By Sereke Berhan
In this age of deception, intrigue and greed, politics, especially Ethiopia politics, really makes strange bedfellows. In a not so surprising but unexpected turn of events, Sheik Al Amoudi, who was held with high regard by many people in and outside the country, suddenly made a miscalculated move to openly support the party that has made the destruction of Ethiopia its main goal.
The Sheik’s assertion that it is his inalienable right to support any party he chooses is basically acceptable and it should be encouraged in a balanced democratic environment.
But the right to choose what he wants based on his self-interest cannot be equated with choosing what is right for the country. If he really thinks that he has allied himself with the party thinking that the current government is right for Ethiopia, he must be oblivious to the reality around him. On the other hand, if he thinks that the government is right for a few like him, and if that is really what matters the most to him, then he certainly has made the right decision.
In a letter he sent to his friends in the United States, he tried to defend his choice by claiming that he is participating in a democratic exercise. One truth that he and many others, especially foreigners, are missing is that this was not and is not a contest between different political parties with a shared aim of serving Ethiopia’s best interest. What we have is, on one hand the TPLF/EPRDF, which has openly subverted Ethiopia’s interest to realize its hidden agenda, and on the other, an opposition that is trying to deflect this subversion. It is not a contest between groups that present different ways of accomplishing a common goal, but a struggle between those who are destroying the country and those who are resisting this destruction.
It is common knowledge that there is a symbiotic relationship between the Sheik and the ruling party. His alliance with the government has been tolerated for years with the assumption that his heart is with the people. To openly flaunt this relationship in front of Ethiopians at this critical moment in the nation’s political struggle and to conspire with the people’s sworn enemies, as if their voices and desires don’t matter is a cardinal sin.
It doesn’t take much to figure out that Al Amoudi’s financial interest could be at stake if there is a change in government. He may even have been coerced into submitting to the wishes of the ruling party. Whatever the case may be, as a person of fortune and high standing who claims to have a vision of peace and prosperity for Ethiopia, he should have considered the country’s well being and the people’s welfare before making a decision that helps undermine the quest for true democracy. No matter how democratically justified his action is as presented by many of his obedient supporters, his alliance with uncaring rulers who are widely despised by the population has seriously damaged his reputation and credibility. His tremendous influence has been shrewdly manipulated to facilitate the imposition of yet another dictatorship on the Ethiopian people. Knowingly or naively, he has endorsed the ruling party’s negative actions and he has allowed himself to be used for the fulfillment of anti-Ethiopian goals. If nothing else, out of respect for the Ethiopian people and for the sake of truth and fair competition, he should have maintained a “neutral” stand. By carelessly exercising his democratic right to choose, he has emboldened the enemies of the people and he has clearly indicated to the Ethiopian people that his wants are much more important than their needs.
One public relations lesson the Sheik should learn is that however he wants to look at it, common people matter. He may never feel their pain, he may never be as hungry as they are, he may never experience their misery and he may never feel their sadness. There is not much that he can share with them except their hopes and dreams. Without having to go through their painful experiences he could have silently stood with them to share their vision. The one most important thing that the Ethiopian people want from him and others like him is to refrain from standing in the way of democracy by enabling a greedy regime continue destroying their lives.
There is no need to condemn or slander the Sheik for making this unpopular decision.
We should leave the judgment to history. What he is doing for the country and his contribution for economic development is sincerely appreciated. Ethiopians should still feel indebted to him and we should respect his position.
As enduring, patient, and forgiving as they are, Ethiopians never forget those who betray them in their time of desperation. Today and in the future his financial power will get him anything he wants. He will be feared and many people will still grovel for him. To his future regret, however, he has denied himself the opportunity to be admired and loved by the common people who will one day make their voices heard with or without his help. Then he will find it difficult to enjoy life alongside the people whose voices he deliberately tried to ignore by helping a government that tried to steal their freedom.
The letter sent out to friends may convince some, but I doubt if the Sheik is going to have many real Ethiopian friends left in the US or any place else unless he changes his position. Those who are after his money or influence will remain pretending to be his friends giving him the wrong advice until…
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