By Elias Kifle
EthioMedia.com has been publishing a series of articles [1, 2] by some one pen named Tikur Chaka in the past few weeks. I have received requests by some EPPF supporters and Ethiopian Review readers to address the issues raised in the articles.
Ato Melke Mengiste, one of the senior members of EPPF who helped found the organization, has also asked me to publish a confidential report he presented to EPPF chapters and central committee members on August 1, 2010. Ato Melke’s report highlights some of the main problems facing EPPF. Click here to read.
The issues surrounding the Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front (EPPF) are too complicated and after reading both articles by “Tikur Chaka,” I think it is important to address some of them based on my own personal observation. Again, the following are my personal observations.
1. The writer accuses many individuals, including me, of not taking a public stand regarding the problems currently facing EPPF. As a matter of fact, some of us have been fighting hard to fix the problems inside EPPF behind the scene, and there have been some serious, tangible steps that have been taken recently. For example, a few weeks ago, EPPF chapters have passed a joint resolution calling for suspension of all fund raising activities around the world on behalf of EPPF until a proper system for handling its finances has been put in place. The resolution also calls for revamping of the leadership. (click here to read the resolution.) There are a number of other steps that are being taken — the details of which I cannot discuss at this time.
2. The claim the writer makes that Eritrean officials do not want EPPF to become a strong Ethiopian polico-military force has NOT been supported by solid facts. The main reason EPPF is failing to make advances is that it has been infiltrated by corrupt individuals who seek fame and financial gains at the expense of the organization, as detailed in Ato Melke’s confidential report.
3. As the writer correctly points out, some members of the EPPF top leadership have been engaged in embezzlement of funds that were collected for the organization. I don’t think this will happen any more, because many of the newly elected central committee members have taken a strong stand against such gross misconduct. I am confident that those who have misappropriated funds from the organization will be held accountable.
Lastly, the writer is hell-bent on trying to convince his readers that the main source of EPPF’s problems is the Eritrean government or Shabia. This is a weak argument. If we continue to externalize our problems, instead of looking at ourselves and examine our own actions, we cannot find solutions. EPPF, and all Ethiopian opposition parties, for that matter, are weak because they are plagued with corruption, nepotism, parochialism and incompetence. The opposition parties need younger, well-educated, dynamic leaders with laser-sharp focus on removing the Woyanne cancer from Ethiopia. The opposition leaders need to also be immune to corruption, self-aggrandizement, and manipulation by other powers. A concerted effort is currently being made to bring such leadership to EPPF.
19 thoughts on “Discussions regarding EPPF”
EPPF is the only hope Ethiopian people have in the near future. It is one of the best organisations that are capable to tople the Ethiopian tribal junta the TPLF. I hope the EPPF will soon began its military actions inside Ethiopia. The whole Ethiopian population is waiting you, be a responsible organisation and hary up.
To achiev its goal the organisation must reorganize itself, there must be democratic procedures and strong leadership and that could bave the way the EPPF to build a strong military wing that are capable of waging an effective gorilla war. according my knowledge and the Ethioian histrory that gorilla war from the Amhara region, the Addis area and neighboring regions can escalate immidietely to a fullscale war between freedom fighters and tribal army of Tigray. Then we shall able to topple the regim within a short time.
If we don,t do that now then we must be ready to be slaves for the next 100 years.
wow! wow! this is big. Any organization which is not based on ideology will not have any foundation. You want a good fighting force?? send the leadership where the struggle is. As long as they are in city safe house they forget their mission. The only people you need out side the fighting area is people who can be good deplomats. People who can open line of communication, etc. etc. Even for the moral of the fighting force he has to see his leaders dying and getting wounded like him. As we see some of the they bragging a lot. Before they do any thing they want to brag i every liquor house. Besides a gorrella should not be 100% dependent in another country or another organization. It will be p parasite organization. There will be no room for growth.
This news hit me like a ton of bricks. Even if this news found not to be true, the fact rumors is being thrown around to demoralize the freedom fighters moral is the greatest danger, as far as I am concerned. The same thing happened to Meles’s opposition parties, and now this. What a great shame! It has not been a secret for some of us that, EPPF has three strong enemies, that hate and fear to see a stronger EPPF army. This has been my fear and suspicions for a while now, and it seems my fear is coming a reality. There is no doubt in my mind that, the three enemies are cooperating and planting problems with in the dedicated patriots Ethiopians that are willing to give their precious lives for their country. Now a days, the power of money can destroy a country, let alone a small growing army. I don’t doubt that Meles is spending billions to destroy his strongest opposition army–EPPF. With out EPPF, my hope is diminishing to see a united Ethiopia and removing the cancer of Ethiopia called Meles. May God destroy the people and their families who intentionally instigating problems with in the freedom fighters.
The challenges facing EPPF are those that every organisation must pass through, success is to survive them and I am sure EPPF will. On the need for young leadership, I agree it is decisive. The main addition I have is that the ouster of weyane should and cannot be the ultimate goal. Weyane will fall, if not by military force simply by decay as it does not have the support of the Ethiopian people. The challenge for EPPF is to provide an alternative. To offer a really integrated National program (social and political).
Victory to the Ethiopian masses
Peace
Tesfa
Well again I have my own reservations about three things: it is still naive to think that Shaebia will wish good things for Ethiopia, sending any secret information to Tigrayans (that believed to be anti Weyane such as Ethiomedia) and Shaebia is dangerous still no matter how supportive they become.
I don’t think EPPF come back to its original interest. Wha in the hell 70 member of which some of them are already corrupted can make EPPF to function as it used to be.
Elias if possible, try as much you can
Lastly i would like to recommend you not to expose documents like Ato Melke Mengiste’s at this time. find the solution first then when the time comes by then you can ….
“The claim the writer makes that Eritrean officials do not want EPPF to become a strong Ethiopian polico-military force has NOT been supported by solid facts… ” Elias what do you mean by no supported by facts! What ate about the facts listed by the writer if they are false tell us other wise the facts presented by the writer are well convincing. You are trying to dispute the writers 15 pages ( full of facts) document by one general page
What is your information about the following facts
1. Who killed Tefsfaye?
2. How is the condition of Colonel Taddesse; Shambel Zewdu; and Ato Yosef?
3. Who removed Colonel Taddesse Bogale from EPPF leadership and put him under a kind of house arrest in Amera?
4. Did your fiend Sileshi Tilahun ask Eritrean officials to bring back colonel Taddess to lead Arbegnoch or not?
5. The writer witness Eritrean officials the like of colonel Fitsum chair EPPF meeting is it true or false
6. Why Prof. Mehari rejects the appointment to lead the international committee can u interview him?
7. What is the role of Eritrea in EPPF leadership election?
8. What is the role of Eritrea in on the international committee?
Elias if you believe the problem of Arbegnoch Ginbar is in side nothing to do with Ertrea tell us by putting points other wise “Lastly, the writer is hell-bent on trying to convince his readers that the main source of EPPF’s problems is the Eritrean government or Shabia. This is a weak argument. “ tell us where is the week argument! Can u agrue him directly? If you do that readers would have chance to judge who is right. otherwise u better ask excuse openly.
Thank you Elias to post Tewodros’e comment to the surface. I am excited to hear your words.
Thanks
If EPPF fall it is our fault. change those leaders that dont reflect the need of Ethiopia.
Selam All:
For two obvious reasons, the article written by Tikur is biased, to say the least. Firstly, the very first word of the piece is SHABYA; and on top of that,Ethiomedia which by itself borders the limits of hate to anything that is Eritrean or/and has any association with Eritrea, shows it all.
What has to be pointed out, especially to those who have not yet appreciated the way the tplf or the so called splinter groups like the Arenas, is how they exploit the negative perceptions that many Ethiopians have towards Shabya. Both groups have even managed, at least until recently, to convince people that their difference has been in their respective attitudes and also measures they are willing to take against or deal with Shabya. Preposterous as it is, there was even time that Mesfin Sium, the tplf FM, blamed Shabya for causing inflation!!
Despite all the distortions and lies about Eritrea’s role and policy, Elias and few independent activists have contributed significantly in exposing many of the Woyane lies concerning Eritrea’s stand on Ethiopian unity. I followed though the recent interview in Quale Pal-Talk room; Elias defended his stand clearly and disappointed those, for various reasons, want to hear the old tired song: shabya did that, shabya may have been involved .
The TPLF more than anybody else, of course, except Shabya, knows exactly how it got where it is now; and by the same token, is also anxious that the reverse process is possible with the involvement of Shabya; so it tries its best to kill early on any initiative by the Ethiopian opposition that involves Shabya . When EPPF eventually joins the newly formed alliance, ALJF, Heaven knows the extent of the Tplf’s reaction.
Positively or otherwise, one can speculate on the role that Shabya has had on EPPF’s organizational dynamic; however, for those who know Shabya well, they have to expect what set of measures it would take against agents of the TPLF or other foreign powers sent under the cover of joining EPPF as new recruits etc. It shouldn’t be implied though that all those alleged to be in jail or out of duty are of the same category.
A Coordinated Struggle To Remove the Cancer of the Horn is getting stronger by the day !!
TRUTH shall PREVAIL!!
I think it’s better not to say that Eritrean Government is making obstacles to the EPPF’s struggle against Woyanne. Because this government at least enables EPPF not to give peace to Ethiopian “governemt”. We know how often EPPF takes sudden attack on the woyanne militia and scores good result. So, EPPF is our lone option and creating differences with this patriot and Eritrean Officials is Woyanne’s tactic. We better mitigate the challenge and let’s internalize the problems. That’s what Elias is trying to say.
Dear Elias,
Happy New Year
Thanks for shading some sort of light on this issue. I am however still not sure whether your brief statement actually answers all of the issues raised in the report, I am not expecting a 10 page response, but most of the issues raised remain unanswered. Please see “Tewodros’s”, request above, your readers expect more form you.
Selam,
It would be counterproductive for shaebia to work to weaken any opposition force against the weyane junta. For me, it´s enough argument to believe what Elias wrote here about Eritreas roll.
Dear Elias,
I fully agree with the comments made by Tewodros. On top of that, you should provide direct answers to some of the questions ‘Tikur Chaka’ raised specifically about you. Thanks
I still believe that eritirian leadership is the majour stumbling blopck for the progress of this organization. It is impossible for me as an Ethiopianist to believe that Shabia is commited to let Eppf operate freely,without requiring eppf to fulfill some conditions.This is what happend to Eprp,Elf,Olf,etc.There are,in the past enstances,where Some ethiopians who have been killed by shabia for their political views.Without deweling on this issue,The best course of action for the Ethiopians to be self sufficient.I dont know why many Ethiopians are closed minded over elementary fact.What is wrong with Ethiopians desiring to train experts in the land of Israel,what is wrong training special forece in S.Africa.
Look I hold no stke in any political organization,Neverthless,I know i will not for a second believe both Tplf and shabia and will not be around them let alone to put my trust on them.The problem with us is to many chiefs for few indians.Why continue in the path of humilation by standing near shabia.I think both governments would like us believe they are commited to the goal of mutual distrction.In reality,they are not commited and there is no support for such event to take place.
I have no power to place this in the minds of others.Neverthless, I firmly hold this so long eppf or any front remains under ckose supervision of shabia there will not be any break through any time. It is immpossible for eppf to be under the influence of shabiam,and be at the same time independent organization.
Dear Elias,
happy new year.. and i hope you post my comment cause as much as i really appriciate what you are doing for our country and for the opposition/resistance…. i have my doubts about the EPPF and Shabia allegiance. Okay.. I really understand that for operational reasons you won’t be able to say much.. But please give us some sign.. That EPPF is on top of things!! Remember what happened with OLF? They were a big apparatus for EPLF (remember the hospital they bombed in wellega? And so much more ofcourse).. And they still shun them down when they got power and did their thing with weyanes.. till they are out of the picture themselves too…! So please also we need a proxy ground for the war waged against weyanes. Please have a third wheel support resting somewhere that is completely not impenetrable by Shabias. So in case they flinch at the end game and want to twist things their way, we will still be proud and strong…as diplomats say. There are no permanent enmity or permanent friendship.. only common interest!!!…. remember its only common interest that binds two parties/groups together.. when that is gone.. you always need to reassess your relationship.. as they definitely will do it in no time!!!! They have done it before!
treaty @#15.. OMG.. how about that!!! how about a separate section secialized and trained so far away from shabias or weyanes? that would be just so much operational sucess!! still keep cooperating with Eri-gov.. and if they come in peace as they say… then they won’t have a problem with a new liberated Ethiopia.. but just incase guys… just incase let’s try and strategize more on the ideas of Treaty from #15.. it sure is a very attractive option!!! am sure if EPPF goes in that direction..forget that even if it starts discussing it.. we will see their real reaction… if it is just killing weyane.. they want.. or have a puppet government they can advantage of like the early days of Weyane.. with birr being used on both sides :) and they being a bigger coffee exporter… what a joke!
NEW HORN @ 10, i hope you are right i pray you are right.. and we all Ethiopians don’t have anything against Eritreans..BUT the thing is both countries are not ruled by the people they ruled by one way or another rulers who do not like giving up power.. and are dictators… and i don’t believe that Shabia is an obstacle to Ethiopia’s unity! my problem is not that.. my problem.. is that they will infiltrate the new force.. (EPPF, or whichever opposition who worked with them to oust weyane) and make our new Ethiopian leaders puppets… that is like having the money that used to be embezzled by woyanes.. transferred to shabiyas.. so all what i am saying is that i am sure they don’t want woyanes..( although.. i really don’t know why? is it a question of pride? that they didn’t manage to control them in the end? or it could be that the only country they dreamed of renting their ports is not using it anymore) any way not my business. its a good enough that shabia hates woyane right now..i am happy with that… but just have a failsafe..a backup plan at the end of the Tigil later.. when victory comes.. please EPPF.. promise Ethiopians.. that it will be an EPPF victory not a shabia one.. make sure you are not infiltrated.. and get used in the end!!! we now have a common enemy.. what is the strategy when that is gone? we need our sovereignty and want to be ruled by our own people not by people from Eritrea ( although all Eritreans who helped us get over Weyane.. should receive a special honour for their help, when the time comes). So be vigilant work together… but TRUST NO ONE!!!
As an eritrean I´ve nothing against people who want to preserve their independence and be free to rule themselves, whether they´re ethiopian or anyone else. What bothers me is though the almost maniacal distrust of some people towards someone who genuinely wants to help. As Isaias said in his interview with Elias, Eritrea was against weyane (when they were “friends”) fighting only for the independence of Tigray, which resulted in the weyane hating shaebia and even for a while cut the relationship they had because of that shaebian stand. This is historically easily verifiable. So ask yourselves, why should shaebia be against that idea when they were in good terms with the weyanes and change their stance when now the one wants to destroy the other? It doesn´t make sense. Moreover, as the bible says, U know a tree by it´s fruits. Isn´t shaebia, practically, giving the eppf all the help they can give, as was reported in ER, like medical treatment of it´s combatants and maybe even military and economic help, leaving aside the propoganda help it´s trying to give through Eri-tv and dimtsi hafash for ex.? That´s even incredible, considering how happy a lot of ethiopians were when the war broke out in 1998, believing both govts. will be destroyed, for shaebia to want to help at all. Please don´t misunderestand magnanimity with either stupidity or with some hidden agenda. As I said earlier, it´s counterproductive for shaebia to weaken forces who´re against the vile weyane.