U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto sent to Washington the following cable regarding his discussion with Woyanne intelligence chief Getachew Assefa. This is one of the over 1,000 U.S. embassy cables from Ethiopia that are expected to be posted on Wikileaks.
Monday, 08 June 2009, 12:33
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 04 ADDIS ABABA 001318
SIPDIS
EO 12958 DECL: 06/07/2019
TAGS PGOV, PINR, PREL, KPAO, ET
SUBJECT: UNDERSTANDING THE ETHIOPIAN HARDLINERS
Classified By: Ambassador Donald Yamamoto for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
SUMMARY
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1. (S) In a rare meeting with the elusive head of the Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and main hardliner within the powerful executive committee of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) party, Ambassador and NISS chief Getachew Assefa discussed a wide range of regional and bilateral issues. Getachew made clear during the four hour private meeting that Ethiopia sought greater understanding from the U.S. on national security issues vital to Ethiopia, especially Ethiopia’s concerns over domestic insurgent groups like the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). He spoke at length about former Addis Ababa Mayor-elect Berhanu Nega XXXXXXXXXXXX; VOA’s biased reporting; the dangers of former defense minister Seeye Abraha’s growing authority within the opposition; Ethiopia’s views on democracy and human rights; Eritrea’s role as a rogue state in the region; and regional issues including the importance of supporting the Transitional Federal Government and a rapprochement with Alhu Sunna Wal Jama’a (ASWJ) as the only option for Somalia’s survival; and the need for U.S. reconciliation with Sudan. End Summary.
TOWARD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING
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2. (S) Through the arrangements of former U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Irv Hicks, Ambassador met with Ethiopia’s national intelligence chief, Getachew Assefa, for a four hour private meeting on June 4. Getachew, noted for his eccentric behavior and elusiveness, explained to the Ambassador that he welcomes greater dialogue with the U.S. Embassy, but underscored the importance of deeper U.S. understanding of Ethiopia’s security concerns. Characterizing the U.S. relationship as sound and expressing appreciation for the cooperation with the U.S. on special projects on counterterrorism, Getachew emphasized that Ethiopia shares U.S. views on high value targets (HVT) like Robow and al-Turki as threats to regional stability. But domestic insurgent groups, like the OLF and ONLF, should also be treated as terrorists because they have safe haven camps in extremist-held areas in Somalia and receive support and assistance from the very same HVTs that the U.S. and Ethiopia are trying to neutralize. Such support makes the ONLF and OLF accomplices with international terrorist groups, Getachew argued. Just as Ethiopia would not meet with domestic U.S. insurgent groups, referring to individuals and groups who would conduct bombings of U.S. government offices, abortion clinics and advocates of racial and gender hate, Ethiopia would not want U.S. officials to meet with Ethiopia’s domestic insurgents who bomb and kill Ethiopian officials and citizens.
3. (S) Getachew added that the GOE does conduct talks with the ONLF and OLF and there are groups, like the Ethiopian elders, who reach out to the membership in an effort to end the violence. Getachew stressed that this is an Ethiopian process by Ethiopians and should remain an Ethiopian-led, Ethiopian-directed and Ethiopian-coordinated process. Ambassador made clear that the U.S. Administration does not meet with the ONLF and that the U.S. is in close consultations with Ethiopian authorities on their views on the ONLF and OLF, and that the U.S. supports the work of the Ethiopian Elders to end the violence. Getachew noted the visit to European Capitals and Washington of ONLF senior leaders and said they met with staffers in the U.S. Vice President’s office. The Ambassador said that we had no evidence that a meeting took place with the Vice President’s staff and stressed that the State Department did not meet with the ONLF group. Further, the U.S. military no longer meets with alleged ONLF supporters in the volatile Ogaden region of eastern Ethiopia because of security concerns. The Ambassador stressed that such meetings in the past was for force protection of U.S. military civil affairs team working in the dangerous Ogaden region near Somalia, but in the last few years there has been no contact. The Ambassador added that there should be closer discussion between he U.S. and Ethiopia on this issue.
U.S. GIVES EXTREMISTS A VOICE AND LEGITIMACY
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4. (S) Getachew complained pointedly that Voice of America (VOA) is biased and gives a platform for extremist elements. XXXXXXXXXXXX
5. (S) Getachew also discussed the VOA reports covering former State Department official Greg Stanton of Genocide Watch, who charged Prime Minister Meles of crimes against humanity as a result of Ethiopia’s incursion into Somalia in 2006. Getachew complained that VOA Amharic reporting was biased and not even handed. He did note that VOA English was fine. VOA Amharic service does not interview Ethiopian officials who can refute “false assertions” espoused in the VOA interviews. Getachew praised Germany’s Deutsche Wella service for its balanced and yet hard hitting reporting. Getachew underscored that if the GOE is doing something wrong or does not have the support of the people, news services have an obligation to highlight such problems. Getachew said VOA, however, seeks to report only what is anti-government or lend support for the opposition. Getachew concluded that the U.S.G., because of VOA Amharic service is an official arm of the U.S.G., lacks neutrality in its support for the opposition and this undercuts relations between the two countries. The Ambassador replied that VOA is a very independent media and the U.S.G. does not have oversight and control over the content of the reporting.
6. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX
THE OPPOSITION
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7. (S) Getachew commented on Ethiopia’s opposition leadership underscoring that he wishes to see a vibrant opposition movement, but currently, the NGO community and foreign missions support the opposition blindly without critical analysis. XXXXXXXXXXXX
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8. (S) XXXXXXXXXXXX
DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
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9. (S) Getachew echoed common themes advocated by the ruling EPRDF party stalwarts from the Prime Minister to the party faithful. He stressed that the EPRDF supports democracy and that it is the goal for the ruling party to eventually give way to other parties of common vision in fighting poverty and a commitment to support the process of democratization. Getachew said he would support opposition parties if they have a better message to help Ethiopia overcome poverty, improve health care and education, and raise the standard of living of the Ethiopian people. He added that the U.S. and others should look at Ethiopia’s democracy efforts and human rights record as a work in progress. It will take time but Ethiopia is moving in the right direction that will make Ethiopia a democratic state.
FOREIGN POLICY: ERITREA, SOMALIA, AND SUDAN
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10. (S) Getachew described Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki as “no martyr,” who sought to survive and establish himself as the predominate leader in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia stands in the way of Isaias’ grand design and it is his goal to divide Ethiopia and weaken it through terrorism. Getachew remarked that one of Isaias’ bodyguards was in Dubai and then defected to Ethiopia. The bodyguard remarked that Isaias was a recluse who spent his days painting and tinkering with gadgets and carpentry work. Isaias appeared to make decisions in isolation with no discussion with his advisors. It was difficult to tell how Isaias would react each day and his moods changed constantly. Getachew added that Eritrea trains over 30 rebel groups at Camp Sawa near the Sudan border and graduates are infiltrated into Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia to enhance instability and target Ethiopian interests. Getachew expressed dismay with Kenya in allowing Eritrean intel officers and military trainers who support al-Shabaab in Somalia, to bribe their way out of Kenya and return to Eritrea. He explained the activities of Abraha Kassa, Eritrea’s elusive intel chief who directs Eritrea’s Somalia operations.
11. (S) On Somalia, Getachew said the only way to support stability was through support for the ASWJ which attracts a wide range of support from all the clans, especially those groups in conflict with each other. The ASWJ has been effective in countering al-Shabaab and is ideologically committed to Sufism and the defense of Islam against the extremist salafists which form al-Shabaab. Getachew said the U.S. can best help by supporting the ASWJ and TFG to cooperate, to pay salaries of TFG troops and support the IGAD and African Union which are seeking to sanction Eritrea, implement a no fly zone, and close ports used by extremist elements.
12. (S) On Sudan, Getachew urged the U.S. to engage Bashir and the Sudanese leadership. Sudan, more than Somalia, poses the greatest threat to regional security and stability, Getachew argued. The prospects for a civil war which destabilizes the region would be devastating. The only country that would benefit would be Eritrea.
COMMENT
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13. (S) It is interesting that Getachew’s description of President Isaias mirrors Getachew’s own character, as well.
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Getachew avoids speaking with foreigners and few foreigners really know him. He is not well liked within his own agency for decisions he makes in isolation which, at times, make little sense and are not discussed in consensus with his staff. His apparent hot temper and reclusive habits have made it difficult for his staff to gauge his moods and understand his thought process. The Prime Minister himself and other EPRDF leaders have remarked to the Ambassador that it is difficult to talk with Getachew and to meet with him, but that his loyalty to the EPRDF is never in question. Despite his poor reputation, Getachew is regarded as a strong EPRDF hardliner and commands considerable authority and influence within the powerful EPRDF executive committee which lays down the policy for the ruling party and the government. While relations with NISS officials below Getachew’s rank are extremely cordial and, depending on the unit, very close, the Ambassador has met with Getachew only twice in the past three years, and other Embassy staff have also met with little success in engaging him. Even visiting senior U.S. intel officers have not been successful in meeting Getachew. Ambassador will pursue future meetings with Getachew but he will never be a close contact. End Comment. YAMAMOTO
19 thoughts on “Wikileaks: Discussion with Woyanne intelligence chief”
The comments by Getachew Assefa to the US Abmassador are illuminating on how an institution that is supposedly a neutral and non-partisan body that protects national security is controlled by a “hardliner” EPRDF die hard who puts TPLF interests above all the interests of the Ethiopian people. Moreover, the fact that Intelligence Chief’s description of Isayas also befits his character – which means he is not the man of the people but a recluse and insulated person who is not even a “normal” individual who is disconnected from reality, everyday life and the emotional stability required by public office.
The other major insight from the WikiLeaks information is what Getachew said about EPRDF’s plan that “it is the goal for the ruling party to eventually give way to other parties”. this shows that elections and the talk of democracy are shows and circus. The reality is what this hardliner recluse is saying about – that EPRDF would not submit to popular ballot choices but it would share power only when it sees fit- which seems endless considering the corruption and the money that these EPRDFits are getting addicted to.
And how come a supposedly chief of a neutral and professional institution uses his official duty for party politics – how could an intelligence chief talk about the opposition party? Why is a chief who has the duty to protect all legal political parties in equality talk about Siye Abraha’s popularity? Is he a chief of intelligence or is he a TPLF/EPRDF fighter wearing the official duty of the federal official. If the intelligence chief, the judges, courts, the military and the police, and the media are not independent and go after a portion of the society, there is no rule of law and there is a breach of official duty and responsibility. This is a major exposition of how prejudiced, partisan, unprofessional and narrow-minded the supposedly neutral intelligence office is.
The US ambassador is on point to have characterized Getachew as the other Isayas. Moreover, the ambassador makes another mockery of Meles Zenawi and his parrots as making a “common themes” in their songs of supporting democracy. this was a slight in paper but what the US believes to be nonexistent in reality – just a song by Meles and Co.
WikiLeaks is exposing the EPRDF in one day what we have lacked in the last 20 years. This is a major inroad into the workings of the EPRDF and be a major evidence on what the public has been dying to know over the years. “Information is power.” This info is what you would have known only if you were a TPLF member. Keeping how the intelligence works against non-TPLFs is the reason why 99% of employees are Tigrians. Thanks WikiLeaks!
http://hizbawii.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/eprdf-not-electorate-decides-fate-of-political-parties/
I thought Democracy is not about ” I scratch your back and you scratch my back”. Are we expecting a lot from America or America is using us to protect its interest. Its a shame that the American embassy in Ethiopia is trading on democracy loving Ethiopians. The world need to understand that America neither stand on its principle of human right/equal right nor the rule of the law according to most wikiLeak revelations. America need to lead on principle or stop becoming a block to democratic process especially in African countries.
WOW Intersting, really is all I can say, really Getachew? is this the best accussaion you can level against ISSAYS, that he enjoys his time doing carpntry and painting alone, WOW it is sad, to see what goes on in the name of Diplomatic meetings. a four greader can make a better accusassions than this. What is rather funny was in the end what the american diplomat thought of Getachew, he said his accusassions of issays are similar to his own personal traits something to that effect. I thought that was funny, that the diplomat was able to make that contrast between issays and getachew. Reading this leaked documents truly brings light on how the US has been dupped by fake false intelegence fed by woyane and its sorrogates. in the end all the leaderships are doing is making the other evil look more evil than them so they can stay in power another day, in the mean time we the people, get screwed!!!!!. It truly is a hight time for MOST IF NOT ALL AFRICAN LEADERS to re-examin their value for the people and step down from power.
What did he say about Berhanu Nega?
You see how much they are frustrating by Genocide watch charge?ha ha
To Ahehe,
Thanks for your brilliant reflection on the matter. It is interesting that TPLF/EPRDF is spying and controlling the other Ethiopians. What a revealing account of Ethiopian politics!
I am not at all surprised by Wikileaks report how TPLF operates. What I am surprised is that some of you Ethiopians are surprised by this report. What else you expect from a bunch of TPLF liars, ruthless, lawless, looters and murderers? TPLF have been lying all their lives and they will continue to lie and manipulate the rest of the world to stay in power to loot, to kill more and dismantle Ethiopia. TPLF want the US government to look the other way when Meles commits horrendous crimes on innocent Ethiopians and Meles want United States to blame the opposition parties, VOA, Ethiopians who live abroad etc.
The US diplomats are well a ware what is going on in Ethiopia. If the US diplomats in Ethiopia and around the world really focus on the truth on what is going inside each country, and stand for real Democracy and expose the Human Right abuses in each country — instead of giving dictators like Meles billions of dollars…Dictators like Meles wouldn’t stay in power to torture. Do we really need Wikileaks?
Who killed Kinfe G.Medhin,Col Samiel G.Mariam,Prof Kinfe Abraha and Hailu Belay?Meles’s cousin Muluget Chele AlemSeged had have moved to somewhere now.Who is Getachow Assefu?He can’t be hid forever in Ethiopia and for Ethiopians.His time is near.Believ me
It’s a great thing to know that in evedience that the us has a tight relationship with the notorious tplf terroirst group who has carried out many crimes including genocide and day to day killing.
At the same time it is become very obvious that g7 and its leader birhanu nega are the Weyane nightmare oppostion party as a result the pressure comes from G7 is getting to the point that weyane scared as a hell irrespective of some stupid some anti birhanu and g7 groups screaming from Diaspora let alone the tplf racist supporters are highly attacking g7 on media outlets incluing cyber world to discredit g7 while some money and power monger vagabond oppostions are collaborating in the attack against g7 along weyane terrorist group. and it is clear that banda lidetu is sent by weyane to pourposly insult birhanu in order to weaken the struggle but yet lidetu even lost big time and didnt get attention by anyone eventhough his weyane racist supporters tried to bark everywhere to glorify him along some birhanu and g7 enemies in diaspora.
Regardless ethiopians now should stand agian even more to support g7 and other strong parties, especially we should support esat tv the only independent media that our people can receive information to get rid of the weyane terroist group.
There isn’t much new information from the leaked document. Much of what Getachew has said during the four hours long meeting must rather be an embarrasment to the TPLF itself. TPLF’s supporters must know that:-
(1) The TPLF security agency is ignorant of the separation of powers doctrine, a philosophy based on which democratic governance is built. It does not even respect the constitution it has authored. Hence, there will not be any free and fair election, either evolutionary or momentum based, when the country’s security organ is headed by TPLF. Any thing against TPLF is bad and terorist, according to Getachew. Even the legal opposition (Seye Abraha) is a security risk, according to Getachew. This news must awaken every human being, including TPLF’s members.
(2) Another lesson is that TPLF does not want the United States to mediate between the opposition and TPLF. It wants to use the services of the likes of Ephrem Isac, and create fructure within the opposition camp. This is a lesson for the opposition.
(3) TPLF still wants more support from the United States. It wants the United States to close its doors on the opposition.
Elias,
ER is the site I visit when I want to know what is going on in the world in “Ethiopigha”.
Thank you for making it available for us. It takes courage and understanding the English language in which you are well versed.
Allah Akbar!
Amina
Interesting that the comments about Berhanu Nega are still censored.
The US ambassador should not be involved in internal affairs of other countries. I kind of like that Getachew refuses to meet with them regularly.
Long live ER for posting it. Aiga Forum will attempt to shut down wikileaks in so far as it continues to release cables exposing the self-appointed tribal leaders.
The cable portrays the woyane intelliegence chief for who he reall is, elusive and eccentric. And thats why he does not want to meet any one. the comment by ‘Guest’ above clearly is a comment from a supporter of woyane. We know woyane’s days are numbered.
So what is the lesson we receive from this cable leak?
Isaias Afewerki is known recluse, he spends his time in paintings and carpentry so said Getachew.Of the Getachew the report states most of what the weyane Intel chief says of Isaias is true of him: recluse, erratic and one who keeps matters to himself. We might also say among his chief aims is a passion to get the scalp of Eritria’s Intel chief Abraha Kassa who himself believed to be elusive. Of Melese we know that he is the most reclusive weyane who remain immured in his palace. Does this come as surprise if years of crime and accumulated guilt hold these criminals in a prison of their own making?.
They may devise every scheme in their power towards the attainment of their narrow interest, but the Lord has a way of checking their subtlity.According to the words of God,
“THERE ARE MANY DEVICES IN A MAN’S HEART NEVERTHLESS THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD THAT SHALL STAND”PR: 19:21
That enmity between Isaias and Melese;the split among Tplf core,and
the hundred thousand none Tigrian soldiers stationed in Tigray over a decade are circumstance outside the control tplf leaders.
My advice to them is this
Mot saymeta Egziabiharen Mihiret teyku!
Amelak yekirbay new ena.
It’s really surprising that government officials of so many countries are called to the US embassy to be interrogated at the whim of the US diplomats!!!
Can you imagine, the Ethiopian ambassador doing the same thing?
Neocolonization is here, let’s give it a hug and welcome it!!
Can it be that Meles himself is Getachew?
wearing mask to look alike a hypothetical Getachew?
How come the PM says it is difficult to talk to him?
As usual,this intolerant moderator,for no
reason,once again threw away my comment over this topic.
As far as I see there is no inapproprate language expressed in it.Beside,i am convinced that over 85% of the time on issues discussed on this forums we agree.
I wonder though how far can we take this
this intolerant attitude?What if you happen to be a man of autority,are you sure you will not come looking to get my scalp?
It is a shame that the Chief of the security reported to the US Ambassador what Essayas’ body-guard told him about Essayas. How can a body-guard judges the way his President decides? A body-guard could not be an insider sources. Getachew’s information is just a rubish.
In the history of Ethiopia,the most stubbern enemy that Ethiopians encountered is our current enemy that Ethiopinas are fighting tooth and nail.Ethiopians will definitely bear the cost because Zinawianrobbers are distoying the lives the present generation and the future at alarming speed,but Zinawianrobbers shall pay the dearest and the greatest price;yes,the enemy will pay the price because our children and Ethiopia are priceless.In the minds and hearts of our twin enemies,Egyptian rulers and Zinawian rulers,Ethiopia is nonexistent.Zinawi’s right hand,security chief,Getachew Assefa is blood thristy a beast is and an alien and has been on heavy dosage of prescription medicine to prolong his remaining life as Melels Zinawi is.
Because both are shortlisted as sick on the head and in the body,are deseprately tryining to turn the ticking clock of their the soon would be going away life back from what they are close enough to kissing thier fragile life and say aurovoir to the world they lived in committing weird and wicked crimes against Ethiopians.
Birthed from the enemies before them,they were released from the cave that they were encubated from the egg that was laid on the dirt,in a cave and were released into the world where they hate Ethiopia and Ethiopians.Egyptian rulers’ delight reached the acme of their animosity towards Ethiopians when Zinawianrobbers occuped Ethiopia.
When Zinawianrobbers came into Ethiopia,they were barefoot,but had a lot of guns and bullets to loot and murder Ethiopians.Time favored them and invaded Ethiopia;they then,scattered allover and throughout Ethiopia and quickly moved into villages,towns,cities,and neighborhoods and broke into homes and vandalized the lives of families.
Today,everything and anything that is available above and below the lands,in Ethiopia is strictly controlled,owned,and run by members of the crimefamily.
Our common enemy,established two economic system;one for itself and another one for Ethiopians.Ethiopians,mind you;our common enemy is extremely weathly from the looting of the resources of Ethiopia ,but is poorly healthy;hence,shortlived.Indeed,fellow Ethiopians,the Ethiopia dear to our loving heart,has been living in our hearts and mind since creation;so will forever now and into the future.But,to Egyptian rulers and Zinawian rulers,Ethiopia is not existed.
Ethiopians,we have done it before.What would stop Ethiopians from completely crush our twin enemies to their defeat?