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Birtukan’s choice: serve Woyanne or stand with the people?

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

By Elias Kifle

Sources close to Birtukan Mideksa’s new party, Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ), have informed Ethiopian Review that some of the top leaders of the party are considering resignation. The most prominent among them are Ato Temesgen Zewdie and Dr Yacob HaileMariam. According to the sources, Birtukan herself may not return to Ethiopia after concluding her European tour, which has been a dismal failure so far. What lends further credence to such talk is that her right hand man in the UDJ, Ato Melaku Fantaye, who played a key role in convening UDJ’s founding conference and worked hard to get her elected as chairperson, has fled to Kenya and is now seeking asylum. He has also joined Ginbot 7.

The reason these UDJ officials are leaving the party is said to be the worsening political repression in the Ethiopia. There are also some serious internal disagreements that are not needed to be mentioned here for now.

In regards to Wzt. Birtukan, Ethiopian Review doubts that she will come to such a decision. First of all, it seems that she is enjoying the role of ‘loyal opposition’ — crisscrossing European capitals and attending cocktail parties in the Addis Ababa diplomatic circles. Secondly, she doesn’t think that it is possible to defeat Woyanne either through election or any other means any time soon. She has recently revealed to her closest associates that her eyes are set on elections to be held 10 to 15 years from now, and that she doesn’t care about the 2010 elections. Hence her unwillingness to speak out against the ongoing political repression in Ethiopia by the Woyanne regime.

Nevertheless, let’s assume that Birtukan has the vision and courage that are required to make such a decision — a decision that her own close confidant has just made. Imagine how the Woyanne cannibalistic regime in Ethiopia would react to such a news. It would have been another major blow to Meles & Co., and a joy to the people of Ethiopia.

Woyanne has been tormenting 70 million Ethiopians for the past 18 years because many of the opposition leaders such as Birtukan do not understand or have closed their eyes to its pure evil nature. They have failed to organize the people to fight against the Woyanne fascism politically, diplomatically, ideologically, and militarily. Even as outsiders such as European Member of Parliament Ana Gomes says there cannot be free and fair election in Ethiopia under the Meles regime, Birtukan and others talk about participating in the 2010 election.

The people are showing their disappointment with Birtukan and her surenderist group by not showing up at her recent public meetings in Europe. In some countries such as The Netherlands, once a stronghold for Kinijit in Europe, she could not find any one to invite her. Her European tour has been a dismal failure. She is losing credibility and respect as a political leader who is out of touch with the needs of the people she claims to represent.

As Woyanne’s cannibalism gets worse, however, it seems that finally genuine, promising leaders are emerging to provide strong leadership. Some who held the so-called “peaceful” struggle as a religious belief while their followers were being slaughtered right in front of their eyes have now come to the realization that the people of Ethiopia have the right to use any means available to defend themselves. Such leaders include those who have formed the Ginbot 7 Movement.

Others such as Birtukan Mideksa continue to shamelessly preach ‘peaceful’ struggle, which even her mentor, Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam recently said doesn’t exist in Ethiopia. He told a Washington DC audience that the peaceful struggle hasn’t started yet! Wzt. Birtukan, Prof. Mesfin and their surrenderist group refer to those who are forced to raise arms as “backwards.” Ironically, Prof. Mesfin calls those Ethiopians who try to defend their freedom with guns as ‘backwards’ while standing in the middle of Washington DC, the capital city of the United States, a country that protects the freedom of its citizens with thousands of nuclear arsenals.

It would have been a death nail to Woyanne if all the “loyal” opposition in Ethiopia announce that they are no longer able to operate inside the country and cease their political activities at once. It would devastate Woyanne if, for instance, Birtukan, Bulcha, Merera and others leave the country and lead their organizations from outside, as the leaders of South Africa’s African National Congress did during the struggle against the apartheid regime, or as Prof. Mesfin’s hero, the Dalai Lama, who is fighting for the freedom of Tibetans while living in exile. Such a decisive action by these leaders would completely change the course of Ethiopia’s current politics in favor of the opposition camp.

The real resistance

In the past few months, it seems a new chapter has been opened in the struggle against the Woyanne tyranny. Leaders who once stood with Birtukan, including those who were elected to parliament, have taken a different path. They have joined the real resistance. Their primary objective is to remove Woyanne before the year 2010 — not to prepare for another fake election. It is encouraging to hear that the Ginbot 7 leaders are setting that as a goal. G7’s Ato Andargachew Tsege has said in a recent interview with Ethiopian Review that Ethiopia cannot afford to remain under the destructive grip of the Woyanne junta and go through another sham election where the winner is predetermined.

People are starting to pay attention to the messages of EPPF, OLF, ONLF, TPDM, Ginbot 7 and others who have recognized the right of people to defend themselves and fight for their freedom. When these groups come together and form a transitional government in exile, put their fighters under a unified command, and make a call to the people of Ethiopia to rise up, Woyanne will crumble the same way its puppet regime in Somalia is falling apart.

Meles, Sebhat & Company are working day and night to prevent such an outcome through an aggressive multi-pronged campaign. Unfortunately, the ‘loyal opposition’ such as Birtukan and her few blind supporters are part and parcel of Woyanne’s countermeasure.

Birtukan is currently in Europe. If she is genuinely standing for the interest of the people of Ethiopia, she would not return to Addis Ababa. Instead, she would lead her followers inside Ethiopia and around the world from abroad — from such places as Asmara where she would have access to radio, tv, and other means of mass communication that she cannot access in Addis Ababa. If she goes back to Ethiopia, she would be returning into Woyanne’s jaws where she is of no use to any one other than Woyanne.

The real opposition groups need to take Ana Gomes’ advise to heart: A fair and free election in Ethiopia is possible only under a transitional government. EPPF, Ginbot 7, ONLF, OLF, TPDM and possibly other groups have the power and the means to establish such a transitional government in exile. It only requires political will and imagination on their part to achieve that. If Barack Obama, a person whom nobody knew just two years ago, can rise up to be leader of the most powerful nation in the world with his message of change, hope and ‘yes we can’ slogan, why not the leaders of OLF, G7, EPPF, ONLF and other Ethiopian opposition groups come together and liberate Ethiopia? The task for them is much easier than what Obama has been able to achieve, since their enemy, Woyanne, is the most hated regime that has ever come to power in the history of Ethiopia.

In the mean time, Birtukan and the surrenderist groups have a choice to make: continue to provide political cover for Woyanne, or stand with the people? Be in the service of fascism, or serve the cause of freedom?

38 thoughts on “Birtukan’s choice: serve Woyanne or stand with the people?”

  1. Birtukan needs to get real and for once and for all believe that change is possible in Ethiopia in shortest period of time. The way forward is only be the means enumrated above. She is not serving her cause her people by remaining a so called “loyal Opposition.” She should be brave enough to denounce the Woyanes and remain her and launch an agressive campaign from without, since struggle within has become utterly impossible.

  2. Good analysis. I don’t understand why the leadership if UDJ is echoeing peacefull struggle even though the political climate in Ethiopia is worsening. They know how it is tough to open office, to hold a meeting, to organ demonstration…Why don’t see the facts any body can see? For me it is bizare. The woyane regime is not ready to hand over power to the people of Ethiopia peacefully. We should slash the regime from top to bottom. Let us reflect the appropriate means of struggle to get ride of woyane. Woyane is a criminal group which could be charged with a bunch of files from treason to genocide, from corruption to economic mismanagement…So, how do we think this group leave power peacefully? Ana Gomez clearly mentioned it. Let design all form of struggle to run down the tribal thugs regime. But for sure loyal opposition never brings change.

  3. A jump from peaceful struggle to armed struggle? No. NOTHING new!!
    The opposition in Ethiopia majority of them never believed in peaceful struggle in the first place! They spent 17 years condemning and cursing the EPRDF without doing any meaningful political work. AEUP people are the only ones who were active in Ethiopia and even them never thought of going to parliament, grab their seat and do real politiks like beyene petros. Only this chap dared to relentlessly apply this theory into practice despite the fact that many of his closest comrades died (which he mentions very bitterly) in this process The late comer Lidetu Ayalew , a strong advocator of the peaceful struggle was cursed and shamed (even though this was partly his mistake) before he even started this career.
    The participation of the opposition in 2050 election was to create havoc (read Dr Negede’s book), for propaganda purposes and was not about doing real political work among the people, convince the people that they are better etc… but to provoke EPRDF and discredit it in front of the international community. In fact they should not have entered the election without a free NEB and fair election … which they were strongly calling for at that time. Instead they rushed into the election because the opposition was always after the quickest way to get to power that is through blood shed of students and the poor people of Ethiopia and a blessing from the US and Europe. And it does not matter to them that the people are the ones who should decide their fate. They the elite take the upper-hand, use the people and usurp power. That is it. The attack on Birtukan and Prof Mesfin the few who are favouring the peaceful way is nothing but a manifestation of this selfish interest.
    So today the call for armed struggle and invitation to abandon politics in the county and fan politics in exile is not about the Ethiopian people but to discredit the EPRDF, beg the US and Europe to bring them to power once they do there so-called armed struggle bravado (the same old tactic of using the people) and form a government in power. Today’s opposition is not cut out for hard work as before but is after the easiest and shortest way of gaining power through blood shed and shameful begging.

  4. ይገርማል! እኔ ከኢትዮጵያ ነው በቅርብ ቅን ወደውጭ ዘመጣሁት! የአንድነት ፓርቲ ስለተባለው ነገር የሰማሁትም ከዚህ ነው:: ዎያኔን በሰላም መላቀቅ አይቻልም:: ዎያነዎቹ ሰላም አያውቁም! ከዎያኔ መላቀቅ የሚፈልግ ሁሉ ዎያኔዎቹን በሚገባቸው መንገድ መታገል ነው:: ዎያኔ የሚያውቀው መግደል እና ምቀማት ነው:: ሀገርቤት ያለው ሁሉ ሞትን ይፈራል! ግን ውጭ ሀገር ያላቹሁት ዎያኔን የምትፈሩ ለምንድን ነው? ብቻ እግዚሃር ይረዳን እንደሁ እንጅ ፖልቲክኛዎቹ የሚያደርጉት ግን ተስፋ ያስቆርጣል:

    ድንግት

  5. Elias,

    I agree with Obamaizm style of Yes We Can, and the oppostions that you listed can still do inorder to combat the weyane criminal group.

    Howeve, are you sure that Birtukan is planning to stay in exile after her tour, or are you simply following the dirty tracks of EPRP ego groups that keep showing their disasfaction using irrelevant and falsified evediences.

    As you know the so called eprp eyasu hyena groups always creat false accusation to expose thier view opponents, actually these retiree groups of eprp are very known in a simple character assasination strategy, so Elias I hope you would not sink your self to this just because you oppose UDJ…..WATH OUT BRO…..

  7. It really is not a rocket science that if Ethiopians unite for a common purpose – to liberate the country that is, Woyane doesn’t stand a chance. The only way the junta can prolong its life is by keeping us divided. The sooner we realise how fragile woyane is, the better for the peace loving people of the great and historic country – ETHIOPIA. I don’t think we understand Woyane for how weak it is and for how they can only sustain their stay in power by using the likes of loyal opposition. We all have a common purpose and that is to remove the parasitic regime in power. I don’t believe any ethnic group in Ethiopia wants separation. In a fair and democratic Ethiopia neither the OLF, ONLF or any other group for that matter wants separation. United we all stand tall. I am a strong believer that we need to fight Woyane by any means necessary. It is a no brainer that we should get help from any one including Eritrea in our own terms. Remember Woyane is only strong if we are weak! I don’t believe we loose anything seeking help from Eritrea. Use them for a free media outlet, training fighters, a base to fight from and their interest is in seeing Ethiopia in peace with itself and its neighbours. I don’t believe for a second Eritrea started the war against woyane. It makes as much sense as Taiwan invading China. Woyanes cleverly started it to win over the Ethiopian public. Remember the Police officers they killed to claim the opposition did it and charged them of genocide? They now want us to believe that Eritrea wants to grab land from Ethiopia. This is meant to have us believe that they are true Ethiopians and at the same time making it a taboo for any opposition to work with Eritrea. I say Lets wise up and stay ahead of the woyane game.

  8. Elias, fine analysis.
    As we know almost all those the so-called “loyal-opposition” groups are doing their business by our poor people. They collect money from inside and outside, go abroad. look for example recently Dr Merara Gedana, Ato Asrat Gebru, wr birtukan medekisa, Ato Abayneh Birhanu, etc have been tour outside Ethiopia. Let us ask ourselves about their political or economical contributions for our country. They have done nothing. They run primitive or “backwards” political style. Look, Wzt. Birtukan, Prof. Mesfin and their group refer to those who are forced to raise arms as “backwards.” we need visionary, strong leaders.

  9. It seems to me that peaceful struggle in Ethiopia would not have any outcome at all. It is not at all plausible that woyane would allow its own demise through a democratic election.Infact one thing they have learned from the previous election is that such a possibility should never and ever be there for them to survive.
    At this stage, it is really confusing to argue for armed struggle but it seems that it is the lesser of the two evils. Eventhough, this is something we do not like to happen in ethiopia, it is something we have to do to change the fate of the nation.
    As for Biritukan, comeon she is doing what she believes in. She is trying her best. Her approach may not be realistic. But we should be able to entertain those with a different idea. Infact for a democratic culture that we want to create, to have opposition parties with different approaches is a wise idea. So let Biritukan do what she does best.

  10. elias,

    You are right on the money for advocating in removing the TPLF regime by all means avialable including peacful and armed struggle.

    For peacful struggle to succeed back home the good opposition parties must unite and confront the regime decsively. Otherwise they will be serving it by being a loyal opposition party.

    For the armed struggle to succeed the resistance group must work in Ethiopia but not from DC and London. Ginbot 7 is not reliable and has no presence in the country.

    To give credit to your assesment of armed struggle – one has to look at the current situation in Ethiopia. The Somalians are pushing the TPLF from Somalia by force, the OLF is so action oriented the TPLF is crying for mediation and if the EPPF join from the North – with a decisive peacful struggle under the leadership of Eng. Hail Shawel the Woyannies will fall in less than 1 year.

    Birtukan and Mesfin are a distraction. People have just to ignore them. Da Le Lama is not a good example. Just recently the British government discarded him poltically.

  11. If someone can aggressively work to intimidate an oppposition party while he/she is not in a government position, then, there is a complete pursuasive evidence that same person will kill many if he/she gots the chance to be on power. Logically, the difference between Elias and Meles is one has full power to kill while the other lacks it while disperately in need of it. Basically, both are the same, no drop of democracy in thier minds and/or hearts!

  14. I appritiate Birtukan’s strength before, Especially when she was in prison. but i couldn’t understand what she is doing now?she know very well who woyane is and who woyane’s officials are.even zenawi in his latest book said that “eprdf should have stay in power at list for the coming 50 years” .they planed and told us this blind dream francly.the post election situations in Ethiopia are also clear evidences what & for what they are doing. at this time, declaring struggle in the name of” peaceful struggle” is joking and killing the struggle of Ethiopian people.
    so, please Birtukan join the true struggle with others from the outside, unless ARFACHIHU TEKEMETU, DENKARA ATIHUNU.

  15. Anonymous #3:

    Your analysis starts with some truth, gets provocative with a twist, unfairly generalize and finally gives you away.

    Here is the break down

    -From “A jump….” TO the last sentence “STARTED HIS CAREER.” is believable.

    -“The participation of the opposition in 2050 (you meant 2005) way to create havoc…” Knowing how quickly Kinijit disintegrated after their “leaders” were released from prison, it is believable.

    -In fact they should not have entered the election without a free NEB and fair election … which they were strongly calling for at that time. Instead they rushed into the election because the opposition was always after the quickest way to get to power that is through blood shed of students and the poor people of Ethiopia and a blessing from the US and Europe.

    “Not have entered the election…” (Did you mean, not have entered parliament?)

    “Instead they rushed into the election…”

    -“Instead they rushed into the election because the opposition was always after the quickest way to get to power that is through blood shed of students and the poor people of Ethiopia and a blessing from the US and Europe.”

    I disagree that it is the motivation of all opposition party members is to get to power at the cost of Ethiopians blood, suffering and death.

    -“They the elite take the upper-hand, use the people and usurp power. That is it. The attack on Birtukan and Prof Mesfin the few who are favoring the peaceful way is nothing but a manifestation of this selfish reason.”

    Are not the “elite” (nothing wrong being elite, except when it is arrogant, manipulative, double face and opportunistic at the cost of the people’s best interest.) UDJP probably is a party of members of the elite. Woyane might have come through gorilla fighting but its leaders and some of the strategists use a formula as well informed
    as the “elite” and Melese him self falls in the category of a shrewd, mean, armed and prospered “elite” who is self educated.

    -“So today the call for armed struggle and invitation to abandon politics in the county and fan politics in exile is not about the Ethiopian people but to discredit the EPRDF, beg the US and Europe to bring them to power once they do there so-called armed struggle bravado (the same old tactic of using the people) and form a government in power”

    This sort of gave you away that you are not a member of any opposition.

  16. Dear Editor,

    I will tell you what will exactly happen if all opposition parties cease to exist: Meles & Co will create some fake ones that will be more loyal! How many time have we seen Woyane create teletafi civic groups or unions after he destroys the more legitimate ones, or the ones it can’t control?

    As we all know, Meles is not allowing some semblance of multipartism out of his concern for democratic advancement of the country, his only motivation is the survival of his group at the helm of Ethiopia. Thus showing an apparent adherence to democratic values gives him a place in the international community and the $$$ he desperately needs to survive.

    If all genuine oppositions (as inefficient as they might be) disappear, well I think the happiest person would be Meles because he will have the opportunity to start all over again and create some real counterfeit oppositions from scratch. And believe me, he will not repeat his past mistakes.

  17. I have been against Elias because of the word he used for Birtukan or UDJP not on his opinion and I was kinda supporting the UDJP movement in Ethiopia even if I don’t trust weyane but what I understood from Birtukan Europe speech’s was she is mad at the diaspora who are trying to be the voice for the voiceless, She seems enjoying in Ethiopia cause no questioning, no public meetings no confrontations from former Kinijit Supporters but here in Europe every body want to be the voice for the voiceless of our people in Ethiopia I don’t think Birtukan liked it. The most shameful thing is Birtukan like to attack those who tell the truth for there people like Dr. Birehanu, Andargachew and in general G7 Movement. Birtukan don’t like to talk against weyane at all … THE MAIN PURPOSE OF HER EUROPE TOUR IS TO DISCOURAGE GINBOT7 MOVEMENT SHAME ON YOU BIRTUKAN DON’T TRY TO IMPOSE YOUR PROTESTANT RELIGION ON US!

  19. I like how you have managed from criticizing the leader of the only standing major opposition party to butchering her character. We have all seen the movement outside of Ethiopia in the name of freedom and armed struggle. We have seen the OLF and ONLF for the last three decades push their policies on the mercy of Ethiopians in Ethiopia. Let us be honest, there is no free election. That is not, however, a reason to abandon the woman standing against the mighty regime and fighting for equality and justice. That is real change from the years of insurgency and gun fight that has gained nothing for us. She is not doing it across a border at a comfortable distance with better living standards like many of us. It is critical we support her cause and abandon the idea of arm struggle. Let us not forget how the woyane got to power. The idea of establishing a democratic system through democratic ways is not blindness, but common sense. Even Evil Hitler knew that. If this article is seriously naming Somalia as an example, surely, it has no common sense.

  20. Is there a way we can hear from Birtukan or her Party. I don’t understand why we don’t have leaders who keep thier popularity for more than five or so years. Is it beacuse we don’t have true heros? what makes me say this is what has happened after the 2005 election. We all know what happened to once admired and very promising young leader Lidetu. Before we know his side of the story his short political career is destroyed and thrown to the arms of the ruling party. I think Birtukan is next. Atleast this guys has shown the courage to fight the evil at the front of the battle field in Ethiopia. Not on cafes of the west, not on websites and papers of the west. They are the ones who can talk about “yes we can” and “change” not us who sit in comfort and try to destroy them for every little mistake they make. This is a disgusting culture trying to distroy a young woman who spent two years of her young age in perison. Only those who did much more than Birtukan can say bad thing about her and it is hard to find persons who qualify this requirment among website, cafe and paper heros.
    Let us hope this passes your moderation

  21. i think all politician in Ethiopian needs to open their eyes and see what really the ethiopian need at this point. where are all this people when our brothers and sisters stuggle to eat once a daya? we need any kind of struggle that can take this dictator government out of Ethiopia. i think we should forget about Birtukan and all the other so called opposition leaders, because they abandoned the Ethiopian people when we all stood by them. we cried and shouted to take them out of the jail but what did they give back to the Ethiopian people…NOTHING.

  22. Elias,

    I really agree with your fundamental view as to how to get rid of terrorist TPLF regime. The only question I ask you is why are you hell bent on attacking other opponents of the terrorist TPLF group? Let them do what they think is the right thing to do. Can we all think the same way as you think or do we have to? Why don’t you respect the views of other people who happen to think differently from you?
    Tessema

  23. The bad news in this article is Everyone seems to feel Woyane is there to stay. The good news in this article is that Burtukan the great is not a woman of quick fix. Actually, the election after 10 or 15 years seem to be realistic. She is young and she will only be in her mid fourties by then. The other good news is that by then most of this power monger communists will be either gone or in a nursing home; therefore it will be easier to organize and become viable. As long as the hyenas are around we will be dreaming and woyane will be recking the country.
    Bravo Burtukan. She is the only one who is getting it. All the barking for the last 17 years didn’t do much and I am pretty sure it will be the same with these power mongers who have no sympathy for any thing but ego. Somalia will be the chess board for Meles, he is purposely retreating so that he can make his money with Obama too. Most of you need more attention with the American politics.

  24. The author of the article I just read a man with a penetrating understanding of Ethiopian politics and with a deep political insight about what is coming. I think, Burtukan Medeksa, would be ill-advised not to accept wholeheartedly the generous piece of advice bestowed to her right on time.

    I must state honestly, I have a great admiration and respect for Burtukan. The least I want is thus she to become a loser. The path of an armed struggle is the right path to freedom and liberation in Ethiopia today. I hope this courageous and beautiful Ethiopian lady follows that path which will take her along the road for her to become the first woman President of Ethiopia.

    I wish her all the best.

    [email protected]

  25. Dear brother Elias!

    As usual, your analysis is just based on so many traditional assumptions and personal interest and wishes.. to help your argument!…i still believe that there is nothing we cant do if we believe so and act consistently! We have seen the power of the Ethiopian people in 2005,if not for our failed leaders handling and lack of long term vision. In science and engineering we know that, there are different ways of doing the same thing correctly..( the Dr. way , the Birtukan way, Elias way, X way ). we don’t yet know whose political will be effective and sustainable for the future generation of Ethiopia.Considering this, who are you to tell our leaders the way of struggle they follow. Could you tell us your expereince that change the life of single Ethioian so far? You sound as if a real dictator than we have seen so far in our history, even with out any authority.

    God bless Ethiopia

  26. this generation Ethio men are cowards. Bertukan, Mesfin w/m and Ledetu etc choose to surrender because there is no real men in the country or outside the country. everyone likes to talk and make speeches.

    talk won’t bring down woyane. the somali fighters are a good example on how small they are and how they are effective chasing TPLF. with a small armament, they harras TPLF and send them in the run. Ethiopians are to scared to use such tactics. because we are cowards. Accept the fact

  27. Yes accept the fact and chill. Talk is cheap. How many sons and daughters of Ethiopia are we going to consume. Once Prof. Mesfin said that here in the U.S.A. you demand so much from the struggle in Ethiopia but you can’t even contribute money that would be enough to buy a small town house. So the comment above hits bull’s eye. A coward should never ask more than what is deserved. Let them become woyanes weapons or what ever, if you can’t provide what is demanded, shut up. The Somalis do get support from the Arab world, Eritrea and Somalians in the diaspora. Ours don’t have support. You guys are really cruel, selfish, cowards and greedy.

  28. Hello Elias!

    I read your article or can I say propaganda? to discourage Birtukan from returnining home and wage the peaceful struggle. I can’t understand the way you guys think. You live in the west where democracy is practiced every single day but learn nothing out of it. This is as confusing as a fish swimming in the water and not getting wet.

    Do you think Ethiopians read the things you write on the internet? or are you trying to wage armed strugle hiding 12000 miles away? so much for your armed struggle. I bet you are not going to start shooting from Washington Dc.

  29. “It would have been a death nail to Woyanne if all the “loyal” opposition in Ethiopia announce that they are no longer able to operate inside the country and cease their political activities at once” ER

    – One of your suggestive ideal place is stated as Asmara. Well they all might as well move there and empwer Isayas to the tune of a great joyful and cynical laughter and scheme.

    “Prof. Mesfin and their surrenderist group refer to those who are forced to raise arms as “backwards.” ER

    _ The problem is people like prof. Mesfin degrading one form of struggle and people like Elias labeling the peaceful opposition like UDJP, “surrenderist”.

    The best suggestion is given by PEACES’ POST,

    “We have seen the power of the Ethiopian people in 2005,if not for our failed leaders handling and lack of long term vision. In science and engineering we know that, there are different ways of doing the same thing correctly..( the Dr. way , the Birtukan way, Elias way, X way ). we don’t yet know whose political will be effective and sustainable for the future generation of Ethiopia..”

    “People are starting to pay attention to the messages of EPPF, OLF, ONLF, TPDM, Ginbot 7 and others who have recognized the right of people to defend themselves and fight for their freedom.”

    -OLf ad ONLF are secessionist groups and you need to specify what people support their their fight for “freedom” .

    “When these groups come together and form a transitional government in exile, put their fighters under a unified command, and make a call to the people of Ethiopia to rise up, Woyanne will crumble the same way….”

    -A call to Ethiopian people? From OLF and ONLF?. And Woyanne crmble?. No there will be open warfare and civilian Ethiopians will pay the prize.

    “If Barack Obama, a person whom nobody knew just two years ago, can rise up to be leader of the most powerful nation in the world with his message of change, hope and ‘yes we can’ slogan, why not the leaders of OLF, G7, EPPF, ONLF and other Ethiopian opposition groups come together and liberate Ethiopia?.”

    -OLF&ONLF have been known as problems to Ethiopia. Ginbot7’s leaders and their pattern of struggle had been known the last 40 years. Not too many people generally know about US presidents until they they run for the position. Simply, it is a childish comparison.

  30. This is not a news at all,this is a series of fictions by Elias.
    It is impossible to establish peace and democracy in Ethiopia in any other way than a peaceful struggle.
    No one seems to understand what a peaceful struggle (None violence)is,it is not just UDJ led public meeting, demonstration, and election it is far beyond these.Peaceful struggle is building confidence and trust within the supporters of the incumbent,in other words taking over the support base of Woyane.It is working together with all forces that are at stake:OLF,ONLF,OFDM,MEDREK,UEDF,EDP MEDHIN,AEUP,ONC, Woyane it self and so on.This might be unusual to many of us,but peace and democracy can only be born with in the womb of the dectatorial regime step by step.It seems difficult only because we donot have politicaly genious leaders,our intellectuals usualy run abroad and keep crying from there.
    We must not ignore realities like;Millions of people knowingly or blindly suport Woyane,OLF and other political organizations ,Millions hate UDJ,AEUP.We not only blame the people in power but the mass support behind them.This mass support helped Dergue to promot Red Terror,this mass support helping Woyane to widespred ethnic hate,
    No opposition party is prepared enough to face or resolve post victory chalenges,all the focus is only on geting rid of the Woyane,but Ethiopia needs stability and peace in order to build democracy.
    No one seems to ask what will EPRDF,and OLF do after is the overthrow of Woyane by force?
    Who is going to defend the nation,who is going to maintain law and order?
    If we are not able to wage a peacful struggle we will not be able to lead the country.
    Removing Woyane must be done with out the cost of blood,infrastructural and social damage;must not cause a new wave of revenge,and destabiliztion;must not creat anew line of enemies and sessetion movements.

  31. YES, WE CAN .YES, WE CAN, I vote for OBAMA even i grow up in US in the past i didn’t care to vote, because none of them care for Ethiopia or Africa . I watch OBAMA for two years listen what he said & i said it is time to vote for CHANGE YES, WE Can Ethopians. Woyanne will be history inculding his BANDS.

    ONE LOVE
    ONE PEOPLE
    ONE ETHIOPIA
    ETHIOPIANS 2010 YES, WE CAN.

  32. It is so amazing to read such kind of fabricated “analysis” that tries to damage UDJ and its leader. It is no wonder that Ethiopians in Diaspora are talking in such authority about a struggle inside the country. It seems that every Ethiopian in Diaspora has the entitlement to talk like a political pundit and want to guide the struggle in Ethiopia.

    The only thing I want to comment about is that the struggle in Ethiopia, no matter how you call it, will continue. It is a new kind of struggle – a type of struggle unknown and unheard by the Eprp generation. It is a struggle waged by the new generation. If you want join the army of this effective struggle. If you don’t want keep on doing what you’re doing now. But I can assure that you tactic is not going to work this time.

    Finally, in so much you portray yourself as a Meles hater, I am really amazed to suggest the method Meles provide to the opposition party leaders in Ethiopia. These were the options Meles told Dr. Berhanu in the aftermath of the 2005 election – “stay away from politics, or leave the country if you can’t take one of these jails is your place”. But UDJ told Meles a choice that he HAS NOT provided “how about staying inside Ethiopia and work with our people?” That is the UDJ’s way. The other alternative!!

  34. Ethiopian across the board now a day have no hope in Brtukan’s party.Because it doesn’t bring any change in coming election.So what next waiting? another theatrical election drama?

  35. EPPF, OLF and ONLF have been out there for decades. BUT WHAT THEY ACHIEVE SO FAR?? NOTHING!! Why was Kinijit so popular in few months time after its creation??? The reason is one and one. NATIONAL AGENDA AND PEACEFUL STRUGGLE. For sure at least 75% of the people back home know little or nothing about EPPF. OLF may be popular in Oromia though it is fading through time and so does ONLF in Ogaden.

    It is too early to comment on Ginbot7. It is yet to be tested.

    No matter what small, there is a room for peaceful struggle. But it is dangerous and risky for real opposition groups. If they have the courage to do so we shall honor them rather than shamefully try to lebel them loyal opposition. We need to understand the pressure and challenge in the peaceful struggle. It is not as simple as sitting in front of computer, making some calls, and posting articles while we are in western countries.

    By the way Eliay, I apprecialte the person who interviewed you on ETN. He is matured and well seasoned. He tried politelly to help you to come to your conscious. He tried to help you to evaluate by reasoning and justification. You are too emotional. All your had to say is “yemeslegnal” and “endemegebagn”, my be you are angry. It seems you have personal problem with weyane like Aregawi (of reporter) with Al Ahmudi.

    I believe (and so does kinijit) that no long term peace can be brought about by armed struggle but a range of well organised and coordinated peaceful struggle. By the way our problem is not just poletical {though it is determinental). We have problems in the economic and social sectors too.There are a lot of things we can do in these regards besides the peaceful struggle in the poletical erena. We can do some grass root community works to boost the capacity of the people at local levels.

    Be fair and calm
    gasu

  36. Hi there !!!

    I like “yequaraw lij” comment. It is so thouthful and to
    the point. Aplifing what woyane wants us to say and to do
    will not take us to the better.
    What I think about Birtukan or any other opposition part
    in Ethiopi is that keep on the struggle. Kepp your eye on weyane than eachother.
    What is wrong to struggle woyane in the way one feels is right ? Especially,in the very risky enviroment.
    What is wrong to try to organize people for a certain cause ?
    Therfoe,please support any struggle that aim at woyane and
    try to creat a room for mutual understanding of one another.
    Focusing on differences gives room doubt and disintigration.
    thanks!!

  37. Whatever we will going to build the struggling democracy party now or as before the aim should be one to get freedom for our opressed people full of right to suceed thier own great aim. The aim of full determination and right to do what ever so the people wants to decide by thier oun power. Andthen we all together creat our struggle party to go forwards anytime, any moment without giving the gup of time. but the most shame for the young geneation regrating according to the way to struggle even up to death.

  38. Hi everybody!
    We are chatting for Ethiopia in our individual ways.
    Now, what is our target? The ruling party.
    What makes the problem the ruling party our target? Its way of ruling the country in a destructive way be it called democratic or whatever.
    Then, how come we talk of any other party negatively which is not standing against our cause having the major target down there. UDJ is not neither standing against Ginbot 7, nor OLF nor Arbegnoch Ginbar nor EPRP nor … UDJ is trying its best against the ruling party to get it down!
    Now there have been so many complaints about that the opposition parties have collectively been unable to focus on the target and organize their struggle for the common cause. The evidence is also here on this platform that some of us are throwing words against UDJ (and at times against its leader personally). But does it help the struggle (your struggle)? I doubt; it may rather cause you to lose a backing effort for your cause. What makes some of you so mad over the peaceful struggle? What makes you believe your choice (armed struggle shall be the recipe towards the future Ethiopia) is the best ever existed for Ethiopia’s current problem? Who told you such a stand is democratic (as we are longing to that cause)? If we can’t be patient to one another at least to a common goal (our goal is peaceful and democratic Ethiopia), then we will remain to be a failed state. When we talk of others we must be conscious of human nature towards freedom. You chose armed struggle. Fine as far as you are not against the common cause, free Ethiopia from EPRDF which is ruling the country in a destructive way. Armed struggle was around during 2005. No opposition parties were concerned of them because of the common cause, apart from the ruling regime which finds they were against its interest. The regime understands when the opposition parties were saying they were standing in support of peaceful struggle which means officially, by implication, they were against armed struggle. However, it was obvious fro the ruling party that they (the opposition parties) were happy at the back in support of any means against the regime. But the opposition parties were mentioning this when only necessary or they were challenged to talk about it. Which means they never tried to shout aloud about the armed struggle. What is now surprising me is that there is so much madness about the UDJ with Ginbot 7’s supporters. I also frankly support Ginbot 7 as well as UDJ. That is me. What makes UDJ so bitterly your enemy as if it is your number one target? Ginbot 7 is not UDJ’s business as far as Gibot 7 is not standing against the cause of UDJ! So, what makes UDJ the Ginbot 7’s supporters business as far as UDJ’s is not standing against the cause of Ginbot 7’s? Hay, why don’t you spend your effort as to how to push your struggle along with Ginbot 7’s time table apart from feeling so much concerned about UDJ line? If UDJ is wrong time proves that. As much is also the case to Ginbot 7. My hope is both parties cause is one and two extreme options leave no cavity to the target. Do you please understand that?
    Both Gonbot 7’s and UDJ’s cause are same! Is that not true?
    Some of us are not contributing any to both parties except we support them lip service. And I am sure some of us who are complaining about UDJ in seemingly support of Ginbot 7 are not contributing any to Ginbot 7’s cause concretely. And don’t forget, that I said some of us. How come I dare to tell you not to support Ginbot 7. Could I also tell you in stead to support UDJ? I can’t dare doing that as I have not even been able to tell the supporters of woyane not to. So I have some brothers supporting woyane and I don’t dare to tell them whom to support against the other as far as they know what to and why. So I will have my choice and respect others by simply keeping quite; and when I oppose a party I tell openly the shortcomings of their cause when I disrespect theirs. That is why we do have a common cause about which we may shout – woyane. So, don’t stand against UDJ and others as far as their cause is same as yours and especially as far as their cause is not against yours. Don’t tell them to follow your line which makes you undemocratic. Ginbot 7 announced officially any form of struggle against the ruling party and that is beautiful!!! And among the “any struggle” there is peaceful!
    If you ask UDJ about armed struggle OFFICIALLY, it definitely has to stand against it. But that does not mean UDJ is against Ginbot 7! This is known to the ruling. How come it is not clear to you! DON’T WE HAVE MIND? Are we mad?
    Let us accept every form of struggle in everyway!!! And let us know what we are doing is for the betterment of Ethiopia and how and why we do that? Above all let’s understand each other and that makes us one!!!
    OTHERWISE WE ARE HURTING OUR CAUSE!!!
    Sincerely yours.

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