Hopefully Ethiomedia doesn’t mind the re-posting of its article about Ethiopian Review here >>
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ETHIOMEDIA EDITOR’S NOTE – Ethiomedia has received articles that seriously criticize Elias Kifle, editor of Ethiopian Review, over his remarks that have increasingly become unethical, irresponsible and destructive to the interests and aspirations of Ethiopians. Elias, who is perhaps the only person running towards Eritrea at a time when Eritreans are fleeing in every possible direction to save their lives, has brought himself under fire. We hope the editor, who has been generous in attacking others whose ideas don’t agree with his, would be careful enough to accept criticisms with grace, and learn a lesson or two. Following is a commentary by Ephrem Madebo:
“Never kill them before they grow”
By Ephrem Madebo
“Every time I plant a seed, he said kill them before they grow.” This is a living lyric from the late vibrant Reggae star, Bob Marley’s classic – “I shot the Sheriff.” If Marley were alive today, I am sure he would have sung another song with the same lyrics to the likes of Ethiopian Review editor who, like a bad tagboat, throws away every new idea that he doesn’t agree with.
I had a close association with the ER editor years ago in the heydays of “Tegbar League.” In fact, I joined the “Tegbar League” group discussion forum at the request of the moderator (the ER editor), and I was expelled when I openly criticized Lidetu Ayalew for his 2002 crude action. Mind you the ER editor is the very person that blames Meles Zenawi for muffling the free press, but he himself didn’t even think twice before he silenced me in his little world. What a hypocrisy! Regardless of the nature of the ideas, I usually keep small ideas at the personal level. This week after I read two indiscriminately misguiding articles on Ethiopian Review website, I decided to go public because I thought total silence does not do any good to the public.
Towards the end of last week, I read an article on Ethiopian Review that brought to light a covert negotiation between OLF and Ginbot 7. The article inadvertently reveals a possible political breakthrough that has the potential to change the course of history in Ethiopia. If the information that came to light is authentic, I applaud the investigative cleverness of the ER sources for digging deep and informing the public on what is to come, I also appreciate their effort in trying to directly or indirectly put pressure on the leaders of the opposition camp. Here is the part that I totally disagreed and demanded an explanation. For those of you who didn’t have the chance to read ER’s article on the clandestine meeting of Ginbot 7 and OLF, here is the warning of the ER editor to the two organizations [OLF, Ginbot 7] and to the rest of us:
“ER sources in both Ginbot 7 and OLF are not ready to disclose where the secret talks are being held, but for maximum political effect, any agreement that they reach needs to be signed in Asmara. Any one who doubts the significant role the Eritrean government can play in destroying Woyanne is either politically ignorant, or a closet Woyanne sympathizer, or does not fully comprehend the severity of the crisis our country is facing.”
I’m not sure whether the editor is acting from his inner feeling, or out of his imagination, but at least I do understand that when people act under the influence of imagination, there is no boundary for their passion. Imagination is the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses. It is good to allow the image of the outside world have an input in our way of thinking, scheming, contriving, remembering, creating, fantasizing, and forming opinion, but we must understand that politics and everything we do must be accompanied by passion and driven by principle because too much imagination kills both principle and passion.
I wonder what in the “Hell” Asmara has to do with the likely outcome of political events in Ethiopia. Isn’t Asmara the home of Esayas Afewerke, a man who never sleeps before he makes sure that Ethiopia is reduced to multiple mini states? Had there been an inch thick of a heart that worries for Ethiopia under the chest of Essays, Asmara wouldn’t have opened its door for separatist elements that fight to dismantle Ethiopia, and for EPPF; an organization that firmly stands for the unity of Ethiopia. If there is anything that the opposition gets from Asmara today, it will definitely be paid back at an exorbitantly high price tomorrow. The question of Assab, Bademe, Tsorena, and other border areas that I can’t even name are issues that face the current opposition in the future when it assumes power. If we believe that Esayas is willing to raise a lion that may ultimately devour him, we’re not just lying through our teeth, but we are also simplifying very complex national issues.
Another very important issue that the Ethiopian Review editor must understand is that we Ethiopians can respectfully disagree with him in many issues without he calling us “politically ignorant, or Woyanne sympathizers.” As an editor, he must strike the balance between the flow of ideas and the interest of the public. An editor must appreciate dissent and accept criticism. By the way, isn’t the very essence of our struggle built on the values of respectful disagreement and on the principles of working together for a common cause? When an editor seeks freedom of speech for himself, he/she becomes captive of his/her desire and misguides millions of people. But, when an editor seeks discipline, he/she guides the freedom journey of the masses to victory. The era of blanket condemnation and character assassination is over. Editors, or readers, what we do and what we say should clearly identify on which part of the isle we stand. Here is a script from ER editor’s message this week:
“Let’s go straight to the crux of the matter: UDJ by its actions and positions had demonstrated itself to be a political party without a popular base. It is a fake party without popular constituency.”
How do we measure the popularity of political parties? What makes some parties real and others fake? I might not give you the answer for these two questions, but I can at least say the following: The ER editor has neither the moral background nor the empirical authenticity to publicly declare that UDJ is a fake party with no political constituency. How dare a man who like me enjoys burgers at the comfort of a “drive-in,” calls UDJ a fake party with no political constituency? Which constituency are we talking here? Isn’t UDJ a party that collected more than 10,000 signatures in few days when the government required 1500? Isn’t Bertukuan a lady who with no fear confronted Zenawi’s wicked legal system in her professional life? Didn’t this same relentless defender of democracy waste two years of her precious young life in Kaliti prison for our common cause? Regardless of their choice of strategy, Bertukan and other members of UDJ have demonstrated their undeterred will to endlessly stand for the true cause of democracy.
There are many people in Ethiopia who preferred to live a quiet life to confronting Meles. Again there are many of us who raced out to the Western world because Meles screamed at us. Members of UDJ are still in Ethiopia knowing that they might be targets of Zenawi’s killing squads. These people need support and protection, not abuse and senseless mortification. UDJ has taken its first step; let’s give them the necessary time and support to have them show us the whole staircase. If we have no patience of looking deep into the future, then we need to take a lesson from the biblical story of Noah. Remember, there was no rain when Noah built the ark. He built it anyways when others ridiculed him because he had a good vision of the future. Criticizing our political parties is the right thing to do, but killing them before they grow is wrong. There are many things that we can do to collectively get closer to victory. If anything else, please let’s avoid any feeling of bitterness towards others because bitterness is a cancer that eats upon the host.
Evidently, the proliferation of political parties has a tendency to water down the strength of the opposition camp, but this does not and should not imply that we as a nation should be limited to one party. Even if we believe in the idea of one party, we just don’t have to kill existing parties when we embrace new comers. Our belief is ours and ours only; we can sell it to others, but we must not impose our belief on the general public. UDJ has chosen to stay inside Ethiopia and wage a peaceful struggle. To those of us who have a different strategy, UDJ can be our good ally inside Ethiopia. Some of us might not want to have UDJ as an ally, so be it; but this doesn’t mean that UDJ is our enemy. We must make a distinction between a friend, a potential friend, and a foe. In politics, there is neither permanent alliance nor permanent animosity.
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The writer, Ephrem Madebo, blogs Enset, and can be reached at [email protected]
251 thoughts on “‘Time to whip Ethiopian Review into shape’ (Ethiomedia)”
I have seen and read everything.As a professor of Media Studies, and an ordianry Ethiopian, i see all the loophole and mishap to fall on proffessionalism.I know that Elias follows timely and cathchy news items that fulfil the basic values of news.But Elias lacks one basic thing that is proffessionall skill of a journalist.He includes personal opinion and comments on his news.He needs to learn a lot on News,Report,Feature and Commentary writing.If he does so then all the problems will go away all of a sudden.Just always write a clear news pure from your personal bias and subjectivity towards a certain group or country.Pass the real message , that is all about citizen Journalism-journalism for citizens.
Mr eritreanreview.
You see you were blocking our comment on your tabloid website you and your partners Ginbot7 you can go to Eritrea. Leave alone UDJP and Ethiopian people.
Elias, keep up the good work, the guregnoch don’t like the truth, that is why all this negative campaign.
Have a look at the extent of the famine the government is trying to hide, this is a report from some one that is suffering starvation first hand. People are resorting grass like animals.
http://chaplainclair.blogspot.com/2008/06/desperate-ethiopian-food-crisis-many.html
elias,who is real democrat?,ER or ethiomedia,I hate your f^%$#@tg sansure(machete).
Well done Elias, don’t waste your time on replying for a decaying website by the name of Ethiomedia. We appreciate its Editor to come all the way long here, but the Ethiopian people now wants more than just news. It is taking its last breath. The sites popularity has gone down day by day and weak by weak. Once, it used to pride itself by saying the “numero uno-number one” Ethiopian alternative news source. That hey-day has gone with the emergence of vigorous and fresh news from ER. It looks like the Editor of Ethiomedia is attempting to lure readers to itself by using Elias and ER as culprits for the democratic process. But the fact is that, Ethiomedia’s hey day has gone as it is based on providing news while it should have concentrated on how to weaken TPLF and deny the support it needs to stay in power. News alone won’t bring changes. ER’s way of denying any support to TPLF is truly hurting the Meles Gangs and many soft diasporas who only believe on writing articles after articles to show their intellectuality and go to Ethiopia to invest or have a good time there while TPLF’s rule is killing Ethiopians in hunger, disease, conflicts etc.
There is also the issue of Eritrea. In my belief, Issayas and Eritreans can assist a lot on the removal of Meles from the power. I had argued numerous times on the question of “number one Enemy of Ethiopians at this time?”. And for a reasonable person who believes in facts, Meles and TPLF is the number one enemy of the Ethiopian nation. While time and space is not enough to list the TPLF crime against our people, the problem comes on how to remove it. Almost everyone agrees meles has to go. But how? These is the question many would have difficulty on answering it. It is a known fact that opposition movements can not operate from Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti or land from the air by parachuting; which leaves Eritrea as the only option. And the leaders of Eritrea are open for Ethiopian oppositions to operate from their soil as TPLF is also their number one enemy and Threat for their existence. There fore the Ethiopian opposition and the Eritrean government can be partners because TPLF with the huge resources it stolen from starving Ethiopians and the money it gets from US will attempt to destroy both.
The other issue many Ethiopians fail to notice is that the existence of Issayas in Eritrea creates a balance and imagine if TPLF manages to remove Issayas from power, we will endure the slavery we have never seen in our history taking the only place we can exist as a genuine oppostion. Meles and Sebehat had made it clear that the reason they wouldn’t sign the Algiers agreement was to create their long dream of Abay-Tigray or Tigray-Tigrign empire encorporating the entire Tigray, Tigrigna-speaking Eritreans and fertile lands from northern Wollo and Northern Gondar making Mekelle their capital. Sebehat Nega’s interview last year is very indicative of such plan and almost 12 Eritrean opposition groups are stationed in Ethiopia to be puppets in Asmara after the war. For anyone who hasn’t read the book written by Meles and titled “Ye-Ertra Hizb Tigle keyt wedeyet”, the situation will look fuzzy. It is sad to see Ethiopians pay by blood fighting as front-liners and die in tens of thousands for the ego of Meles and the greatness of Tigrayans. TPLF wouldn’t want to cede Badme and Tserona since it believes it is the land of Tigrayans while it gives chunks of lands from Gondar, Gojjam an Wollega to Sudan. This shows that these gangs don’t really care for Ethiopians and that is why anyone who wants to work with them will be criticized and opposed openly as we saw the case of UDJ.
why do ethiopeans keep using eritreans as a scapegoat we as ethiopeans have to look past scapegoats and fix ethiopea so we can rid it of poverty and save are other ethiopean brother and sister 4.5 million are in need of food thats more than eritreans population so we need to look past war demeracted are border with eritrea are neighbour who we must have peace with to have any economically gains in are east african regin. peace is not a weakness its a sign of strength and i beleive you ethiopeans together and show east africa what democrecy is by moving forward not backwards to the derg times. it is time ethiopea aslo stop depending on america and its goverment we went to wr with somilia because of them so they could keep paying us donations is this what ethiopea has become a handout
It is funny how many the Woyane “Aiga Forum” web site contributors rushed to badmouth ELIAS in support of Abraha Belay (Woyane), Getachew Maru, Getachew Haile’s and all other chauvinists etc – the likes of Girma T, Yared etc – They all have something in common – to put down OLF and ONLF who are struggling against Woyane tyranny with the help of Eritrea among others. Woyanes and other Neftegnas would like the continuation of oppression of Oromos and Somalis by creating acrimonious debate among Ethiopians.
Elias – Please continue shading light on all of this ignorant but dangerous elements of anti-democracy elements!
The articles that are posted on Ethiomedia about Elias rude behaviors reflects the feelings I have developed about ER. As a matter of fact, the articles have been past due because Elias has been out of the line for about a year now. His behaviors have been vulgar. Above all, his writings have been immature, discourteous, and offensive. For example, as if he is a strategic advisor to Ethiopian politicians with having the knowledge, the skills and the training he has been generously providing them boorish strategic and tactical advices. He has been insulting everybody who he does not agree with him. He tends to humiliate people that have different opinion than him.
It appears to me that, if he was a man of power he would not be different than Mengistu, Meles, or the Eritrean dictator.
Elias has been a negative element to struggle to liberate Ethiopians. I hope he will seriously consider reshaping his attitude and behavior, and attempt to be providing a fair media that reflects different ideas, and opinions than him. Above all, I hope he would stop using foul and vulgar languages. And I hope he would start respecting people.
Thanks
ER + shabea = ethiomedia + woyanae,….wake up,Do the math folks!.
Finally someone got the gut to say what we all feel about Elias. In my opinion, Elias always posts comments that support his point of views but if you disagree one bit, you will never see your comments on ER. i always new both ER and Ethiomedia are undercover suporters of the current governemnt. and i will not be surprised if someone decides to write the kind of article about ethiomedia. i remember reading all these articles about sihye abraha, how he sold our country, how he buchered so money ethiopians under meles zenawi which is absolutely true and he should be held accountable for his involvement. however, when he got out of the prison, he was presented to us as hero whose believes are far from his dictator friends, and he is a true ethiopian who is willing to sacrifice whatever it takes….so on. who was sayig all the good things about sihye, it was ETHIOMEDIA. So i know many agree with what is being said about Elias but just know that Ethiomedia is no different. they are both working to confuse people and trying to keep us from finding the truth. Elias if you truly care for Ethiopia, take the advice and shape up.
elias pleas give me a favor..change ur website to eritran view. your time is up bro. leve ethiopia for ethiopians.
ppl; if you want to comment about the article fine! but live the Tigrian stuff out of it! This is one person whether it be Dr Belay or …ppl within Ethiopianreview!!!
I am supprise even when they post ethiomedia comment up in here …this ppl who edite ethioreview are something ..they tend not to post my comment whenever i have a disagreeing comment about them!
I think the lot of problem fall in to the editors!
Dear Elias, I appreciate your investigative news, and your commitment to urge people to stand up against the dictators we have, and the pressure you put on opposition parties. i also understand your analysis in your view, which is one of the democratic rights.
However some of your recommendations and conclusions are questionable and controversial .
for the other people to tell you to get in shape is not right b/c you are judged by the readers. if the readers find your site interesting they will come back or vice versa.
finally, take those articles as constructive critics and go on and do what you have to do.
For the Article writer, please don’t bring your previous experience with Elias ,which we don’t have any details to believe you, To persuade us how his commentary is wrong .
to those people who think Elias is shabia/ Eritrian, he is not.
If elias is wrong then meles should be right. period.
elias kifle’s strong pro eritrean stance has made most ethiopians suspicious about his motives.reading from his website is like reading from a shaebia media. there are two plausible things to do.
1-explain unequivocally what his relation is with eritrea and shaebia
2-change the name of his website to eritrean review this way it will make a whole lot sense
we ethiopians don’t need to lick eritrean ass to defeat woyane. we need to unite among ourselves.that should be our strength. we don’t need some shady character to push his eritrean agenda exploiting the situation of the opposition.
you can fool some people sometime but you can’t fool all the people all the time
A smear campaign and professional journalism
By Getachew T. | June 21, 2008
Elias
ER Editor Elias Kifle
“Within democratic theory, there are two indispensable functions that journalism must serve in a self-governing society. First, the media system must provide a rigorous accounting of people in power and people who want to be in power, in both the public and private sector. This is known as the watchdog role. Second, the media system must provide reliable information and a wide range of informed opinions on the important social and political issues of the day.” – Robert W. McChesney (Journalism, Democracy, … and Class Struggle: Monthly review, V.52, N0.6)
As we all know, the Ethiopian Diaspora as the rest of the Diaspora population, is enjoying the freedom of speech this land of opportunity has given. Thus it is sharing political and economic information, news, different views on various subjects, and other community services. It has gotten the opportunity of having and using different media outlets including, but not limited to radio, television, internet, and community newspapers.
One of the many media outlets and one in the forefront is the Ethiopian Review. Thus, up until recently, I have been reading the writings and interviews of one individual here in the metropolitan area. The Editor and owner of Ethiopian Review, Mr. Elias Kilfe, was believed to be a strong advocate of human rights, democracy, justice and freedom in his home country. Thanks to the opportunity he got in this country, he has played, along with others, a vital role in organizing different grassroots movements especially during the difficult years of 2005-2006 when the entire democratic struggle in Ethiopia was crippled by dictator Meles. Thus, the website he runs has many visitors, regardless whether the published articles and news are serious enough. As mentioned above, most of us know that the editor is a strong opponent of the current repressive regime in Ethiopia.
However, the question is: Does this journalist/activist have the ability, profession, discipline, modesty, strength, and other necessary journalistic tools, as McChesney stated, to provide a rigorous accounting of people in power and people who want to be in power, in both the public and private sector and provide reliable information and a wide range of informed opinions on the important social and political issues of the day? The answer is just NO.
Then, the second question comes: Why do people read his articles or news reports? The answer could be just to get some sort of information about the current situation at home. Unfortunately, sensational subjects and rumors are also considered to be ‘news.’ The other reasons could be either due to lack of other means of information or due to lack of information about the existence of other means of getting news and information.
His commentaries had attracted genuine comments and some attacks in the past. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been seen correcting his mistakes. As a result, he has failed to defend the respected profession of jounalism on his side. His smear campaign against prominent figures, politicians, and fellow citizens that have different views from him, and uneducated analysis and commentaries on the country’s geopolitics have reached to the point where a decent comment is needed. Therefore, for readers’ further discussion on the role of the editor of ER and where he stands on various issues, and the impact of the website he runs, a few of his many controversial and divisive positions are presented below.
* Any person or group that has different views and positions on the form, place, type, and time of the struggle for democracy and justice from his is labeled and becomes the primary target of his malicious attack. Please see the recent articles about the formation of UDJ and its leaders.
* He flip-flops on many issues along with any emerging political movement.
* His unwavering support for the other ‘Pinoche of Eritrea,’ Mr. Issayas Afewerki, who was the God father of the dictator in Ethiopia is manifested on many occasions. No one believes Essayas will be the reliable friend and neighbor of Ethiopia who loves to see a strong Ethiopia next door. Otherwise, he would not have fought for 30 years to separate the ancient and historical province, Bahre Negash (Eritrea) from Ethiopia.
* His unsubstantiated support for ethnic-based armed struggle is so astounding that it does not seem that he has understood the consequence of it unless he has a dream of seeing a dismantled Ethiopia. Again, it should be clear that no form of atrocity and genocide is acceptable no matter which side did it. The argument is that the support that is (to be) given to ethnic-based oppositions that bear arms should be based on their strong position for the establishment of a democratic society in that country and on defending the territorial integrity of the country.
* The soldiers that are killed in Somalia by the order of their brutal leader are called ‘woyane mercenaries,’ as if they are not sons and daughters of Ethiopia. He is extremely happy with their horrific death. The news he wrote about the headless bodies of the Ethiopian soldiers being dragged in the streets of Mogadishu was too clear he lacked the minimal sympathy for those poor Ethiopians who are obviously the victims of the enemies in power in Ethiopia. This position is similar to the position of TPLF that disarmed, dismantled and demoralized what was one of the most professional armies on the continent. The enemy regime has even sentenced members of the Black Eagle of the former Ethiopian Air Force pilots to death. What did they do other than obeying orders? Here, it should be clear that it doesn’t mean there were no specialized forces, who like ‘Agazi,’ were trained and equipped to harass, kidnap, torture, and kill citizens of the country.
* Although we understand the situation of the country under mercenary Meles, Mr. Elias is obsessed with his own idea of having a government in exile, and now an opposition in exile. The question is, who is paying the utmost sacrifice at home? What are his historical and current references that justify his argument? Was Mandela in Europe when his country was liberated from apartheid? Is Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in exile when fighting for democracy in her country – Burma? Where is Morgan Tsyangirai of Zimbabwe?
What makes the above and other numerous observations that are not mentioned here more alarming and surprising is that Mr. Elias is positioning himself as an individual who is advocating for his people and the country he claims to be from. Why then he has no regard and decency to the people at home who are ready to give their lives and their supporters in the Diaspora? He is serving (whether knowingly or unknowingly) the current authoritarian and brutal dictator of Ethiopia by working hard in the smear campaign against true freedom fighters.
As McChesney said, “If there could be no dissident press, there could be no democracy.” But dissenting should not be staining and smudging the heroes and heroines of the country and engaging in dismantling democratic parties and movements that are founded with heavy price. As a final note, I say ‘Watch out Ginbot 7 Movement.’ Tomorrow you will be the next victim of Ethiopian Review’s smear campaign.
elias atleast ethiomedia more trusted than ER it doesn’t matter who is .
I used to be a regular visitor at this website. But having seen the invisible hand of Eritreans in the past, I never came here for over two years. I did so today because I saw the articles at Ethiomedia. For me, Ethiopia has one and only one enemy. In one word, Eritrea. That includes those that are masquerading as Ethiopians at arat kilo, Meles, Sebhat, Bereket, Samora etc. Therefore, I don’t give shit about this thing he used to work with Eritreans, he is Tigre, he is this and that. My enemy, the one that brought Mussolini’s ethnic bantustan to my country, the one that wiped the provinces off the face of the Earth, the one that tortures Ethiopians day and night is the Eritrean Meles Zenawi. Therefore, if Elias works with Eritreans, he is the enemy of Ethiopia, full stop.
Thanks Ephrem Madebo, you are the true son of Ethiopia, we are all proud of you.
Guys,
Havn’t yet known that Ethiomedia is working for Tigiray supermacy. Abiraha Belay is another Meles but who personally disagree with Meles with some internal issues. Otherwise both are working for the same goal. To raise Tigirie and Tigrians. He is subtle killer of Ethiopia.
Elias, you are the true son of Ethiopia, and keep the good job up. Never give a damn to Abrahas white propoganda.
God bless Ethiopia!
Tazabi from Boston
No wonder that where Ethiopia is today. Backward, divided and get abused by an ethnically based minority group. Eritrea will always remain Eritrea and if you guys (Weyane kiss asses) don’t want Eritrea’s help, then you are not going to get it! Don’t you even worry about it. You can go ahead of dreaming the impossible like Ethiomedia has an adulterated “Pipedream map” for dreaming comes free of charge. Elias will always be Elias and I am sure he is laughing it all off the silly and arrogant coming out of closet Weyanes.
Mr.Elias you call me donkey! you see everybody is bombarding you,”you get what you pay”,I am still the mayor of fifinae no body is gonna touch me except melesetanawi.Elais yewdem!say it again…Elias yewdem!.
Folks,
All those genuinly working and dreaming for democracy and pluralism need not be distructed by the scared and desperate Wayane and its hidden stooge Ethiomedia.
The brayings of intentionally assembled online and offline hidden wayane cadres is only a sign of fear, weakness and panic due to the imminent and un avoidable soon coming demis of the TPLF dictatorship. Bush leaving office, Somali freedom fighters dayly flogging and butchering wayane invaders, Eritrea getting stronger and tronger, etc. causes life treatening phobic reactions for the dictator and its hords.
Their misplaced dumb mumbling is only temporary and is a sign of genuine great fear just like those of dictator Megistu’s panicy orphaned cadres’ during the dictator’s last days, or king Haile Sellassie’s self serving high ranking supporters whom Megistu have been skillfully collecting to the chicken cages in the last day’s of the king’s rule until the king himself was left alone completely naked.
This is what Melles is now trying to avoid by all means through willful strenthening of his hidden and public supporters by funding and agitating them to sing swan songs for dividing and weakening Ethiopians to stengthen Wayane minority dictatorship. This is the dictator’s party work among the masses.
DEAR MR MANDEBO MAY BE ER SOMETIMES MAKES A MISTAKE BUT WE ALL ETHIOPIA´NS BLIEVE ELIAS IS TRUE ETHIOPIAN. mr mandebo if you believe you can fight against weyane with in ethiopia it is your right . but if others belive theye can come through ertrea it is their right . ps mind your own bussiness.ethio media you hate meles not weyane so you better stand with ethiopians.for us weyane and meles are enemies of ethiopia. ER you are doing good job donot listen to those hidden weyanes .
god bless ethiopia
Elias,
How does it feel to be hounded by the paparazzi…hehehe.
On a serious note: you need to answer to 115 posting you have received as of 12:40pm….and more coming i am sure.
Again….Inqiring minds want to know.
of course, the article is correct. Elias , U need to go back to ur old good days of journalism. To be honest, these days, ur analysis is just fear mongering and hatred. Be watchful too about ur association with Eritreans. Rememeber that they are the source and materminds of almost all the problems we r facing now. I am talking about the Elites of them. Ur article about UDJ is irresponsible and selfish. It is so sad to see u hammer them before they are born. Guess what. Learn now or U r lost.
I don’t agree with either Elias or Other pro EPRDF media in issues concerning Ethiopia, because they neglect the very fundamentals of the Ethiopian people. Nevertheless, Elias is by far demonstrates journalism than other so called “journalists.”
I see seeds of EPRDF in online news outlets like Nazret.com and Ethio media
Mr.Elias… NEVER,NEVER,NEVER give-up!,for real man,…… ya big time!.You gave us a room for breathing …honestly!.I love you man.
hey,guys
i wanted to defend the truth.not elias,or ER site. all of you criticizing or commenting on ER , have you ever tried to see the reality. what do you think the best way to free ethiopia from the stallinist woyanne regime? what are our choices? at this time who is number one enemy of ethiopia?woyanne or eritrea?
we need to fight woyanne. not by worshping meles,not by giving our destiny, ethiopian destiny to him. for that we need to use every means,,,why not? if it is favourable to ethiopia, there is nothing wrong,if opposition parties open office in asmara. why not? remember,,,we are fighting for our life,, for our country…we have to see every angle. we shouldn’t be short sighted.
Those of you who still believe meles will hand you power by election…must be realy dreaming and living in fantasy. you need to sit down and think seriously. do not be day dreamers.why do you think meles cedes ethiopian land to sudan? the sudan government in turn will never allow any opposition struggle from their land. you see how further will he go.
Meles dreams go far beyond that, to invade Eritrea and removing Esaias and annointing there his own puppet, then woyanne can live happily ever after.
Don’t u see it. invading somalia, cedes land to sudan,djibuti is a piece of cake,, the only problem for woyanne is eritrea. so, my friends be wise..do not crucify if a person suggests may be it is a good strategy to work with eritrea to get rid of woyanne.
I beieve all of us to think and provide a better way to get rid of the brutal stallinest regime in ethiopia. please do not get mad at each other , get mad and really be angry to the regime that will never hear the peoples voice and will do anything to stay in power. if necessary will bring reign of terror like the 2005 massacre. please all of us, the ethiopian people lets unite and stand against the worst enemy of ethiopia ever seen in the history of the country, the meles dictatorial regime.
Yes, it is time whip Ethiopian review into shape!!!
Lets boycott Elias Kiflom website Eritrea review. I don’t advise anybody to post his or her advertisement on this anti Ethiopia and pro Eritrea website. We have to start to say enough is enough to this Shabia Kadre.
What idiots,
Elias, you should include IP numbers with the replies, to embarrass the idiots that are posting with multiple names.
Keep up the good work
Elias,
I thought I should say Congrats again! My poor friend what else can possibly be more delightful than this for you.
100+ comments!!!!
What more proof can one possibly need!? People like you and some strongly dislike you because you matter, what you are doing is not only meaningul but also consquential!
So who can now in his or her right mind question your contribution? Or deny you your well deserved and rightful place…. well in…what? I was going to say in the struggle of Ethiopians’ for freedom, democracy and the rule of law in their country?? Doesn’t that mischaracterize the nature of your fight?? Or instead let me ask you, do you see yourself anywhere there?
So why should I force you to fit in to some thing or belong to something for which you have nothing but disgust?? Isn’t it too naive for people to try to engage in that kind of struggle.
So may be yours fall in the category of Ethiopians’ fight to reclaim their country. This is a fight against the Woyane which allows any thing and any means. I think what you are doing is best described when put with in that context.
But all this is bullshit. To be honest with you I don’t know why I am doing this. I am bored and am just throwing words and phrases. But still it would be a great diservice for you and your stupid symphetizers if I had to close this babble with out saying this…
I some times wonder what people like you would be doing if by some twist of miracle Ethiopia becomes a country where there will be a rule of law and democracy and where every body has to leave by the fruit of there labour.
And so that you know, some thing is beyond your comprehension or even beyond your capacity of what is with in the limit of the imaginable doesn’t mean it is ideal and not worth fighting for.
Even if it is not attainable for some of us fighting for it is the only way we acertian our humanity.
I know it is hopeless to try to engage people like you with some thing like this. But like I told you I had the time to waste!
Sorry for not caring enough to proof read it before i submit
The biggest fear to Woyane and its cadres is a united Ethiopia and its strong Eritrean friends. Eritrea is strong and united under a strong leadership. Eritrea will always be there for its big brother Ethiopia. This Isaias that Isaias is a hot air. Isaias is a product of a struggle of Eritreans for independence. He has the same view as all Eritreans when it comes to Ethiopia. Ethiopia and Eritrea are brotherly ppl and will live that way forever. Ethiopians have a choice to make, stay with Meles and TPLF or Move to the future to live peacefully with its brotherly ppl and its neighbors (Eritrea, Somalia, etc..)
Elias’ methods of confronting the weyane and exposing their brutal side obviously causes ‘ethiomedia’ serious pain and frustration.
There is no soft-treading when it comes to protecting Emama Ethiopia; Elias is a great man that his put himself in harm’s way by choosing to stand on the side of our country and our Ethiopian people.
Dont even bother replying to this loser who wants to protect weyane’s stay in power.
Elias, please do not stoop to his level and reply to this garbage piece of writing.
I think he is the only one he some how understand the struggle of OLF. every other opposition website even doesn’t speak about Oromo at the same time they want to talk about unity. Without fulfilling the interest of Oromo Ethiopia unity is gedele yegeba. Elias pls continue your work
Too bad, an eritrean(Ato kifle)is making us tear each other ethiopians by posting this piece open for comment. I am sure he is now laughing his heart out to see us distroy each other.
Why doesn’t Ethiomedia write its own critic rather than linking to an obscure blog that claims to be a southern view of Ethiopia when the fact is the guy has not written an iota on issues of the south. One would assume to read a line or two on the Oromo Massacre by Tigre incited Gumz, or a sentence on the Ogaden genocide. But not one exists. A fraud? Of course!
Thus, not only did Ethiomedia exemplified cowardice but also linked to a blog of pretense. As much as I may have an issue or two about Elias’ articles, more so with his intensity & timing than with content, he at least, unlike Enset, does not pretend to be what he is not.
All we can ask of one is to be genuie and ato Elias has done so, I will keep reading him without suspending my own judgment.
Mandebo the old communist with heavy a load of “Emotional constipation”still say’we whom do you represent those who call Elias all kind of name except the truth?Elias keep the great work you do.These woyanne dogs let them bark they know every thing except one thing.”they did know shit”
Elias’s suggestion to work with Eritria to bring down the one tribe TPLF rule in Ethiopia is not a bad idea by itself. It doesn’t also automatically make him an Eritrian undercover either. Elias’s pragmatic approach and recommendations in bringing down the child killer TPLF governemnt needs to appreciated and researched very well. As the woyane junta is not willing to abide by the rules of free and fair election, I personally consider the cooperation of Ethiopian and Eritrian forces to fight the tribalist Woyane government as one real possiblity. I commend Elias for propossing this practical idea boldly and bravely.
My problem is the current reality on the ground. Issayas and Eritrians in general didn’t seem to show any change towards the old plan of dismantling Ethiopia in ethnic enclaves. For example,
1. Why is Issayas still organizing tribal armies (Tigrai Army, Gambela Army etc) still today, to fight Meles Zenawi, instead of trying to put them in to one “Ethiopian Army”?
2. Why are woyane’s deserting army troops that cross to Eritria are encouraged to join ethnic tribal armies?
What is the Eritrian plan for Ethiopia here? Do they think we are stupid or what? Just beacuse we oppose Meles’s one tribe TPLF rule doesn’t mean that we want our country to be dismantled or Somalialized.
If Issayas (and other Eritrians) want a geniune cooperation and a long lasting peace between the two brotherly people, they need to stop the “cat and mouse” game! We don’t want any surprises anymore! At the minimum, ERitria should help to put all ethnic armies that fight TPLF’s rule under one “Ethiopian Army”.
That Ethiopian Army should be called ELA or (Ethiopian Liberation Army)or something simillar! All army deserters from the current Woyane army who cross to Eritria should join only this army-the Ethiopian Army. They shouldn’t be forced to join their ethnic armies as is now being done by Eritria. We have to see these changes from Eritria before we support any kind of cooperation.
Finally my advise to Elias, take the constructive comments from the article and try to refrain from attacking individuals when they have different views from yours. But continue your independent thinking. I like it as many people do. Continue critsizing the policies of political parties as you always do. Also becareful when you recommend Eritrian cooperation with Ethiopian oppostion parties. Do a serious thinking and research first. Think about the points I raised above as they are issues for many Ethiopians.
You also have to be brave to tell Eritrians to change their long-held attitude towards our country. They must stop organizing gureilla fighters through ethnic armies. If they want geniune cooperation from their Ethiopian brothers, they have to help us to form one “Ethiopian Liberation Army”. All ethnic armies must be disolved and disbanned and their troops should come under one “Ethiopian Army” with the Ethiopian flag. That will be a litimus test for geniune Eritrian/Ethiopian cooperation.
Ethnic armies are dangerous and must be stopped. Look what happned in the former army of “Yugozlavia”. Elias, honestly, you are too quiet on this issue, and we don’t see you much critisizing these Eritrian policies! The future crediblity of your recommendations will very much depend on your boldness to tell the truth for all parties including the Eritrians!
Elias, brother don’t have much to say, because you are saying it all…just keep up the good work.
Brother Elias !!!!
This article from Mr. Madebo is an article from THE FORCE to make u a better PERSON. If this situation doesn’t make you question yourself, look in to your past and answer some things you have ignored before, nothing will. I hope you have the HEART and the WILL to change your approach to LIFE.(meaning, with your dedication, your life and work are hard to separate) I respect your contribution to us and I want you to succeed in your dreams.
Mr. Madebo thank you for writing such great input in our behalf. My friends and I were talking about it a few days ago but we were lazy about writing.
Elias “May The Force Be With You”
This man will never listen.How can he?
Poor little dog. It is its livelyhood.Besides, look how its pay master has unleashed his propaganda machine against EthioMedia. There is no such thing as ‘abeden’or Eliaas everything is from EsaaEyaas.
So do not expect ‘Mia culpa’! no way!We know it.
Elias, Do not deter by the Smear campaign of Ethiomedia
Let them Bark and Beat them where it Hurts!!
Elias,
Its quite astounding the amount of patience and confidence in your stand you have to bring in vile articles from Weyane websites and let their handful of cadres repetitively spew their garbage in here.
You:re in a different class Elias, we need a change and its people like you that are at the forefront of it!!
Elias,
I know you erase my short comment as you did more than once before. Basically, my comments are neither very mature analysis of anybody’s stand nor personal attacks on anybody. I just wanted to say that since there alternative means to achieve desired goals, let us avoid attacking the wrong people. If UDJ’s understanding of peaceful struggle differs from our (your) view, YOU SHOULD let them go their way and you continue you chore for the end game, which I believe is to replace Woyanne by leaders from the people, by the people and to the people. We do net have to attack others in order to show our importance.
Thanks
There is no doubt that Abrah belai is a woyane! Forget him and write what you see and feel!!
In my mind, have no doubt that most of the people who’ve posted the comments that attacked Ethiomedia are written by Ertreans. Why I say that? Because it was, is and will be their dream to see a crippled Ethiopia. So “their country” would become pwowerful and infulential in the horn region. It’s their night mare to see us united. So what they have to do is, carry out their mission, pretending as being one of us, pretending as being a concerned and geniune Ethiopians. I mean, there is nothing wrong in wishing all the best for one’s motherland, but the problem I have is, it shouldn’t be at the expense of others, like Ethiopians.I have a lot of Ertrean friends; every time we engaged in any kind of political discussion, implicitly or explicitly, they’ve exhibited that for me. I observed this trend in most if not all. If I’m right, the underlying article was written by Mr. Madebo, so why are some people attacking the website editor? The only explanation is, those who does not like to see us united, those who does not want to see great Ethiopia a reality, those who anxious to see a failing Ethiopia,…use this opportunity to weanken us more. They do that by dividing us. As the famous Ethiopian song goes: Der beeyiaber, anbessa yasir. We should all remeber how excited they were after Elias’s stunning comment on Eritrea during his recent interview with ETN. After all, we Ethiopians should ask ourselves one important qustion; why are Ertreans commenting and participating in Ethiopian discussion sites, like this one, unless they have some kind of mission or interst, when they claim to have free and independent country. As to me, they should not. Watch out these sneaky Eritreans!!!
Elias: I understand you have to be consistent and realistic in your view. You need to support the Ethiopian people and follow the direction they want to go. I suggest you support Hailu Shawul. Because he has the people on the ground and he is practicing democratic participation. But do not worry about ethiomedia it is one of the most dangerous future enemy of Ethiopia. The article is written by Woyane and it is a clear language of woyanes. Look how ethiomedia has been trying to praise and promote Seye abraha and the likes. Didn’t Seye abraha the one that led TPLF and masacred and looted our people from tekeze to Moyale? Now once again ethiomedia is preparing him for another round crime. Go ahead and tell to our enemies that we will establish relationships with any country that is strategically important to remove the barbarous/ethnocentric criminal woyanes.
Hi Elias and all other True Ethiopians,
The successive regimes that took power in Ethiopia have never represented the true essence of what it means to be Ethiopian. As a young Eritrean I was very aware of the difference between ordinary Ethiopians and their brutal rulers. I am a witness to this genuine relationship of Eitreans and thiopians for I lived among Ethiopians for years. I also witnessed first hand the help extended by Ethiopians to Eritreans during weyane’s callous decision to deport Eritreans from Ethiopia.
Now we have come full circle; where it is now time for us to extend our resources and help the suffering brothers in Ethiopia under the weyane junta leadership of zenawi.
We understand your trying times as we were the first victims of the devastation caused by meles and co-horts.
Eritrea is in the best position to assist Ethiopians overcome this cancer of the horn who will not stop at anything to guarantee its stay in power.
Elias, I am hoping you will embed this video I made for all my friends I grew up with in Ethiopia. I was reminiscing all the fond memories that I carry of people and a place I called home:
Eritrea to Ethiopia…Lean on Me