Awol K. Allo, Special to CNN

Updated 5:46 AM ET, Wed March 7, 2018

(CNN)Ethiopia is facing an upheaval of unprecedented magnitude. On February 15, the country’s Prime Minister Hailemariam stepped down in a surprise move that plunged the country into uncertainty.

Ethiopian prime minister resigns after years of turmoil

However, as Hailemariam’s abrupt resignation and the subsequent imposition of a martial law highlights, the crisis in the country is explosive and requires an urgent, robust and courageous response by all stakeholders.

US influence

The visit by America’s top diplomat, Rex Tillerson, could not have come at a better time. According to the State Department Spokesperson, Tillerson is scheduled to discuss with countries on counter terrorism, peace and security, good governance, and trade and investment, all issues particularly relevant to the crisis in Ethiopia.

Tillerson highlights sub-Saharan security challenges ahead of Africa visit

Although the United States has long lost its reputation as a shining exponent of human rights and democracy in the region, the United States still wields enormous power over Ethiopia and can leverage its diplomatic power to help steer the country out of the crisis.

Three decades of US policy on Ethiopia has not worked. The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which ruled the country with iron-first since it came to power in 1991, is on the verge of unraveling.

The crisis facing the country, a very important geo-strategic partner of the US in the region, requires an urgent, robust and courageous response by all stakeholders.

Tillerson must emphasise to Ethiopian authorities that security and human rights are not two mutually exclusive ideals but rather interdependent and mutually reinforcing. As the United States Embassy in Ethiopia stated recently stated, the response to the crisis can only be ‘greater freedom, not less.”

Secretary Tillerson must meet with the opposition and the leadership of EPRDF’s constituent members, particularly the the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO) and listen to their concerns.

Political dominance

The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which controls seats in parliament and regional assemblies, is on the verge of unraveling, and it is woefully unprepared to meet the challenges facing the country.

The party was created in 1989 by the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a party that purportedly represents the Tigray ethnic group, about six percent of Ethiopia’s estimated 106 million people.

When the downfall of the military dictatorship of Mengistu Hailemariam became imminent, TPLF engineered a coalition to bolster its legitimacy.

Like the EPRDF, the other three members of the coalition – the OPDO, the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM), and the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM) – were created by TPLF.

Over the last 27 years, TPLF used these forces, with little or no resistance, to rule the country with an iron fist.

Tigrayan domination of the country’s political and economic lives are the rallying cries of both the Oromos and Amharas, as competing interests between the coalition parties have plunged the country into the current crisis.

The Oromo and Amhara protests

Ethiopia declares state of emergency after months of protests

Three years of relentless protests by the Oromos and Amharas, have irreversibly changed this master-servant relationship.

In Oromia, the epicentre of the Oromo protests, protesters invoked historical marginalization of the Oromo people, emphasizing how their perspectives, experiences, and memories have been pushed to the margin and hidden from the mainstream Ethiopian perspectives.

Their articulation of the issues and their large-scale mobilization forced the OPDO to reconsider its positions, and eventually challenge TPLF’s hitherto unquestioned hegemony.

Emboldened by the waning influence of the TPLF and the political awakening taking root in Oromia, the largest and wealthiest of Ethiopia’s nine linguistic-based states, the OPDO is now upping the ante by demanding the chairmanship of the EPRDF and the office of the Prime Minister.

Ethiopia’s next leader

EPRDF is expected to name a new party leader when its 180-member Council convenes this week in a high stakes meeting. The decision, the most important and contentious vote in its nearly three decades of authoritarian rule, will be consequential both for the party and the country.

If its candidate is not elected, OPDO will face fresh questions from the Oromo public.

Oromos makeup more than almost 40 percent of Ethiopia’s population but they have not had a political power commensurate with its size and immense contribution to the country’s economy.

There is already a strong sense within the Oromo community that the Ethiopian state and its institutions are hostile to the Oromo, a notion best captured in a 1978 essay titled “Ethiopia’s Unacknowledged Problem — The Oromo.”

Ignoring OPDO’s quest to take the mantle of leadership requires an enormous amount of effort on the part of coalition partners not to recognize the particular nature of the crisis and what it takes to fix it.

Transformative change

Regardless of who may succeed Hailemariam, Ethiopia’s next leader faces the challenging task of reforming and democratizing the EPRDF.

The leader must also unite a deeply divided country behind a democratic and all-inclusive agenda.

It would also mean repealing a slew of repressive legislation, including the anti-terrorism proclamation and the charities and societies law; reviving the press and civil society; reforming the electoral board and the security sector.

Despite widespread fears of uncontrollable violence, the crisis can also be an opportunity that can offer some promise of a hopeful transition. EPRDF has a trust deficit, but most Ethiopians are cautiously optimistic.

If reformists within the EPRDF prevail in the ongoing power struggle and act with the utmost caution, putting country before an individual or party interest, Ethiopia has a real chance for a transformative change, and the US and all other stakeholders must do all they can to enable them.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author

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Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban

The United States Embassy in Ethiopia on Tuesday issued a security alert following reports of unrest and disruption of transport to and from the capital Addis Ababa.

The country-wide alert read in part: “Reports of civil unrest.  Road closures in affected areas could disrupt transportation links to and from Addis Ababa and the availability of goods and services within the capital.

“The U.S. Embassy continues to restrict travel for Embassy personnel to areas outside of Addis Ababa,” it added.

Today (March 7, 2018) is the final day of a social shutdown in the Oromia region, Ethiopia’s largest. The three-day measure was called by activists and youth to protest a current state of emergency (SOE) imposed on February 16.

The SOE was announced a day after the resignation of PM Hailemariam Desalegn. The U.S. Embassy in a statement shortly after the declaration said it ‘strongly disagreed’ with the decision of the Council of Ministers.

The measure was ratified at a special sitting of the parliament on March 3. The process was however marred as the speaker announced figures that suggested that the vote had failed. Speaker Abadula Gemeda later apologized for the error.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, is meanwhile expected in Ethiopia later today as he kicks off an African tour that will see him visit Kenya, Chad, Nigeria and Djibouti.

Secretary Tillerson to Travel to Addis Ababa, Djibouti, Nairobi, N’Djamena, and Abuja

Heather Nauert

@statedeptspox

Sec. Tillerson will travel to #Chad, #Djibouti, #Ethiopia, #Kenya & #Nigeria, March 6-13 to further our partnerships w/the governments & people of #Africa & discuss ways to work w/our partners to counter terrorism, advance peace & security, promote good governance & spur trade.

1:48 PM – Mar 1, 2018

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The Ethiopian Premier League has been around for over 70 years, and, since it was founded, the number of clubs under it has grown. But with the incredible growth and influence of the Western football leagues, Ethiopian football players have been demanding higher salaries, some reaching a whopping 165,000 Br a month, way above the national per capita income of the country. This, in turn, has jeopardised the existence of the very clubs these players belong to, writes SOLOMON YIMER, FORTUNE STAFF WRITER.

Asfaw Nigatu was waving the blue and white flag of Weldia Kenema, as he made his way to Addis Abeba Stadium to watch his favourite football club play with Meqelle Kenema. Although he does not have a regular source of income, he has travelled all the way from his hometown of Weldia to catch the game.

“This is not my first time; I rarely miss the chance to support my favourite team,” he says.

But he finds the currently inflating salaries of soccer players worrying, especially since football clubs such as Weldia are not that financially well-off. Nor is the sport growing at a level that can justify this inflation.

“We, the fans, have to help the clubs by other means aside from just buying tickets,” he adds.

This is the view of many soccer fans of the 74-year-old Ethiopian Premiere League. Clubs are running into financial ruin. This financial situation cannot be sustained unless some change is brought to the fore by the management of the clubs, a fan who did not want to be named told Fortune.

One of the highest paid players is Fitsum Gebremariam, who has been playing for Weldia for the past six months. Although he stopped playing for the team a couple of weeks ago, he has been earning a gross monthly salary of 168,000 Br. He declined, however, to comment on the issue, stating that he was under contract.

But Weldia is not the only one that is paying its players well-over the national per capita income, which stands at under 900 dollars. Fasil Kenema’s Dawit Estifanos earns 200,000 Br a month, while Adama Kenema pays Jecko Peaze Peryze 165,000 Br. Moreover, at least three players at Dire Diwa Kenemaearn over 150,000 Br.

Although some of the 16 clubs that participate in the League such as the Ethiopian Electric and Mekelakiya get government support, the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), which is the regulator, does not have the mandate to set salary caps.

Read more at: Addis Fortune

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By Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban

The social shutdown prompted by Ethiopian activists against a recently imposed state of emergency has entered day two with full compliance.

The three-day strike called by pro-democracy activists and Qeerroo – youth – in the region is expected to end tomorrow.

Towns across the Oromia regional state, Ethiopia’s largest, have largely been deserted as people continue to stay at home. Shops and businesses remain closed and there is no active sign of public transportation.

This is the case despite the regulation under the Command Post administering the state of emergency stating that disrupting of public and economic activity was an illegal act.

The government-run EBC on Monday admitted that Oromia region had ground to a halt with the protest. Photos shared on social media showed towns like Jimma, Hirna, Gimbi, Yabello and Burayyu all deserted.

The Oromia region has been the heartbeat of anti-government protests that started in 2015 through 2016 till a state or emergency was declared in October that year. The measure was lifted in August 2017 but has been reinstated six-months on in a security move according to the government.

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Hindessa Abdul

The nation seems to have held its breath in anticipation of the next Prime Minister. The choice, as it stands now, doesn’t seem to be a mere replacement of the outgoing Hailemariam Desalegn. As the unprecedented struggle within Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front in its third week, the change of guard is a vote for semblance of change or maintaining the dying status quo.

A change within – if at all – is inevitable then Dr Abiy Ahmed seems to be the embodiment. The take over by the rest of the uninspiring pack might spell the continuation of the current crisis.

Simply by following the barrage of character assassinations and smear campaigns from the ordinary party operatives and paid trolls all the way to the top dogs like Bereket Simon, the chairman of Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization Dr Abiy and head of the Oromia region Lemma Megersa are bearing the brunt of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s blasphemy.

Smear campaign

Whether Dr Abiy is going to be the next Ethiopian PM or not there are groups that have a vested interest in thwarting his ascension to the post. TPLF owned media outlets are busy churning out materials bashing the two OPDO leaders who the public in general is considering change agents. For the record let’s have a feel of these mean, audacious and vulgar posts spearheaded by Aigaforum and their cohorts.

One recent article entitled “Taking over through violence” dubs Dr Abiy “engineer of destruction.” One has to understand that Abiy didn’t just turn up out of the blue, he is a creation of TPLF. It’s anybody’s guess why he suddenly became the monster he’s depicted to be.

Another article which has an air of former spin doctors of Government Communication Affairs Office is titled “Who should replace PM Hailemariam?” Expecting the good old political analysis? Not a chance. Instead it begins by belittling Lemma Megersa on academic grounds and how he was helped to complete his studies at the Civil Service College. But what they forgot was the public has long been calling that college “brick factory.” The vast majority of regional and federal government officials and particularly the judiciary is a product of this college now christened university. As long as the people are in tune with the TPLF, graduating from there is not a problem. But dissenting, that’s almost a capital offense. Even then they don’t seem to get the complete picture of Lemma’s academic credentials. The article further accuses Lemma of not publicly condemning ethnically motivated attacks that allegedly took place in Oromia. It also insinuates Lemma being an agent of Oromo Liberation Front, which is outlawed by the parliament. But that card has already been played along with chauvinist, narrow minded, rentseeker, neo-liberal and several other epithets party operatives hurl at citizens who humbly beg to differ with the government’s way of running the affairs of the country.

“A country can not be governed by lies and deceits” is a four page post that goes too low accusing Abiy of his long standing “hate of Tigreans.” How can one work for decades with such attitude in organizations like Information Network Security Agency and the defense forces whose core leadership is a well known secret. It is just baffling. Even his rank in the military is used as part of the campaign. That is an echo of the politics of the country ever since TPLF took power. Whoever opposes the government is almost entirely projected in ethnophobic terms. While the public doesn’t even care a hoot whether he served in the army, everything that can discredit him is a fair game by the disinformation army.

In light of last week’s parliament session where the state of emergency was approved in a controversial count, the absence of Dr Abiy created an opportunity to turn up the heat one more time. Any passive look at the TV during the parliament session shows a line of empty seats and a bunch of tired, sleepy and yawning MPs whose attendance has never been an issue in a 100% EPRDF turf. Why is Abiy’s absence triggering consternation? As a chairman of a party of the most populous region of the country, it is his attendance that should have raised eyebrows not his absence.

The coming weeks will eventually give the answer to as who would move to the palace at Arat Kilo. But the crisis has shown the true color of TPLF even for those who were blinded by the benefits that came in exchange for loyalty. The duo should take partial responsibility for such state of affairs as they were part of the system. But they have a promising media outlet that they can shape to serve the people far from the confines of Oromia. And if any lesson is drawn from the ongoing smear, it is how not to run the media in such a way even in rough days.

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AFP

Ethiopia: Ancient land beset by long-running divisions

Paris – A cradle of mankind, modern-day Ethiopia is riven by ethnic tensions, gripped by anti-government rebellions and now under a state of emergency.

Here are some key facts about Africa’s second most populous nation:

Ancient history

Ethiopia is the oldest independent African state and one of the oldest in the world, dating back more than 2 000 years.

It also has a claim on being the birthplace of mankind. Its Awash Valley has yielded some of the earliest hominid remains, including the fossil of a partial skeleton, dubbed Lucy, which has been dated around 3.2 million years old.

With a population of around 102 million people in 2016, according to the World Bank, Ethiopia counts more than 80 ethnicities.

Around 60% are Christian and more than 30% Muslim.

Ethiopia is a federal state with considerable autonomy granted to regions and most power held by the prime minister.

It hosts the African Union’s headquarters.

Famines and wars

Except for a brief period under Italian occupation between 1935 and 1941, Ethiopia was never subjected to European colonisation – a rarity in Africa.

Emperor Haile Selassie dominated between 1916 and 1974, save for a period of exile during the Italian occupation.

After 1974, when he was overthrown in a coup and later executed, Ethiopia underwent a series of military dictatorships, notably under Marxist ruler Mengistu Haile Mariam who waged a series of bloody purges dubbed the “Red Terror”. He was ousted in 1991.

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a series of devastating famines which caused widespread starvation.

The UN said 1.2 million people died in 1984-85 alone and the tragedy shot to global attention when Band Aid recorded a single to raise money for famine relief.

When Eritrea gained de-facto independence in 1991, Ethiopia was deprived of access to the Red Sea.

War broke out between the neighbours between 1998 to 2000 over a border dispute, which remains a source of tension despite an accord.

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Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban

Ethiopia People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the country’s ruling coalition has finally set a date for its Executive Committee meeting which is expected to produce a new Prime Minister.

Head of the EPRDF office, Shiferaw Shigute confirmed that the committee will meet on Sunday March 11, 2018 to deliberate on outcomes from evaluation processes conducted by the four constituent parties.

The 180-member body is also expected to elect a new chairman of the front, who will effectively become the next Prime Minister of the country. An earlier meeting scheduled for March 1 was postponed for unexplained reasons.

The government needs to continue to release detainees and open the political system by allowing more room for civil society and a freer press.

The 180-member body comprises 45 members from each of the four parties. The meeting will evaluate the party’s six-month performance report, approve the resignation of PM Hailemariam Desalegn and then vote his replacement into office.

Desalegn resigned his post in mid-February and became the first leader in modern Ethiopian history to step down; previous leaders have died in office or have been overthrown. He said he wanted to clear the way for reforms announced in January 2018 to be fully pursued.

Though the party has accepted his resignation, he remains in charge till his replacement is picked.

There is high expectation that the new Prime Minister will be from the Oromo bloc, the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDO). The party recently replaced its leader Lemma Megerssa with Dr Abiy Ahmed – a strategic move as it positions to pick the PM slot for the first time.

The other parties in the EPRDF are: the dominant Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Southern Ethiopian Peoples Democratic Movement (SEPDM) and the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM).

The last two Premiers in recent history are TPLF’s Meles Zenawi who was in charge from 1995 till his death in August 2012. Desalegn (head of SEPDM) took over in September 2012 till his resignation in February 2018. The current deputy PM is Demeke Mekonnen from the ANDM.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister resigns amidst political crisis

The international community is closely watching the developments in Africa’s second most-populous nation which has a booming economy and is a staunch Western ally in the fight against Islamist militancy.

“The government needs to continue to release detainees and open the political system by allowing more room for civil society and a freer press,” said David Shinn, a former U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia.

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Abdur Rahman Alfa Shaban

The Ethiopian government has admitted a violent pushback to a recently ratified state of emergency (SOE). A number of security of forces have reportedly been attacked and their weapons confiscated.

The privately-owned Addis Standard news portal quoted defense minister and head of the Command Post administering the SOE, Siraj Fegessa, as comparing the fightback as a ‘coloured revolution.’

“Seventeen security forces were hurt so far, according to Siraj. He also said several areas have witnessed property damages including looting, breaking ins and torching of government offices – particularly Woreda and Kebele offices – as well as burning of public buses and government vehicles.

“Four vehicles were torched beyond repair and ten vehicles, including public buses, were destroyed in various places,” the Addis Standard report said.

Fegessa was on Wednesday (March 7, 2018) presenting the first report on implementation of the SOE, barely a week after it was controversially ratified in a parliamentary vote. Activists insist the vote failed and speaker Abadulla Gemeda apologized for a numbers mix-up.

The minister also disclosed that there had been arrests made under the emergency rule – he, however, did not give details of where the arrests were made or how many people had been detained.

His report coincided with the final day of a social shutdown religiously observed across the Oromia region. The measure was called by online activists and youth to protest the state of emergency. The action disrupted economic activities as the capital Addis Ababa was cut off from other parts of the country.

The minister also admitted that road blockages were rampant in parts of the country but said 80 – 90% of such incidences had been cleared.

He blamed online activists behind the social boycott for the hard time security forces were having and further referred to them as ‘anarchists,’ bent on illegally seizing state power.

Fegessa fended off talk of divisions in government. According to him, the government has never been united than at this time. The country is without a substantive Prime Minister after the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn.

The current state of emergency was announced a day after Desalegn’s resignation. The ruling EPRDFaccepted the resignation but asked him to stay on till a successor is picked. The coalition heads to congress this weekend to pick a new leader and Prime Minister.

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Ugandan side, Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) forced a goalless draw in Addis Ababa against Ethiopian giants, Saint George, on Wednesday 7 March 2018 in Addis Ababa.

The away side created better scoring chances through swift counter attack movements while the Horsemen failed to register a single shot on target although they saw much of the possession. The visitors put up a fantastic performance to surprise the Addis Ababa outfit.

A magnificent and electrifying atmosphere created by the home fans ignited Saint George to take full control of the game from the onset. Five minutes into the start, Saint George left back Abebaw Butako set up Asechalew Tamene from a free kick effort to break the deadlock but the later headed over the bar from close range.

Three minute later, the visitors presented with a chance when Paul Mucureezi dispossessed Mulualem Mesfin and fired at goal but Robert Odongkara was equal to the task as he parry away the ball to safety. KCCA, yet again, looked dangerous and Ugandan international Derrick Nsibambi tested an altered Odongkara in the 16th minute but to no avail. As the minutes went by, the home side made sure they closed the flanks to stifle KCCA from having a swift transition to attack. Mesfin headed over the cross bar in the 19th minute before Burkinabe import Abdulkerim Nikima skied his effort from range.

Saint George kicked off the second interval on a high as a dominant display on the left flank gave them the edge over KCCA. Midfielder Gadissa Mebrate’s ambitious effort from distance sailed wide four minutes after the resumption.

In the 59th minute, Abubakher Sanni spurred a Nikima’s perfect delivery. Five minutes later Muzamir Mutyaba’s free kick cross was met by the unmarked Nsibambi whose effort rattled the bar leaving Odongkara glued to his post.

With the hope of getting goals, the home side brought on Salahdin Said and his fellow Ethiopian international Behailu Assefa. The two combined to create a glorious chance for the home side nonetheless, Said missed a free header from 3 meters out. In the last ten minutes Saint George opted for long balls where KCCA defenders found it easy to clear the ball away and cause havoc to the home side defenders who opened that much spaces behind.

Saint George’s poor domestic form persisted to haunt them in the continental stage. The record Ethiopian champions have now to overcome KCCA, who are looking for a maiden group stages appearance, in the return leg in Kampala next week, if they are about to progress to the group stages.

Reactions
Manuel Vaz Pinto (Head Coach, Saint George)
Firstly, I want to send out my gratitude to our fans for their fantastic support. The game had two different parts. In the first half, we relied on the right flank to create some situations. I think it is important to get the ball into the box and we failed to do that. We commanded the game as we were aware of the quality of KCCA. They like to play on counter attacks having three players upfront who have got pace. Now we need to get back to work and try to get goals in Kampala. Our objectives were to win the tie and not concede at home.

Mike Mutebi (Head Coach, KCCA)
I am happy with the result though we could have done better. The tie is not over yet. We still have a second leg to play and I believe the tie will be decided in the second leg.

Results

Tuesday, 6 March 2018
Al Ahly (Egypt) 4-0 Mounana (Gabon)
Horoya (Guinea)2-1 Generation Foot (Senegal)
Young Africans (Tanzania) 1-2 Township Rollers (Botswana)
Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) 4-2 Plateau United (Nigeria)

Wednesday, 7 March 2018
Saint George (Ethiopia) 0-0 KCCA (Uganda)
Zanaco (Zambia) 1-2 Mbabane Swallows (Swaziland)
Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco) 7-2 Williamsville AC (Cote d’Ivoire)
Aduana (Ghana)1-0 ES Setif (Algeria)
MFM (Nigeria) 2-1 MC Alger (Algeria)
Gor Mahia (Kenya) 0-0 Esperance (Tunisia)
AS Togo (Togo) 2-0 El Hilal (Sudan)
Zesco (Zambia) 0-1 ASEC Mimosas (Cote d’Ivoire)
TP Mazembe (DR Congo) 4-0 UD Songo (Mozambique)
Difaa Hassan (Morocco) 1-0 AS Vita (DR Congo)
Primeiro de Agosto (Angola) 1-0 Bidvest (South Africa)
Rayon Sports (Rwanda) 0-0 Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Source: CAF

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Africa News

The United States says much as it shares security concerns raised by the Ethiopian government, the answer lay with ‘greater freedom and not less.’

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reiterated the U.S. disagreement on a reimposed state of emergency. He stressed that the U.S. continued to monitor the ‘voluntary transition,’ ongoing in the country.

He was speaking during a press briefing along with Foreign Affairs Minister Workneh Ghebeyehu in Addis Ababa. He stressed the importance of strengthening the over 100 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.

We recognize the transition that is underway in Ethiopia, the first ever voluntary transfer of power, and I view this as a very positive symbol of this very young democracy in Ethiopia – a peaceful transition of power.

“We share concerns raised by government over the incidence of violence, loss of lives and we do firmly believe the answer is greater freedom of people not less.

“We recognize the transition that is underway in Ethiopia, the first ever voluntary transfer of power, and I view this as a very positive symbol of this very young democracy in Ethiopia – a peaceful transition of power.

“During recent events, the United States have expressed our concerns with the government’s decision to impose another state of emergency because it does put restrictions on fundamental rights like assembly and expression.

He touched on political reforms announced in January 2018 by the ruling coalition and the subsequent measures undertaken to actualize them. He stressed, however, that there was more to be done in that respect.

“We formally believe that democratic reforms, economic growth and lasting stability are best addressed through an inclusive political process rather than through the imposition of restrictions.

In a word of advice to the citizenry, he said: “We encourage the Ethiopian people as well to maintain patience, maintain support for your government through this change or this transition but also through this journey of pursuing democracy which takes time and effort. Democracy is not easy, it takes a lot of work.”

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March 8, 2018

MODERATOR: Would you join me to welcome the two foreign ministers. May we rise, please? I thank you very much. Ameseginalehu. Your Excellency Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, foreign minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; Your Excellency Rex Wayne Tillerson, U.S. Secretary of State; ambassadors, ministers, all protocol observed, welcome to Addis Ababa, the political and diplomatic hub of Africa.

As His Excellency Minister Tillerson said during his speech at George Mason University, Africa is part of the future. It’s a continent in which 70 percent of its population is youth. This population, Your Excellency, is an opportunity and, again, a challenge. Ethiopia, as a UN-U.S. partner and longer in the continent, I believe this extraordinary visit will further deepen the ties of Ethiopia and the United States, one of the oldest diplomatic ties.

According to our program, His Excellency Dr. Workneh and His Excellency Rex Tillerson will highlight the gist of their discussions to the media, and that will be followed by questions from media houses. Media houses, make sure that you have one questions. If it is more than one, the two principals will ask – will respond to one question only.

I thank you very much. Excellency Dr. Workneh.

FOREIGN MINISTER WORKNEH: Thank you very much. Thank you. Good afternoon. The house is full. Your Excellency Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State of the United States of America, we are delighted to have you here in your visit to Africa as a first stop here in Addis Ababa. United States and Ethiopia have a century-old relationship, a relationship which, time-tested, always a relationship.

So Your Excellency, your coming here is a testament for this strong relationship. I and Excellency Secretary discussed extensive issues bilaterally. We discussed about our regional issues – the regional security, international issues, international politics – at the same time, how to boost our economic ties and investment between the United States of America and Ethiopia.

We touched about the issue of South Sudan and Somalia, which we are working very closely together. And also, we discussed other very important security concerns that we have in common. And also, I explained to Excellency about our situation, the country’s situation, the transition that we are in the process, and we are very thankful that the United States of America is a close friend, which – working with us in all aspects, especially in economic areas. So it was very cordial, candid, and very fruitful discussion. And thank you so much, Your Excellency.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, thank you as well, Excellency, for the warm welcome and hospitality. And we just had a very enjoyable lunch where we were able to continue our discussion with a number of members of both of our delegations, which is always useful to gain a greater understanding of each other. I also want to welcome both the local press and the foreign media as well to this event. And we do appreciate our partnership, and particularly at such a critical time for Ethiopia. I also look forward to my meeting later today with the prime minister.

And I’m quite excited to be in Ethiopia. This is my first visit, and certainly this was an important place to start my trip as Secretary of State to the continent, in large measure because of the more than 100-year diplomatic relationship between Ethiopia and the United States. And it’s been an enduring relationship; as the foreign minister described it, an all-weather relationship, that even when storm clouds gather we remain friends and have always worked through challenges together.

I also want to acknowledge again today this being International Women’s Day and an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the world, and note the role of women in Ethiopia in promoting economic growth as well. It’s quite evident the prominence that women already occupy in government, but in economics as well, strengthening the rule of law, the important role they play in human rights and building and strengthening a civil society that will thrive.

As I indicated, the United States and Ethiopia are longstanding partners. I was glad to have the opportunity to exchange views with the foreign minister on many areas of mutual interest that we share. We recognize and share concerns expressed by the government about incidents of violence and loss of life. We do firmly believe the answer is greater freedom for people, not less. We recognize the transition that is underway in Ethiopia, the first-ever voluntary transfer of power. And I view this as a very positive symbol of the strength of this very young democracy in Ethiopia, a peaceful transition of power.

Given recent events, the United States has expressed our concerns with the government’s decision to impose another state of emergency, because it does put restrictions on fundamental rights like assembly and expression. We also discussed in our exchange the importance of ensuring that security forces remain disciplined in maintaining law and order, preventing violence. They have a very difficult challenge on their hand. This is – this tests their own discipline as well.

We firmly believe that democratic reform, economic growth, and lasting stability are best addressed through an inclusive political process, rather than through the imposition of restrictions. And we encourage the Ethiopian people as well to maintain patience, maintain support for your government through this change, through this transition, but also in pursuing this journey of democracy, which takes time and effort. Democracy is not easy. It takes a lot of work. But staying with it, lasting change will come about, and to not resort to violence. Violence is simply never a solution.

I was able to raise these concerns because of this very, very strong relationship that exists between Ethiopia and the United States, and we share so many values as partners. We want Ethiopia as a country to succeed and prosper, and we’re confident that they will succeed and prosper, providing many, many economic benefits not just for the Ethiopian people, but for the neighboring countries in Africa, and ultimately for U.S. business interest as well.

We welcome the proactive steps that have already been taken with the release of thousands of prisoners, including journalists and political leaders, and we encourage additional concrete measures to allow greater political freedom of expression. As the seat of the African Union, Ethiopia plays a critical and significant role in leadership in the region throughout the continent and the world, and we appreciate its efforts for – to further our mutual goals of peace and prosperity on the continent. This is especially true of our shared security interests. As the largest contributor – Ethiopia is the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations – they play a vital role in AMISOM in Somalia, as well as peacekeeping efforts in Sudan and South Sudan. We have shared treasure together in trying to advance the cause of peace, and we have shared blood together in this advance for the cause of peace, and we acknowledge that.

Ethiopia’s influence in supporting the security of Somalia and Djibouti are particularly important at this time to keep global commerce routes open. These routes through the Red Sea affect billions of people around the world in terms of their economic stability. And we discussed the United States is eager to help Ethiopia liberalize its economy. We think it’s going to bring great opportunity and attract many business interests as they continue the process of reform and liberalization, strengthen its judicial and commercial institutions, and assist in humanitarian emergencies here and throughout the region, including the almost one million refugees that currently reside in Ethiopia. And we need to reside – recognize Ethiopia’s generosity in hosting those refugees.

The United States is a long-term friend and partner of Ethiopia. We look forward to working with you as the people of Ethiopia seek greater peace, democracy and prosperity, all of which we know you will succeed at achieving. Thank you.

MODERATOR: Thank you so much, excellencies. Now, back to the media. Tibebu Yared from EBC.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. I am Tibebu from EBC. My question goes to Your Excellency Mr. Tillerson. What is the purpose and, of course, the implication of your visit to Ethiopia at this particular time? Thank you.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, as I indicated, this is a very, very longstanding relationship, more than 100 years. Ethiopia is a large-population country, they are an important security partner in areas that I’ve already touched upon, and we also see Ethiopia’s journey towards democracy – I think 27 years now, which is a long time, but it’s a young democracy, and as I indicated, democracies are challenging. It’s not easy to take a country forward as a democracy. And so we’re here also to support Ethiopia’s journey towards a democratic society and institutions.

But importantly, also, to have an exchange on additional steps that could be taken, what else can the U.S. do to be supportive and helpful of Ethiopia’s economic development. Ethiopia has a vibrant economy, but there’s a lot of potential that has yet to be realized in Ethiopia’s economy, and we think there are great opportunities for U.S. private sector engagement in supporting economic growth, creating jobs for these many, many millions of young people who are working hard at getting an education in school; now they want to have their opportunity for a future themselves. And so we would like – we want to be a part of that and hope to be a part of that.

So there are so many touch points where we share a common interest of security, stability for the region, which affects our security but also affects global security, and then opportunities for economic prosperity. And that’s the purpose of the trip, is to – for us to better understand how do we work together as partners to achieve what are really common aspirations.

MODERATOR: Next question, Sisay Woubeshet, Afro FM. I am trying to meet gender parity. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: Thank you very much. My question also goes to Secretary Tillerson. You came during the time of the second state of emergency here in Ethiopia, and what is your opinion towards the state of emergency, as many nations are opining on that? And how is the U.S. following the current political situation in Ethiopia and what role does it want to play? Thank you very much.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, as I indicated, first and foremost, I want to acknowledge this voluntary transfer of power. We think that’s a very powerful symbol to the strength of the democratic process here in Ethiopia, and we think it’s important that the parliament, which has been elected by the Ethiopian people, decide who the next leadership be. That’s the way democracies should perform.

So I want to first acknowledge the very positive aspects of what is happening. I know it’s challenging for the country. It creates uncertainty. And that is the hard part of democracy. But we support this peaceful transfer of power.

As to the state of emergency, as I indicated, we believe ultimately giving people greater freedom gives them a greater investment in this democracy as well. And so while we appreciate the government’s responsibility to maintain control and not allow violence to break out and harm innocent people as well who may become victims of violence, it is important that that – that the country move on past the state of emergency as quickly as possible. We hope that that can occur. As I said, we’re encouraged that a number of steps have been taken to release large numbers of people who have been detained. That’s an important step. But the citizens of Ethiopia have a responsibility as well to behave in a nonviolent way, and we hope the government allows that nonviolent expression to take place. This is all part of understanding how to best serve the citizens of Ethiopia.

MODERATOR: Thank you very much. Girum Chala from CGTN, international correspondent based in Addis.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. I’m from CGTN. Mr. Minister, thank you very much, as well as Mr. Secretary. Ethiopian Airlines over the past few years has spent about $20 billion – that’s Ethiopian money – invested in the United States, in Boeing Company, to be particularly straightforward. Now, when it comes to those – the money spent, 100,000-plus jobs were created in the United States. When it comes to the investments of the United States to Africa, Ethiopia particularly, we don’t see much. Policy-wise, what’s the next move in this country and particularly also in the African continent to expedite investment? And how do you view, Mr. Minister, the expectation from Ethiopia’s side, the U.S. involvement in helping the country industrialize and even more trade internationally? Thank you very much.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, we had a very robust discussion of economic opportunities and the potential economic opportunities that we see within Ethiopia. And because you mentioned the aviation connection, Ethiopia is becoming a critical hub for intercontinental traffic for people traveling from the United States, with more and more nonstop connections for Americans to travel to Addis Ababa and then make connections to other parts of the continent. I think this is going to promote a great deal of interest in Africa and in Ethiopia. There are still economic reform measures that are necessary, not just in Ethiopia, but in other parts of Africa as well, to lower some of the barriers to investment, create greater certainty to outside business investors, strong rule of law, good regulatory processes. The more privatization of holdings as possible creates opportunities. But we understand this is all part of governments in transitions, economies in transitions, but that’s what we encourage, is what are the areas of opportunity where we believe there will be strong interest in U.S. companies to participate.

I commented on, in our discussions, the what we understand soon-to-be-completed continental free trade agreement, and we believe stimulating intra-continental economic activity and trade from countries on the continent is actually going to create even more opportunity for inbound foreign investment, and certainly U.S. business interest, in wanting to be a part of the intra-continental trading system as well. Similarly, with the civil aviation agreement that’s being negotiated through the African Union. That once again is going to just tie the continent more closely together, more efficiently.

All of these are very positive conditions for outside businesses to want to participate and be a part of. So I think a number of very positive steps are being taken, and I think it’s really ensuring that American businessmen and investors understand what are the opportunities here. And we had discussions about how to do that as well. Recently creating an American Chamber of Commerce-Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce partnership is going to be very important to exposing American businesses to the opportunities here.

So I think there’s a lot of it in front of us yet to come, and as the conditions are created and some of these pieces come into place, I think American business and private sector interest is going to grow in Ethiopia.

FOREIGN MINISTER WORKNEH: Yeah. As Secretary has said, the issue of investment and trade is also one of the agendas that we have discussed with Secretary Tillerson. Africa is a future continent, as Secretary said, and Africa is a population who have more than 70 percent of users and skilled labor. So coming to Africa is, by all measurements, will benefit the business, the investment of America. So we are expecting more investors to come to Ethiopia and Africa; we are expecting more business from here to United States of America and from America to Ethiopia. Ethiopian Airlines is one of the largest airline who have the largest passengers from here, from Africa to United States of America and vice versa. This trade relationship will continue, and we hope that this visit also assists a lot to this – boosting this investment in trade.

MODERATOR: Last question. Kylie Atwood, CBS.

QUESTION: Thank you. Secretary Tillerson, I want to pivot to North Korea for a minute with you. South Korea now says that Kim Jong-un is willing to negotiate with the U.S. on abandoning his nuclear program. You’ve said that you are listening to North Korea, and you said that the message from them will come very explicitly. Is this the message that you needed to hear? And are you worried that the South Koreans are overeager? Can the U.S. now commit to negotiations with North Korea? And I have to ask you one more question about Russia.

MODERATOR: Only one question.

QUESTION: I got cut off last time. Can I ask one more? Thank you. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov is said to be here in Ethiopia at the same time as you, and the Russian embassy says he’s actually staying at this same hotel. He says there have been talks of you and he meeting. Do you plan to meet with him while you’re here? And if not, what does that say about U.S. diplomacy, that you refuse an opportunity to meet face to face to express U.S. frustrations over Russia’s continued military campaign in Syria? Thank you.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: I think there’s five or six questions in there. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: I’m sorry, but we had to do it.

SECRETARY TILLERSON: First, with respect to North Korea, I think, as President Trump has indicated, potentially positive signals coming from North Korea by way of their intra-Korean dialogue with South Korea. We maintain very, very close communication with President Moon of the Republic of Korea. They are keeping us well informed of their meetings, the content of those meetings and the nature of those meetings, and we’re providing them input as well.

In terms of direct talks with the United States – and you asked negotiations, and we’re a long ways from negotiations. I think it’s – we just need to be very clear-eyed and realistic about it. I think the first step – and I’ve said this before – is to have talks, have some kind of talks about talks, because I don’t know yet, until we are able to meet ourselves face to face with representatives of North Korea, whether the conditions are right to even begin thinking about negotiations. And that’s kind of the current state of play.

With respect to my meeting Foreign Minister Lavrov, I’ve lost track of how many meetings he and I had last year. So any notion of us rejecting diplomatic engagement is really silly. That’s just silly. We have had extensive negotiations, contact, dialogue. We have strategic dialogues. We have a number of mechanisms by which we talk to one another. I was unaware Foreign Minister Lavrov was going to be here at the same time I was until a couple of days ago, and I’m unaware of any outreach to want to meet until I was on my way over here. My schedule’s largely set, so if it doesn’t work out here, he and I see each other often around the world, and we have each other’s telephone numbers, and we do use them.

MODERATOR: Thank you. I thank you, excellencies. Thank you, media houses. Your Excellency Tillerson said that this is his first visit, but I hope this will not be his last visit to Ethiopia. Thank you very much. Thank you.

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A NEW STARTING POINT TOWARDS A NEW ETHIOPIA?

In what was called the Woyane Rebellion of 1943, in (Ge’ez: ህዝባዊ ወያነ ሓርነት ትግራይ), more commonly known as the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the resistance cry of the Woyane of Tigray against the Imperial regime’s corruption, greed and centralization of power at the top was: “There is no government, let’s organize and govern ourselves.”  

Ironically, this same cry could be voiced even more loudly and boldly today, as “those Woyane or TPLF, now at the top of power,” have created a ruling government based on one-ethnic group domination, corruption, greed and violence in a time where the stability and future wellbeing of Ethiopia is at stake. 

The truth is obvious, tyranny under anyone, including Woyane, is still tyranny and none of us want it. It is in the nature of human beings to seek freedom for ourselves; yet, unfortunately, it is too often in the fallen nature of human beings to seek to dominate over others, a definition of tyranny. When the Woyane took over Mekelle, they proclaimed, “Our governor is Jesus Christ….and our flag that of Ethiopia.…”.

Had Woyane not recycled the same tyranny, instead of working for the good of all and reclaiming the “flag of Ethiopia” for everyone; how different things might be for all of us today. The tyranny that led to the Woyane Rebellion of 1943, has been perpetuated by the Woyane of today and we also reject it.  Therefore, we can also state, “There is no government today that is for the people under the current leadership of the Woyane.  So, how might we organize and govern ourselves?”   

In other words, is the government in Ethiopia so dysfunctional and so strongly disliked that meaningful inclusive reforms are imperative if we are to save all of us from a worsening calamity? How can Ethiopians emerge from the present crisis with a win-win solution for all our people, including the people of Tigray, without resorting to the worst scenario?

In 1943, the Imperial regime used drastic measures, the aerial bombardment of the Woyane. Are the Woyane of today willing to do the same, to use full force against the non-Woyane Ethiopians? It slowed down the rebellion for awhile, only to come back full force many years later. What a waste of life, time and resources to have rebellion from every direction for decades instead of meaningful change, recognizing the rights of all the people. Self-delusion and self-deception are dangerous right now when level-headed wisdom and restraint are so critically necessary.We all, including the Woyane, should face the truth: the EPRDF has lost all legitimacy as a government.

Once again the Tigrayan Peoples” Liberation Front (TPLF)-dominated coalition of the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has rigged a vote, this time in the Ethiopian Parliament, which manipulated the votes in order to give falsified approval to the recently declared State of Emergency (SoE). Because of its implementation, there has already been needless violence, harm and the killing of innocent people at the hands of federal security forces. Additionally, because of this falsified result, a national dialogue leading to democratic reforms and more sustainable solutions to this crisis will be obstructed; a consequence that may trigger a dangerous and destabilizing reaction.

In rigging this vote for a SoE, the TPLF/EPRDF violated truth, justice, the rule of law, the Ethiopian Constitution and the integrity of the entire system. This is a crime of significant proportions that requires accountability and correction.

Was it not enough that 100% of the seats in the Ethiopian Parliament were claimed in the 2015 national election by one party— the EPRDF? Not one opposition member sits in the Ethiopian parliament today. Worse yet, even though the EPRDF monopolizes all political space in Ethiopia, EPRDF parliamentary members are still strictly controlled, and can face consequences if they depart from the party’s position on any issue, especially issues such as the SoE.

Furthermore, all members of the coalition are expected to follow the dictates of one of the four ethnic-based coalition members, the TPLF, who in turn is under the authority of its Central Committee, made up of approximately 45 members, all of one ethnicity (6% of population) in a country of over 80 different ethnic groups and in leadership for 27 years.

So, the question of today is why that degree of control seriously failed to produce the votes necessary to pass the SoE. Keep in mind, ALL members of the parliament are members of the EPRDF. Why, under these already heavily “rigged” conditions, was it embarrassingly necessary to rig the vote? In the past, the TPLF/EPRDF was mostly able to bully or bribe its members into compliance; but now, it appears a rising current of strengthening resistance is now openly challenging the TPLF/EPRDF status quo.

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE TPLF/EPRDF?

The TPLF/EPRDF is losing its credibility, its legitimacy, its support and its viability. The TPLF/EPRDF is an idea that has failed. It is based on false, illogical and self-centered thinking of Ethnic federalism or that has proven itself wrong. It requires the dehumanizing of others and is unsustainable. The TPLF/EPRDF as an ideology cannot be saved; in fact, to try to save it will require force, not more lies, deception or persuasion, as it is a morally and mortally wounded construct. The public has become familiar with its characteristics, especially the lying, deception, shedding of innocent blood, incitement of division and the accusations of blame against others for that which they do themselves, like their own failure to uphold the rule of law and the Ethiopian Constitution.

This time the voting results were rigged in favor of the passage of a required parliamentary vote to approve the State of Emergency, declared on February 16, 2018. It failed to meet the necessary votes on March 2, 2018, which led to the chairman’s action in changing the vote. This happened even after parliamentary members were threatened with serious repercussions it they failed to vote “yes”.

Despite all the pressure, many members of the parliament resisted it by either voting “no,” by abstaining, or by boycotting the vote entirely by staying home. It is now the people of Ethiopia who demand truth instead of lies, justice instead of ethnic or party-based partiality, the rule of law instead of impunity for cronies and power holders, compliance with the Ethiopian Constitution instead of manipulating it for self preservation or self-advancement, maintaining the integrity and equitability of the entire system instead of threatening or bribing members of the Parliament, rigging the votes or elections, imprisoning opponents, covering up illegal acts, indulging in corrupt acts and favoring yourself, your “tribe,” and your cronies.

Ethiopia, one of the countries viewed as strategic in Africa, especially in the Horn of Africa and in the Middle East, is brewing turmoil that could boil over to affect not only Ethiopians, but also neighboring countries and those beyond their region. Should this happen, it could also lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, not counting the likely loss of lives, the destruction of property and the flood of refugees to other countries that would surely follow.

Ethiopia has been considered a symbol of stability, but much of this perception is based on deception.  Lies have been sold to outsiders, especially to donor countries, who in varying degrees bought into the exaggerated claims of economic growth, misinformation surrounding the land grabs and forced displacement, denial surrounding rampant human rights abuses, repression and numbers of political prisoners, and minimization of the rising ethnic tensions within the country, much of it directed against the TPLF. Some experts estimate that ten million refugees could flood surrounding countries, including Europe, within one month!

In 2010, the International Crisis Group, foresaw the rise of ethnic tensions and warned that Ethiopia was like a ticking bomb ready to explode. Other human rights groups have also noted the danger of implosion, all of which has been gaining momentum over the last two years as can be seen from the growing resistance and ongoing protests, particularly strong in the Oromo and Amhara regions. It led to a more serious crisis within the last two or more weeks.

In what appears to be a defensive and desperate measure to silence and stop the rising momentum of the people, the government declared a State of Emergency on February 16, 2018, and set it up to be approved by the Parliament at the next session— before the new prime minister would be appointed. It is interesting to note that this vote on the SoE took precedence over the appointment of the prime minister, as was expected.

This all led to a state of confusion among the people as well as among  a number of government officials, who saw no need for the SoE, seeing it as an unnecessary repressive measure. International voices, such as the US spokesperson for Ethiopia, agreed; yet, the SoE was called anyway.

According to some reports from parliamentarians, they were pressured and threatened by federal security or intelligence agents, who told them to vote for the SoE or they would lose their benefits or “something” would happen to them. Some were also allegedly bribed, being told that if they wanted Abiy Ahmed to be the next prime minister, they should vote in favor of the SoE.

On March 2, the parliament assembled for the vote of approval on the SoE. According to the Constitution, two-thirds of the parliament members, numbering 547, had to approve it; however, in the case of the vote, the numbers were not there. Over 100 members had boycotted the vote or for other unknown reasons, not shown up. Seven members had abstained and 88 members had voted no.

The Speaker of the Parliament announced that the vote had passed, only later determining it had not passed because the number of votes required amounted to less than the required two/thirds of all members. They had justified the vote in assuming that the number of votes needed were two/thirds of members present instead the actual requirement of two/thirds of all members. That required at least 365 votes rather than the 346 yes votes they had announced. Strangely, the outcome was later changed to 395 yes votes, which only then, met the requirements of the law, even though they were falsified results.

The whole system was set up to rig the outcome considering there is not one opposition member within their entire membership. What is quite remarkable and encouraging is the numbers of EPRDF parliamentarians who resisted the pressure to vote yes, an outcome that was intended to buy some extra time for the TPLF to regain power and control. There may have been fewer yes votes if there had not been so much pressure; yet, it still did not pass and required rigging of the numbers in order to appear to have passed when in fact, it did not. Everyone knows this now although they were warned not to leak the information.

Overall, this is a serious and debilitating defeat for the ruling party. It demonstrates a strengthening resistance within the ranks of the TPLF/EPRDF against the ruling regime’s power holders and instead indicates their desire for genuine democratic reforms. Additionally, a State of Emergency, according to the Ethiopian Constitution and international standards, is not meant to be used to suppress the peaceful resistance of citizens who are attempting to bring democratic change to the country, but it is to be used in a state of war or in response to a national disaster.

In summary, integrity is in short supply, as is sadly apparent in this rigged vote that actually failed to approve the SoE. As also can be noted in some of the pictures of the actual vote, some members of the parliament raised both hands for an extra vote or turned their heads as they voted, as if they wanted to hide their identity. Who does not feel shame voting for something wrong under pressure, threats, bribes or rigged manipulations. This clearly demonstrates the reason why increasing numbers of Ethiopians can no longer put up with the deception and corruption of the entire system of government. Let us be honest; there is no justice or democracy in Ethiopia, only the attempted appearance of it—and that no longer works.  Over a hundred persons boycotted the vote, 88 persons voted no and 7 abstained. This is moral courage that challenges the current corrupted system, something that seems to be spreading. 

In reality, the vote did not pass, even among these EPRDF members. If the vote had been done, freely and fairly, among the people of Ethiopia, the results would have been overwhelming defeat for the EPRDF as the people have had enough of the government-perpetrated killing, imprisonment, torture, human rights abuses and restrictive laws such as anti-terrorism laws that accused, silenced and imprisoned democratic voices and members of the opposition and civil society as terrorists. Additionally, the EPRDF has maintained control by fomenting division among the people, including inciting ethnic hatred as a means to maintain domination over others.

Now, though in effect, the SoE is not working, but is backfiring, creating increased resistance and protest. How will the TPLF/EPRDF respond? Will they simply crackdown all the harder on the people, using increased levels of violence, and bringing more death and destruction?

The TPLF/EPRDF has lost its legitimacy to govern. The majority of the people are uniting against them, including many within their ranks. There is an opportunity to change the downward direction of this conflict even now, before options for a peaceful solution disappear and civil war erupts into ethnic-based violence or other kinds of violence that will entrap the country, making them a possible failed state.

It is time for all who are interested in the stability of Ethiopia and the Horn to put pressure on the EPRDF to come to the table. The only win-win solution for all is through genuine democratic reforms, starting with the release of ALL political prisoners. Now it is an opportunity for the TPLF/EPRDF and all stakeholders to initiate plans for an inclusive national dialogue that will lead to reconciliation, meaningful reforms and restorative justice for all.

The vote on the SoE was rigged in order to slow down the increasing momentum of the peoples’ demand for change; however, it cannot be ignored for it will not simply go away. Will we take the path to a better Ethiopia or to the destruction of our country and people? It is impossible to maintain the status quo.

Let us humbly come together to serve each other as agents of change, bringing: TRUTH, JUSTICE, THE RULE OF LAW, THE CONSTITUTION OF ETHIOPIA AND INTEGRITY to their proper positions as pillars of Ethiopian government and society, for the sake of every one of us.  May God help us!

========================= ==========================

For more information, contact Mr. Obang Metho, Executive Director of the SMNE.

Email: Obang@solidaritymovement.org

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Sworn Duty Journalist Eskinder Nega – Pt 1 SBS Amharic

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ESAT DC Daily News Thur 08 Mar 2018

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U S Secretary of State Rex Tillerson- Ambassador Cohen speaks on current political situation

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De Birhaner

Reveals How “Military Linked Newspaper Editor Samson Mammo & Unnamed Colonel’s Extortion ” Affected His Life, Access Real Estate Business

Ermias T. Amelga, an entrepreneur of several Ethiopian businesses and founder of Access Real Estate (ARE) S.C has been arrested by Ethiopian government was arrested in December 2015 and after he returned back to Ethiopia on February 19, 2015 after months of negotiation from America that he won’t be arrested. He was released after spending 80 days in the notorious Me’akelawi prison.

Auditors in 2012 found that ARE was unable to deliver over 2000 houses the company sold to home buyers. In 2013 Ermias left for the U.S.A. via another African country. It was after months of negotiation that Ermias returned to Ethiopia, when the government gave him exceptional immunity for one year and he proposed to deliver the houses.

Ermias studeid his undergraduate and postgraduate studied in the U.S., where he also worked in the U.S. finance industry for several years. Returning to Ethiopia in 1996 to start his own companies, Ermias has been famouly known for creating, funding and developing some innovative  companies and ideas such as the first bottled water in Ethiopia Highland Water, Access Capital, profitable Access Bank, and Jano Music Band.

His first company was the Royal Crown Mineral Water Factory, which was liquidated soon after launch in late 1990s.

Now, in one of the first interviews since his release, Ermias emotionally reveals how his real estate business was “hijacked” by few people. In a nut shell, he states how a pro-government advertiser and newspaper editor, Samson Mammo, often accused of similar acts of defamation on various real estate businesses, and a top colonel of the Ethiopian Defence Forces, led to complication of the real estate business as well as affecting his life. The serving military officer’s company, which looked after the security of the real estates, demanded that Ermias pays 22 million Birr or risk the obliteration of the Access Real Estate. Ermias refused to pay and the pro-government Ethio Channel Newspaper soon published a report stating that Ermias had fled the country with the real estate money of over 2000 people. He said this has sparked to the damage of his business and fame.   He blames an unnamed colonel of the Ethiopian Defence Forces as the person behind all the complications of his business.

Similar cases of mafia like acts by senior officers of the Ethiopian Defence Forces, who are now practicing extortion, demanding shares from new businesses and at times forcibly stealing innovative business ideas and projects is being widely reported. The insolvent Holland Car PLC and Hiber Sugar S. C. are among the many companies that have publicly revealed how high ranking officers of the Ethiopian Defence Forces and Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC) bankrupted or destroyed their companies by demanding extortion and equal ownership of independent share companies.

The mafia group from the ENDF is the core of Ethiopia’s incumbent deep state!

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ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Thursday the answer to political turmoil in Ethiopia was greater freedoms, and that the country’s state of emergency should be lifted as quickly as possible.

“We share and recognize concerns over incidents of violence,” he told a news conference in Addis Ababa after meeting Ethiopia’s foreign minister. “We do firmly believe that the answer is greater freedom.”

“While we appreciate the government’s responsibility to maintain control …it is important that country moves on past the state of emergency as quickly as possible.”

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The top American and Russian diplomats warily circled each other in Ethiopia, but don’t plan to meet, sparking controversy.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — They could have run into each other sipping coffee in the lobby, perhaps at the bar at Ethiopia’s finest hotel. But U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov don’t plan to meet, and now both countries are trading accusations about who’s to blame.

The post The top American and Russian diplomats warily circled each other in Ethiopia, but don’t plan to meet, sparking controversy. appeared first on Satenaw: Ethiopian News|Breaking News: Your right to know!.

Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE)

Press Statement March 09, 2018

On March 2, 2018, the Ethiopian Parliament approved a new six-month state of emergency declared by the Ethiopian Council of Minsters on 16 February, although the voting results were disputed.

Protests erupted in different parts of the country, mainly Oromia region, in response to the declaration. The state of emergency places similar draconian restrictions on fundamental freedoms to the previous one, which was in place between October 2016 and August 2017.

Since 2 March, in Oromia towns of Nekemte, Ambo, Gimbi, Dambi Dolo, AHRE has found that at least 7 people have been killed by military forces. AHRE’s sources confirmed that many protesters were wounded after security forces used live ammunition against them. Doctors at hospitals in these Oromia towns reported that more casualties were documented in the last few days amid clashes between protestors and military forces.

AHRE also received information that hundreds of people were arrested for violating the state of emergency, a few weeks after the government released thousands of prisoners, including high profile political prisoners such as Eskindir Nega, Dr. Merara Gudina, Bekele Gerba, and Yonatan Tesfaye. They have not been charged and their current location is unknown.

On 8 March, during the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to Addis Ababa,

prominent blogger and university lecturer Seyoum Teshome was arrested. Sources report that security forces surrounded his home in Woliso Campus and searched his house. Seyoum was taken to an unknown location. He was detained in a camp for 2 months under the previous state of emergency for posting criticism of the government online.

On March 6, 2018, officials from Ethiopia’s Immigration department deported British journalist William Davison. He was detained at Immigration Main Department before being told to leave the country or be taken to the police station jail. For the last 7 months Ethiopian authorities have failed to grant Davison accreditation.

AHRE condemns the government’s continued violation of civil and political rights through the declaration of a new state of emergency and repression, arrest and killing of protestors. It urges the government to release all political prisoners and hold an inclusive and genuine dialogue to begin a much-needed reform process in the country.

AHRE urges Ethiopian authorities to:

¾ Explicitly respect, recognise, and promote constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly;

¾ Immediately and unconditionally release blogger Seyoum Teshome and peaceful protesters who were recently arrested for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly;

¾ Cease the practice of harassing and intimidating HRDs and journalists;

¾ Engage in a meaningful and inclusive national dialogue with civil society, regional governments, and local elders, to address grievances at the root of protest movements;

¾ Lift the ban on basic freedoms and fundamental rights that are enforced by the authorities and Command Post following the declaration of the state of emergency.

For further information:

Yared Hailemariam Executive Director

executive@ahrethio.org, Mobile: +32 486 336 367,

www.ahrethio.org , https://www.facebook.com/AHREthio.org/?fref=nf

The post Ethiopia: Killings, arrests under new State of Emergency (AHRE) appeared first on Satenaw: Ethiopian News|Breaking News: Your right to know!.

By Zecharias Zelalem

 Winning and losing are part of sport. Hence why the ability to handle both with the utmost grace and professionalism is encompassed as part of what is labelled “sportsmanship.” But British middle distance runner Laura Muir and a consortium of media outlets appear to be having difficulty processing this concept. Their reaction and banter days after Muir’s defeats in races at the hands of Genzebe Dibaba at the recently concluded 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham would make this quite clear.

At the event that wrapped up last Sunday, the trailblazing Ethiopian star athlete rebounded from a disappointing 2017 World’s to usurp Muir’s bids to capture the 1,500m and 3000m gold medals. Genzebe won both races and steered Ethiopia to second best in the global gold medal haul, ahead of the likes of Britain, capping off a successful games for the East African nation. Muir may not have bested Genzebe, but the host nation Britain has enjoyed watching some sterling performances from their own athletes. Most notably, Katarina Johnson-Thompson’s going some way to shake off the tag of underachiever pinned to her in recent years to romp to gold in the pentathlon event had Birmingham Arena in a frenzy. But despite this, and despite the British athletics team collecting a total of seven medals at the games, second most of all competing nations, British media aren’t basking in the glory of some truly remarkable performances as much as they deserve to.

Instead, the focus appears to be on amplifying speculation and fueling baseless rumours that Genzebe Dibaba may be a drug cheat due to her relationship with an athletics coach who is under investigation for doping claims. In recent days, the number of publications releasing articles on the subject and the ample coverage accorded to very suggestive comments by both Laura Muir and her coach, Andy Young, arguably point to an attempt by British media to besmirch the Ethiopian athlete.

In statements that were published and republished by British tabloids a day after athletes started heading for home, Laura Muir said that she “no longer speaks” to Genzebe Dibaba and called her association with the Somalia born coach Jama Aden “not particularly healthy for the sport.”

The 24 year old’s comments could have come across as those of a poor sport dealing with the heartache of defeat at home. Despite the experienced Scottish athlete’s career spanning some eight years or so, one might simply attribute the outburst to nothing more than a youth’s odd loss of composure at an emotional time.

But her coach, Andy Young also fanned the flames, echoing his protege’s statements. He even added that Sifan Hassan, who finished with a bronze in the 1500m race and appeared to sulk downtrodden while standing alongside Muir and Genzebe on the podium, was doing so out of contempt for Genzebe Dibaba and her sullying the integrity of the race.

The quotes from the Muir camp are highly inflammatory. It is absolutely classless and downright low on the part of both the athlete and her coach to attack a fellow athlete based on unproven allegations and embark on a less than veiled attempt at portraying one of the greatest female athletes of all time as a cheat. British media meanwhile, going to great lengths to pin Genzebe’s picture to articles subtly labeling her a doper are clearly complicit in attempting to rewrite the narrative on Genzebe’s achievements in Birmingham last week.

Genzebe Dibaba has been in the sport about as long as Muir. She is now only the fourth athlete in history to win five individual gold medals at Indoor Championships. Born into a family of world beater athletes, she has long broken away from the shadow of her accomplished older sisters Ejigayehu and Tirunesh, establishing herself as one of the most feared athletes on the track today. An incredible two week period in February 2014 in which she smashed three world records left fanatics awestruck. It came a year before her being named 2015 IAAF Female Athlete of the Year.

Genzebe’s coach, Jama Aden was rounded up by Spanish police in a bust targeting distributors of performance enhancing drugs. He stands accused of administering banned substances to his athletes, but has since posted bail as an investigation into his activities continues. Aden, who has coached a host of world class athletes from around the world, saw many of his athletes have their performances analysed and come in for tons of scrutiny due to their affiliation with him.

Despite the controversy surrounding her coach, Genzebe Dibaba, who continues to be tested on a regular basis, has never failed a drug test. She denies ever taking illegal substances and has made it clear that if the allegations about Aden are confirmed to be true, she will sever all ties with him. She has complied with IAAF testing policies and has never come under any suspicion for illegal activities. Unlike a host of Russian athletes who have been handed lengthy bans and have had their achievements stripped from the records, Genzebe does not have a spotty record. She has long adhered to protocol and is thus a certified drug free athlete. She has never been under the lens of investigators nor has anyone in the athletics world accused her of bending the rules. The current backlash against her is unprecedented.

Genzebe’s feats and accomplishments have her down as nothing short of iconic, exemplary and amongst Ethiopian athletics fans, who are celebrating her latest wins, legendary. In the eyes of the world, she is a crowd pleaser and single handedly guarantees droves of people showing up to a venue if word gets out that she’s due to grace the track.

What Laura Muir and her coach don’t appear to comprehend is that there isn’t a single bookkeeper in Britain, let alone elsewhere in the world that would have set decent odds of Laura Muir beating Genzebe Dibaba last week. Nine times out of ten, in the 1500m event, the Ethiopian’s blistering pace leaves the likes of Muir panting, wheezing and well out of her reach. An off day at the 2017 World Championships saw Genzebe finish last in the final six months ago, while Muir finished forth. It was an upset, one of the worst performances of her career. But still Genzebe’s prolific career by far eclipses Muir’s. The two are incomparable, Muir isn’t even on course to bringing in a third of the accolades, prize money, individual awards and recognition that Genzebe Dibaba has amassed over the course of the past decade. For Birmingham 2018, the safest bet was always going to be that the native of Bekoji, Oromia would be untouchable in the final. Sorry, finals.

Genzebe poses with her two gold medals. Birmingham was good to her (Photo: Genzebe’s Twitter account)

Genzebe is simply the fastest, highest, and strongest of the two, as the Olympic motto would put it. Laura Muir was always an underdog heading into the races last week. There is absolutely no shame in her losing when in fact, she put up a good fight each time to collect two medals. These were some fantastic performances that Muir should look to build upon.. But her comments in recent days, to be blunt, are the disgraceful outbursts of a sore loser. Coach Andy Young meanwhile, expected to be a calming influence guiding his pupil via the ethics of sport, is an even bigger letdown .

But while British media moans and groans, Genzebe Dibaba’s truly golden showings in Birmingham have been feted elsewhere as the displays of a true champion. International media has showered praise upon her. “Genzebe Dibaba’s mastery of the oval continues!” is how popular athletics news outletLetsrun.com headlined her victories. “She is untouchable!” is what France’s L’Equipe said in an article after her double gold. “Dibaba is golden again!” That was the title of the Polish sporting media websiteSportowe Fakty’s article on the Ethiopian’s triumphant rebounding from a disappointing 2017 World Championships. Of course, adulation and praise wasn’t lacking in Ethiopia where Genzebe is a reverred icon. “Gold Again!” said the image uploaded by Ethiotube.net alongside a video of one of her races. “Genzebe does it again,” was the article atop Tadias Addis’ website. Genzebe’s wins have earned her a massive international following as admirers flock to get a glimpse of the generation’s finest. Hence the host of glowing reviews by journalists and experts alike  both in Ethiopia and around the world.

  The woman of the weekend; according to French sports magazine Blog Dicodusport.

Gold again! Says the Amharic language post uploaded by Ethiotube.net

But in Britain, mentions of Genzebe Dibaba were at the minimum despite her being the only athlete at the entire four day event to emerge with two gold medals. “Laura Muir takes bronze as Genzebe wins 3000m” was the BBC’s headline. Most British news portals followed suit in minimizing all mentions of Genzebe and propping up Muir as a potential heiress to the British athletics throne left by Mo Farah.

It would be forgivable for British media networks to accord more airtime and paragraphs to their own athletes. They do after all, serve a primarily British audience. But it is quite curious to note that that the only media outlets that have decided to dedicate article after article to the Laura Muir camp’s mudslinging in an effort to insinuate falsely that Genzebe Dibaba cheated her way to double gold, are British outlets.

The Guardian, BBC Sport, Daily Mail, The Mirror and several more British websites are the only ones parroting the comments made by Laura Muir and her coach. In fact, more than simply publishing what was quoted, these outlets have gone as far as trying to turn world opinion against Genzebe Dibaba. Article with sensational titles such as “Muir reveals frosty relationship with rival Genzebe,” “Muir won’t talk to gold medalist over link to tainted coach,” and “Muir reveals she no longer speaks to Genzebe” appear to be an attempt to start something out of nothing. Muir and Genzebe are nothing more than competitors who meet on the track from time to time. They were never friends or associates. They don’t train together or even live on the same continent. But the above mentioned British publications have surely fooled those unfamiliar with the sport into believing that the two had a fallout or are feuding over Muir’s strong anti doping strance. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The two have no relationship whatsoever. They’ve probably uttered no more than “good luck,” to each other several times over the past five years. To say that they are “no longer on speaking terms” suggests a prior relationship or association between the two. There was none, meaning any talk of a feud between acquaintances is a complete and total fabrication.

Laura Muir (Photo: Telegraph)

Meanwhile, British sporting figures are also joining in on the finger pointing. Former British heptathlete and three time Olympic Bronze medalist Kelly Sotherton posted a tweet on her Twitter account that doesn’t mention Genzebe by name but is a clear reference to the speculation mounting against the Ethiopian in British circles.

“The question is should Laura Muir really have the silver medal? #WICBham2018.

https://twitter.com/KellySotherton/status/969314505317584896

The British sporting world’s inability to choke down Laura Muir’s defeat has led to a campaign to tar and feather Genzebe Dibaba. In their eyes, she is guilty until proven innocent.

The British ought to learn from their Ethiopian counterparts. The East African athletics powerhouse, accustomed to a near unchallenged dominance of certain long distance running events, had to settle for second best for years, as a certain Mo Farah emerged onto the scene. From 2011 to 2017, Farah won nearly every 10,000 and 5,000 meter race in sight, sparing none of the major international titles as he won gold after gold at both the Olympics and the World Championships, frustrating Ethiopian athletics fans.

But Mo Farah has been widely admired and immortalized in Ethiopian media circles over the years as an unbeatable foe. Despite the search for a successor to the ageing Kenenisa Bekele who would challenge Farah for major honours turning up nothing during Mo’s heyday, Ethiopians have generally taken a liking to the British athletics giant, who actually spends a good portion of his year in Ethiopia. This despite Mo Farah’s coach Alberto Salazar himself being a controversial figure himself accused of having administered banned drugs to athletes. Mo Farah has never been accused of cheating or labelled a drug user in Ethiopian media circles. If anything, British tabloids should take a chapter out of the Ethiopian book on sport reporting guidelines.

Mo Farah at ease during an appearance on an Ethiopian talk show. Despite his rivalry with Ethiopian athletes, he is respected and not despised in Ethiopia (Photo: Seifu Fantahun)

And Genzebe Dibaba?

Genzebe back in Addis Ababa (Photo: EAF)

She returned to Addis Ababa on Tuesday with the rest of her Ethiopian athletics teammates and was received by Athletics Federation coach Haile Gebrselassie who greeted her with a warm embrace. Some well deserved R & R will be immediately followed by a resumption of her training as she sets her sights on even more accolades. Reports out of Ethiopia state that she has an upcoming wedding on her mind and is finalizing plans to tie the knot. She hasn’t directly responded to the media whirlwind she left behind her in Britain, probably too preoccupied. Although on Twitter, she did share an image on her Twitter account of her stooping low to comfort a spent looking Laura Muir, exhausted and lying supine on the track.

https://twitter.com/GenzebeD/status/971156744587096064

“Always be kind,” Genzebe captioned it. She clearly prefers to do most of her talking on the track, although when she does speak out, she retains her elegance and composure.

Now if only her British counterpart could do the same.

Class: Genzebe offers to help her defeated opponent to her feet (Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP)

Author: Zecharias Zelalem is a contributor for Ethiosports. The views & opinions expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily that of Ethiosports.

The post Ethiopia’s Golden girl Genzebe Dibaba leaves Laura “Sour Grapes” Muir and British tabloids unable to choke down bitter pill of defeat appeared first on Satenaw: Ethiopian News|Breaking News: Your right to know!.