ESAT News Update Aug 26 2016

Gunfire erupts between TPLF’s special force and Abder Rafi residents in Gonder, Ethiopia

 

ESAT DC Radio Fri 26 Aug 2016

 

Bcentric TPLF’s regime rallies in support of the uprising at home. On August 26, 2016, the resident of tristate resident of NY, NJ and CT took their turn in demonstration, angrily denouncing the killing of unarmed civilians and jailing thousands of protesters by Ethiopia security forces. The rally was held in Manhattan in front of the United Nation Headquarter building at, East 47th street &1st Avenue.

Several people participated in this rally. The demonstrators carried slogans and Ethiopian flag (without the star), and chanted anti-Ethiopian Government slogans. The crowd were chanted “stop the killing”, “unconditionally release jailed protestors, political prisoners, journalists”, and demanded for a transition to democracy to end the ethno-centric TPLF apartheid single party rule (see more below). The rally organizer took turn and spoken loudly denouncing the regime ruthless repression. Their message include peace, unity, democracy and prosperity for Ethiopia.

In November, it was reported at least 600 plus protesters were gun down in Oromia region. In July 2016 in Amhara region, soldiers shoot point blank to unarmed protestors killing more than 97 peaceful protesters. Thousands of protestors were jailed in both regions. Despite ruthless crack down, pockets of protests, and sit at home strikes have continued across the country. The government continued hunting opponents. The uprising found support not only from Ethiopians community across the globe but also from organizations that advocate for democracy and human rights issues.  Very recently, the UN commissioner for human rights has called on Ethiopia to investigate the killing of peaceful protestors by independent commission of inquiry. On August 8, 2016, Amnesty International also reported about the anti-government protests and the savage killing by TPLF’s troops. It states: “At least 97 people were killed and hundreds more injured when Ethiopian security forces fired live bullets at peaceful protesters across Oromia region and in parts of Amhara over the weekend…..”

The lack of organized leadership is a concern for many of us. Organized leadership is fundamental to achieve a genuine political change. It creates a better opportunity for the country if the regime has drawn lessons from the Arab Springs. Unfortunately, the TPLF ruling elites is incapable of learning from the past history or from its own mistakes.

The massive turnout of civil society in protest against TPLF is an evident failure of their administration. It is the consequence of the brutal nature of regime for past 25 years. It is mind boggling why TPLF leading Ethiopia to go through another series of civil wars. There is an Ethiopian proverb fit to this “እኔ ከሞትኩ ሰርዶ አይብቀ አለች አህያ.”   From its inception, the TPLF does not have well intention for Ethiopia.  They became the king of kleptocrats stolen billion dollars from the country. Corruption, land grab, nepotism, and favoritism are the root cause of the citizen’s disappointment. In Rio 2016 Olympic, the story of Ethiopian swimmer by the name of Robel Kiros Habte shows the deep rooted favoritism. Robel was selected for Olympic swimming team not by his performance but by being a son of the president of Ethiopian Swimming Federation. He finished way last in competition.  Ethiopians are outrage when they learn that a father selected his own son as qualified athlete when Robel had poor performance.  This simple fact illustrate that the regime and its cronies are have no shame. On the contrary, the 2016 Olympic marathon silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa showed a heroic stand by showing a political defiance sign of protest for ongoing protestors killing as he finished the race. Feysia exposed the TPLF villains with their loyal troops in front of international stage. Ethno-centric TPLF elites do not have sincere desire to improve people rights. The ongoing nonviolent defiance is shaking up this rotten political system. The protestor’s at home determination, self-confidence, courageous action will eventually set Ethiopia free.

Below are the additional chanting Slogans that were used during the rally:

We are with you in your struggle for democracy!

Western democratic countries stop supporting the dictatorial rule in Ethiopia!

We hear you! The Wolkite people

We hear you! The Oromia people

We hear you! The Amharas people

We hear you!  All the Ethiopian people.

We are here standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you in solidarity in your struggle for Democracy against the dictatorial rule of EPDRF.

We are all Ethiopians, no one will divide us.

Justice for Ethiopia now!

Enough is enough!

Amhara protest in Finote Selam town, West Gojjam, Ethiopia

The death toll from this morning attack by “Ethiopia”Agazi soldiers on a mosque in West Hararge, Masala District, Waltasis Village has reached 5. A total of 23 people have been injured and in critical condition. Those confirmed killed are
1. Imame Mohammed
2. Adam Michael
3. Gadiss Abdurahman Shabo
4. Jabir Mohammed Yuya

Note that the Agazi invaded and besieged the area four days ago. The youth took refuge in the mosque hoping the soldiers will honor the time tested concept of religious places as sanctuary. But the killers threw grenade on the mosque and burned Imame Mohammed inside while shooting those who were running out with their head up.

#AmharaProtests in Enjibara, Gojam. The regime intelligence has sent alarm to center confirming the entire Gojam today is out of control of government.

By Prof. Seid Hassan

Boycotting is one of means for non-violent struggle. It has been effectively used in many parts of the world, particularly against the apartheid regime in South Africa. It is about time for all Ethiopians and freedom loving people to put pressure by boycotting products and services offered by the government, its supporters and particularly those businesses owned by the EPRDF. By boycotting government services, party-owned parastatals (such as EFFORT) and the businesses owned by its staunch supporters, we will effectively be reducing (even incapacitating) the financial wherewithal the regime uses to buy weapons, pay the Agazi killers, the federal police and the military.

Part I. Generally Known Tactics Which Make Boycotting Successful

[Note: Those who may be uninterested in reading/knowing the modalities of effective boycotting can skip Part I and jump to Part II without much loss. Just make sure to do your part by participating in boycotting. Boycotting cannot be effective without everyone’s participation, which includes, you!]

1. Try to have a vision and make sure to follow through. Thomas Edison, the brilliant American inventor (who invented light bulbs, photography and motion picture), is known to have said this: “Vision without execution is hallucination.” How true!
2. Try to be organized and, if possible, include a clearly defined goal. That is, try, if possible and whenever possible, to have a timeline, guideline, and to provide strong leadership. Try to send clear messages, whenever possible, to the offending company, government, country or party with a request for a CLEAR and VIABLE policy change. If they renounce their wrong doings, use them as an example. Remember, when you do that, you are sending multiple messages (both to your allies and the potential enemies) while at the same time, reducing the number of enemies that you would have to target. Don’t forget that boycotts require the dedication and work of energetic activists, the support of enthusiastic consumers, and lots of planning.
3. Do your homework before targeting individuals, companies, or governments. Study them well before targeting them.
4. Be consistent and don’t weaver.
5. Be organized and try to have more backers who would help you and in case something happens to you (take a vacation, be away for a while…etc.)
6. Don’t let consumers second guess you- especially in case they happen to see you wavering or you don’t know what you are talking about.
7. Be careful not to buy the product that you asked others to boycott. Avoid being a hypocrite, saying one thing and doing something else that contradicts the spirit of the campaign effort. I happen to know members of the Ethiopian diaspora being hypocrites and indirectly assisting the regime for too long. Enough is enough!
8. Make Boycotting to be Surgical (hitting where it hurts the most): Focus on a few products, companies, stores, or persons and hit them hard, repeatedly. It is actually better to hit a few targets and be successful rather than trying to do everything at one time. It is better to be up against smaller fish than bigger ones, too. If you target many of them at once, you will reduce your effectiveness. You will also lose many followers and consumers. In fact, you may even want your target to aim at some smaller fish and kill them. You can build on that success and go to the bigger fish next.
9. At the start of your campaign, choose a company or its product that is the “most visible, easy to identify, vulnerable, image conscious, and clearly guilty of the grievance.”
10. If the target is the government, pick an industry or company that is crucial and dear to it, so that the company could pressure the government agents.
11. As a leader of the organized group, don’t be disappointed if you found out that some consumers were lying to you – telling you that they would follow your advice but you see them doing the opposite. It happens all the time, especially with the Ethiopian community. Some consumers also want to be free-riders- they want to be a part of the boycotting success even though they refuse to participate.
12. In some situations, it may be useful to make sure that the product or business you are targeting is already known to the consumers. When this happens, consumers would be less confused and more focused and would know whom to target. If the boycotting is targeting a new product or entirely a new business, the negative publicity MAY have the undesired effect- introducing the product to the public in a positive way.
13. If some consumers still continue to want to buy the product that you are targeting, try to provide them with a Clear Alternatives to the Boycotted Product. If some Ethiopians still want to buy injera, for example, find an alternative seller that you know is not allying itself with the enemy. In some cases, you can ask supplier of the alternative to pay you for advertising their product and steering (luring) more consumers towards their businesses. Do this in a secretive way and with those whom you trust a lot so that they will not be a conflict of interest.
14. If the efforts of boycotting become successful, share these facts with your followers. Allow them to be owners of the effort. Raise their spirits and ask them to do more. Show leadership and tell them where you are going. At times, it is necessary to show your followers the road map. At times, it is important to share with them some success stories.
15. Ask your followers to pass on the success stories via email and tell them to spread the good word. The spread of the information will then multiply thereby making the effort more effective.
16. Once you become successful in your campaigns, take your campaign a step further and introduce it to bigger organizations and ask them for their support. Share your successes with other potential sympathetic followers such as specific NGOs.
17. At some stage, it may be worthwhile to ask corporations/companies to support your campaigns. However, don’t expect them to overtly support your efforts since doing so could be a little too risky for them.
18. Try to make the boycotting activity less spontaneous. Try to make the campaign sustainable and long lasting. Boycotting that are based on spontaneity are known to fade away quickly. Remember that, even though timing could be everything, patience is always a virtue.
19. Ask boycott participants for their contributions, while at the same time being wary of them. For example, they may ask you to target the company that they individually want to attack or have some kind of enmity. Ask them to tell you and your listeners which company/group/person should be the next target. Ask them to do their own investigations and report to you privately.
20. Be aware that the boycott may take time to show any effect. Never try to think that your efforts will be fruitful right away. Be prepared for an extended battle.
21. Don’t hesitate to collaborate even with those you don’t agree with in regards to other issues. Be tactful and always try to keep your eyes on the ball, which is being successful in the campaign effort! Give them credit if and when necessary. Never try to attack them or hinder their efforts even if you don’t like them. If indeed their campaign is similar to yours, don’t contradict them at all even if you don’t like them. Remember: you can always collaborate with them indirectly and tacitly.

Part II. Which Specific Ethiopian Government Services, Products and Companies to Boycott- some ideas
Some of the government owned (effectively TPLF/EPRDF’s cash cows) which have used to exploit the Ethiopian people with poor service, exorbitant fees, extraordinary nepotism include Ethiopian Airlines, Ethio Telecom, National and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Furthermore, numerous anecdotal evidence indicates that some Ethiopian Airlines employees have committed criminal acts against Ethiopians, particularly against those tens of thousands who were expelled from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, by intentionally disappearing their languages and products. This writer has heard horror stories from expelled Ethiopians whose smartphones have been expropriated by Ethiopian Airlines employees. The airline employees are alleged to have made tens of thousands of dollars with such criminal acts.

Recommendation:
1. To all Ethiopians and Members of the Diaspora: Carefully identify staunch supporters of the TPLF/EPRD haunting and socially ostracize.
2. Foster Discourse/Dialogue with Care while Boycotting. Try to communicate with those who became wealthy either by being supporters of the TPLF/EPRDF and collaborators of a corruptive scourge and/or by being ethnically affiliated, particularly those who have not committed economic and political crimes. Let’s understand that the TPLF/EPRDF is also hated by its own members and the ethnic groups it purports to represent. Avoid a national and/or seemingly all-inclusive divide that the TPLF has used and is still currently using, pitting Tigrayans against the Amharas and/or the Oromos. Let’s try to create conditions for those genuine TPLFites/EPRDFites who want a way out, showing them our shared interests. We should be vigilant hardcore TPLFites/EPRDFites using the dialog/discourse as a delaying tactic and/or as their means to continue business as usual. And/or buy time.
3. To the Diaspora: Stop visiting Ethiopia for a while unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must travel to Ethiopia, fly other airlines.
4. To all Ethiopians and Members of the Diaspora: Boycott all services and products provided by TPLF-owned EFFORT and companies. In addition to being cash cows for party leaders, my research strongly indicate that these companies were illegally established and were (and continue to be) deeply involved in corruption and suffocating monopolistic practices.
5. To all Ethiopians and Members of the Diaspora: Boycott all services and products provided by MIDROC-Ethiopia. Research and anecdotal evidence indicates that the owner of MIDRO-Ethiopia not only has been collaborating and supporting the dictatorial regime but it is known to be deeply involved in corruption. The own Diaspora
6. To the Diaspora: Stop buying imported products from Ethiopia, particularly products and services imported and provided by the Ethiopian government and its supporters. Shun those companies, restaurant, grocery stress and foreign exchange (remittance) services owned and operated by the TPLF/EPRDF and the GOE.
7. To the Diaspora: Stop new investments in Ethiopia for now. Doing so will deny the regime the foreign exchange reserves it so desperately needs.
8. To the Diaspora: Be careful about the remittances you send. Send remittances only if necessary.
9. To all Ethiopians and Members of the Diaspora: Stop buying land Ethiopia. As showed elsewhere, those who have been buying land in Ethiopia have effectively immersed themselves in corruption. The day of reckoning is getting closer for those who have been a part of the corrupt activities of the TPLF/EPRDF!
10. To all Ethiopians Back Home: Refuse to Pay Taxes if at all possible.
11. To all Ethiopians Back Home: The use of property damage as a means of non-violent struggle is an unsettled issue. As Adam Rothstein, argues, whether property destruction is non-violent means of struggle is an unsettled issue, since, “[w]hile we all hope that we avoid violence, at all costs, the facts of history is that power is not relinquished just because the people ask for it…” It can be argued that, particularly for very greedy business politicians such as the TPLF/EPRDF, destroying their properties, in a limited way (surgical but not wholesale), could be a very effective tactic while at the same time a means to boost the morale of protesters (see also, Louisa Dean). In some respects, if the desire for change is to be taken seriously, such a measure may be acceptable such as, as reported by ESAT, the setting ablaze of a home belonging to government informant and/or a federal police who shot and killed peaceful protesters. My suggestion is to avoid the destruction properties as much as possible, while at the same time trying to surgically sabotage the sources of funds for the ruling party and its corrupt supporters. Ethiopians have to understand a few facts in regards to this issue: (1) Even those they may now be in hands of the ruling party and/or its supporters, at the end of the day, some of these same government and party-owned properties that have been pillaged by the TPLF/EPRDF, maybe repossessed by the Ethiopian people; (2) Any country, let alone poor Ethiopia cannot afford to lose any properties/resources. Though it is understandable (as I fretted and predicted it to take place in recent article) why Ethiopians may be tempted to destroy some ill-gotten properties and resources, Ethiopians must refrain from doing so while using a multitude of other tactics at their disposal in order to deny the ruling party and its supporters economic power. Destroying properties denies protesters the moral high ground as well.

Gandhi wrote: “Non-cooperation with evil is as much a responsibility as co-operation with good.”

Sources used:
Garrett, Dennis E. (1987), “The Effectiveness of Marketing Policy Boycotts: Environmental Opposition to Marketing,” Journal of Marketing, 51 (April), 46-57. Chenoweth Erica; Stephan Maria J; “Drop Your Weapons: When and Why Civil Resistance Works”, Foreign Affairs V 93 Issue 2, 92-106, 2014.
Jeriah Bowser. “Elements of Resistance: Violence, Nonviolence, and the State.” https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/jeriah-bowser-elements-of-resistance-violence-nonviolence-and-the-state.
Louisa Dean “An Analysis of the Justification for the use of Violence for Political Purposes.” Mountbatten Journal of Legal Studies. http://ssudl.solent.ac.uk/997/1/2005_9_1%262.pdf.
Adam Rothstein. The False History and Misunderstanding of “Non-Violence.” Portland Occupier, February 28, 2012. http://www.portlandoccupier.org/2012/02/28/the-false-history-and-misunderstanding-of-non-violence/
Abraham F. Lowenthal and Sergio Bitar (December 14, 2015). “Getting to Democracy: Lessons from Successful Transitions.” https://www.foreignaffairs.com/print/1116127.
“Effective boycott campaigns.” https://sites.google.com/site/multitude2008/Home/activism/organize-efficient-boycott-campaigns.
Nathalie Bardou . “Boycott: An Effective Tool against Apartheid.” Boycott Divestment Sanctions (Issue No.26, Summer 2005. http://www.badil.org/en/component/k2/item/916-boycott-an-effective-tool-against-apartheid.html.
STRUGGLE FROM THE GROUND UP: THE ANTI-APARTHEID MOVEMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA. HTTPS://TAVAANA.ORG/EN/CONTENT/STRUGGLE-GROUND-ANTI-APARTHEID-MOVEMENT-SOUTH-AFRICA.
Lester Kurtz (June 2010). “The Anti-Apartheid Struggle in South Africa (1912-1992.)” https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/the-anti-apartheid-struggle-in-south-africa-1912-1992/

ADDIS ABABA (HAN) August 28.2016. Public Diplomacy & Regional Security News. by BefeQadu Z. Hailu. Some Facebook friends are recently tagging me with their posts of ‘solutions’ to the contemporary crisis in Ethiopia. (i.e. the anti-government protests in Oromia and Amhara, two biggest regions in Ethiopia). Most of these Facebook friends recommend maintenance or what’s otherwise called ‘cosmetic change’ to the regime. Others seem to be conspirators against the ‘unprecedented’ cooperation of biggest players in Ethiopian politics, the Oromo and Amhara people, against the ruling Tigrian elites group, TPLF. (The group claims to represent 6% of Ethiopian people (Tigrians) as compared to 62% – Amhara + Oromo people). The latter (of facebook friends suggesting solutions) claimed that it is only Oromo Protests that’s genuine and some went far to portraying Amhara protests as an act of power mongering.

There is no Half Liberty!

In my opinion, it is hardly possible to give one sect of a society its freedom and denying the rest. Freedom will either be assured for all or is denied for all. One of the nations in Ethiopia cannot be given regional autonomy and proportional representation in the federation while others are denied these. It will be oppressed with the rest, or get freedom with them. Even TPLF (which is the supreme Front in the coalition of four parties in the name of EPRDF) including its makers and supporters will only get liberated or be free when it lets others free. The common understanding that a jailer is not free until it frees its prisoners is true. One has to free their prisoners to regain their freedom of movement; otherwise, they will have to be sitting there watching their victims.

So What to Do?

The solution should be all inclusive. But this happens only if all of us have the genuine intention to compromise on our interests for the sake of justice, fairness and peace. Now, all the power and opportunity is controlled by the ruling party, EPRDF. So, EPRDF must be the sole body willing for this to be true. The issue is freeing the party itself as well as its dissent. Otherwise, however its oppression increases, the public grievance and riot will also increase and the challenge that can be solved through compromise today may not tomorrow.

In this, maybe naïve, understanding of mine that EPRDF may become willing to hear alternative solutions, I suggest a filtered compilation of alternative solutions from what I heard of people’s recommendations.

1) Apology

Ethiopian people deserve an apology. TPLF/EPRDF should ask the Ethiopian people an apology for all the mistakes and wrong doings that it has done from its conception up until today and even for leading the country to a dangerous end. This has to be done in a written format.

2) Amnesty and Warranty

We have to cross the bridge of past failures at some point. EPRDF should give amnesty and release all people who were convicted and are on hearings of court proceedings in relation to their political stance. The amnesty should not be with any pre- & post-conditions. In addition, the ruling group should cancel the proclamation that labelled dissent organizations as ‘terrorists’; it should give warranty for the return of exiled politicians, journalists and activists so that they would be able to contribute for the political fate of their country. Rebel groups should also be given the guarantee to peacefully and legally act according to their political program. A proclamation of amnesty and warranty should be passed by the parliament as to this end.

3) Discourse

Anti-terrorism proclamation, the charity law and the press laws inacted in the country are used to restrict democratic discourse. Therefore, they should be cancelled for the time being until a legitimate house ratifies other ones (or until it amends them in a way) that don’t stifle constitutional rights. In the meantime, successive and multiple country-wide dialogue that are broadcasted live in the state-owned television with the participation of all stake holders and with moderation of international rights groups should be conducted.

4) Election

Finally, by freezing the current parliament including the electoral board and by establishing a temporary electoral board of technocrats from other independent countries, there should a new election to be launched at ‘national’ and regional level.

Having suggested that, I have also considered possible criticisms for these alternative solutions:

A) These don’t consider TPLF’s position not to ever compromise;

B) A naïve comment that has assumed the recent protests have shakedown EPRDF’s hold;

C) A solution that encourages dependency on foreign support;

D) A comment that disregarded the immediate necessity of resolving the controversial issues regarding federal structure, electoral system, Parliament system, land ownership and others in the constitution.

Regarding the first two possible comments (put in ‘A’ & ‘B’), it is because I have the fear that the crisis we are in go worse than better that I wanted to take the risk of being ignored speaking rather than keeping quite. On the other hand, I suggested the participation of independent foreign technocrats and rights groups because they are the only possible bodies who wouldn’t have much interest to rig the election for transition. My answer for the possible criticism put in ‘D’ is my enthusiasm that if we once established a legitimate house of representatives, the rest would be taken care of by them. Controversial issues will always be there. But, in the way down the road from there, everything to reform including constitutional amendments is possible for it is easy to do so once a platform is lay for democracy. The most urgent and important issue, for me, now is forming a legitimate government for the majority.

Ebisa Ejigu shows solidarity with protesters in Ethiopia as he wins Quebec City Marathon

The Honorable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520

Via Facsimile 202-647-1811

RE: The Brutal Crackdown of Peaceful Protesters in Ethiopia and A Call for U.S.  Sanction Against the Rogue Regime in Ethiopia

Dear Secretary Kerry:

In the last nine months, spontaneous protests have erupted in many regions of Ethiopia – specifically in the Oromo region and most recently in Gondar and other Amhara regions that accounts for 75% of the Ethiopian population.  It is widely reported that many peaceful protestors with legitimate grievances have been killed by government forces. According to the statement issued on August 13, 2016   by Human Rights Watch as many as 100 people have been killed.^[1]

More than 500 demonstrators are now estimated to have been killed by security forces in largely peaceful protests since November 2015. ^[2]

Ethiopian Advocacy Network (EAN) is deeply troubled and outraged by the persistent killing of peaceful protesters by the repressive regime in Ethiopia.  The regime’s security forces have very well documented history of using excessive lethal force to stifle any type of dissent.

Choking off all peaceful and legitimate avenues for dissent coupled with unaccountable institutions fuels violent extremism and increases the likelihood of long-term instability in Ethiopia.

In 2006 Vicki Huddleston, the Charge d’ Affairs at the U.S. embassy in Addis Ababa, announced the cancellation of future sales of Humvee military vehicles to Ethiopia because they were being misused to “disperse demonstrations.”  Almost ten years later, it has come to our attention that guns and bullets supplied by the U.S. are being used

to kill peaceful demonstrators. We understand that there is a strong high level relationship between the Pentagon and Ethiopian Defense Forces. It is imperative for the U.S. to stop supplying tools of repression to the Ethiopian regime. In fact, we strongly believe that the mass killings at the hands of the brutal security forces should trigger the Leahy Law.

At this point, we urge the Obama Administration to sanction the Ethiopian regime by immediately cutting U.S. military aid and other forms of assistance except humanitarian aid that the regime uses to bolster its arsenals of repressions in many ways, including the recent massacre of hundreds of peaceful protesters.

While we are astounded by the deafening silence of the Obama Administration, the minority regime in Ethiopia is interpreting U.S. acquiescence as endorsement of its criminal actions in Ethiopia.  We, therefore, urge the U.S. to publicly condemn the carnage in the strongest possible terms and demand that the state sponsored terror against Ethiopian citizens and the egregious human rights violations come to an immediate halt.

On August 10, 2016 Zeid Raad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stating that “the use of live ammunition against protesters in Oromia and Amhara of course would be a very serious concern for us,”^[3]  has called for an international investigation into the killings which the regime has promptly rejected. Such is the lawless nature of a regime that has a seat in the Security Council. The UN, the U.S., UK and EU should pressure the regime to allow international observers access to Ethiopia to investigate the murders.

Amnesty International in a statement issued on August 8, 2016 has called for “the prompt, impartial and effective investigation of the crimes and all those suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice.”^[4]

We firmly believe that there can be no sustainable economic growth, peace and stability in Ethiopia without political reforms. respect for human rights and the rule of law. The U.S. should pursue a constructive policy that would advance fundamental reform that would lead to a genuine constitutional democracy through an all-inclusive transitional process. The U.S. should also use its leverage to pressure the regime to stop the bloodshed and enter into a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.

The violent response to the peaceful protests is intolerable and the campaign of

repression by the brutal regime must end immediately to avert wide spread chaos that is bound to engulf the country and the region.  All peaceful protesters that are being held for simply exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly must be immediately and unconditionally released.

In March of 2013 you stated that “it’s no coincidence that the places where we face some of the greatest national security challenges are the places where governments deny basic human rights to their nation’s people.”

Ethiopia, the most populous country and the regional power in the strategic Horn of Africa is the key player for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. It is time for the U.S. to take a principled stand and reassess its “unholy alliance” with the repressive regime that is widely viewed as illegitimate in the eyes of the vast majority of the 100 million Ethiopian citizens.

The U.S., as the principal ally of the Ethiopian regime, should take the lead and issue a strongly worded public denouncement of the mass killings in Ethiopia and impose sanctions (visa restriction, asset freeze) against senior government officials – both civilian and military- who are implicated in the mass killings

In the absence of strong actions on the part of the U.S., Ethiopians are inclined to believe U.S. complicity in the massive human rights abuse and state sponsored terror being committed by the minority ethnic dictatorship in Ethiopia. U.S. policy makers should understand that, short of a serious commitment and intervention to avert an impending tragedy, the current volatile political situation in Ethiopia could potentially slide into civil war, ethnic cleansing and even genocide; thus, threatening peace and stability in Ethiopia and in the Horn of Africa.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this very urgent matter.

We look forward to hearing from you very soon

Sincerely,

Araya Amsalu, Ph.D.

cc: Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Sharon M. Umber, Ethiopia Desk Officer

Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Rep. Christopher Smith, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations

Rep. Karen Bass, Ranking Member Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations

Senator Bob Corker, Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs

Senator Jeff Flake, Chairman Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy

Senator Edward J. Markey, Ranking Member Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy

Ethiopian Advocacy Network is a grassroots organization that was formed in January 2015 by Ethiopian-Americans, Ethiopian activists and community organizers to promote democracy, human rights, and justice in Ethiopia through advocacy, civic education and grass roots mobilization. EAN has a global presence with members in the USA, Africa, Canada and Europe.

[1] https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/08/13/ethiopian-forces-kill-100-protesters

[2] ibid

[3] http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/calls-probe-ethiopia-protesters-killings-160810163517810.html

[4] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/08/ethiopia-dozens-killed-as-police-use-excessive-force-against-peaceful-protesters/

On August 21, 2016, Feyisa Lelisa, the 26-year-old Ethiopian long distance runner at the Rio Olympics repeated an act that was once described as the “the most overtly political statement in the history of the modern Olympic Games.”

On October 16, 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos won gold and silver in the 200-meter dash at the Mexico City Olympics. What they did on the medal platform is now the stuff of legend. They raised their fists in a defiant Black Power salute.

As Feyisa approached the finishing line, he raised both arms over his head and held them crosswise, in the signature gesture of Ethiopia’s defiant Youth Power Movement.

It was a gesture seen by 3.5. billion people worldwide.

In that fleeting moment, Feyisa met his moment of truth. He had the choice of clinching his silver medal and strolling into fame, fortune and glory.

He also had the choice of remaining in the ordinary world of mediocrity like the rest of us and let the moment define him.

But Feyisa chose to seize the moment and define it his way.

In defining the moment, Feyisa became the live hero giving life to the mythical hero with a thousand faces Joseph Campbell wrote about in his books.

Feyisa became the face of the Ethiopian hero.

By crossing his hands as he crossed the finishing line, Feyisa crossed into the hero’s world.

What made Feyisa to take such heroic action and transform himself from an extraordinary marathon runner to a heroic human being?

Simple! He changed his mind.

George Bernard Shaw said, “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

Feyisa understood radical changes are urgently needed in his country. In a fleeting moment, he changed his mind and declared that one moment of freedom is much more valuable to him than a lifetime of privilege and wealth as a second-class citizen licking the boots of his oppressors.

When Feyisa crossed the finishing line in Rio, he did not cross into athletic victory. Not at all!

He crossed the threshold into a life of courage, sacrifice, determination, steadfastness and purpose leaving behind a life of fear, despair, sorrow, wretchedness, misery and doubt.

In the last seconds of his run, Feyisa heard the clarion call.

Like Joseph Campbell’s mythical hero with a thousand faces, Feyisa was called to adventure from the ordinary world by a greater cause.

Feyisa agonized over the call. He said he had thought about doing what he did for a long time. Like  Campbell hero, when his moment arrived, Feyisa did not waffle or hesitate. He literally and resolutely crossed the threshold from the ordinary world of  self-centeredness, self-aggrandizement, and self-love to the world of real live heroes who would brave any danger and sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the community.

Like Campbell’s mythical hero who risked everything, Feysa in real life risked his life for his people, his country, his young children, his wife and his extended family.

But for what!?

In 1968, two college Students from San Jose State University in Northern California also crossed the threshold into “hero-dom” by raising their fists in the air defiantly.

Carlos, age 23 and Smith, age 24, risked all the trappings of success – fame, fortune and glory. They were booed, condemned, vilified, threatened, damned and ridiculed in public. They were even forced to return their medals to the International Olympic Committee.

Why did they make such a sacrifice!?

Carlos’ and Smith’s photo with their Black Power salute is forever etched in my mind.

As a high school student in the heart of the Horn of Africa, I identified personally with the civil rights and youth protest movements in America, particularly with the young rebels in the “People’s Republic” of Berkeley and Oakland, California.

Why?

Shakespeare wrote in the Twelfth Night, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

I wonder if Shakespeare considered whether some people are also born doomed to always defend the  underdogs, condemned to bark and yap truth to the Uber-dogs.

I wonder.

I have seen the video of Smith and Carlos sprinting like cheetahs on the hunt to win gold and silver and their subsequent interviews more than a few times, as I have Feyisa dash to the finish line.

The Olympic duo held up their glove-fisted hands in the air with their heads bowed as the “The Star-Spangled Banner” played out.

But why did they raise their hands in the controversial Black Power salute?

Why did Feyisa raise his hands crosswise over his head as he crossed the finish line?

Carlos and Smith were using the world stage to protest the racism, poverty and second-class citizenship inflicted on African Americans on the world stage.

But their defiant actions were not limited to the raised fists. They also stood shoeless on the medal platform to symbolize the crushing poverty  in the daily lives of the vast majority of African Americans. Carlos even wore a necklace of black beads which he said symbolized his identification with “those individuals that were lynched or killed that no one said a prayer for, that were hung tarred. It was for those thrown off the side of the boats in the middle passage.”

Feyisa raised his hands crosswise to protest oppression and second-class citizenship under the rule of  a criminal gang of thugs called the “Tigrean People’s Liberation Front”, or more accurately,  the Thugtatorship of the Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (T-TPLF).

When asked why he took such dramatic action on the global stage, Feyisa said:

The Ethiopian government are killing the Oromo people and taking their land and resources so the Oromo people are protesting and I support the protest as I am Oromo. The Ethiopian government is killing my people so I stand with all protests anywhere as Oromo is my tribe. My relatives are in prison and if they talk about democratic rights they are killed. I raised my hands to support with the Oromo protest.

What Feyisa said  was not that much different in substance from what Smith and Carlos said in 1968.

Interviewer: Do you think the Olympic games is the right place to do this kind of thing, that you ought to use this as a world stage?

Smith: We are athletes. I am a teacher but I am not a politician. We used this so the whole world could see poverty of the black man in America.

Interviewer: You got publicity, fame, medals, martyrdom?

Carlos: I can’t eat that. And the kids around my block who grew up with me can’t eat it. And the kids that are going to grow up after them, they can’t eat that. They can’t eat gold medals. All we ask for is an equal chance to be a human being. And as far as I see now, we’re 5 steps below the ladder. And every time we try to touch the ladder, they put their foot on our hands and they don’t want us to climb up.

Of course, Carlos and Smith were not alone when they stood on the medal platform and raised their hands defiantly protesting racism and second-class citizenship for African Americans. Millions of America’s youth and people throughout the world were with them.

Feyisa was not alone as he crossed the finishing line with his hands held help up crosswise over his head. He had the spiritual support, love and admiration of 100 million of his fellow Ethiopians.

The picture of Carlos and Smith with their glove-fisted hands in the air may have been worth a thousand words, but to me, their historic act represented only one word: DEFIANCE!

Their defiance represented determined peaceful resistance to an oppressive and racist system.

Their defiance represented their heartfelt identification with the Civil Rights Movement and the mass struggle for identity and full citizenship rights in America.

Smith did not overlook the paradox in his situation. “If I win, I am American, not a black American. But if I did something bad, then they would say I am a Negro. We are black and we are proud of being black. Black America will understand what we did tonight.”

The eternal Shakespearean irony of being black in America: To be or not to be…

Or is it to be… while black?

Carlos and Smith in that gesture proclaimed to the world, “We will stand our ground. We won’t be pushed around.”

It was their way of singing silently the African American spiritual, “I shall not be moved.” as the “The Star-Spangled Banner” played on.

I have no doubts whatsoever Feyisa Lelisa was inspired by Carlos and Smith.

Like Carlos and Smith, Feyisa let his courage to speak for his people. He let the T-TPLF know that he is not afraid of their jails and torture chambers. He knows the T-TPLF will make the lives of his family a living hell. Of course, nothing less can be expected from the Masters of Hell.

But in that single defiant gesture, Feyisa showed his absolute solidarity with his young brothers and sisters in Ethiopia dying at the hands of the T-TPLF; getting arrested, jailed and tortured by the T-TPLF.

As Feyisa approached the finish line, it was clear to all who witnessed that he was not seeking Olympic glory and the fame and fortune that comes with it.

Feyisa was running the marathon race of his life for the life and dignity of his people.

He was running to save his people, not to win a medal.

He had trained for years and ran over the hills and vales for this one timeless moment.

He could not speak for his mouth had been sealed by the T-TPLF.

But he could speak with his feet. How feet can speak louder than words!

Carlos and Smith were also running not for themselves but the human race.

In 2011, at the San Jose State University Sculpture Unveiling Ceremony for Smith and Carlos commemorating their historic stand in 1968, Dr. Carlos said:

Whatever we did in Mexico City, we did something that would be prestigious, respectable, pungent, shocking and revealing. We didn’t give the finger. We didn’t give the butt.  We didn’t wrap the flag around our head or tie it up like a diaper. We didn’t stand there with disrespect. We stood there to say “Hey, man. I am American. I am your son. I am wounded. I am not wounded for me because I am one of your heroes. I am in the Olympics. I am wounded for the race. I am not talking about the 200 meters. I am talking about the human race. That’s why we went to Mexico city.

By raising his arms, Feyisa brought to the conscience of the world the pain, suffering, trials and tribulations Ethiopians are facing under the T-TPLF, a criminal racketeering organization masquerading as a government in Ethiopia.  (See my recent commentary “Beyond the Politics of Hate”.)

Like Smith and Carlos, Feyisa was saying that his people, his children, his family and his neighbors cannot eat a silver medal. The silver medal does not buy them dignity, freedom and human rights.

Like Smith and Carlos, Feyisa just wanted his people to be treated like human beings with equal opportunity. Not as second class citizens. Not as criminals and terrorists. Just human beings created in the image of God with God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Feyisa wants his people to be able to climb up the ladder, and not just hold the ladder so that the T-TPLF, its members and cronies can sit at the top of the ladder kicking everybody in the face trying to climb up.

On August 21, 2016 in Rio, Feyisa Lelisa showed the world what it means to be an Ethiopian Cheetah and made all Ethiopians proud as a peacock; or is it proud as a pride of lions?

But Feyisa’s message to his fellow citizens was clear: “I just told 3.5 billion people about your suffering and trials and tribulation under the TPLF thugs.”

He even called the T-TPLF, “the Ethiopian government”.

Feyisa must be a man of great charity to call that gang of bloodthirsty thugs, “government”.

Calling the T-TPLF “government” is like calling a cackle of hyenas a pride of lions.

One has to call a spade a spade. Or a hyena, a hyena.

The TPLF is a government of thugs, for thugs, by thugs. (See my May 2011commentary, “Thugtatorship: The Highest Stage of African Dictatorship”.)

Thugs will always be thugs, even in designer suits. Hyenas will always be hyenas even when they are laughing.

Lions will always be lions and hyenas know the roar of  lions and the growl of cheetahs.

But Feyisa is a lion and cheetah rolled into one.

On the same day Feyisa won his silver medal, the T-TPLF had unleashed swarms of its security, police and military goons to prevent peaceful protests in the capital Addis Ababa.

How ironic!  By forcing millions of protesters to stay home, the T-TPLF made it possible for them to watch their job being done beautifully by one of their own before 3.5 billion people.

As I saw the video of Feyisa approaching the finishing line, he  reminded me of the Chinese “tank man” who in June 1989 stood in front of a column of tanks in Tiananmen Square and refused to move in a gesture of “I shall not be moved.”

One little guy refusing to stand down before the mighty Chinese Army and security forces that had massacred hundreds of peaceful protesters.

That anonymous little guy was not afraid of what the Chinese war machine could do to him.

Is Feyisa afraid of what the T-TPLF could do to him?

Feyisa told it straight.

The T-TPLF will kill him if he returned. “If not kill me, they will put me in prison. I have not decided yet, but maybe I will move to another country.”

Feyisa’s mother was unafraid when she said, “Do you believe what the government says? He should stay there. I want him to stay there. I wish him well.”

Feyisa’s wife knew how strong her husband is: “I was scared at the time but I wasn’t surprised because I know him. He was burning inside when he saw on social media  all of the dead bodies, people being arrested, people being beaten. So I was not surprised because I know he had a lot of anger inside.”

Feyisa was not going to stand down in the face of what the TPLF thugs will do to him. For him, it is, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

In his simple gesture, Feyisa showed the T-TPLF to be the proverbial Emperor with no clothes. Or did he show real live thugs in designer suits?

Is Feyisa concerned about losing his silver medal and punishment by the International Olympic Committee?

He could not care less about the little round piece of metal or the fame and fortune it brings. He was infinitely more concerned about the welfare of his people. He said, “I cannot do anything about that [what the IOC may do]. This was my feeling. I have a big problem in my country. It is very dangerous to make protest in my country.”

That sounded to me like, “The IOC can take their two-bit clump of metal and shove it up their… My dignity and the dignity of my people is not for sale at the Olympics market or anywhere else..”

May God bless Feyisa and his family!

Ethiopia’s youth united can never be defeated

In May 2011, I wrote a commentary entitled “Africa’s Youths United Can Never be Defeated”.

It was a commentary about the collapse of the Mubarak regime and how dictators use violence to impose their will. I explained that violence is the weapon of the weak. To shoot and kill and maim unarmed protesters in the streets is not a sign of strength, it is a sign of fear, weakness and cowardice.

In June 2010, I wrote a commentary entitled, “Speaking Truth on Behalf of Ethiopia’s Youth”.  I presented evidence showing the wretched conditions of Ethiopia’s youth to argue they are a ticking demographic time bomb.

I argued that the evidence of Ethiopian youth frustration, discontent, disillusionment and discouragement by the protracted economic crisis, lack of economic opportunities and political repression is manifest, overwhelming and irrefutable. The yearning of youth for freedom and change is self-evident. The only question is whether the country’s youth will seek change through increased militancy or by other peaceful means.

In January 2013, I wrote a message to Ethiopia’s youth  in  a commentary entitled “Ethiopia 2013: Year of the Cheetah Generation”.

In my message, I called upon Ethiopia’s Cheetahs to begin an informal dialogue among themselves and to define their own terms of national reconciliation. I urged them to empower themselves and create their own political space and to talk one-on-one across ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, regional and class lines. I urged Ethiopia’s Cheetahs to use their diversity as strength and must never allow their diversity to be used to divide and conquer them.

I underscored the importance of closing the gender gap and maximizing the participation of young women in their peaceful resistance efforts.

In my January 2014 commentary, “2014: Year of the Ethiopian Chee-Hippo Generation”, I wrote about the challenges faced by young people in Ethiopia. I declared, “Ethiopian Cheetahs at grave risk.”

I argued that  the problem of 21st Century Ethiopia is quintessentially the problem of Ethiopian youth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in less than 34 years, Ethiopia’s population will more than triple to 278 million, placing that country in the top 10 most populous countries in the world. Today, an estimated 70 percent of Ethiopia’s one hundred million plus population is under 35 years old (66 million).

Nelson Mandela observed, “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation.”

If Ethiopia’s youth are its greatest treasure, they are indeed at extreme risk today; and so is the future of that country. Ethiopia’s greatest treasures are neglected, abused, squandered and wasted. “Ethiopia is one of the countries with the lowest primary school enrollment rates in the world… [L]ow quality of school and a high dropout rate, as well as gender and rural-urban disparities remain the major challenges of the country” according to a report of the African Population and Health Research Center. Those who manage to finish high school have vastly diminished opportunities for higher education or gainful employment.

According to a 2012 USAID study, “Ethiopia has one of the highest urban youth unemployment rates at 50 percent and there is a high rate of youth under­employment in rural areas, where nearly 85 percent of the population resides.”  Another 2012 study of youth unemployment by the International Growth Center reported that the “current 5 year [Ethiopian] development plan 2010/11-2014/5, the [ruling regime’s] Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), does not directly address the issue of youth unemployment…” That study found “in 2011, 38 percent of youth were employed in the informal sector” which “often provides low quality, low paying jobs.”

There is a substantial segment of the youth population that is not only unemployed but also unemployable because they lack basic skills. Youth access to public sector jobs requiring training and skills depends not so much on merit or competition but political and social connections and party membership. Every young person in Ethiopia knows that a card verifying membership in the ruling party is more important than an honestly earned university diploma. Moreover, rural youth landlessness has contributed significantly to the chaotic and ever increasing pattern of youth urban migration, joblessness and hopelessness.

The risks faced by Ethiopia’s youth cover the gamut of social maladies.

According to a 2010  T-TPLF report, there are 150,000 children living on the streets, some 60,000 of them in the capital. The average age at which children first find themselves homeless is between the age of 10 and 11 years. Health risks for youth from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are on the increase. Large numbers of young people who lack opportunities are involved in drug and alcohol abuse, prostitution and other criminal activities. Without job or educational opportunities in the urban areas, large numbers of youth are rendered jobless, homeless, helpless and hopeless.

In 2004, the T-TPLF issued its “National Youth Policy” and in its assessment reported that “44% of the population is below the absolute poverty line. Under this situation of poverty, the youth is the hardest hit segment of society… The fact that the majority of the unemployed youth constitute females indicates the magnitude to which young women are the main victims of the problem.”  The policy directs that the “Government shall have the responsibility to direct, coordinate, integrate and build the capacity for the implementation of this policy.”

Yet, as a 2012 International Growth Center study showed, the “current 5 year [Ethiopian] development plan 2010/11-2014/5, the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), does not directly address the issue of youth unemployment.”  Taken as a whole, the so-called National Youth Policy was nothing more than a blueprint for T-TPLF youth recruitment.

A 2014 report documents how rural Ethiopian youth are using internal migration to escape rural poverty.

For years, I have been telling the world that Ethiopia’s Cheetahs would rise one day soon and save the day. Save Ethiopia from the T-TPLF hyenas.

I am proud to say I have been right all along!

In February 2016, in my commentary, “A Special “Message in a Bottle” to Ethiopian Cheetahs: Born Free, Live Free!”, I forewarned what is to come:

I believe Ethiopia’s Cheetahs have fully awakened. Some Cheetahs are purring in anger and standing up to the T-TPLF defiantly as we continue to witness today. Others are hissing and growling. Ethiopian Cheetahs are not happy. That’s why they are prowling all over the country confronting hyenas.

In January 2016, The Economist magazine asked a question that has been on my mind for years. The question hit me like a thunderbolt: “What if Ethiopians were really set free?”

The Economist answered its own question: “If the government let [the Ethiopian] people breathe, they might fly.”

I took a flight of imagination in my commentary, “Fly, Ethiopia, fly…”

If Ethiopians could fly, I said, they would not have to take to the sea to die. Ethiopian women wouldn’t have to fly to the Middle East to become virtual slaves. They would not have to cross the desert and become victims of bloodthirsty terrorists. They would not have to go into exile. If they could fly, they would soar like the African fish eagles, like African seagulls. They would lift their wings high, high into the sky and fly. They would flutter like humming birds.

I want Ethiopia’s youth  to fly.

I want them to take flight in their imagination.

I want to challenge them to imagine a new Ethiopia that is their own creation free of ethnic politics, sectarianism and hate.

I want them to imagine an Ethiopia at peace with itself and its neighbors; an Ethiopia free of oppression and thugtatorship.

I want to challenge every Ethiopian Cheetah to become an architect, a designer, an inventor, a surveyor, a builder and entrepreneur of a free Ethiopian society whose citizens are more concerned about each other’s humanity than their own ethnicity; an Ethiopia of equal opportunity; an Ethiopia free of corruption, oppression and thugtatorship.

I want them to imagineer an Ethutopia. 

Winning hearts and minds, not medals

I have always been in the corner of Ethiopian Cheetahs, come hell or high water. (See my January 2013commentary “Rise of the Chee-Hippo Generation”.)

In that commentary, I explained to Ethiopia’s Cheetahs that at the core their struggle for freedom, democracy and human rights in Ethiopia is an unending battle for the hearts and minds of the people. In the battlefield of hearts and minds, guns, tanks and warplanes are useless. History bears witness. The US lost the war in Vietnam not because it lacked firepower, airpower, nuclear power, financial power, scientific or technical power.  The U.S. lost the war because it lacked the power to win the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese and American peoples.

Life is not about winning medals

It is about wining hearts and minds.

The IOC took its tinsel medals from Smith and Carlos. Buy the dynamic duo proved to be indefatigable human rights advocates for over four decades.

It is not clear whether the IOC will take Feyisa’s medal.

Like Smith and Carlos, Feyisa also won the biggest medal of the 2016 Olympic – the hearts and minds of not only his people but also billions of other freedom-loving people throughout the world.

In time, Feyisa will also be appreciated as a global champion of human rights just like Smith and Carlos.

I believe what Smith, Carlos and Feyisa did was a truly patriotic act in the spirit and words of the founding American patriots.

Young Alexander Hamilton wrote, “There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” Hamilton believed Britain’s having a professional army could be overcome by the rebel army’s sheer bravery and enthusiasm.  Carlos and Smith  believed a grassroots army of civil righters could overcome racism and poverty in America. Feyisa translated his enthusiasm for liberty into a simple act of bravery and heroism seen by billions worldwide.

Young James Madison, (the “father” of the American Constitution) gloried in a revolutionary spirit of national unity and purpose: “A spirit of liberty and patriotism animates all degrees and denominations of men.” A spirit of liberty and patriotism animated  Feyisa in 2016 as it did Carlos and Smith in 1968.

The agitator Samuel Adams warned, “For true patriots to be silent, is dangerous.”

The true American patriots Smith and Carlos and the Ethiopian patriot Feyisa Lelisa were “silent” on the Olympic platform but their gestures of raised fists and crossed hands spoke volumes about racism, ethnic hatred, injustice and discrimination.

Ethiopian Cheetahs growl on the prowl

George Ayittey, the Ghanaian economist who authored the “Cheetah-Hippo” metaphor to explain the crises of leadership in Africa observed that Africa’s Cheetahs “are dynamic, intellectually agile, and pragmatic. They may be the ‘restless generation’  but they are Africa’s new hope. They brook no nonsense about corruption, inefficiency, ineptitude, incompetence, or buffoonery.”

Behold Feyisa Lelisa!

Behold Ethiopia’s Cheetahs, the hopes of Ethiopia.

I have always said that if Ethiopians have a chance of survival as a nation and as a people, that survival will depend on the creativity, stamina, determination, goodwill, commitment and sacrifices of its youth. That places an extreme burden on the youth. They must do the lion’s share (not the Cheetahs’) of the heavy lifting, the hard work and the sacrifices.

Similarly, if Ethiopia’s youth are to survive and have a chance, their survival will depend on the active and sustained support of the older generation to the upcoming generation.

Ethiopia’s Hippo (older) generation  must do all it can to make sure our Cheetahs will not falter and fail. If they do, we must help them get up, dust off and do it again and again. We Hippos must stand by our Cheetahs all the way, no matter how long it takes, come hell or high water. We must dialogue with them and assure them we will support them and love them; we must gladly serve as water carriers so long as they remain on the construction site of the “New Ethiopia”.

Most of us Hippos never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity to do great things. (Ouch! How the truth hurts!)

That is not to do great things for ourselves. For others. For the powerless, the defenseless, the hopeless, the homeless, the countryless, and comfortless.

Let us not miss this sacred opportunity to stand by and support  our Cheetahs.

The hero’s journey

Joseph Campbell’s hero with a thousand faces faces all types trials and tribulation in his world of hero-dom on his way to ultimate victory. He faces harrowing ordeals, anguish, agony and tribulation. He even faces death in the face. But the hero prevails against all odds.

Feyisa too in his new world of hero-dom will face the greatest challenges and opportunities of his life.

No doubt, he will undergo feelings of  self-doubt, self-pity, self-reproach, grief, guilt, regret, fear, remorse, sorrow and anger.

No doubt, he will miss his children and wife beyond words can express. But these are all too human qualities for real human beings, not demons in the flesh.

Such are the unbearable burdens of the long distance runner.

But Feyisa will also revel in the knowledge that he sacrificed everything so that his children, his wife, his parents and his people can live in dignity and freedom like any other human being.

I have no doubt Feyisa and all of us who stand with him and run with him in the marathon for democracy freedom and human rights in Ethiopia will win gold in the end. A marathon is not a sprint, so we must keep on running but pick up the pace.

The hero’s journey is never easy.  That is why we have so few real heroes in the world who would accept such burdens willingly.

Most of us fear change and we fear changing our minds the most; so we live a life of quiet desperation under a blanket of fear.

Feyisa’s role as a hero with an Ethiopian face is defined by the fact that he has become the sentinel, the guardian, the watchman of freedom, democracy and human rights for all Ethiopians.

Feyisa shall soon return to his homeland, like Campbell’s mythical hero, with the “elixir”, the treasure, in hand for which he gave up EVERYTHING.

Perhaps we should not even applaud  Feyisa for his bravery and heroism.

He only did with his feet and hands what his forefathers did with their blood, sweat and tears to keep Ethiopia free from foreign subjugation, colonialism and imperialism for millennia.

The only difference is that Feyisa is sacrificing everything to rid his country of  a gang of criminal thugs.

Feyisa’s rebirth as a true patriotic Ethiopian hero will be complete when he reunites with his family in a land freed from the scourge of  thugs, gangsters and criminals.

I do not doubt that millions will come out to line the streets to greet Feyisa when he comes marching home…

Oh, when the saints come marching home… the devils march straight to hell.

Re-sending my 2011 message to Ethiopia’s youth in 2016

In May 2011, I sent my “humble message” to Ethiopia’s youth:

I have no magic formula for any of the problems faced by Ethiopia’s youth. My humble message to all young Ethiopians is simple. Never give up. Never! Emancipate your minds from mental slavery. Develop your creative powers. Learn and teach each other. Unite as the children of Mother Ethiopia, and reject any ideology or effort that seeks to divide you on the basis of ethnicity, language, region or class. Study and acquire knowledge not only about the arts and sciences but also your legal, constitutional and human rights.

In 2016, I send the message again with urgency:

Know in every fiber of your body that Ethiopia’s youth force is unstoppable. There is no force on earth and  no dictatorship strong enough to defeat Ethiopia’s growling Cheetahs.

Never give up. Never! Never!!

Unite as the children of Mother Ethiopia.

Reject any ideology or effort that seeks to divide you on the basis of ethnicity, language, religion, region or class.

Raise your arms crosswise in the direction of the heavens and march on. In peace.

Believe that when the saints come marching in, the devils are put to flight.

Remember, your struggle is not against an ordinary earthly force.

Your struggle is against a Satanic force from the netherworld.

Your struggle is against the surviving  army of the Prince of Darkness.

But I assure you that you shall be victorious because God is on your side.

Believe!

It was written long ago that false princes shall fall and become dust, and “Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.”

Stretch out your hands in peace  to your fellow Ethiopians!

Hold your hands in the aid and cross them, for the Devils can never cross the cross.

“Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

It is morning time now!

Onward, Ethiopia’s youth!  March on!

Keep on growling, Ethiopian Cheetahs!

Victory is at hand! Victory is at hand!

Believe!

Ethiopia’s youth united can never be defeated!!!

Power to Ethiopia’s Young People!

I am a young Ethiopian who has lived in many different cities across the world; some of which have had a strong Ethiopian community to guide and support me and others where my family were the only other Ethiopian people I saw. Through these diverse experiences, I have realized how crucial it is to identify with a greater people since there is so much knowledge, resources and wisdom one can draw from. Although I have gained a lot from the Ethiopian community in Toronto, I have seen some major problems that need addressing. The largest of these problems is that the Ethiopian community is fractured based on religion, political beliefs and ethnicity and this has weakened the community greatly. In addition, another problem is that a lot of young people are struggling to find their cultural identity and are stuck in what one may call a cultural limbo. If these problems can be addressed swiftly and efficiently, the Ethiopian community can build a reputation for itself as one of the most successful immigrant communities in Canada.

The largest issue preventing the Ethiopian community from improving is the fracturing among religious, political and ethnic lines. Because of this I do not know very many Muslim Ethiopians or Protestant Ethiopians which is a shame as I am missing out on the knowledge and advice those people could provide me. I have heard many awful things said about other Ethiopians with different beliefs and it is very saddening to see that we have cut ourselves apart to no one’s harm but our own. Even within religions we have separated ourselves, for example the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has split into many different factions not based on theological differences but political and ethnic ones. This has weakened the community and the youth have suffered the most since it is they who need the support of the entire community to succeed and receive opportunities. The only way forward is to unite all those who have split apart and even though this will not be possible for the older generation it is quite feasible for youth. As we live in Canada, a country with many different cultures and races, we should leave behind the divisions that come from our country and embrace new Canadian values such as unity and acceptance. To achieve this, a place needs to be created where Ethiopian youth of whatever ethnicity, faith or political belief can share ideas and come together to help one another. This has been attempted by particular youth through many initiatives but these initiatives need more support, encouragement and funding from the greater community. Everyone needs to let go of their prejudices not only for the well being of themselves but the future of the Ethiopian community. It is now the responsibility of the youth to clean up the mess that the generation before has made and through that the youth will push the Ethiopian community closer to excellence.

Another important problem that often gets ignored by those who are older is the issue of the cultural struggle young Ethiopians face in western society. Lines get blurred in the minds of youth and people ask themselves whether they are black or Ethiopian; and with the media, internet and western cultural having a stereotype for “black” culture, Ethiopian youth feel pressured to assimilate into whatever the media portrays. The difference between ethnicity and race is often forgotten in this struggle of identity as one can be both Ethiopian and black. Black is just the way someone looks, being Ethiopian is much more than looks, it is the languages, the traditions and the values one holds. This problem is exasperated since when a white person looks at an Ethiopian youth and a Black American youth, they cannot tell the difference and the youth grow up believing there is no difference. This leads to the erosion of the Ethiopian community as people will start forgetting their or their parent’s homeland. To stop this from occurring the adults in our community should make a stronger effort to educate children on the history, unique cultures and languages of Ethiopia. Through education from a young age a person will always know how to identify themselves and who to associate with. Kids need to hear that their country is different from any other and that it is important to keep your customs and traditions that have existed for thousands of years. A lot of parents value education and good marks, which inherently are not bad things, but by solely directing their children’s focus on academics they inadvertently ignore the essential cultural education a young mind needs. Those parents who are too focused on their day jobs and are trying to provide also need to cut out time to educate their children culturally; if they aren’t then what’s the point of their hard work? Finding oneself is a struggle that everyone faces at some point in their lives, but this quest could be made easier if youth are connected to the older generation who could educate them about what it means to be Ethiopian. If programs which connected youth and older members of the community were established, it would go a long way to build an intergenerational bond necessary for the continuation of Ethiopian culture in Canada.

As we strive to build an intergenerational culture I hope to see the Ethiopian community defined as one that is united, strong and compassionate. I want others to see our success and model themselves off of how we are conducting matters. I feel great pride when I see the Ethiopian flag or hear Ethiopia mentioned in the media and I want that to continue for the generations that come after me. The only way that is possible is if we put aside our differences, come together and make an effort to educate our youth on what it means to be Ethiopian. This will not only build a brighter future for the youth but the entire Ethiopian diaspora.

If you want to see more of my work please visit my blog, broadwaypolitics.wordpress.com

The motive behind for writing this short piece is the situation that I have been observing in this country. There are formal and informal ways of communications among the communities on various issues of their country. However, for effective and smooth understanding of issues and ideas, it is better to bring these multiple and diverse ideas and opinions to be entertained and accommodated equally. This will create a chance of articulating and building up a new insight and knowledge which in turn help us to be all-rounded and rational person.

Nowadays, it is hardly possible to find a genuine kind of scholarly discussions at least on major issues of the country. One of such great and burning issues of the contemporary Ethiopia is the notion of federalism. My intention in this short piece is not to argue for or against identity-based federalism of Ethiopia but my focus rather is on the treatment of this issue of federalism when it comes to the stage of media and other platform.

Except for those scanty minutes allotted for few opposition parties at a time of ‘election’ campaign in the state-owned media, I hardly found as such genuine and inclusive round-table conferences, seminars and the like which can air different and diverse types of opinions and ideas for open discussions on the notion of federalism in the country. If you see particularly the recent ‘discussions’ on various issues including federalism in the stage of state-owned media channels, they are full of personalities coming from similar ideological orientations and even individuals who are non-knowledgeable on the issue under discussion. So, the discussions, first and foremost, luck genuine academic discourse with diverse point of reflections that can critically analyze both the rhetorical aspects and the reality on the ground.

One of, in fact, the major ethical principles of a certain media is keeping itself away from media-bias and become neutral and give equal opportunities for all voices. Unfortunately, however, what I have been observing in this country is the reverse that the state media confirms to be the mouse piece of the ruling party and those selected stories and tends to be a fountain of lies and one-sided story.  So, it is time to take important measures one of which is to free the arrested and detained federal idea (federalism) which has from the time of its making been suffering from being hammered only from one-sided point of view sponsored by the government. It totally ignores the other face of the coin which would have critical observations on what is going on in this country in relation to federalism and other issues from multifaceted dimensions.

We can never be a genuine federal society without establishing a foundation of open and free stage of discussion and academic discourse on the matter of federalism and related issues.

It is my surprise to see those who claim themselves as “scholars” (“muhuran”) or are claimed as such by others, (the phrase that needs standardized definition in the context of today’s Ethiopia), not to refer to any authoritative sources and research findings written on EPRDF’s federalism in the last 25 years of its experiment in their ‘discussions’. I believe that national dialogue in all its forms on basic issues of the country can play an indispensible role in responding to violent conflicts and building national consensus that is a fertile ground for the peaceful co-existence of the future fate of the country to stay as a united and strong state of Ethiopia that in turn leads to the united nations of Ethiopia. It also helps to facilitate legitimacy, trust-building and reconciliation. But all these can only be achieved if and only if the federal idea and other big issues of the country are free from their long imprisonment from the very earliest time of their making.

Generally, the detained and arrested federalism needs to be free and treated under inclusive-based dialogue that brings all diversity of voices of different corners coming from all dimensions of human mind. The state-owned media channels particularly EBC has claimed to be as voice of diversity and Renaissance, in fact I am in doubt whether the two terms are interpreted well or not, but what EBC is doing is violating its own rules and principles. Is really EBC a voice of heterogeneity or homogeneity? It is neither of the two but it is totally antonym of diversity.

The following is a statement from the PEN Ethiopia centre in exile.

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2016 /CNW/ – Ethiopia’s government is known for suppressing independent voices. It routinely jails journalists, opposition leaders, activists, and peaceful demonstrators. During 25 years of undemocratic rule it has passed oppressive antiterrorism legislation, clamped down on charities and civil society, restricted access to media, and introduced laws that crush dissent. It often labels journalists and opposition figures as terrorists, and accuses civil society groups of conspiring with foreign elements.

The government has silenced nonconformist civil society organizations, including PEN Ethiopia. There are currently no critical media outlets in the country. Instead, the government monitors and manipulates all communications, including mainstream media and the telecom company, and it completely controls the country’s only television station. It has also banned critical websites and media channels and it frequently disrupts Internet connections and mobile networks to restrict the flow of information.

During the last 9 months, government security forces have indiscriminately killed over 700 peaceful demonstrators in the Oromia and Amhara regions, following mass protests that demanded protection for constitutionally guaranteed civil rights. In June 2016 a comprehensive Human Rights Watch report confirmed that between last November 2015 and March 2016 more than 400 peaceful demonstrators were killed, in the Oromia region alone. Amnesty also reports that on August 6 and 7, 2016 97 people were killed (67 in Oromia, 30 in Amhara). Other reports indicate that as many as 60,000 civilians and students have been detained, without due process, in concentration camps in Oromia.

The Oromo and Amhara communities are Ethiopia’s major ethnic groups. Together they account for more than 70 percent of the country’s 100 million citizens. By contrast, the Tigray minority that has held power for the last quarter of a century represents just 6 percent. Although the Constitution protects freedom of expression, human rights, and a multiparty system, the Tigraian-dominated government which controls 100 percent of parliament has consistently violated these rights with impunity.

The government’s failure to address such deep-rooted problems such as media freedom, freedom of expression and the marginalization and suppression of the majority has provoked widespread protests in the Oromia (#OromoProtests) and Amhara (#AmharaProtests) both of which have been covered online as #EthiopiaProtests.

The state’s response to these protests has made it clear that within Ethiopia peaceful dissent will often be met by killings, beatings and torture. Consequently, protests have moved elsewhere as opportunities present themselves.

That is why Ethiopian silver medalist Feyisa Lelisa crossed his hands at the end of the Olympic marathon in Rio de Janeiro on August 21, 2016. Lelisa displayed the Oromo protest sign by crossing his arms above his head, both at the finish line and during the medal ceremony. By doing so, he became a voice for millions of voiceless Ethiopians, even though he was well aware that such gestures are prohibited in sport.

As a civil society organization devoted to promoting freedom of expression, PEN Ethiopia urges the Ethiopian government to open up the spaces for the free exercise of speech in order to remove the need for such desperate actions, as well as their inevitably harmful consequences.

The era of divide and conquer- as we have known it in the last more than quarter of a century, is over. Ethiopians, from various corners, finally figured out who the culprit is. Dividing Ethiopians, especially the two dominant ethnic groups, to stay in power by TPLF is over. The writing is on the wall.

In the past couple of days, social media has been swamped with an interesting graphics- two giant trees standing side by side majestically. I’ve also seen some magnificent versions of this graphics where the two trees shake hands using their long roots. Very creative! Unless I’m mistaken, the origin of this social media explosion is Jawar Mohammed’s recent article entitled “Oromo and Amahara- Two Trees!”

Jawar metaphorical explained the historic and inseparable relationship of the two people. The article was concise and to the point. Using some selective words, Jawar employed his articulation power to send a shocking wave of a timely message that resonated to multitudes of Ethiopians from diverse ethnic groups. The latter in turn responded positively. They read, liked, and shared it…

Using a few paragraphs, Jawar communicated a time-tested truth about who we are as a society. We Ethiopians are intermingled and we’ve a common destiny. What unites us is greater than what divides us. TPLF succeeded to create dissensions and resentments among our diverse people and it worked for a while. Nonetheless, since TPLF’s scripted hate propagandas are fabricated tales, they couldn’t stand the test of time. It has begun crumbling, especially in the past couple of years. Ethiopians from diverse Ethnic groups around the country kept protesting, revolting in one voice- by putting aside their differences- and by saying NO to the divisive schemes of TPLF.

These kinds of gestures from leaders like Jawar will definitely bring our people closer, terrorize TPLF, and shorten the days it take to secure our freedom. Words have power, especially when they are words of leaders. As we have seen it again and again, positive and constructive words from a single leader can have a ripple effect. This is my hope that we would continue to see these kinds of words that encourage unity and solidarity among our oppressed people coming from leaders from other ethnic groups too.

We deserve unity and living harmoniously regardless of our differences in tradition, language, religion, ethnicity, and political views. We have a common destiny. No one ethnic group could be able to carve its only destiny while the rest is going to hell. That was the system TPLF designed and have been nurturing in the past more than 24 years. They thought that they could enrich and empower a few of their inner circles marginalizing the majority.

This divide and conquer approach is an old trick used by colonizers. Ethiopians never bowed down to any colonizer then. They won’t NOW! It took us five years to defeat a colonizer long time ago. This time, it took the descendants of those extraordinary heroes and heroines a little longer because this time the colonizer is one of us 🙂

Slowly but surely, the veil is removed from the faces of the majority of us. NOW, we could be able to reclaim our dignity. We have rich history and culture. We deserve decent and honorable leaders who represent who we are. The few elites at the top of TPLF are the worst of us 🙂 That is okay this time. We learned from our mistake. But, this must not happen again!

NOW, we must shape our destiny, and this time, we shouldn’t allow less honorable leaders to lead us into division and self-inflicting in fights. Play your role. We shouldn’t leave this responsibility to our leaders alone. Don’t stand at the sidelines and hope honorable and competent leaders would come at the top to lead us to our Canaan.  We are honorable people and deserve honorable leaders from top to bottom but that cannot happen unless we join hands and play our share toward inheriting a bright future for this and the coming generations. We shouldn’t allow chance to choose the wrong leaders any more and get tortured for decades by unfit and unworthy few. We should put strict requirements before we crown our next leaders locally, organizationally, at community and national levels.

Play your part. Be the leader yourself wherever you have the passion, talent, and experience. What are you waiting for? This is your hour! It’s your turn! Don’t give away your destiny others to tarnish it. Be in charge and play a proactive role wherever you are! You’re one of the important ingredients for the success and sustainability of your community/organization in particular and our country at large. Without you, we are incomplete! Say no to wrong leadership that divides and causes pains like TPLF leaders have induced in the past quarter of a century! New era: new approach. New hope: new leadership expectations. Leadership makes or breaks. Say, I won’t allow leadership to break us. Commit yourself and say, not on my watch!

[1] Dr. Assegid Habtewold is a leadership expert at Success Pathways, LLC. Assegid can be reached at ahabtewold@yahoo.com

Ethiopia the most internet censored country.  .Journalist could face jail.
  .The only trust media in Ethiopia.

Press freedom in Ethiopia is dwindling in light of ongoing anti-goverment protests in Ethiopia specially in Oromia and Amhara regional states, the two largest ethinc group in the country according to a journalists’ association.

The current Oromo and amhara protest get news coverage only by Ethiopian social media such as facebook and mainly through online newspapers which is based on out side of the Ethiopia.These media tells what is going on in Oromia and amhara protest as it happen to the public. Because of these, the protesters use these media as means of information and fight to the goverment for freedom and democracy.

On the other side, the government is very keen to control social media.In protest area of oromiya and amhara region, all means of social media block by the goverment stil now to control the issuse and to hide the protest to the internationl world. There is no transparency about who took the decision and for how long.

Nowadays,the Ethiopia goverment look seriously Online media and its journalists to any kind of measure.The EPDRF blame social media for all protest in two regions and that why the journalists who give news coverage for those issue will be jail.In these week,the goverment jailed three journalists family who work actively in oromiya and amhara protests.

Chala Gutu, Bedelu Gashaw and Tomas sebsibe family were detaines for one week by police.Police were not given any reason for their detention.There phones was taken during arrest.The goverment detaine journalists family to shut of there children mouth.

Oromo and Amhata journalists:

The goverment give special attenttion to social media that the journalist who are oromo and amhara and also seriously control all two regions media outlet.Police also cheek in randomly ordinary citizen phone without any permission what the person do and read sent mesaage in to the personal mobile.In cheek in time, the person used online newspaper media addres directly detention room.

Who is terrorist?

Ethiopia’s Anti-Terrorism Proclamation of 2009 has itself been criticized as vague and over-reaching. It punishes “encouragement of terrorism” with prison terms of 10 to 20 years. According to Human Rights Watch and AI, “critics of government such as journalists and political opponents could be charged for encouraging terrorism.The goverment uses these law to jailed critical journalist by the name of terrorist.If you write a story aginest the goverment, you are always terrorist.

What is the fate of journalism in Ethiopia?

Freedom of expression is the prsion.Journalist scape outside the country and jailed.All media outlet in the goverment hand.Except some online news paper, all tell the goverment lies to the Ethiopian.Journalism is under crisis in Ethiopian.

A report by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) released earlier this year shows that more than 30 journalists were forced to flee the country in 2014 in fear of being arrested under repressive laws.

The report claimed that some 22 journalists, bloggers, and publishers were criminally charged that same year and further six privately owned publications were shut down in reprisal for expressing critical views.

Ethiopia is the third worst jailer of journalists on the African continent, with at least 10 behind bars on December 1, CPJ’s 2015 prison census shows.