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Lady Liberty became Lady Surrender

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle
Birtukan Mideksa
Birtukan Mideksa surrendering ceremony

It is not a new thing for Ethiopian political leaders to betray their supporters, and the people of Ethiopia, in general. Even the great Hailu Shawel had succumbed to that tradition. So it is not with any shock or surprise we learned about the betrayal of Birtukan Mideksa whom just recently we referred to as “lady liberty.”

Birtukan has followed the footstep of her former leader, Hailu Shawel, to the Ethiopian political graveyard so soon after she became a leader on her own right. At least Hailu Shawel lasted several years as a respected leader. Even the now discredited Lidetu Ayalew and Taye Woldesemayat lasted many years as popular leaders. Birtukan’s fall from grace is as sudden as her meteoric rise.

What Birtukan Mideksa did on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, and for several months before that, was a complete surrender of herself, her colleagues, her supporters, and her party to the Meles dictatorship in the most shameless way.

Here is what Birtukan did:

1) In September 2007, she assured her followers that the name of the party, Kinijit, will not be changed no matter what. She explicitly said that keeping the name Kinijit is one of the issues that the party will fight for. But when she returned to Ethiopia, within a few weeks, she changed her mind and abandoned Kinijit as the name of the party just because Woyanne told her so. She did not put up any resistance — be it legal, political, diplomatic… none. We did not say much, wanting to give her the benefit of the doubt.

2) Since September 2007 — for the past 10 months — Birtukan said not a word of criticism against the Meles dictatorship when it burned down villages, engaged in indiscriminate execution of civilians, including women and children, gang rape of women, and committed other horrible crimes against fellow Ethiopians in Ogaden and the people of Somalia. She did not utter a word of concern about Woyanne’s secret land deal with Sudan, or about the millions of starving children… During this period, the only word of complain, concern or criticism that came from Birtukan was against freedom fighters who chose to raise arms to defend themselves and their people from the brutal dictatorship. She called their method of defending themselves “backward.” We did not say much, except grumbling a little, because we really wanted her to succeed.

3) Birtukan had promised her supporters that Kinijitj’s 8-point peace proposal will continue to be the primary rallying point of the party. She even mentioned that when she testified before the U.S. Congress. She said: “The proposals that are currently being deliberated in this House [of Representatives] are vital to the revitalization of human rights in Ethiopia, and in many ways reflect the policy positions of the CUDP, and many stated in our 8-point proposal.” But when she returned to Ethiopia, she arbitrarily set aside the 8-point proposal without any discussion, explanation, reason… We only complained privately. Did not say much in public.

4) For the past 10 months, few or none of the families of Kinijit activists, particularly the young ones, who endured incredible suffering have not received any attention. Those young Kinijit activists were the workhorse of the party. They are now totally abandoned by Birtukan. ER has raised this issue often, but the only answer from Birtukan was, the party lacks the capacity to provide economic assistance to its activists. She was saying this while a quarter of a million dollars was sitting in the bank doing nothing.

Birtukan went on committing one blunder after another with little or no public criticism. Most of the young leaders of the party left quietly, disappointed and frustrated with Birtukan’s lack of leadership, and willful submission to the Woyanne tyranny. Many of the older leaders remain in the party because of yilugnta (ይሉኝታ). They will drop out one by one soon after the current commotion ends.

UDJ’s general meeting on Wednesday was a culmination of all of Birtukan’s blunders. To start with, most of the delegates who attended the meeting cannot really be called delegates. They were handpicked and paid by Birtukan to come to the meeting and crown her. The delegates represent no organized constituency, with the exception of a few. Secondly, the whole party formation process took only one day — including drafting, discussing, and approving the party’s bylaws and political program, nominating and electing the council members and the executives. In short, the so-called general assembly was similar to Meles Zenawi’s rubber stamp parliament. Every thing was decided for the ‘delegates’ in advance of the general assembly.

Birtukan and her UDJ will soon join Beyene, Lidetu and their fake parties as Woyanne decoys.

Oh, she will be glad to know that from now on she will be a regular guest at the American embassy cocktail parties.

On top of all the faking that went on in Addis Ababa, the Diaspora UDJ supporters are making too much noise, pretending to be happy as if something big has happened. But the hard truth some refuse to swallow is that what happened on June 18 was a camouflaged surrender ceremony — Birtukan surrendering to Woyanne.

94 thoughts on “Lady Liberty became Lady Surrender”

  1. If I understand correctly, yours (and possibly others) frustration stems from two major concerns:
    1. that the fromation of an impotent UDJ under the prevailing circumstances might give the legitmacy the TPLF regime and its sponsors are badly in need
    2. This UDJ affair might ellude some into believing that there is a political space left in Ethiopia for peaceful process, eventually distracting our focus from other options of struggle for freedom.

    Although I share these concerns, I still believe that UDJ should be encouraged and supported for the following reasons:
    1. It is the only forum to organize Ethiopians at home and break the current atmosphere of hopelessness that followed the split in the CUD. This appears the only way to keep the light of hope flickering even if one cannot do so without the blessing of the TPLF.
    2. The pro-democracy block is under strong pressure from all sides including the masters of the TPLF to play the game by the ever changing rules of the lawless regime. It can prove that the people are willing to use the little opening available if it helps solve the current crisis short of violence.
    3. There is no way UDJ’s formation can affect the momentum of those who took a different course to challenge the regime (like Ginbot 7). That is why the Ginbot 7 founders expressed their appreciation to UDJ leaders although they do differ in strategy.

    With all due respect, I suggest you save your comments for a later date. You are only recommending to quit the current process, but did not suggest a realistic alternative. Quit everything and sit at home, form an underground party, or what?

    Finally, many in the leadership are respected personalities, experienced and educated people and I don’t think they will be herded at will or be hostages of ‘yilugnta’ to satisfy the ego of one individual as you tried to portray them in your commentary. I would also suggest you verify some of the rumours regarding UDJ before posting (like the resignation of some from the leadership, etc).

  2. Why is AIGA forum, the mouth piece of Meles Zenawi so happy with UDJ? What ever AIGA says it is upon UDJ to prove that it is not what AIGA thinks it is and what many ethiopians including THE ER MAN fears to be true is wrong. Read the following it is worrying.

    http://www.aigaforum.com/Birtukan_UDJ.htm
    Small step For democracy, big Setback to Anarchy
    Ms.Bertukan has taken the mantle of the Kestedemena’s offshoot, UDJP. One may have over looked the historical nature of the moment – a women has taken a leadership of a political organization. It could be that the Men of the hour may have been taken by “Kofen” in time of the turmoil, never the less, her decision to come forth puts her in the footsteps of Taitu. Medekisa’s trajectory from the ungraceful moment of “Hulem Mereyenot” at Boston, which may have been influenced by her then handlers who now take “Aradanet” and vulgarity as trade mark for their political strategy, to be this women with sense of direction is admirable.

    But the formation of the UDJ is a slap in the face to the Andargachews who unashamedly reminisced to have advised against taking to elders and known personalities on the merits of going to parliament on the account that they would support instead. The confusion between building democracy and power struggle is evident in this weeks backpacker across Europe who are thumb their chest in juvenile revolt “Meles and Bereket are not going to tell us what to eat, what do and what we do”. What is lost is on them is that Meles or Bereket don’t speak for themselves but are executives of the government that rules people of 80 million. And indeed, Governments do tell us what to eat, what to drink etc. The government they so desire to Emulate have the FDA, the zoning ordinates, the FCC etc where to demonstrate, how to demonstrate etc. The US government was dealing us Lybia and closed a deal at a time when it was accusing a certain Alamudi for dealing with the same country. It was dealing with Iran through back channels while baring and fining Americans who do the same. That a government is the only one with a sole power with a legitimate use of force is lost on them. That is what happens when small people get undeserved proximity to the powers that be. When they get respect they disrespect you. “Tinish Sew hulem Tinish new”. These individuals can rendezvous with another irresponsible election observer and dream of a country of doom and gloom. The self appointed armchair General and Shabia interlocutors can cry FAKE, FAKE. But Ethiopia’s future is bright.

    UDJ’s acceptance of the rule of the game and its attempt not only abide it but go to extra mile to show they do abide by and ask their adversary to do the same, surely would usher a pause and help tender the wounded body of Constitutional rights that have been, at times, victim of collateral damage in a fight between the government and forces that want to unseat it. It puts the lazy and incompetent EPRDF cadres who choose a short cut instead of doing all what is required within the law to win in democracy in the spot light. These requires the UDJ to force those supporters who are for “peaceful struggle” by day and “ Ulegeb” by night that they can’ have it both ways. I would have said Congratulation let the battle for democracy begin, but let me say for now Congratulation, lets see where you are heading. Cautious optimism wins the day.[Alula Nega 6-19-2008]

  3. ስላም ወንድሜ አቶ ኤሊያስ ክፍሌ እንደምን ሰንብተሃል ከፕሮግራምህ ተከታታዮች አንድነኝ ለአንተም ትልቅ ከበሬታ አለኝ ሆኖም ግን አንድነት ለፍትህ ለዲሞክራሲ ሊቀመንበር ላይ በብርቱካን ላይ እንዲሁም በአጤቃላይ ስለ ፓርቲው የወደፊት አቅጣጫ ላይ የጻፍከው ጽሁፍ በአኔ እምነት ትንሽ የፈጠነ እንዲሁም የስዎቹን ድካም ያጣጣለ በመሆኑ ጽሁፉን ልታርመው ይገባል እላለሁ ወንድሜ

  4. No, Elias,now you are not right.

    The Birtukan Leadership is challenging woyanne going forware with its principle. She is facing the struggle that woyanne does notlike most. This is the kind of struggle that requires the sacrifice of the leaders, struggle face to face in dictators positions.

    We are great full for what is doing, and her struggle with and in the people of Ethiopia definitely becomes successful.

    What you have to know, Elias, about Birtukan is that she does not break her promise to Ethiopia and its people. She showed that with her short and young experience.

    Elias, i asure you, do not worry, she is a person of prinicple and integrity. Every thing comes step by step on its period.

  5. Where shall we go from here? Does this mean the end of UDJ? Do we have to have a general meeting to disqualify Birtukan Mideksa and nominate another person instead of her?

    The pain we are going through has become unbearable, and how do we know Ginbot 7 is a reliable organization if we join it?

  6. Dear my fellow Ethiopains would we please try changing our culture of critics to support and encouragement. Whom you think is perfect. Nobody is perfect. Let us develop positive thinking and support positive thinking event the Woyanne team. They will start thinking positively. We all have the same blood and think same though seems different.

    Let us promote modern politics

  7. Dear Editor,
    Thank you for updating us the information that we all want to listen. With all my respect for your resourceful and informative site, it looks you have oversimplified the current situation. To say in a simple term The real Stalin with absolute power is dictating Ethiopia.

    In my opinion we may not find a single approach to tackle the problem. What both group are doing is fine (Birhanu and birtukan). What matters most how this two group use their approach to bring a meaningful change. That We have to see together. Please be patinet and give them some time to act!
    With very best regards
    Ewnetu

  8. Dear Elias,
    Let us hope that your perspective was shared as a humble reminder to Ethiopians to critically question any political movement that might affect their lives.

    With due respect to your freedom of speech/ writing,I would like to suggest that you are un productively negative in your posting these days. I have confidence on you that with all your expertise, you can do a much more positive role than the traditional insult-based brilliance. You are underutilizing your talent especially when you do the ordinary thing in much less ordinary way. You seem to be a well- read person and a proud Ethiopian.I always admired you for your talent.

    What I advise you, if I may say that, is use your website to heal the minds of many who, for various reasons, got lost in the political termoil of the past. Ethiopians need to cultivate their minds, listen to their hearts of hearts in reflection. Gone are the days when we had the “luxury” of insulting each other and diminishing ourselves every day. This time must be a time of healing and it requires people like you, who have the the opportunity and the wisdom. Forgive me if I am direct in this matter but I bet that you can do better. We have heard enough of the revolution of the opressed. We seem to like the word “opressed” for that matter. Let us begin with the positive thing we have as Ethiopians and heal the wound first. Sorry , I am biased again but many Ethiopians are either don’t know or get confused what to lean on when it comes to identity as Ethiopian bearning their ethnic identity. The quiet ones are innocently embarraced by the ignorance of the vocals. Some wonder what difference it makes for Ethiopians to live in the first world (civilized world) If they don’t think the civilized way. I understand that sometimes it is right to call a spade spade, but there will be time for that too. We may call a spade spade for the positive consequence too. In any case, we, unfortunately are not at that level where we criticize our perceived wrongs. We are in our milk age when it comes to genuine values- we lie and decieve ourselves claiming what we are not- We ( I am referring to many of us)need to stop and think what helps us grow, brings us together,and identify us as ethiopians of many tribes.

    And you, Elias are a great person, You got tremendous gifts but for heaven sake don’t underutilize it doing the ordinary thing in much ordinary way. Use the command of your English and the excellence of your writing to heal mind, clear the cloud of confusions that is hovering over the mind of many Ethiopian in diaspora who are still in state of dialema about what it means to be an Ethiopian when Ethiopians are sucpecious of each other on foreign land

    I hope to read your excellent piece

    Bid

  9. Elias: What an incredible observation. You showed to many that no one can get away easily by fooling poor Ethiopians. I like your non-partisan observation of these complex situations. I believe UDJ won’t deliver any thing to poor Ethiopians if it keeps continuing with this course. And its supporters need to understand the double edged game of politics being played by this oldies and opportunists.

    It doesn’t require one to be a rocket scientist to figure out what way to take to challenge Meles and his cohorts. They say fool me once, shame on you, and fool me twice, shame on me for being fooled again. UDJ can’t fool us again and we are not going to be lured to them for a political direction that won’t get us nowhere except be listners of Meles Zenawi’s Arrogancy

  10. Elias,

    You are simply incredible!

    Thank you man! I usually don’t agree with you much but on this one, you nailed it on the head. I heard much about you that you are an Eritrean and more, but regardless, what you put in your article is the fact and I thank you for it.

    Ethiopia Will Prevail!

    Qualkidan

  12. Jegnawoo Elias, it is too early to judge the true Ethiopia hero . Give her a time and watch. Elias do not forget!!! the rigem in Addis Ababa is the most cruel and evil to their our people. they do not give you any chance to survive. so what is wrong to play a little bit trick until you get the upper hand? This Beautiful and energetic Ethiopian ( African) hero waging war against the barbaric weyane regime by any means. She will do what Elias suggested to do when she get strength. She has to play this game . Remember Elias you said last time ” We have to wage all out war against Meles ( Criminals) “. that is what she is doing.

    God be with Her.

    The enemy of ethnic obsessed weyane.

  13. There is an argument from some quarters that it does no harm for people to fight their own way i.e the so called peaceful way and armed struggle. On the surface, it looks like a valid point. But Woyane needs these lame duck opposition parties to be in the country to legitimize its rule or deceive the donor nations that there is a democratic process in Ethiopia albeit at an infancy. These are the arguments the US and some European countries employed in the past to justify giving the minority ethic group ruling the country the benefit of a doubt. With out the lame ducks, Woyane would be naked and what is more, Ethiopians would be united behind the only realistic way out of the predicament we find ourselves in – the language woyane understands best. There is no denying the fact that, in 2005, CUD exposed the woyanes for what they are but that avenue has sadly now been exhausted. If in doubt, re visit the last local election and that clearly is an indicator for what is in store for us. Lets not kid ourselves that the peaceful straggle can take any more steps forward now that the Woyanes have learned a valuable lesson in 2005. It is true that the Woyane armed struggle did not bring peace and democracy to Ethiopia but that is because Woyane’s agenda was never peace and democracy rather developing Tigray at the expence of the rest of the country. I can’t say they have not delivered on their promise. So that is no argument against an armed struggle. Remember an armed struggle is what made Ethiopia the only non colonized African pride of a country.

  14. Elias, they say LETEKEMACHE SEMAY KIBU….man…what do you talking about? Elias you are rushing too fast, slow down man..you sound like you are driving 200mph while the speed limit is 55mph highway. You need to slow down, and it is very shame that you rushly to associate the Birtukan group with the so called trash lidetu and beyene. Come on man…what kind of weigh scale you have at home? Make sure you inspect you measure scale as well? Sometimes you seem like you are driving a car without speedometer and tried to judge your speed by your contact between your foot and gas pedal. Anyway UDJ are doing the best, regardless in order to stick with the name kinijit it wasn’t birtukan’s fault, since there was a highly embarked enemy with in the party kinijit had been created by the moron hailu group and in addition to that Ayele chamisso has sold his identity to weyane to fight against kinijit. So how many things birtukan and her strong group fight at a time….i.e. weyane, hailu group, lidetu group, Ayele chamiso group formed by weyane, the Diaspora eprp group,,,and now the ER initiated by emotional strategy rather than pure facts. Again I think UDJ are doing the right thing and following the best strategy…lets give them time even if they do mistakes this is the type of way we should criticize them. since they have proven them selves in so many ways, instead we need to keep giving them our ultimate support. by the way if birtkuan brought all the participants with the UDJ expense from the rural areas, I wouldn’t blame her since the cost of life is very critical in Ethiopia and most participants cant afford even to buy a loft of bread….instead if ER is generous enough send them some money for their next meeting to help them for transportation purposes and daily luncheon and dinner for their pocket money. Finally I have a big support and admire for UDJ while I urge the ER editor to get out your reckless driving emotional way and do your state inspection before your point out ur finger on UDJ…by the way after reading your trash article against UDJ…I checked the name of the website since I was assuming this article belongs to debeteraw and ethiolion. By the way ER you have taken debeteraw and ethiolion jobs…so what could they post on their website? For this matter I have to be outrageous on you ER…..

  15. Elias, take it easy bro. Tone down your rhetoric. This is an extremely courageous person trying to operate under very difficult conditions. Don’t be so quick to criticize. In fact, she and the new organization deserve all the support we can muster. Go Birtukan!!

  16. ER

    You put it succinctly. Not biased to individuals or groups. Yes, NO YULUGNTA. Kudos Elias. But my question is; how can you compare this woman with a man of clarity like Lidetu Ayalew who is not
    a confused soul like the lady? One might not agree with Lidetu but he is his own self with clear method of struggle and principle, but the woman has no vision and acting like a toy to amuse everyone as is seen by her adorers. UDJ is stillborn when it was contemplating to put the lady without vision as it’s head. Yes, NO YULUGNTA. Elias, you are one of real trendsetter. Kudos again.

    Cheers

  18. eliase, you are stupid. The profession of journalism is not insulting people.you consider yourself “journalist”.go and read what journalism mean.

  19. You are biting everyone like a mad dog. Without even giving UDJ a time to prove what they are able to. Your master (shaebia) is not favaring UDJ that is why they send you to bark. Shame on you.

  20. I think Elias is not normal. He was the one who once praised
    burtkan and know he wants to throw her. Elias why don’t you
    go to Ethiopia and show your courage? We are fade up hearing your leadership lead being in the USA on the fertile ground.

  21. Dear Elias,

    I am glad you finally got it.

    I am totally convinced you misunderstood Eng. Hailu Shawel, because you were totally hate blinded by the Shaleqa Yoseph group.

    It is now confirmed (please check with your source) that the US Embassy in Addis holds a meeting Monday – June 16, 2008 with UDJ & Woyannie officials. The Woyannies gave a go ahead after the group agreed to be a law abiding opposition group (loyal as a dog to the Zenawi government). The US embassy also assured the group that Money should not be an issue. The rest is not difficult to forecast.

    This not a new information for us, but for many of your audience it is.

    My hats off for your fact based article. By the way you also left the Abugida group naked on Saturday. They are not a match for your evidence & fact-based report on the issue.

    I am also vindicated because what I said about Birtukan and the group turned out to be correct.

    Here is my catch for your audience (which I consider them to have a lower IQ) about the ongoing struggle. There are 2 ways to get rid off Zenawi and his TPLF mafias. Peaceful struggle & armed struggle.

    For peaceful struggle to succeed, at least 85% of the opposition group has to come together in that form of struggle. The Government will listen if the opposition is united and succeed in calling protests, boycotts, civil disobedience etc. You can only do this if you are united. For example if the CUD calls a strike and the UDJ and UEDF doesn’t follow, then it will not work and as the process people will lose confidence. And then with out any pressure the government will be free to crackdown on the opposition.

    Armed struggle: We should support armed struggle by any means as long as it is conducted by trusted and genuine leaders.

  22. Elias, It is too early to gudge birtukan leadership and UDJ future struggle to bring freedom, democracy and peace in ethiopia. give the benefit of doubt for some time they just annaunced their party yesterday. let see and talk later then we will hear you. but now i just ignored your comment for the sake of benefit of doubt.
    I still like your informative ablity and dvotion.

  24. Yes, Elias you are stupid, Now I will not trust you more, you start serving Meles’s regim. The lady that has sufferd alot since her judgship, you are buring the struggle of Ethiopian People

  26. Elias ,I do not understand why are you rushing to criticise those who are doing their best at home? do you thing any one can bring any change from aboard? It better do not give any chance to EPRP menga negadewoch to interfere an internal affairs of UDJ. By the way , what has your tegbar accomplished from USA? I do not think you can help Gingot7 IN THIS WAY.

  27. Elias said: “…To start with, most of the delegates who attended the meeting cannot really be called delegates. They were handpicked and paid by Birtukan to come to the meeting and crown her…”.

    They were paid? How true is that? Well, we have no reason to doubt Elias because we have never caught him lying before.
    On top of that, when Weyane did not allow them to meet in a hotel and their office, Eng. Gizachew Shiferaw said that they will ask permission and do their assembly on the 18th June, after 4 days. Eng. Gizachew Shiferaw added that they will pay the delegates to stay until Wednsday. Yes, pay the delegates to stay for few extra days.
    Here you have, the delegates are bought as Elias stated.

    I will try to get Eng. Gizachew Shiferaw’s audio clip if there is anyone who is doubting about it.
    Or, if any one knows where exactly the clip is, please post it.
    I heard him say that live on ECADF.

  28. Dear Editor I would like to apologize for my negative comments to U though U don’t deserve that. I know U are unethical editor who is playing negative role as long as opposition parties are concerned. U spend too much time in criticizing opposition parties than the brutal dictator leaders. And this context of Ur article tell us nothing but Ur wish to seek friendship from Andaegachew’s side. This Ethiopian review website has said more than enough about UDJ & has widens the minute differences of opposition groups and makes them hostile. Dear Elias! Stop this evil mission & be positive U have the access and the potential to make them strong and unit please play that role.

  29. Another thing, why is Aiga forum being so nice about Birtukan/UDJ?
    Doesn’t that explain every thing?
    Aiga is in love with Birtukan, now, and that should cement the editorial of Elias.

  30. elias i donn’t understand your idea sometimes you support samtimes you are against with burtukan in ehtiopia which opposition group open ther mouth in this time i are you little bit lost somewhere to play the game you have to be smart or don’t play bhined burtukan there this hero docters and prof.
    so elase thing twice

  31. Elias
    Why do you have to be obstacle for a peace full struggle?
    We love our country also we have a right chose our struggle to set free our country from Woyanne

    You are doing a lot of good for the struggle please doesn’t destroy your credit.

    You are doing a lot of good for the struggle please doesn’t destroy your credit.

  36. Did you listen today’s VOA the lady is giving compliment about herself? I am a woman, I am young, and ehhhhh? I am Bertukan? Former dictator likes power very much and never praised himself even the now existing never did. Hey Burte I know that you didn’t take political science but you are a social scientist and we need commen sense from you even if you didn’t have commen course from political science dep( may be). yemiyategib enjera kemitadu yastawekal betechemari yeAyen feker keBurte gar yeyazachu sebseb bey atebergageji beluwat belelegne Elias.

  37. Hello Elias, give us more evidence why we should back your point. It is not quite enough to line behind you and turn our back to Birtukan.
    In my opinion we can have both Ginbot7 and Birtukan’s party as what the Northen Iish Catholics used to have: The political party inside and The military party outside.
    Thank you

  38. When a person starts to suffer from paranoa he or she starts to compare himself or herself with the most famous and powerful person in the world. Elias you are losing it. You do really need to check yourself.
    A brotherly advise

  39. Elias,
    Don’t give up brother! Not now, for you have already gone the miles. Politics is sometimes like a prostitute. It goes for the money, or in Ms Birtukan’s case, for fame as well. I did not said it for I really don’t want be a Spoiler” when all the euphoria was at its peek when the Knjit leaders were released from prison and; when it appeared there developed some kind of unfortunate crack in the party unity when we were told that Eng’r Hailu Shawl had betrayed the party and country and that judge Birtukan Mideksa and Dr. Berhanu Nega were on the right track and so on and so forth.

    As an Eritrean who wishes nothing less than a congenial and very satisfying relationship with Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people, I was saddened to learn Dr, Berhanu was quoted (and I am paraphrasing) “If there is any virtue of seceding from a country, it hasn’t helped Eritrea?” or something to that effect!

    I was devastated to hear statements like that from one who has the potential to be in a leadership position in Ethiopia. Everyone that follows the events of the last 17 years and certainly the last 10 years, Eritrea was subjected and is still being subjected to unwarranted and uncalled for demonization, not only by the hapless Weyanes, but by the US and UK-led European governments. Eritrea is the recipient of undeclared embargo by the West. Eritrea continues to be challenged for every noble and worthwhile self help she wanted to initiate. It even gets wrongly accused of many things without an iota of evidence. Why? Because the Eritrean government refused to be a subservient of the US and UK governments’ interest at the expense of Eritreans! So, the point is, Eritrea is where it is because of many, many intentional obstacles the US and its surrogate nations throw at her. But, in spite of all that, I think it is fair to state that Eritrea is doing more than expected because of a selfless, principled and highly visionary leadership.

    So, as sad as it sounds, I am not surprised that our young lady is copping out on all of us, Eritreans and Ethiopians. That is the bad thing. The good thing though, it may be the wake up call that some Ethiopians’ need. We can never take anything for granted. We have to work around it or work with it as appropriate.

  40. Just because ER published an article critical of Birtukan and the path she took, i see many foolish individuals burnt by this accurate article jumping up and down like a pop-corn.

    Sad to see many of my people swimming in the ocean of Ignorance. What is wrong with us? We have been told time and again by Meles to go and fight him if we want our freedom. So why do we choose to beg him to be part of his parliament in which only his voice can be heard.

    UDJ officials need to answer if they realy believe Meles will hand power to them and when. All they promote is servitude and how to serve Meles better than Beyene and Merrara or Lidetu. No wander we still are under the Dedebit professors. It is due to luck of education from our part on not knowing things as quickly. 17 years and shame on us we still hope TPLF will change.

  41. Mr.Elias, i think all you wanted to see is all opposition
    groups start WAR with woyane so you can comfortably sit
    back where ever you’re and wright your nensese!
    Please, as one of the comenter said, go back home and
    show us what you could have done if you were in the shoe
    of Birtukan Mideqesa.

  43. All those commented on the forum has not answered my question. Why is AIGA so happey for what it called the birth of UDJ? Is that not frigthening?

  44. You are moron both in your thinking and doing.Your empty bravado will not deter any one, She has paid dearly with her bing to betray any thing, we all could fight from out side — go to war to up root this Ethnic maniac, but she still could serve us with out being part of the rubberstamp parlament. She could express her objection, she could tell what Ethipian need to snach Ethipia from disaster. She is not stoping any one from doing any thing. But she is the light. After the fight had been fought, the victory won, we need the lady liberity more than any thing. We don’t need another Meles to have another round. moron you are , and you can’t see further than your nose

  45. Dear Elias Weldone, wel written. You are the only trusted man I ever wintnessed in the Ethiopian Opposition movement. UDJP is the party of selfsold opportunists who has killed our past , present and busy killing our future. The country need the party of democratic resistance not the party of defeat and complete surrender. The article below written by Aiga Forum is a clear indication of the the real Identity UDJP .Elias Keep fighting for the liberation of ethiopia and keep exposing political opportunists !

    Small step For democracy, big Setback to Anarchy
    Ms.Bertukan has taken the mantle of the Kestedemena’s offshoot, UDJP. One may have over looked the historical nature of the moment – a woman has taken a leadership of a political organization. It could be that the Men of the hour may have been taken by “Kofen” in time of the turmoil, never the less, her decision to come forth puts her in the footsteps of Taitu. Medekisa’s trajectory from the ungraceful moment of “Hulem Mereyenot” at Boston, which may have been influenced by her then handlers who now take “Aradanet” and vulgarity as trade mark for their political strategy, to be this woman with a sense of direction is admirable.

    But the formation of the UDJ is a slap in the face to the Andargachews who unashamedly reminisced to have advised against talking to elders and known personalities on the merits of going to parliament on the account that they would not support his line. The confusion between building democracy and power struggle is evident in this week’s backpackers travel across Europe who were thumbing their chest in juvenile revolt “Meles and Bereket are not going to tell us what to eat and what to do ”. What is lost on them is that Meles or Bereket don’t speak for themselves but are executives of the government that rules people of 80 million. And indeed, governments do tell us what to eat and what to drink… etc. The governments of the west they soo desire to emulate have, the FDA, the zoning ordinates, the FCC and do tell where to demonstrate and how to demonstrate. For instance the US government was dealing with Libya and closed a deal at a time when it was accusing a certain Alamudi for dealing with the same country. also it was dealing with Iran through back channels while baring and fining Americans who do the same. That a government is the only one who has the sole power to a legitimate use of force is lost on them. That is what happens when small people get undeserved proximity to the powers that be. When they get respect they disrespect you. “Tinish Sew hulem Tinish new”. These individuals can rendezvous with another irresponsible election observer and dream of a country of doom and gloom. The self appointed armchair General and Shabia interlocutors can cry FAKE, FAKE. But Ethiopia’s future is bright.

    UDJ’s acceptance of the rule of the game and its attempt not only to abide by it but go to extra mile to show they do so and ask their adversary to do the same, surely would usher a pause and help tender the wounded body of constitutional rights that have been, at times, victim of collateral damage in a fight between the government and opposition forces that want to unseat it. It puts the lazy and incompetent EPRDF cadres who choose a short cut instead of doing all what is required within the law to win in democracy in the spot light. These requires the UDJ to force those supporters who are for “peaceful struggle” by day and “ Ulegeboch” by night that they can’t have it both ways. I would have said Congratulation let the battle for democracy begin, but let me say for now Congratulation, lets see where you are heading. Cautious optimism wins the day.[Alula Nega 6-19-2008

  46. Just because they disagree with your suggestion doesn’t mean they are traitors. What’s your evidence that your idea is supported by the majority of their supporters. Presenting what you think right is one thing but name calling totally different.

  47. Elias,
    I think you rushed to make judgment on this issue!! We have to try anything and in anyway to crumble the facist woyane regime! Let them try to fight woyane on their own way!!! and I admire them and ready to support them !! Beacuse they did not chose to follow Dr. Berahnu’s path does not make them supporter or lovers of woyanne!!!!
    I agree with you in a lot of issue’s you suggest but on this one NO! NO! NO!
    Thanks for the fresh information and NEWS about our beloved Ethiopia you are feeding us every day!!

  48. Elias, Finally you exposed youreself and ……you know what you are really need??? please take appointment and see mental Doctor…I think you are ill. I hope you might be paid by weyane=devis, otherwise I dkidint excpect this idea from you. I am so sorry……for your comment and I am so sorry for the people eho support Elias comment …..all of you support his idea…please take appointment and see Doctor…..

    God Bless Ethiopiaa!!!!!
    UDJP party will sucessful and will continue to the struggle to free our people from weyane=Devil

  49. It is a day of joy for woyane to have A new Teletafi party
    led by Burtukan.I know most of the members on the high Echelons are there just use the politics as pas time game.

  50. ኤልያስ የሃገራችን ችግር እያሳስበህ በአቶ መለስ ታክሲ የሚሳፈሩትን ዉረዱ ማለትህ ተገቢ ነው: ብርቱካን ለመኖር ስትል ነው በህዝባችን የምትቀልደው::

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