It is with great reluctance that Ethiopian Review is once again writing about problems inside the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP/Kinijit). A few months ago when ER tried to discuss the problems and weaknesses on the part of the North America Kinijit leadership, it was condemned by several Kinijit members and supporters. Some conducted a petition drive asking ER to stop expressing critical views on the Kinijit U.S. Support Committee. Instead of trying to find out if there is any truth to what was being written and fix the problem, ER was criticized and attacked. Its publisher was called “Woyanne” by a few angry supporters. Other pro-democracy media kept their silence fearing the wrath of some blind Kinijit supporters. This unwillingness to look at the problems, and the tendency to lash out against any one who utters any criticism, emboldened the incompetent North America Kinijit leadership to continue on its path to failure and disaster. Now we are at a stage where Kinijit could be irreparably damaged,
What is the core of the problem?
The core of the problem inside Kinijit is lack of leadership. When the top Kinijit leaders in Ethiopia were rounded up and thrown in jail, the party was taken over by the leadership of the North America Support Committee. The Support Committee’s executive members became the de facto Kinijit leaders. Many of these “leaders” came to occupy their positions not because of their political and organizational skills. They were appointed by the top leaders in Addis Ababa based on personal friendship and loyalty. Under normal circumstances, the damage that such an arrangement could cause would not be detrimental, but in this case when the responsibility of the whole organization had suddenly fallen on these appointees, the result is what we are looking at right now–disaster.
Recognizing this problem, the Kinijit leaders in jail decided to form a political leadership that is composed of a few but competent individuals whom they have closely worked with before and whose judgement they trusted. After several weeks of discussions, they appointed six individuals to form a political group they named “Kinijit International Leadership.” The individuals who were appointed to the new leadership have one or more of these skills: political, organizational, fund raising, communications, and community relations. When the announcement was made, Kinijit supporters around the world expressed full support for the new leadership. However, many of the individuals inside the notoriously incompetent North America Support Committee who have not been included in the new leadership rebelled. Some of them went as far as questioning the ability of the Kinijit leaders in jail to make such a decision. Fearing division, the leaders in jail allowed six more individuals to join the leadership. Even though this decision had quieted some of the trouble makers, it defeated its purpose, because some of the individuals who were ineffective in the North America Support Committee were allowed to join the new political leadership. The result is that the new 12-person leadership is unable to form policies and unable to lead. As the saying goes: gulicha biqeyayer wot ayatafit.
The consequence of Kinijit’s lack of leadership is felt through out the opposition camp, as it is unable to make any meaningful contribution to the Alliance for Freedom & Democracy (AFD). It is also felt by the pro-democracy media who are concerned about it but afraid to say any thing in public. Most importantly, Kinijit’s absence of leadership is demoralizing the people.
The consequence of a weak Kinijit is that its elected leaders will suffer and die in prison, just as the AAPO allowed Professor Asrat Woldeyes to die in jail after five years of suffering. Meles Zenawi’s strategy is to eliminate the Kinijit leaders who have a popular mandate to govern the country. He may not shoot them after the kangaroo court finds them guilty of treason. He will kill them one by one by exposing them to diseases and denying them medical treatment.
The priority of the Kinijit leadership abroad should have been to mobilize Ethiopians around the world to fight for the release of the elected leaders who are currently languishing in jail. The priority should have been to fight for the respect of the people’s vote and to bring to justice the fascist regime that is trying to deny the people their right to choose their leaders. Unfortunately, the Kinijit leadership abroad is not focusing on these. In fact, there is no focus on any thing at all. The party is in total disarray.
In the face of such total lack of leadership and lack of action, many who have joined the organization with genuine interest to make contributions will soon resign and return to living their normal lives. Speaking out is out of the question–they will be labeled “Woyanne.”
Solution
The solution for the current problems plaguing Kinijit is to implement the Kinijit top leaders’ wise decision to appoint a six-person political leadership–without any adulteration. All the Kinijit support committees must cooperate with the new leadership. Any Kinijit branch, support committee or member that refuses to implement the decisions of the new leadership must be reprimanded, or suspended. Kinijit branches around the world must demand immediate action. Short of these, Kinijit will soon cease to exist as a viable political organization.