Violence and Repression in Ethiopia

“Patrick Leahy of Burlington was elected to the United States Senate in 1974 and remains the only Democrat elected to this office from Vermont. He was also the youngest Senator (34) elected from the Green Mountain State and is now serving his sixth term. “

Senator Leahy has recently written an article which conveyed his concerns about the deteriorating political situation in Ethiopia.

“Violence and Repression in Ethiopia” by Senator Patrick Leahy

Contact Senator Leahy at 202-224-4242, and show your support!

Violence and Repression in Ethiopia

“Patrick Leahy of Burlington was elected to the United States Senate in 1974 and remains the only Democrat elected to this office from Vermont. He was also the youngest Senator (34) elected from the Green Mountain State and is now serving his sixth term. “

Senator Leahy has recently written an article which conveyed his concerns about the deteriorating political situation in Ethiopia.

“Violence and Repression in Ethiopia” by Senator Patrick Leahy

Contact Senator Leahy at 202-224-4242, and show your support!

Harvard Panel Discussions on the Ethiopian Crisis

"As those in attendance dispersed, they signed letters asking the Ethiopian government to release the prisoners. After this panel, and a concurrent letter writing drive, more than 300 letters were signed from the Harvard community. Thus ended an exciting day, with the voices of the Ethiopian people heard loud and clear from the hallowed halls of Harvard. "

-Ethioforum.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE..

Harvard Panel Discussions on the Ethiopian Crisis

"As those in attendance dispersed, they signed letters asking the Ethiopian government to release the prisoners. After this panel, and a concurrent letter writing drive, more than 300 letters were signed from the Harvard community. Thus ended an exciting day, with the voices of the Ethiopian people heard loud and clear from the hallowed halls of Harvard. "

-Ethioforum.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE..

The Ethiopia Consolidation Act of 2005

Click here to read the entire bill.
EthioMedia has informed us that there are individuals calling offices of members of the U.S. Congress, and urging them to vote "No" to kill Congressman Chris Smith's Bill on Ethiopia. Obviously, these are the cadres of Meles Zenawi, who are working 24-7 to reverse the cause of the Ethiopian people. Therefore, clarifying this confusion during our telephone calls is important.

Listed below are members of the House Subcommittee on Africa Global Human Rights and International Operations
The subcommittee will vote on The Ethiopia Consolidation Act of 2005 before December 15, the last day of session for the year.

There is no time to loose, call right now!!! Now!!

Congressman Thomas Tancredo: (202) 225-7882
Congressman Donald Paine: (202) 225-3436
Congressman Jeff Flake: (202) 225-2635
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: (202) 225-2661
Congressman Mark Green: (202) 225-5665
Congresswoman Betty McCollum: (202) 225-6631
Congressman Christopher Smith: (202) 225-3765
Congressman Edward Royce: (202) 225-4111
Congressman John Boozman: (202) 225-4301
Congressman Brad Sherman: (202) 225-5911
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry: (202) 225-4806
Congressman Gregory Meeks: (202) 225-3461
Congresswoman Diane Watson: (202) 225-7084

The Ethiopia Consolidation Act of 2005

Click here to read the entire bill.
EthioMedia has informed us that there are individuals calling offices of members of the U.S. Congress, and urging them to vote "No" to kill Congressman Chris Smith's Bill on Ethiopia. Obviously, these are the cadres of Meles Zenawi, who are working 24-7 to reverse the cause of the Ethiopian people. Therefore, clarifying this confusion during our telephone calls is important.

Listed below are members of the House Subcommittee on Africa Global Human Rights and International Operations
The subcommittee will vote on The Ethiopia Consolidation Act of 2005 before December 15, the last day of session for the year.

There is no time to loose, call right now!!! Now!!

Congressman Thomas Tancredo: (202) 225-7882
Congressman Donald Paine: (202) 225-3436
Congressman Jeff Flake: (202) 225-2635
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: (202) 225-2661
Congressman Mark Green: (202) 225-5665
Congresswoman Betty McCollum: (202) 225-6631
Congressman Christopher Smith: (202) 225-3765
Congressman Edward Royce: (202) 225-4111
Congressman John Boozman: (202) 225-4301
Congressman Brad Sherman: (202) 225-5911
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry: (202) 225-4806
Congressman Gregory Meeks: (202) 225-3461
Congresswoman Diane Watson: (202) 225-7084

And May all Your Christmases be White.....( by Mark Faulk)

(Excerpt)................As with every protest that I had seen over the past few days, this one was mostly falling on deaf ears. Tourists glanced nervously in their direction, some even going so far as to cross the street to avoid hearing their pleas, stopping to take pictures of the White House, always careful not to make eye contact with the few who would give of their time to help a fallen brother. And the locals? They didn’t even seem to see…or hear…the protestors at all. Too many years of practice ignoring the poverty of their city, of ignoring the protests against a government that just doesn’t seem to care, had seemingly rendered them callous and uncaring .......

(Read entire article )

And May all Your Christmases be White.....( by Mark Faulk)

(Excerpt)................As with every protest that I had seen over the past few days, this one was mostly falling on deaf ears. Tourists glanced nervously in their direction, some even going so far as to cross the street to avoid hearing their pleas, stopping to take pictures of the White House, always careful not to make eye contact with the few who would give of their time to help a fallen brother. And the locals? They didn’t even seem to see…or hear…the protestors at all. Too many years of practice ignoring the poverty of their city, of ignoring the protests against a government that just doesn’t seem to care, had seemingly rendered them callous and uncaring .......

(Read entire article )

What the U.S. can do to restore a genuine government in Ethiopia

(By Meron Agonafer)

"Mr. Blair should publicly evict Mr. Meles from his Commission for Africa. The rest of the international crowd should exile him." Mr. Good Governance Goes Bad, The New York Times Opinion Sunday, November 27, 2005.

On Sunday the New York Times' Opinion page bluntly called on Tony Blair to "publicly evict Meles from his Commission for Africa". It was refreshing to read such a timely opinion from the most respected newspaper in the world.

Indeed, it is an open secret that Tony Blair has been promoting Meles Zenawi, the notorious autocrat, as the "new leader" of Africa. Of course, if the word "new" is meant to indicate an introduction of ethnic division, abject poverty, intense repression, mass killing, yes, Tony Blair is right on the mark. His poster boy has a master plan to keep Ethiopia in perpetual conflict and misery which will eventually destabilize the Horn of Africa. And the last thing the world needs is lawlessness in that region.

To rectify this situation, the first step is for the Western nations, including the United States, to "exile" Meles Zenawi, as the New York Times declared. He has demonstrated time and again his utter disdain for peace. He is trying to maintain his power grip by sheer force. The entire country is under a state of emergency and it is not sustainable. The population cannot be controlled by force. As all signs indicate, Meles Zenawi is losing control of the country sooner than he expected. It is imprudent for the West to wait for a civil war to erupt and further complicate regional conflicts.

Second, the West should embrace the call that has been made by various political factions and Ethiopian civic groups, for a national reconciliation. For the first time in Ethiopia's modern history, there is a growing desire for a round table discussion to iron out political differences and to map out the political future of the country. The West, particularly the United States, can facilitate a national reconciliation in Ethiopia. The prerequisite for this is to immediately release all political prisoners and to allow the independent media to operate freely. To avert repeating past mistakes, the United States must insist on the inclusion of all civic and political groups. Only then will the outcome be legitimate.

Ethiopia can be a strong strategic ally for the United States as a politically stabilized country. In "Mr. Good Governance Goes Bad," The New York Times analyzes is on the mark, this is the best time for the West to abandon the tyrant and turn its attention on bringing about a lasting political change in that war ravaged region. Peace and good governance can be achieved in Ethiopia if the West is willing to start afresh.

What the U.S. can do to restore a genuine government in Ethiopia

(By Meron Agonafer)

"Mr. Blair should publicly evict Mr. Meles from his Commission for Africa. The rest of the international crowd should exile him." Mr. Good Governance Goes Bad, The New York Times Opinion Sunday, November 27, 2005.

On Sunday the New York Times' Opinion page bluntly called on Tony Blair to "publicly evict Meles from his Commission for Africa". It was refreshing to read such a timely opinion from the most respected newspaper in the world.

Indeed, it is an open secret that Tony Blair has been promoting Meles Zenawi, the notorious autocrat, as the "new leader" of Africa. Of course, if the word "new" is meant to indicate an introduction of ethnic division, abject poverty, intense repression, mass killing, yes, Tony Blair is right on the mark. His poster boy has a master plan to keep Ethiopia in perpetual conflict and misery which will eventually destabilize the Horn of Africa. And the last thing the world needs is lawlessness in that region.

To rectify this situation, the first step is for the Western nations, including the United States, to "exile" Meles Zenawi, as the New York Times declared. He has demonstrated time and again his utter disdain for peace. He is trying to maintain his power grip by sheer force. The entire country is under a state of emergency and it is not sustainable. The population cannot be controlled by force. As all signs indicate, Meles Zenawi is losing control of the country sooner than he expected. It is imprudent for the West to wait for a civil war to erupt and further complicate regional conflicts.

Second, the West should embrace the call that has been made by various political factions and Ethiopian civic groups, for a national reconciliation. For the first time in Ethiopia's modern history, there is a growing desire for a round table discussion to iron out political differences and to map out the political future of the country. The West, particularly the United States, can facilitate a national reconciliation in Ethiopia. The prerequisite for this is to immediately release all political prisoners and to allow the independent media to operate freely. To avert repeating past mistakes, the United States must insist on the inclusion of all civic and political groups. Only then will the outcome be legitimate.

Ethiopia can be a strong strategic ally for the United States as a politically stabilized country. In "Mr. Good Governance Goes Bad," The New York Times analyzes is on the mark, this is the best time for the West to abandon the tyrant and turn its attention on bringing about a lasting political change in that war ravaged region. Peace and good governance can be achieved in Ethiopia if the West is willing to start afresh.

feel the need …….

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

Kinijit, as its Amharic name implies is the coming together of a variety of functions for a common good and a better political strength.

This is not an easy task in todays Ethiopia. The ethnocentric MENFES (DABILOS) tplf introduced is racking major havoc. There is the olf , the onlf, onkfkd, grfedsfsdsdf, ETC........ all vying for their chance at self determination.

As the saying goes "Careful What You Wish For". Learn from our new neighbor, or as MENGE refers to it OUR KIFLEHAGER, Eritrea. Their dream of a utopian society, with streets overflowing with milk and honey has been replaced with the horrible nightmares of SAWA and the real ISAYAS AFEWERKI whom everyone now agrees is a certified schizophrenic.

And they (Eritreans) have had over 30 years of planning with a substantial flow of income from their Diaspora. Now what is Ogaden to do if ONLFs wish is granted??......

Anyways back to the point, Kinijit and UEDF have shown us that unity can be achieved even in todays Ethiopia.
The notion of Ethiopian brotherhood is still there in most of us, dormant though it may be.
What they (CUDP, UEDF) have started in Addis Ababa (or finfine for Political reasons) we should be able to continue here ( in the U.S, Europe, ...)

AhA, but here is the catch. Do we have the strong leaders with strong Diplomatic and persuasive skills who can in the words of William Wallace (or Le BoLe lijoch Mel Gibson), unite us! Unite the clans!

CUDP and UEDF were possible because of the gigantic personalities,amenable disposition and commanding presence of its leaders. But here in the Diaspora there is a serious lack of leadership.

We need a leader .... Now that the CUDP and UEDF leaders in Addis are shipped to concentration camps by ADOLF ZENAWI.. the need to continue the struggle from here is immense.

And we need someone to lead us and unite us. UNITE the tigres, oromos, amharas, gurages ..., with a clear agenda and a focused, step by step plan of resistance.

WE NEED a MOSES ..

feel the need …….

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

Kinijit, as its Amharic name implies is the coming together of a variety of functions for a common good and a better political strength.

This is not an easy task in todays Ethiopia. The ethnocentric MENFES (DABILOS) tplf introduced is racking major havoc. There is the olf , the onlf, onkfkd, grfedsfsdsdf, ETC........ all vying for their chance at self determination.

As the saying goes "Careful What You Wish For". Learn from our new neighbor, or as MENGE refers to it OUR KIFLEHAGER, Eritrea. Their dream of a utopian society, with streets overflowing with milk and honey has been replaced with the horrible nightmares of SAWA and the real ISAYAS AFEWERKI whom everyone now agrees is a certified schizophrenic.

And they (Eritreans) have had over 30 years of planning with a substantial flow of income from their Diaspora. Now what is Ogaden to do if ONLFs wish is granted??......

Anyways back to the point, Kinijit and UEDF have shown us that unity can be achieved even in todays Ethiopia.
The notion of Ethiopian brotherhood is still there in most of us, dormant though it may be.
What they (CUDP, UEDF) have started in Addis Ababa (or finfine for Political reasons) we should be able to continue here ( in the U.S, Europe, ...)

AhA, but here is the catch. Do we have the strong leaders with strong Diplomatic and persuasive skills who can in the words of William Wallace (or Le BoLe lijoch Mel Gibson), unite us! Unite the clans!

CUDP and UEDF were possible because of the gigantic personalities,amenable disposition and commanding presence of its leaders. But here in the Diaspora there is a serious lack of leadership.

We need a leader .... Now that the CUDP and UEDF leaders in Addis are shipped to concentration camps by ADOLF ZENAWI.. the need to continue the struggle from here is immense.

And we need someone to lead us and unite us. UNITE the tigres, oromos, amharas, gurages ..., with a clear agenda and a focused, step by step plan of resistance.

WE NEED a MOSES ..

Mightier than the sword

(By Dr.Yonnas Gondemo, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

In this country, the pen is truly mightier than the sword. The Meles Zenawi Regime has started an information war directed at influencing the American government and its public. The information we have received indicates that there has been a highly organized government backed effort to flood internet sites with petitions, posts and e-mails targeting elected U.S public officials.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the information war has officially began .

We call upon all able and willing Ethiopians (those with a computer or a pen) to join us in this struggle. We extend our deep appreciation to those of you who are already engaged in this information war and urge all Ethiopians in the Diaspora not to be weary. Petitions, letter writing and e-mails are important. Melse Zenawi knows it and so do we.

We urge you not to miss any opportunity to show your solidarity and to stand behind the fallen heroes of Addis Ababa.

Mightier than the sword

(By Dr.Yonnas Gondemo, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

In this country, the pen is truly mightier than the sword. The Meles Zenawi Regime has started an information war directed at influencing the American government and its public. The information we have received indicates that there has been a highly organized government backed effort to flood internet sites with petitions, posts and e-mails targeting elected U.S public officials.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the information war has officially began .

We call upon all able and willing Ethiopians (those with a computer or a pen) to join us in this struggle. We extend our deep appreciation to those of you who are already engaged in this information war and urge all Ethiopians in the Diaspora not to be weary. Petitions, letter writing and e-mails are important. Melse Zenawi knows it and so do we.

We urge you not to miss any opportunity to show your solidarity and to stand behind the fallen heroes of Addis Ababa.

In Support of VOA’s Amharic Program (a voice to the voiceless)

We the undersigned Ethiopians, Ethio-Americans and friends of Ethiopia who are concerned and disturbed by the Ethiopian government’s deliberate attempt to shut down all free press and journalistic activities, here by, alert the US Broadcasting Board of Governors of the government’s recent attempts to discredit and disrupt free media not only in Ethiopia but also here in the United States of America.

The Voice of America (VOA) is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. It is paid by American tax dollars to render service strictly to foreign audience. VOA is an extension of US foreign policy and a means to extend democratic influence and American values to the rest of the world.

The Amharic service of the VOA has been on air since 1982 and has been serving the people of Ethiopia in various educational, entertainment and current affairs programs. In the past two decades, the VOA Amharic program has been the only source of unbiased, relevant news for Ethiopians around the globe. It is exemplary in its professional exercise of journalism and its inclusion of diverse voices.

At this very moment, in Ethiopia, there is not a single newspaper, television or radio station that is not owned by the government. In a move that rivals the Marxist government of Mengistu Hailemariam (former military leader of Ethiopia), the current leader Meles Zenawi has jailed almost all members of the free press. Those who were not arrested are in hiding or are currently seeking asylum in a foreign country.

According to the CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists), the Ethiopian government is involved in a heavy-handed attempt to intimidate the independent press and to suppress news of the protests and deaths in Addis Ababa. It further states that the Security forces are detaining not only the family members of the journalists that are in hiding but also the medical workers that gave information about the casualties of the recent protests.

We believe that VOA Amharic, at its core, shares one of the founding principles of the United States of America, freedom of expression. It is for this reason VOA Amharic has come to be a threat and an enemy of the Meles Zenawi Regime.

We urge the US Broadcasting Board of Governors to encourage the spread of democracy in Africa by supporting VOA (Amharic) and by standing firm against all Ethiopian government backed demands to disrupt or discontinue the single remaining, democratic media outlet for Ethiopians.


We thank you for your time, and look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,
Dr. Yonnas Gondemo

In Support of VOA’s Amharic Program (a voice to the voiceless)

We the undersigned Ethiopians, Ethio-Americans and friends of Ethiopia who are concerned and disturbed by the Ethiopian government’s deliberate attempt to shut down all free press and journalistic activities, here by, alert the US Broadcasting Board of Governors of the government’s recent attempts to discredit and disrupt free media not only in Ethiopia but also here in the United States of America.

The Voice of America (VOA) is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. It is paid by American tax dollars to render service strictly to foreign audience. VOA is an extension of US foreign policy and a means to extend democratic influence and American values to the rest of the world.

The Amharic service of the VOA has been on air since 1982 and has been serving the people of Ethiopia in various educational, entertainment and current affairs programs. In the past two decades, the VOA Amharic program has been the only source of unbiased, relevant news for Ethiopians around the globe. It is exemplary in its professional exercise of journalism and its inclusion of diverse voices.

At this very moment, in Ethiopia, there is not a single newspaper, television or radio station that is not owned by the government. In a move that rivals the Marxist government of Mengistu Hailemariam (former military leader of Ethiopia), the current leader Meles Zenawi has jailed almost all members of the free press. Those who were not arrested are in hiding or are currently seeking asylum in a foreign country.

According to the CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists), the Ethiopian government is involved in a heavy-handed attempt to intimidate the independent press and to suppress news of the protests and deaths in Addis Ababa. It further states that the Security forces are detaining not only the family members of the journalists that are in hiding but also the medical workers that gave information about the casualties of the recent protests.

We believe that VOA Amharic, at its core, shares one of the founding principles of the United States of America, freedom of expression. It is for this reason VOA Amharic has come to be a threat and an enemy of the Meles Zenawi Regime.

We urge the US Broadcasting Board of Governors to encourage the spread of democracy in Africa by supporting VOA (Amharic) and by standing firm against all Ethiopian government backed demands to disrupt or discontinue the single remaining, democratic media outlet for Ethiopians.


We thank you for your time, and look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,
Dr. Yonnas Gondemo

petition the U.S Congress

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/democraticethiopia

petition the U.S Congress

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/democraticethiopia

A Letter to the International Community

Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa has been in turmoil since yesterday November1, 2005. Security Forces loyal to the Meles Zenawi Regime have massacred unarmed civilians and are continuing to do so at this very moment. Elected public officials and scholars are being jailed and tortured. Among the many who have been detained and whose whereabouts are unknown are:

1. Engineer Hailu Shawel (president of the CUD)
2. Dr. Berhanu Nega (elected mayor of Addis Ababa)
3. Dr Befekadu Degeffe (member of CUD's executive committee)
4. Dr. Hailu Araya (member of CUD's executive committee)
5. Prof. Mesfin Wolde Mariam (founder of Ethiopia's Human Rights Council, EHRCO)

On the day the Security Council has voted to sanction Syria for the killing of one person, they have failed to speak out against the killings of numerous Ethiopians.We emphatically urge the international community to take an immediate action to stop these atrocities. Help us in our endeavor to build a free and democratic Ethiopia.

Dr. Yonnas Gondemo

A Letter to the International Community

Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa has been in turmoil since yesterday November1, 2005. Security Forces loyal to the Meles Zenawi Regime have massacred unarmed civilians and are continuing to do so at this very moment. Elected public officials and scholars are being jailed and tortured. Among the many who have been detained and whose whereabouts are unknown are:

1. Engineer Hailu Shawel (president of the CUD)
2. Dr. Berhanu Nega (elected mayor of Addis Ababa)
3. Dr Befekadu Degeffe (member of CUD's executive committee)
4. Dr. Hailu Araya (member of CUD's executive committee)
5. Prof. Mesfin Wolde Mariam (founder of Ethiopia's Human Rights Council, EHRCO)

On the day the Security Council has voted to sanction Syria for the killing of one person, they have failed to speak out against the killings of numerous Ethiopians.We emphatically urge the international community to take an immediate action to stop these atrocities. Help us in our endeavor to build a free and democratic Ethiopia.

Dr. Yonnas Gondemo

Contagious frenzy

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

In the movie “men in black” Tommy Lee Jones’s character states that a “person is smart; but People are dumb, panicky and stupid”.


How true! remember a time (in Addis) when people were convinced the almighty has deemed it necessary to leave a single strand of eyelash hair in all the Amharic Bibles? It was to be found between the books of St. Mathew and St. Mark, THIS it was rumored was a test of devotion. It would only appear to devout christians .Others who were not holy enough to find it were advised to start the “tsom ina tselot” right away, or prepare for eternal fire by moving to Aseb where it is a 110 degrees year round. (Aseb was part of Ethiopia then). YA, LAUGH NOW ……….BUT YOU KNOW YOU TRIED YOUR DAMNDEST TO FIND IT!

How about the time when some “FOGGARI” started a rumor about a house belonging to the German consulate (on bole road). This “FOGGARI”, alleged that the house was a popular hangout place for Lucifer and his cohorts. Their hobbies included sacrificing children, burning the bible and chanting in their (evil) language (SIEG HEIL!...sooo sorry). Anyways, within days this rumor spread through out Addis like wild fire. Mr. Funfoughtflouter (we took some liberty with the name) who was the unfortunate owner of the house and his terrified wife, were chase away by an indignant and infuriated mob. Priests armed with holy water and crosses were present in the crowd, ready to attack in the event the devil dared reveal his nasty self.

(Sen.Joseph McCarthy a name synonymous with mass hysteria)

Why bring up all this you ask?

The pressure for CUD executives to take an IMMEDIATE ACTION regarding PM Meles’s refusal to accept most of their demands seems to be gathering MOMENTUM….YUP the same kind of panicky mass momentum we talked about earlier……… Rumors are starting to circulate…..YEEHEY SEWYE SHETON LITTEFA NEEW HASABU!…….YA SEWIYEKO DIROM YENESU CADRE NEBER!…..AYIREBAM! ALALKUSHIM, DIRRO NEW YALKUT AYREBAM YIHE SEWIYE….. …etc…

It is obvious this has started to affect the organization. Seems like NOW every day some CUD official, worried about loosing public support, is defending CUD’s silence on any media outlet available. This has become such a nuisance to them that yesterday the main dude himself… EL presidente!… (Engineer Hailu).. had to come to the rescue.

So, …Our humble advice
To the…..

PUBLIC- - know that you are dumb…. (We mean that in a good way)

PERSON – these are hard times with very hard questions……to come up with a good solution, time is needed.


CUD - Chill baby……..take your time……………we got your back!

Contagious frenzy

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

In the movie “men in black” Tommy Lee Jones’s character states that a “person is smart; but People are dumb, panicky and stupid”.


How true! remember a time (in Addis) when people were convinced the almighty has deemed it necessary to leave a single strand of eyelash hair in all the Amharic Bibles? It was to be found between the books of St. Mathew and St. Mark, THIS it was rumored was a test of devotion. It would only appear to devout christians .Others who were not holy enough to find it were advised to start the “tsom ina tselot” right away, or prepare for eternal fire by moving to Aseb where it is a 110 degrees year round. (Aseb was part of Ethiopia then). YA, LAUGH NOW ……….BUT YOU KNOW YOU TRIED YOUR DAMNDEST TO FIND IT!

How about the time when some “FOGGARI” started a rumor about a house belonging to the German consulate (on bole road). This “FOGGARI”, alleged that the house was a popular hangout place for Lucifer and his cohorts. Their hobbies included sacrificing children, burning the bible and chanting in their (evil) language (SIEG HEIL!...sooo sorry). Anyways, within days this rumor spread through out Addis like wild fire. Mr. Funfoughtflouter (we took some liberty with the name) who was the unfortunate owner of the house and his terrified wife, were chase away by an indignant and infuriated mob. Priests armed with holy water and crosses were present in the crowd, ready to attack in the event the devil dared reveal his nasty self.

(Sen.Joseph McCarthy a name synonymous with mass hysteria)

Why bring up all this you ask?

The pressure for CUD executives to take an IMMEDIATE ACTION regarding PM Meles’s refusal to accept most of their demands seems to be gathering MOMENTUM….YUP the same kind of panicky mass momentum we talked about earlier……… Rumors are starting to circulate…..YEEHEY SEWYE SHETON LITTEFA NEEW HASABU!…….YA SEWIYEKO DIROM YENESU CADRE NEBER!…..AYIREBAM! ALALKUSHIM, DIRRO NEW YALKUT AYREBAM YIHE SEWIYE….. …etc…

It is obvious this has started to affect the organization. Seems like NOW every day some CUD official, worried about loosing public support, is defending CUD’s silence on any media outlet available. This has become such a nuisance to them that yesterday the main dude himself… EL presidente!… (Engineer Hailu).. had to come to the rescue.

So, …Our humble advice
To the…..

PUBLIC- - know that you are dumb…. (We mean that in a good way)

PERSON – these are hard times with very hard questions……to come up with a good solution, time is needed.


CUD - Chill baby……..take your time……………we got your back!

lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam Interview

A 2001 Interview with Former President, Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam, from his exile in Zimbabwe.

Emerging through violence as preeminent military ruler by 1977, he sought Soviet aid, established a socialist People's Republic and fought off Somali incursions and Eritrean rebels. During much of this period, the country was led by the Mengistu-allied Workers' Party of Ethiopia.

Mengistu’s seventeen years in power were witness to numerous human rights violations: the murder of around sixty leading figures in the Emperor’s inner circle in 1974, the execution of hundreds of young people just before the first of May festivities in 1975 and 1976, the “Red Terror” campaign of the years 1977-1979 during which thousands of opponents to the regime were murdered and the forced displacement of thousands of farmers in the eighties.

Here he defends his 17-year rule in a rare interview. Speaking from Zimbabwe where he is in exile, syas that his regime had come to power by popular revolution.

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 1

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 2

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 3

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 4

Final Part of Col. Mengistu's interview


-[Home]-

.

lieutenant Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam Interview

A 2001 Interview with Former President, Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam, from his exile in Zimbabwe.

Emerging through violence as preeminent military ruler by 1977, he sought Soviet aid, established a socialist People's Republic and fought off Somali incursions and Eritrean rebels. During much of this period, the country was led by the Mengistu-allied Workers' Party of Ethiopia.

Mengistu’s seventeen years in power were witness to numerous human rights violations: the murder of around sixty leading figures in the Emperor’s inner circle in 1974, the execution of hundreds of young people just before the first of May festivities in 1975 and 1976, the “Red Terror” campaign of the years 1977-1979 during which thousands of opponents to the regime were murdered and the forced displacement of thousands of farmers in the eighties.

Here he defends his 17-year rule in a rare interview. Speaking from Zimbabwe where he is in exile, syas that his regime had come to power by popular revolution.

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 1

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 2

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 3

Col. Mengistu's interview Part 4

Final Part of Col. Mengistu's interview


-[Home]-

.

Exclusive pictures from our sources in N.C

This is a rare glance into the private life of Prime Minister Meles.
Of course most Ethiopians have never seen MRS. Zenawi. well, Here she is!

Exclusive pictures from our sources in N.C

This is a rare glance into the private life of Prime Minister Meles.
Of course most Ethiopians have never seen MRS. Zenawi. well, Here she is!

Political Strategy

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

At the moment, the CUD is at a crucial point in its existence. As is the case with every decision, there is a potential for a great failure or a resounding success. Uniting the country and rallying its supporters should be the number one priority. The following suggestions outlined, may have a positive effect in regards to the ongoing struggle.

1) CUD should call for the immediate release of all political prisoners, WITH a very special emphasis on MR. Siye Abrha and other EX- EPRDF members who are currently imprisoned.

2) In the event that a mass strike is needed, CUD should start the grounds work to enable people in the rural areas to participate in this strike and, in addition, implement a support system where by people that make their living paycheck to paycheck could be provided for and maintained by willing and able supporters.

3) International media has a very short attention span, by strategically utilizing supporters outside the country, CUD has to try and keep the struggle for democracy in the forefront by captivating the world’s interest.

Political Strategy

(By Sintayehu Tefera, Ethiopian Politics Contributor)

At the moment, the CUD is at a crucial point in its existence. As is the case with every decision, there is a potential for a great failure or a resounding success. Uniting the country and rallying its supporters should be the number one priority. The following suggestions outlined, may have a positive effect in regards to the ongoing struggle.

1) CUD should call for the immediate release of all political prisoners, WITH a very special emphasis on MR. Siye Abrha and other EX- EPRDF members who are currently imprisoned.

2) In the event that a mass strike is needed, CUD should start the grounds work to enable people in the rural areas to participate in this strike and, in addition, implement a support system where by people that make their living paycheck to paycheck could be provided for and maintained by willing and able supporters.

3) International media has a very short attention span, by strategically utilizing supporters outside the country, CUD has to try and keep the struggle for democracy in the forefront by captivating the world’s interest.