Ethiopia, Kinijit must be active and invovle in more disruptive means of demonstration. I mean we seen the Eritreans do that, and they Won! So if Oromo desires to succeed, then Kinjit, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Amahra, and everyone must accept it! I am speaking as someone who comes from both cornstones of Abyssina (Tigray-Oromo)
AFD is the way to a bright future to all ethiopians .CUD need not necessary sit and discuss with other AFD’s members , but they can carry on their struggle from all sides for one common goal and join later after victory. Untill that all the supporters of all AFD can stand together and continue their struggle.
If one says No to AFD it means encouraging separatists to have the excuse to strengthen their aim of separating from the country. Why are you afraid of coming together and discussing the country’s common problem?
I personally salute you to finally realize and facilitate a middle ground for a win-win national dialogue on unity of Ethiopians and other sensitive issues like non-negotiable national sovereignty and inclusive Vanguard Force to fend off the multitude enemy forces which is waiting for their right time.
All kinds of opposition forces ought to realize that in midst of Ethiopia’s arch enemies ” NO ONE is stronger than ALL of US.” Keep on encouraging postive dialogue. So long.