An Open Letter to Prime Minister Abiy Ahamed

To:

Dr. Abiy Ahamed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

From:  Eskinder Nega, Journalist, Human Rights and Democracy Activist

            Mesfin Mekonen, Ethiopian/Americans Community

Subject: Ethiopia Declaration of Principle

 Date: July 27, 20018

Dear Prime Minister Abiy Ahamed,

We are writing to thank you for your commitment for human rights and economic development in Ethiopia.

We would like to bring to your attention, and to the attention of the Ethiopian Parliament, a Declaration of Principles that could provide a path toward democracy and peaceful prosperity for Ethiopia. The Declaration is based on the South African peace and reconciliation model. It has been adapted to the Ethiopian situation. We hope you will embrace it, and use it as an opportunity to bring human rights, dignity, peace and economic development to our people. This is a noble cause that can unite men and women of good will to create a brighter future for Ethiopia.

A copy of the Declaration is attached.

Your attention to this urgent matter is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Eskinder Nega

Mesfin Mekonen

It is past time for Ethiopian society to come together, to tighten the natural bonds that unite in peace, discard the chains that divide, to affirm universal principles of peace and reject calls to divide and hate. It is time for remembrance and reconciliation.

We are calling for Ethiopia to move forward with a truth and reconciliation project animated by the spirit that propelled change in South Africa. The goals are clear: peace, justice, respect for human rights, democracy, and prosperity. Achieving these basic goals will require a process of truth telling, particularly about human rights abuses, achieved through testimony from both victims and perpetrators, coupled to a pledge of reconciliation.

To embark on this path, we, the undersigned, respectfully urge and pledge ourselves to:

1.    Bringing change to Ethiopia through peaceful means

2.    A peaceful transition to democracy, starting by parliament’s call for a national dialogue between all major political parties, including civic groups and EPRDF

 3.    National dialogue between all political parties and civic groups, conducted with the South African Multiparty Negotiating Forum (MPNF) as a model.

4.    Pursue national reconciliation and unity in accordance with the model set by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Mesfin Mekonen –

Eskinder Nega –

Professor Getachew Haile

Dr. Kassa Kebede

Wzro Tsigereda Mulugeta

Ato Peter Gebere

Professor Mammo Muchie

Professor Seid Hassan

Dr. Zergabachew Asfew

Ambassador Imru Zeleke

Wzro Elizabeth Wossen

Ato Kifle Mulat