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Professor Mesfin’s dangerous mission to the U.S.

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

The current visit to the U.S. by Ethiopia’s distinguished scholar and human rights activist Professor Mesfin Woldemariam has one mission: To preach to Ethiopians in the Diaspora NOT to support all-inclusive struggles to defeat the Meles fascist regime in Ethiopia and instead to start preparing for the 2010 elections. It is a mission to disarm the people of Ethiopia and make us all spineless people who do not stand up and defend ourselves.

What makes the professor’s mission potent is 1) he really believes in and is sincere about being passive in the face of extreme savagery of the fascist regime, and 2) he is respected by most Ethiopians and it is difficult to challenge him on the issues because of the much harmful idolatrous tendencies in our society toward individuals of his stature. Nevertheless, ER will once again be the lone wolf here. We will challenge Professor Mesfin that we appreciate your sincerity, but your way is against what made Ethiopia a proud nation — give me freedom or give me death. Your philosophy made 80 million Ethiopians slaves to a few thugs. Dear Professor, you are a great scholar in the field of geography. You are a respected human rights advocate. Please stick to those fields. Leave the politics to those who know the kind of language Woyanne thugs understand… more later >>>

112 thoughts on “Professor Mesfin’s dangerous mission to the U.S.”

  2. both of you are day dreamers in the sense that you want to change the government through rehetoric that never bring down the system that came in ethiopia to be there at least for several generations to come. the eprdf is there to stay like the mexican ruling party foe generations becouse it has the vision which the time has come for.democratization,good governance,economic progress are to prevail over feudalism,chauvinism and obsolete system you advocate.period.

  3. After listening to the pal talk a couple of days ago and reading some of comments in response to this article I can see there is a vocal minority in Ethiopia who still lives in the past and would not care about the welfare of the Ethiopian people as a whole. Some of the commentators are still living in the past and can’t recognize the peril that Ethiopia is in now. Unless the majority of Ethiopians stand up and say enough is enough, wake up to the fact that Ethiopia belongs to all its people then they will surprised when Ethiopia is balkanized in front of their eyes. Woyanne could care less about what happens to Ethiopia as long as they are power, when they not in power anymore they have plan B, that is to create the “republic of Abay Tigray” with lands taken from Wollo and Gonder. I can guarantee you that they will not have an inch of land from Eritrea because the Eritrean people unlike some Ethiopians will not let that happen. They stopped Woyanne in their tracks between 1998-2000 and they will teach Woyanne more lessons if they tried again.

    Memo to some Ethiopians, just because a man is a professor it doesn’t make him a saint who can’t make mistakes, traitors come in all colors and shades and specially so called intellectuals are the worst of traitors because they have the capability to fool thousands if not millions of people who are not aware of their treachery. This professor is nothing but a tool for Woyanne, Melles is using him to keep Ethiopians divided. Elias is one of the few courageous Ethiopians who is calling a spade a spade, so some of the commentators who worship this professor as if he is the second coming of Jesus need to think hard and fast before it is too late.

  4. he never acquired PHD, his “proffesorship” is bestowed based on his service and acedemic contribution! Lets be fair here, he is a well known geography scholar! And, his masters was acquired from India! Not even a prestigious western univesrity..so he is more of a slef thought scholar!

  5. Belew! Elias…can you go with this words of yours to Ethiopia? “Give me my freedom or Give me my death!” How courageous!!! May be just like Mengistu H/Mariam: “Revolutionary motherland or death!!!” or was it “revolutionary motherland or Zimbabwe!!!”?

  7. Selam Asfaw Mesfin,

    No onw should feel ashamed of Elias, for he never have felt shamed himself. Elias would never be ashamed of what he is doing, b/s he is un professional and un ethical in the first place. Did anyone watch what he said on the DC based tv about a certian puppet of Meles? Legese Asfaaw?… I dont remember But Elias said “This man (Meles’ tug) deserves hunged at the Meskel Square….” This is who Elias is. I never have read any non-judgmental article of his own on his site.

    The main reason that Meles keeps Ethiopians poor is on purpose–he can recruit spys, soldiers etc—so that he would use them as a weapon. These people do work for Meles may be because they dont have anyother option to stay alive and to survive, though it is still not acceptable when it comes to moral issues.

    It is very sad that Elias, who is living here in a relatively free country, with lots of oportunities, is recruited by some entity to work against Meles, but indirectly, is working against Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

    Begenzeb yetegeza sew ayafirim. Gin endalkew yesew maferia new.

    The best solution is, boycotting his site.

  8. Please Elias,

    If you cannot win by direct confrontation, you must take the path of peaceful struggle to win taking into account
    the prevailing situation in Ethiopia.The current geopolitical condition in the age of globalization (in the Horn of Africa) demands new thinking.The Professor has paid a heavy price for freedom.As you get older you get wiser.
    I still believe that if the Derg was not cornered by many political parties and liberations movements, a compromise would have been made and its brutality would have been avoided. The Derg even crafted autonomy offer with Ertria which Esayas was to accept. MEISON offered to work with the Derg.EPRP with its good intentions to the freedom of Ethiopian people failed to compromise. I am not criticising any organization, because it will be foolhardy to judge the past by present circumstances. But Elias, we have to learn from the past. We have to caliberate what is working. You are an inteligent person. Making compromises by peaceful means to advance freedom and democracy is the correct path.
    Give more Ghandis, MLKs and Mandellas than internet worriers that can further polarize the society and plunge the nation to chaos and oblivion. Peaceful struggle does not mean supporting Meles.You work with him to share power and to ultimately give power to the people without vengeance. If the regime knows that you are going to revenge it is not in its best interest to give power to open negotiations. remeber what Ghandi said, it may not be the exact word, “IF AN EYE FOR AN EYE IS THE LAW, EVERYBODY WILL BE BLIND”! Balcha

  9. When it comes to Ethiopia nobody is indispinsible. The professor have done Some good things in the past and we all exonerate him, but we can’t afford to be quiet when he make a flip on Ethiopian politics. We all remember the transformation of charimatic Ledtu to Outragious Khedetu.
    Elias you are right. Keep up the good work.

  10. Breaking news: Metema is blocked by Sudan
    10 July 2008 (Washington, DC)- The northern historic towns of Gondar, Metema and Abderafi is cut off from Ethiopia as the Sudanese army has blocked roads and closed all communication channels, sources said from the area. According to reliable sources, oil supply and other merchandise business have been stopped to come to Ethiopia as the result of war between the Sudanese army and unknown Ethiopian forces. Sources also said the Sudanese government has deployed huge military force from Gadaref. There was a fierce fighting in Quara in the last three weeks between the Sudanese forces and forces which our reporter says are not yet known. But it seems that the fighting is beyond the knowledge and control of Meles Zenawi’s regime.

  11. Elias,

    your are not the only one concerned about the professor. i believe in the professor or his supporteres knows in their hearts woyanne will never give up power peacefully. but,the part i will never understand is why the respected professor decided to help woyanne. i felt very sad.

    they now talking of 2010 elections,as if there is freedom in the country. ofocourse, the negotiator profess. yishaq will beg meles and they will share power? or still under meles leadership they may get some ministorial positions. but, mark my word the majority win is always for meles and his gang. then they gonna serve meles for another 5 years, ok, what ? yeah in 2015 with another election meles will give them a little bit more seats..in 2020 meles will tranfer power to one of his loyal friend,,and woyanne plan is to play like that as long as possible. i wish the professor, if he couldn’t find A better way to fight woyanne,if he just leave the politics and focous in humanitarian issues.like the great job he accomplished before in exposing woyannes attrocities on the innocent ethiopian people.

    THOSE WHO ADOVACTES TO PARTICIPATE IN 2010 ELECTIONS,,PLEASE ANSWER ME THESEQUESTIONS.

    —MELES ELECTION BOARD
    —MELES MEDIA, TV, NEWSPAPERS
    —-MELES’S SAME AGAZI KILLERS
    —-MELES LOCAL CADRES
    —-MELES LOCAL ELECTION OBSERVERS
    —-MELES SUPERME COURT
    —-MELES FEDERAL POLICE
    SO, U DO NOT NEED TO BE A POLITICIAN OR A PROFESSOR TO KNOW THE RESULT OF THE ELECTION. PLEASE HAVE COMMON SENSE. DO NOT EXPECT MIRACLES. WHAT U THINKING? ” IF WE JUST BEG MELES WHO KNOWS HE WILL GIVE US POWER.” IS THAT WHAT U THINKING? GO AHEAD AND BEG HIM,WORSHIP HIM LIKE GOD, IF U WANT,,THE SON OF DARKNESS WILL NEVER GIVE U LIGHT.

    BUT ONE DAY,SOONER OR LATER ETHIOPIA WILL BE FREE AND THIS WILL BE A VERY SAD HISTORY,,THE DARKEST DAY OF ETHIOPIA.

  12. Elias

    Why don’t you challenge him with your questions? Just invite him to the media and ask him ALL the questions you have. Not only you but all the media outlets in North America – just invite Prof Mesfin for questions and challege him.EASY!!!!

    I am even expecting a debate between Prof Mesfin and Dr Berhanu!! Then we can talk!

  14. The weyanes in this forum are all of the sudden Proffesor mesfin lovers-this reminds me when the white American’s were courting Pacifists like marthin luhter king while Malcom and black panters were being rediculed and even being kileld! Mandella and ANC brought a change by armed and violent struggle not by being sitting ducks that is why the tigrayns are courting Proffesor Mesfin:-) , In fact , Dr. Yacob who belongs to the same party UDJ was being belittled by weyane mouth piece AIGA for making it clear that peaceful mode of struggle doesn’t mean a pacificit oone! At the end of the day, Ethiopian know how to bring about change-the past history is a clear indication. The emperor was over thrown through bloody coup, the derg was forced to leave through armed struggle and now weyanes will follow same trend…so professor Mesfin is just trying to leave a gando legecy but the difference is Gandi was not an apportunist!!proffesor mesfin is not all that cracked up to be-temesaselo menore yemrete -yemuhur beletegna new-

  15. As long as he understands what it takes to continue a peaceful straggle – stoppage of work – demonstrations – defying the butchers openly by distributing document exposing the evils of the rulers – and organizing his part to challenge the actions of the butchers in public – and be ready to be killed or rot in prison.

  16. I am too shocked with this article for several reasons.
    1. A simple journalist attempts beyond his capacity to asses the distinguished scholar;
    2. An individual who proposed one of the worst tyrants in the world as a person of the year tries to discredit the internationally respected father of Ethiopian human rights;
    3. This editor is and traditionally contradictory whose target is to hurt the integration of Ethiopia.

  17. Shame on you dispora, I dont know why we fight each other like this all the time. Let everyone do in his own way. After all the aim is to get our independence. Ato Elias, please dont enforce everyone to walk your own way. What is the difference between your stand with woyane both of you say we know better than you so you have to follow us.

    Lastly, Please Please let everyone walk his own way. Let Professor alone and focus on the Crime Minister.

  18. Professor, we love you but you are wrong. Please do not be an obstacle to the struggle. You could have been the Mandela of Ethiopia, but unlike Mandela, you are asking your people not to fight back for our freedom. If you continue doing what you have now started, in a short time, you will be the most despised old man in Ethiopia. Please do not destroy your good name and credibility you earned as mehur.

  19. Dear Elias; there is a common feature you share with PM Zenawi: you both are arrogantly fearless and shamelessly disrespectful. True virtue lies outside that extremism you both enjoy as a way of life. As a result, he is making Ethiopia friendless, even a hostile country of a sort and, you, getting very lonely person in your self-serving position as the “fighter”. I am not sure whether your psychopath twin-brother will recover from his total madness; there is a reason to believe and encourage you get back to a common sense position, please.

  20. Hi Elias plase leave the Professor, we have a mind to think, meditate and analayze what the poleticians tells us. Please not undemine the Ethiopin,don’t expand your hateful, confussed and unmature propaganda.

  21. I am not suprised by what Elias is doing because it is his busines as usual: unconstractive complain. But why we spend our time on such irrelevant argument. if you belive in individual freedom, then let people do what is best for themselves. let us concentrate on ends not on meanses.
    Elias, keep on commenting but try to keep your integrety! mind multiple ways of doing things!

  22. Elias,

    Almost all Ethiopians those who read what you have been posting on your website don’t trust you. And they have been thinking that you have been a great negative influence on their struggle against the Meles regime. For example, people on the Ethiopian Current Affairs Discussion Forum have generously advised you and they also have generously shared their opinions with you regarding the messages you been posting on your website.

    They listened to what you said. They looked into your soul, mind, and heart and they noted that you are not a bold person but you are a person who is not willing to listen to other people opinions.

  23. Prof Mesfin is the last standing warrior. It is easy to side with Prof mesfin because he is not a monster, but only befriended with a monster for one reason, ERITREA. He chose the lesser evil, TPLF. How is TPLF less evil than Eritrea. Prof want to use TPLF to fulfill his dream by labeling Eritrea as Evil. May be this is your last wish before you die Prof, unfortunately your dream is not the pressing matter for Ethiopians. The pressing issue is we are in the verge of disintegrating in to ethnic groups and our enemies(your friends) created more enemies in every corner of our borders who, everyone of them, want us vanish except Eritreans and the Government of Eritrea. The existence of our survival as one Ethiopia is getting numbered as TPLF work hard igniting ethnic conflict in and out side the country . How united are we to get Assab back with TPLF prof? The Prof’s action is so dangerous that will hinders our fight and alliance by creating suspicion and fear between Eritreans and Ethiopians. he should be condemned. Prof didn’t care for those Ethiopians who died in Ethiopia/Eritrea war, as sick as it sounds ,he want to do it again through TPLF. That is all in to it. He hates TPLF like any of us but he is egomaniac who want to use Ethiopians for his pipe dream. He could have done more if he cares about united Ethiopia. We like to live with Eritrean bro/sis with love not hate. He better put his acclaim and stature in protecting and uniting Ethiopians. He never known for your work in uniting Ethiopia except talking, why not start now when we need you instead of working against us. We need to stand up first as one. TPLF has done enough damage to our unity and dignity we hardly call our selves united Ethiopia. To unite and to see the rebirth of strong prosperous Ethiopia, G7, OLF ONLF….. and Eritrea are our only options, not prof Mesfin and TPLF.
    Regards,

  24. The Diaspora is makng a mountain out of a mole hill. 80 million people against one man. You must be full of fear not to find a solution without a shot! The professor is right you need not shot to dehrone one man who is despised by the population. You were poor in ethiopia because you said the politics make you/ Now why are you not working hard and smart to get rich here in USA instead. The parties inside are suffcient to fight melese. They have proven so. The task of the diasporara is to fight age old poverty. Please have forum of how to create wealth instead. Do not west precious life on stupid Melese!

  25. elias,u better advise ur own heart than others,we r all tired of weyane’s atrocity and we r all worried about our future but we have to respect the ppl why they r choosing their way of struggle ,prof.Mesfin is not the first person to choose “non violence”if it’s his way ,let’s ask ourselves “what is our common goal?”our difference is more severe than our common enemy?my fellow ethiopian it’s notorious to say to some one who is paying his life to our common interest”u better stick to ur profession.”Einstien was a physicst but he was moaning in the agony of his people donc he was a member of zionism,Martin Luter King was a revernd but he was a non vilolence activist,Ghandi was a lawyer but he is the symbol of non-violence,prof.Mesfin is a concerned ethiopian whose soul crying to his country,man “know thy self!”.MERCI.

  26. you stupid and arrogant enemy of Ethiopia, Elias, please be a person at least for one second. The main problem on your side is that you don’t yourself. I reckon you should try to see who you are; arrongant, useless, aimless, shallow what else? you are everything diry. stop bleming innocent Ethiopians who sacrificed their life for you to get this advantage to go to school. You are very sick and with a mission from Eritrea and everyone is tried to see your baseless and unprofessional collection of words.
    fuck you stupid

  27. Shame on you elias. Did prof mesfin said to you not to go and fight weyane? Good dance with hailu’s gangs . you do not have your own stand . wolawayi.

  28. pro. mesfin is loyality opposition and he will do what he can. Reason:
    1. He have no any other alternative way that makes him fron figure in ethiopian politic.

    2. He have long experiance in turning himself 360 degree, in case of regime change. remind he was Esepa central committe member.

    3. He were been beated 3 times a day by wayane cadres during his stay in Kality.

    I hope he will drop his way and Join Dr. Brhanu Nega sooner.

  29. I wish to congratulate the most analytical, coherent and enlightening analysis of No.53 (Eritrawi) on the contemporary Ethiopian political landscape. Unlike most of the garbage comments spewn on this article to discredit the patriotic Ethiopian website moderator, you have clearly demonstrated the danger of the likes of Mesfin Woldemariam to the future existence of Ethiopia as a nation. The so called Professor have always been and time after time proved himself to be a wolf in a sheep skin when it comes to the interest of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

    In my opinion, most people who write on this website as well as all other print and broadcast media dealing with Ethiopian politics seem to have very little knowledge of Prof Mesfin. I have known the Professor for the last 35 years. To put it mildly he has always been the most controversial person. During his tenure at Haile Selassie University (the current Addis Ababa University) he has always been, one way or another, opposed to the Ethiopian Students Movement or no positive contribution except criticizing everybody. He was simply at odds with many of the then scholars including Drs. Eshetu Chole, Assefa etc. One contemporarey of his told me he is a man with no integrity – his arguments are always very destructive and “Oh yes” very Power Hungry – A critic simply to promote his ego. I don’t know where this “great Professor” label came from…. maybe good enough to satify his insatiable ego but that is far from the truth!

    To fill his power thirst the emperor gave him a position of District Administrator (Awraja Geji). He was then tested and labeled as a man who can talk but with no substance and he returned to the University. Again during the tenure of the Dergue, he assumed “Mermari Commission” position and got very close to Mengistu – by condemning intellectuals who dwarfed his ego and to win favor from Mengistu. Because of his lack of integrity, Mengistu also denied him a position of power. BTW he was very close to Mengistu!!!

    He is a very bitter man whose chauvinistic statements against Oromos, Somalis and all other non-amara ethnic group is well documented.

    It is this man who is now trying to put down those who have put their lives on the line to realize a free and democratic Ethiopia.

    Could this be his chauvinistic awakening???

    Long live the progressive leaders of tomorrow’s Democratic Ethiopia – including OLF, ONLF, Patriotic Front, Guinbot7

  30. The cunning TPLF minority specializing in dividing and effectively destroying Ethiopia bought the professor at dirt cheap price as one of its propaganda mouth piece for staying in power and keep dehumanizing Ethiopians.

    I am not worried by the professor’s peaceful struggle repeat speach if he can ever go beyond his self serving empty propaganda, but the alarming thing is his additional barrages of condemning all the other modes of struggle except that of his own that does not even exist.

    Wayane seems to have strictly instructed the guy as to what to say and whom to attack as a fresh and new comer to the business of Wayane cadre in disguise.

    He may keep on propagating and pleasing Wayanes while at the same time tranquilizing his loyal followers to shut up and go to bed and start sleeping and snoring loud.

    Eighteen long years of barbaric human rights violations, massacars, genocides, massive displacements and international refugeeism, massive starvations and hoplesseness, ongoing war and chaos, etc, and some one calling himself a professor and an opposition leader for that matter dares to come out and states that “nothing really bad happened and all is well in the empire?
    BIG SHAME!

    The guy is misusing the good will and loyalty of his direct and indirect innocent supporters which he is currently selling for cash to the genocidal Wayane dictators. He lost my due respect and high regard for him.

  31. Dear Elias attacking andnet party and Prof. Mesfine is not the arm struggle.Don`t cheat us bro. Your campaign is to kill other means of struggle before you start your imaginable armed struggle which has not yet drafted. You are preaching us Issayas/Ertirea is good for Ethiopia but not Pro. Mesfine/ Andnett Party. By this equation your Ethiopian identity is in question mark? By the way from your activities I can say you are not a supporter of Ginbot 7 or Other freedom fighters b/c they said nothing about your concern. From your activities anybody can classify you as a politician, journalist, political analyst, activist and decision maker on Ethiopian politics. and so on…
    If you are genuine Ethiopian and serious I suggest you not to spend your precious time and resources on blackmailing and gossiping true Ethiopian patriots! But if you have a mission it is already unmasked. Please, reconsider your position before ER is banned by true Ethiopian readers and thrown to the garbage Basket of weyane mass media groups like Ethiolion,fana and Aigaforum.thanks!

  32. Elias,

    Please do not liston to those who try to discourage you not to challange to those who destruct our struggle. Prof. Mesfine has to earn his respect by justifying his arguements without insulting others. No matter whether he is a professor or elder, if he acts stupid, people will tend to call him, you are a stupid. In my part, I love both Ginbot 7 and Andnet. These two groups are complementary each other. If they work together, I am sure, they will produce fruitful results. By the way, they are friends one another. I strongly suggest that professor Mesfin has to stop talking nonesens.

  33. 76# sara andeta,

    Why do you get too much outraged? You outrage actually applies to the “professor” wgo have been studying with the scarces resources of the wretched Ethiopians but always cunningly aligned himself with the enemies of the same same people who emotionally and finacially helped him to succeed while starving for themselves.

    All the barrages of insults you have directed against the editor of ER actualy applies to the capitulationist “professor” who have been serving absolute king Haile Sellassies, dictator Mengist Haile Mariam and now dictator Wayane, all impoverishing and self serving rulers who kept Ethiopia the beautiful in abject poverty and alarming shameful chaos.

    You are asking if the professor prevented him from going and fighting the Wayane dictator. My own answer is “YES” he did try to prevent by accusing other genuine and independent opposition groups and down grading and insulting their methodes of truggle and trying his best to demoralize the Ethiopian people from independently struggling for their natural GOD GIVEN rights.

    That is why lots of us are resisting. We don’t want to be sold as slaves to the Wayane butchers! Don’t you understand?

  34. Professor Mesfin is hiding behind his scholastic myth and the grace that age brings along with, to conceal his real personality. At this particular point and time his role is totally subversive. His mission is to create desperation, spread mistrust and confusion among the opposition. He is doing that because, deep at heart, he is a coward and opportunistic.

    From years of opportunism under three different regimes, Mesfin has mastered to be manipulative and had amassed worshippers around him. I have no problem with the professor saying that the only means of struggle is peaceful. For him and the likes that is the type of struggle which is safe and above all liked by the current rulers.

    Professor Mesfin has always been against anyone who could be a potential leader in Ethiopia. He has a false ego that does not match his commitment and readiness to sacrifice. We all hear that he was the first person to beg pardon from the Woyane regime and persuade the rest of the prisoners to sign the so called “amnesty” paper. By so doing, the professor has forfeited his rights to struggle the woyane regime and has also unconditionally recognized that the regime is the legitimate and sole representatvie of the Ethiopian people.

    The signature of that document was a political blackmail in broad day light. That is why Mesfin is beating around the bush. He can not call Woyanne an enemy as that would be a reason to put him back to jail. Up until this moment, I have not heard from the professor or any of the Kinijit leadership why they signed that document to get out of prison. It was only the carsmatic Hailu Shawel who at least acknowledged that was a mistake.

    Mesfin is trying to preach to us that Woyane will be tired or ruling and will concede the will of the Ethiopian people.

    I would suggest that personalities like the professor rather stay behind the screen if at all there is any wisdom left that they could share. How is it going to happen when the security, the standing army, the police and the notorious court system all defend the current regime? Where is the separation of powers, dear professor!!! and what is the guarantee to that road?

  35. If there was ever was a backward, opportunist feudal lord, it is Mesfin W/ Mariam. I know than man because I took one of his courses and I find him to be one of the most divisive individuals on the University campus. Anyone who took his geography class will tell you that he never focuses on the subject matter he is familiar with, but he was good at belittling other professors and any student who dared to challenge his assertions. I am not sure how this individual was elevated to a status of a revered figure, but this is the same individual who did not find anything wrong to rub shoulders with Mengistu and served as an adviser during his reign. And what he is doing right now is nothing out character. His only fame is being in prison with other CUD leaders but he himself told us that he was treated fairly in prison and is nothing to talk about. He was quick on his feet to criticize Dr. Berhanu any chance he got because he thought the latter took the spotlight from him. The professor is neither senile and a patriot, he is just doing what he has been doing all through his life, looking for his own interest. Meles sent him on a mission to subdue the vocal opposition in the diaspora and some of us have taken his garbage in one mouthful. The struggle of our people is not about any one individual and certainly it is not about the professor. If some of you are into “hero” worshipping, you go ahead and wallow in your fantasy, but the professor like Haile Shewal is a backward opportunist under the service of anyone who can throw him a leftover. The 2005 election was forcefully and openly taken away from the true victors by the ruling fascist clique and the professor is telling us to forget all that and just get prepared for the next election. If this is the message that he has brought to the diaspora Ethiopians, he should have learned something from his friend Hailu not to stand against the interest of the people because the judgment of Ethiopians against people like him is swift.

    Bravo, Elias, keep up the good-work; please don’t listen to all these Woyane-lovers, dergue-apologists and feudal lords who camouflage themselves as patriots. We know who the true patriots are!

  37. Some you would like to compare this — with Mandela and other important historical figures. While he was “serving” as a human right advocate, I have never heard him raise a voice for thousandths of Oromos and other nationalities that are still languishing in Meles’s prison for standing up for their rights. I never heard him raise his voice when Ethiopian Mulims were denied to build their places of worship in many parts of Ethiopia by the government as well as die-hard chauvinists. The only time this guy pretended to shout at the top his old voice was when a particular nationality of a particular faith was abused by the Woyane government. The professor is a very narrow nationalist and I know this suits many of you because he is fighting a particular form of struggle to your liking. But, let me tell you, he never was and is a hero to anyone other than the Amharas. And those of you who are from those regions try to see the light because, by excluding or ignoring the rights of others, he is not serving you right. The professor is and has always been an opportunist who was elevated to a hero status because of his time in prison. The rest of his life was spent taking care of his own self. Don’t take it on Elias, he is just writing it as he sees it and that is the truth.

  38. Minim Sanifeyid, Endihu Sinafers Singeneba Zemenachin Endayalik Egziyabiher Yirdan. Bezemen Mecheresha Yetawekewun Profeser Tselot Yastemare Menfeskidus Lehulachininim Feriha Egziabiherin, Fikirin Ena Tihitinan Yastemiren.

    Amen

  40. sara andeta (#76),

    Calm down; don’t curse, but bless!

    Words used wisely could move a mountain, but when they are used emotionally, they could destroy the person who uses them intentionally or unwittingly. Whether the editor is from Eritrea or Saudi Arabia, you are able to express yourself on his ER freely, and he is very kind enough to post your opinion full of curse and profanity; in other words, he is exposing you to the public what kind of person you are, not to hurt you but to educate you by getting some kind of counseling from us the ER readers. He could have rejected your unbalanced comment, if he wanted to, but he didn’t do it because he wants to satisfy everybody, which is impossible when one comes with an undisciplined behavior.

  43. liqe liqawent elias.
    why didn’t let the proffessor know that he is not a politicianbefore 2005, while he was in jail…so and so on..
    as usual, i will quote the phrase that you used to describe this man , you said” THE MASTER TACTITIAN OF KINIJIT” . This was what you said while he was visiting the US during summer 2005(i.e immediately after the election).then the MASTER TACTITIAN and now the DANGEROUS MAN….. What miracle happened btween then and now

  44. ER has lately focused his target of UDJ and particularly on the mission of the two UDJ delegates to the US. He expressed his strong disagreement to Prof. Mesfin message and called for the professor to leave politics. :) He characterized the mission of Prof Mesfin as “dangerous”.

    ER also noted that he may be the “lone wolf”.

    I surely disagree and reject the latest assertions of ER. ER has been all along wrong in his latest proposed remedies for Ethiopia’s political solution. The radical outlook of ER is basically rebuffed and rejected by the majority of Ethiopians. Groups (like Ginbot 7) that were benefiting from the ER public support are now indirectly distancing themselves from ER. ER advocay of working with Ato Issayas, his “AFD is the solution” propoganda, his characterization of ethiopians soliders as “weyane” , his open support of Somali Insurgents ……are something that have no place in the main stream Ethiopians politics. ER in this regard is loosing the public relation battle.

    However, even tough I disagree and reject what ER is lately saying, I admire and respect his boldness. I see courage from the part of ER, to take on unpopular items. He wrote once against Dr Berhanu, Ato Hailu Shawel, Birtukan and now Prof Mesfin. We need people like ER who are not afraid of politicians and freely express their views without being intimidated.

    I believe the criticism of Prof Mesfin by ER is helpful for democracy and honest discussion. I believe it will send a signal to UDJ officials that someone is watching. That the era where we follow leaders blindly is over.

    As has been the case always, the UDJ officials know what they are doing. Their process is clean, open and transparent. Their message, be it in Ethiopia or outside, before the weyanes or before those who are against the weyanes …..is the same. They don’t change their stories and flip flop like a pendulum. Therefore, they are capable of talking openly to Ethiopians and address any challenges, be it from ER or AIGA or any media outlet.

    I remember an exchange of ER and Prof Mesfin in a teleconference about two, three months ago. Ato Elias asked pointed questions. (as always). He got clear and direct answer from the professor. Prof Mesfin et UDJ officials, are not afraid of anyone. They don’t have stories or intrigues they hide. If they make mistakes they are willing to be corrected and surely welcome any challenges and appreciate criticisms and feedbacks.

    Therefore, I defend the right of ER to report what it think is right. (though I disagree with him 95% mostly lately)

    What I do not like from ER is his refusal to post comment that disagrees with him. At least more than anyone he should have applied fair journalism. If he doesn’t want to be criticized, then he should remove the forum section and block the public from commenting all together.

  45. What I don’t understand is this: Why not everyone fight the blood sucker woyane in his/her own way? Let Ginbot 7 fight the armed struggle if they can get followers, and let UJD (Andenet party) fight in its own way. Why should we fight eachother? It has no logic. Please Elias stop creating more division among Ethiopians. We had enough and it is eating us like a cancer.

  46. First of all ER editor have a very right to criticize any human being (Including professor Mesfin). I was really mad when I read ER article about UDJP and W/r Birtukan because the editor used harsh words but when it comes professor Mesfin ER is criticizing in a good manner which is great now I know ER editor listen his readers. I have some thing to share about our respected professor don’t hang your self guys am going to tell you some truth… Weak up and stand for Ethiopian Sovereignty if we listen professor our country will be out of the world map.

  47. Elias,

    I couldn’t understand your motives. What we want is liberation from woyannee at any cost. Some are working in peaceful way and the others using different tactics. So why do you bother about tactics. Don’t discourage people saying peaceful way is over. Pls listen to people’s advise…

  48. selam #93
    says:

    “liqe liqawent elias.
    why didn’t let the proffessor know that he is not a politicianbefore 2005, while he was in jail…so and so on..
    as usual, i will quote the phrase that you used to describe this man , you said” THE MASTER TACTITIAN OF KINIJIT” . This was what you said while he was visiting the US during summer 2005(i.e immediately after the election).then the MASTER TACTITIAN and now the DANGEROUS MAN….. What miracle happened btween then and now” You wrote

    Elias answers for himself but the answer to your question is already in your statement itself, except that you are not ABLE TO SEE IT.

    Yes, Elias or any one else including myself were correct in chracterizing professor Mesfin as ” THE MASTER TACTICIAN OF KINIJIT” back in 2005.

    That is correct because we all honestly thought that this respected father figure, Mesfin man, could play a positive and uniting role in the camp of the opposition struggling for democracy, pluralism, sustainable and egalitarian society and nation building inorder to free the divided and dehumanized 80 million Ethiopians from a desperate genocidal minority unrepresentative tyranical manipulative dictatorship.

    Remember, now the fact that the ball was placed in professor Mesfin’s own field, that is to say, we did put our full trust in him to work for the Ethiopian people who emotionally, finacially, socially, etc, nurtured, supported, respected and maintained him up to this very point in his life as a part and parcel of the Ethiopian society.

    What did professor Mesfin do with our particular trust respectfully placed on him?

    In 2005 he was visintg the US inorder to promote and defend kinjit’s political gains, promote unity among Ethiopians and oppose Wayane’s dictatorial robbery, violence and intimidations.

    In 2008 he is visiting the US to promote and defend Wayane’s rights to dictatorship, imprisonments, killings, its legitimacy of assault and robbery of Ethiopian people’s votes, etc. UN TRUST WORTHY TURN COAT!

    He came out to defend the minority dictatorship who commited and are still commiting large scale genocides and systematically leading the 80 million Ethiopians down the drain through endless starvations, endless wars and scarce resource squanderings, etc.

    He also came out to condemn oppositin parties working for justice for all Ethiopians, democracy, pluralism, sustainable development and a bright future for Ethiopia the beautiful.

    Just like a cunning fox, he first gained our full trust and then went ahead to use it agaisnt the general interests of the Ethiopian people.

    This is a clear case of a man described positively as “THE MASTER TACTICIAN” turned “A MASTER TRAITOR.” The professor changed around 365 degrees from Kinijit opposition activist to anti kinijit ruling minority dictatorship propagandist and supporter.

    In such circumstances of abuse and misuse of trust the professor deserves to be strongly opposed even more than or equal to the minority dictator because he is even MORE DANGEROUS than the visible and known criminal Wayane human butchers. The professor works in the shadow of our trust, standing among the opposition, dividing and destroying, while working for Wayane among the unaware and trusting opposion supporters.

    In short or in long, these are SOME of the few miracles that have happened beween then and now, in my personal opinion.

  49. Elias you have a good point there but isn’t mesfin intitled to his belief and non violence strategy. I appreciate your stand the majority of the time but you need also to sometimes ready to face the music.

  50. Ato Elias,

    The fact that you post views, including unfriendly to you
    in person and against your mission, is a positive development.
    On the other point, with all due respect to you and your
    supporters, instead of attacking personalities and create
    divisive grounds among Ethiopians, it would be more productive to focus on issues that would broaden and unite
    forces for genuine freedom, equality, human rights, justice
    and peace under the Ethiopian umbrella. A never ending
    insult and name calling, for or against, won’t serve the purpose! Respect! Dialogue!

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