Tedla Asfaw
One of the organizers of the April 2 rally in London Ato Abebe Tolosa was interviewed on Addis Dimts on Sunday March 29 and you can go to www.addisdimts.com and follow the interview. The Ethiopian Diaspora in Europe is mobilized as Ato Abebe Tolosa articulated by individual responsibility of Ethiopians for mother Ethiopia not to get sympathy from the Western nations rather to show solidarity with the masses in Ethiopia.
The London rally of the Ethiopian Diaspora should be replicated here in North America where we failed to stand together after the split within Kinijit. The recent protest in D.C. failed to bring a large turnout since many were not endorsing the divisive nature of the called rallies.
I hope London will be the future model for future rallies. Let us stand as one and be hope for our people. The enemy is TPLF and all other differences are secondary. Not joining such rally because it is not endorsed by opposition parties is not acceptable and defensible. Members of all opposition parties should in fact put pressure on their parties or individual members to stand with the Ethiopian people and chase Meles Zenawi from London on April 2.
Go London Go !!!
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Ye Burka Zimita
Tedla Asfaw
I just finished , "Ye Burka Zimita" by Tesfaye Gebrab a book that came out more than ten years ago currently posted on pdf file and became a hot item in our Eedn community. Those who put it on Internet without getting the permission of the author should apologize and the thousands who read the book on Internet should send a check to Ato Tesfaye Gebrab voluntarily any amount they choose.
Let me said from outset that the book I read and completed few seconds ago on Internet is a book to be read by all Ethiopians. The "Historical Fiction" of "Ye Burka Zimita" is a book that narrates Oromos abuse in the Arsi surroundings under Emperor Menelik administration, "Hager Makenate" which is still going on under the name of "self determination" by Meles TPLF.
Like all military subjugation of people, "Hager Makenate" , in most countries brutal wars fought to dominate people, and "Ye Burka Zimita" narrates that and we shouldn't attack the writer and blame him for the loss of innocent lives in the surroundings of Arsi following the takeover of Addis Ababa eighteen years ago by TPLF for which many blamed the writer for his part for inflaming the situation. The writer explained himself on the VOA Amharic interview recently for millions of Ethiopians back home an we should take his word.
The book, Ye Burka Zimita, has many characters, Anole Wako the uncompromising young Oromo and his compromising lover/sister, Hiwone Wako, but the big character in this book is the late Hayalome Araya. Hayalome was the "peoples man" and the secret way of releasing Anole the man that led "Yeburka Massacre" after he was cornered in the hills of Arsi to escape to Asmara and continue his "rebellion" as OLF or as Hayalome said to convert Anole to join the TPLF Oromo wing is still debatable. It is the known TPLF tactics of instigating fights among communities and be seen as a honest broker or judge.
Military and civil power by TPLF and its Oromo wing, corruption and womanizing destroyed the "liberation struggle" as was elaborated by many characters on the book . Many connected with the regime are filthy rich, replaced their wives with young Addis Ababeans and Ethiopia divided in to few millionaires and millions of very poor people. Like the farmers surrounding Arsi, the whole Ethiopia looks quite for now and some foreign experts even telling us that Ethiopia is even more stable than USA.
However, the contempt and the arrogance of the regime is not a recipe for stability. To bring real stability, change and hope we have to be open to our past and present and not be a prisoner of it . We have a common proud history and also shameful past. Unelected leaders, unaccountable to their people have brought great harm to the masses and we should talk about it honestly.
I am asking fellow Ethiopians to read, "Ye Burka Zimtia" in open mind and take it for what it is, "Historical Fiction".We have read similar books on native Americans and black Americans experiences.However, this generation of Americans, White Americans,native Americans and Black Americans, learn from the past and move on and not wasted their time debating history that should be left to historians. .
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
The open letter to Gordon Brown
Tedla Asfaw
I read Obang Metho open letter to British Prime Minster Gordon Brown, and the G20 members dated March 24, 2009 on behalf of Solidarity Movement of Ethiopians, posted on many websites. The letter is brief but very effective. It is loaded with language of diplomacy which is rare in the Diaspora politics. The only thing I have reservation on this letter is about the coming " 2010 election" Obang mentioned for which TPLF has already started buying the urban young and rural peasants while closing all avenues of free speech and assembly, the basic requisite of any democracy.
The letter should be forceful and make it clear that even with the release of Judge Birtukan and other political prisoners Obang demanded on his letter and we tirelessly call for, discussing "election 2010" in Ethiopia is premature at present or near future.
I read Obang Metho open letter to British Prime Minster Gordon Brown, and the G20 members dated March 24, 2009 on behalf of Solidarity Movement of Ethiopians, posted on many websites. The letter is brief but very effective. It is loaded with language of diplomacy which is rare in the Diaspora politics. The only thing I have reservation on this letter is about the coming " 2010 election" Obang mentioned for which TPLF has already started buying the urban young and rural peasants while closing all avenues of free speech and assembly, the basic requisite of any democracy.
The letter should be forceful and make it clear that even with the release of Judge Birtukan and other political prisoners Obang demanded on his letter and we tirelessly call for, discussing "election 2010" in Ethiopia is premature at present or near future.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Call for a joint rally to our Somali and Oromo exiles !!!
Tedla Asfaw
I want to thank first OLF website editor for posting the recent night protest in London, in front of TPLF Headquarter by brave Ethiopians, covered exclusively on Abbay Media. The goal of the secret meeting led by Bereket Simon was to organize a welcoming rally in April 2 for the Ethiopian butcher, Meles Zenawi. The welcoming rally organizers are Bereket Simon and Birhanu Kebede, known supporters of Meles Zenawi were called by letter signed by Birhanu Kebede and entrance was strictly only by the letter according to the protesters who were left out and their attempt to join the illegal meeting was foiled by the presence of British police officers.
The exclusive call is designed not to include "outsiders" to follow their secret plan to make April 2 a success for Meles Zenawi by countering the expected protest on his presence on G20 meeting in London by Ethiopians. This letter I have no doubt was also circulated around Europe to bring a large TPLF supporters to London.
From one of the persons who participated on the London protest appearing on Addis Dimts Radio last Sunday, we learned that the Somali community would like to join the coming protest rally in April 2 clearly to hold Meles accountable for mass killing of Somalis in his adventurous war two years ago. The organizers are still working how to accommodate our Somali friends on this protest.
However, the Oromo and the Somali community of Ethiopia should be part of this coming protest without any preconditions. What we need is to coordinate with the people who are organizing the protest. The good thing is everyone understands that this coming April 2 protest rally in London, for all of us, different nationalities of Ethiopia have one common agenda, to denounce the presence of Meles Zenawi and call for all those who have blood on their hands to face justice.
The recent protest organized in D.C. to denounce the atrocity of TPLF in Ogaden by Ethiopian Somalis and other Ethiopians was a great success and we should do the same in London. I call the Ethiopian Somalis, Oromo brothers and sisters to come and join this rally and neutralize any attempt by TPLF supporters , we witnessed in German this past week, call " for more years of rule by TPLF and five more years of of their beloved leader, Meles Zenawi, " to loot and kill our people.
Our differences on the future of Ethiopia should not be exploited by TPLF. We all believe by now, the future of our country should be decided by empowering our people. We have seen in the last eighteen years how TPLF that claims to represent the interest of
"Tigray" abused,terrorized and worked day and night to build a suspicion wall between the people of Tigray and the rest of us.
Our joint rally this coming April 2 will prove to TPLF supporters in the Diaspora that the eighteen years old suspicion wall built to separate Ethiopians is soon to be dismantled. Power to people, not to unelected tyrants and their ethnic loyalists.
I want to thank first OLF website editor for posting the recent night protest in London, in front of TPLF Headquarter by brave Ethiopians, covered exclusively on Abbay Media. The goal of the secret meeting led by Bereket Simon was to organize a welcoming rally in April 2 for the Ethiopian butcher, Meles Zenawi. The welcoming rally organizers are Bereket Simon and Birhanu Kebede, known supporters of Meles Zenawi were called by letter signed by Birhanu Kebede and entrance was strictly only by the letter according to the protesters who were left out and their attempt to join the illegal meeting was foiled by the presence of British police officers.
The exclusive call is designed not to include "outsiders" to follow their secret plan to make April 2 a success for Meles Zenawi by countering the expected protest on his presence on G20 meeting in London by Ethiopians. This letter I have no doubt was also circulated around Europe to bring a large TPLF supporters to London.
From one of the persons who participated on the London protest appearing on Addis Dimts Radio last Sunday, we learned that the Somali community would like to join the coming protest rally in April 2 clearly to hold Meles accountable for mass killing of Somalis in his adventurous war two years ago. The organizers are still working how to accommodate our Somali friends on this protest.
However, the Oromo and the Somali community of Ethiopia should be part of this coming protest without any preconditions. What we need is to coordinate with the people who are organizing the protest. The good thing is everyone understands that this coming April 2 protest rally in London, for all of us, different nationalities of Ethiopia have one common agenda, to denounce the presence of Meles Zenawi and call for all those who have blood on their hands to face justice.
The recent protest organized in D.C. to denounce the atrocity of TPLF in Ogaden by Ethiopian Somalis and other Ethiopians was a great success and we should do the same in London. I call the Ethiopian Somalis, Oromo brothers and sisters to come and join this rally and neutralize any attempt by TPLF supporters , we witnessed in German this past week, call " for more years of rule by TPLF and five more years of of their beloved leader, Meles Zenawi, " to loot and kill our people.
Our differences on the future of Ethiopia should not be exploited by TPLF. We all believe by now, the future of our country should be decided by empowering our people. We have seen in the last eighteen years how TPLF that claims to represent the interest of
"Tigray" abused,terrorized and worked day and night to build a suspicion wall between the people of Tigray and the rest of us.
Our joint rally this coming April 2 will prove to TPLF supporters in the Diaspora that the eighteen years old suspicion wall built to separate Ethiopians is soon to be dismantled. Power to people, not to unelected tyrants and their ethnic loyalists.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Ethiopian Muslims protest hijacked by TPLF sympathizers !!
Tedla Asfaw
VOA Amharic today March 20 reported a protest by Ethiopian Muslims in front of TPLF Embassy in D.C. calling for "protection" of Ethiopian Muslims by TPLF. The protesters called also for the suspension of the right of Ethiopian Muslims to build worshipping place in Axum to be lifted. There was no slogan shouted denouncing TPLF for spilling Muslims blood however.
In fact the representative of TPLF Embassy applauded the organizers of the protest as a civilized protest for the rest of us to follow suit. The Representatives of the protest had a discussion with TPLF Ambassador and both claim success. However, we both Christians and Muslims here in the Diaspora know very well who is behind the religious conflicts in Ethiopia even if the organizers understandably TPLF sympathizers tried to paint the conflict as if it has been brought by extremists, Christians and Muslims and deny the evil hands of TPLF.
This is disingenuous and it might be a work by some TPLF agents in the Muslim community who are using the current crisis as an opportunity to recruit Muslims in TPLF camp when many Muslims and Christians are joining hands to fight TPLF in all corners of Ethiopia. The protesters have betrayed many Ethiopian Muslims who were killed in broad day light in Addis Ababa during the May 2005 election by not calling justice for many lives lost. In fact they are giving TPLF a diplomatic support by seating down and serve as propaganda tool.
It is true our Ethiopian Muslims have legitimate questions for their right and safety, however, asking justice from the regime whose dirty hands was caught in all religious conflicts in the past in Ethiopia is absurd and also suspicious. Ethiopians haven't organized themselves in religious parties back home or here and we are denouncing any attempt of forming Muslim wing of TPLF here in D.C.
Ethiopian Muslims and Christians record of living together as ancient religions is well documented both by Holy Quran and Holy Bible. This generation of Ethiopians will continue on that path and will never be a tool of unelected tyrants who are the source of the problem by playing Christians VS Muslims, one nationality VS another, a known method of dividing Ethiopians to keep them in power.
VOA Amharic today March 20 reported a protest by Ethiopian Muslims in front of TPLF Embassy in D.C. calling for "protection" of Ethiopian Muslims by TPLF. The protesters called also for the suspension of the right of Ethiopian Muslims to build worshipping place in Axum to be lifted. There was no slogan shouted denouncing TPLF for spilling Muslims blood however.
In fact the representative of TPLF Embassy applauded the organizers of the protest as a civilized protest for the rest of us to follow suit. The Representatives of the protest had a discussion with TPLF Ambassador and both claim success. However, we both Christians and Muslims here in the Diaspora know very well who is behind the religious conflicts in Ethiopia even if the organizers understandably TPLF sympathizers tried to paint the conflict as if it has been brought by extremists, Christians and Muslims and deny the evil hands of TPLF.
This is disingenuous and it might be a work by some TPLF agents in the Muslim community who are using the current crisis as an opportunity to recruit Muslims in TPLF camp when many Muslims and Christians are joining hands to fight TPLF in all corners of Ethiopia. The protesters have betrayed many Ethiopian Muslims who were killed in broad day light in Addis Ababa during the May 2005 election by not calling justice for many lives lost. In fact they are giving TPLF a diplomatic support by seating down and serve as propaganda tool.
It is true our Ethiopian Muslims have legitimate questions for their right and safety, however, asking justice from the regime whose dirty hands was caught in all religious conflicts in the past in Ethiopia is absurd and also suspicious. Ethiopians haven't organized themselves in religious parties back home or here and we are denouncing any attempt of forming Muslim wing of TPLF here in D.C.
Ethiopian Muslims and Christians record of living together as ancient religions is well documented both by Holy Quran and Holy Bible. This generation of Ethiopians will continue on that path and will never be a tool of unelected tyrants who are the source of the problem by playing Christians VS Muslims, one nationality VS another, a known method of dividing Ethiopians to keep them in power.
The night that went terrible for TPLF supporters !!!!
Dear Addisvoice, Debteraw, Ethiolion, Ethiopiawinet ,ethiopianreview, Ecadforum,quateronet and nazret.com editors,
It has been twenty four hours since heroic Ethiopians foiled Bireket Simon, the mouth piece of TPLF, secret gathering in London TPLF Embassy. Abbay media, that broke the news and also promised audio and video should be commended , EMF, Abugidainfo and Ethiomedia that reported the news as they found it on Abbay media should also be thanked.
I haven't seen any news covered by you regarding the night that went wrong for TPLF, and I do understand the secrecy of the meeting as an impediment. However, after twenty four hours you should have some thing to share with us and we are waiting.
Understandably, it is quite on TPLF's websites like AIG+Arrogance, AIGA and Ben. They are instructed to work on damage control or to bring a diversionary story.
Bravo Abbaymedia and Londoners !!!
Tedla Asfaw
Thursday, 19 March 2009
The Young poets of UDJP
I followed the candle light vigil held on UDJP young gathering in Addis Ababa posted on www.abugidainfo.com. The young Sileshi Hagos poem dedicated to Judge Birtukan was a poem will make the late Tsegaye Gebremedhin smile in his grave and be proud, the young following on his foot step, telling the truth challenging authoritarians of any color.
"Birtu Kahen", the word I coined for Birtukan after minutes of her jailing almost 90 days ago on a comment I posted on www.quotero.net was a name Artist Debebe Eshetu used to describe Judge Birtukan, and I am proud of that small contribution.
The coming April 2 protest in London will once again will call for her unconditional release of Birtu Kahen/Birtukan, Teddy Afro, Aberae Yemanab and all whose whereabouts is still unknown.
I am also proud of those young poets of UDJP organizing the candle light vigil risking intimidation and possible jail from Meles' security.
We are with you Birtu Kahen !!!!
Tedla Asfaw
AIGA, Ethiopian AIG with Arrogance !!!
Tedla Asfaw
Who does not know the American Investment Group (AIG) that is the day to day conversations of ordinary working Americans, and the circus like hearing in Congress floor this week after AIG's disastrous economic scandal behind taxpayers back, big bonus for failure.
What I am here talking about is Ethiopian equivalent of AIG in politics leaving the economics for some other time. We have an Internet site, AIGA, that circulates news by inflating it beyond its value and try to sale it for the Ethiopian Diaspora.
I call Ethiopia's "AIG", the website "AIGA", " AIG with another "A" for arrogance"". This week's main headline, "Statesman Meles Zenawi" chosen to represent Africa in the coming G20 meeting in London " is one of the frauds among many. Anybody including Al-Beshir could have been chosen if it were not for the March 4 ICC warrant.
Africa's genius statesman, Meles Zenawi, according to Ethiopia's AIG with Arrogance is challenging IMF to sale its gold reserve to help Africa. Does Meles' have experience of selling gold ? Sure, the fake gold worth 26 million recently "lost" from the Ethiopian National Bank is under the order of Meles Zenawi probably on foreign bank.
This morning news coming from London that Ethiopia is one of the countries among some from Africa that capital is flying out to London's banks. Ethiopia's loot is flying while Meles is begging on behalf of "African" countries for IMF's gold.
After all Meles without shame is suggesting to Gordon Brown to see the whole of Africa as "AIG", "Treat us like AIG and pump money and we will take care of the rest". The Diaspora political AIG, AIGA, of Ethiopia will come with big headline, "prime minister Meles is elected to head the future African AIG ".
However, AIGA will not succeed in inventing a huge crowd with flowers coming out to welcome his genius prime minster. When it comes to thousands who will flock to protest in London, some even paying their airfare crossing Atlantic, the Arrogant "AIG", AIGA will have no answer, wait the coming headline of April 2.
AIGA, Ethiopian AIG with Arrogance !!!
Tedla Asfaw
Who does not know the American Industrial Group (AIG) that is the day to day conversations of ordinary working Americans, and the circus like hearing in Congress floor this week after AIG's disastrous economic scandal behind taxpayers back, big bonus for failure.
What I am here talking about is Ethiopian equivalent of AIG in politics leaving the economics for some other time. We have an Internet site, AIGA, that circulates news by inflating it beyond its value and try to sale it for the Ethiopian Diaspora.
I call Ethiopia's "AIG", the website "AIGA", " AIG with another "A" for arrogance"". This week's main headline, "Statesman Meles Zenawi" chosen to represent Africa in the coming G20 meeting in London " is one of the frauds among many. Anybody including Al-Beshir could have been chosen if it were not for the March 4 ICC warrant.
Africa's genius statesman, Meles Zenawi, according to Ethiopia's AIG with Arrogance is challenging IMF to sale its gold reserve to help Africa. Does Meles' have experience of selling gold ? Sure, the fake gold worth 26 million recently "lost" from the Ethiopian National Bank is under the order of Meles Zenawi probably on foreign bank.
This morning news coming from London that Ethiopia is one of the countries among some from Africa that capital is flying out to London's banks. Ethiopia's loot is flying while Meles is begging on behalf of "African" countries for IMF's gold.
After all Meles without shame is suggesting to Gordon Brown to see the whole of Africa as "AIG", "Treat us like AIG and pump money and we will take care of the rest". The Diaspora political AIG, AIGA, of Ethiopia will come with big headline, "prime minister Meles is elected to head the future African AIG ".
However, AIGA will not succeed in inventing a huge crowd with flowers coming out to welcome his genius prime minster. When it comes to thousands who will flock to protest in London, some even paying their airfare crossing Atlantic, the Arrogant "AIG", AIGA will have no answer, wait the coming headline of April 2.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Stimulating Commission for Africa !!!!
Tedla Asfaw
The Ethiopian tyrant who currently chairs the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and other eleven countries from Africa most represented by minsters were in London meeting with Gordon Brown to beg the "rich" countries of G20 not to forget Africa in their coming April meeting in London.
The tyrant of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, recently on record told his sleepy parliament that the world crisis has no impact to his country because Ethiopia's economy is not linked with the rich nations economy. Why then now crying for money and scared his host that no money means violence in Africa ?
So what happened in the last few months for Meles to declare that if we do not get financial help, some countries surely he means Ethiopia among others will be under and Africa will be in chaos. He warned also that the cost of violence will be much higher than the cost of giving funds now. Why did the G20 care if there is violence in Africa ? When is the last time we read or heard that Africa is in economic progress and prosperity ?
Here is what is going to happen in April in London. Gordon Brown will do the follow up of Tony Blair's "African Commission" of the early 2000 on which Meles served and will establish a commission for "Stimulating African Economy" , " African Stimulant Commission", of course Meles Zenawi is a member, loves to be on stage. I wish he has permanent job on one of the never ending shows on Broadway and give his place for fellow African.
The defunct African Commission of Tony Blair as we all know had not produced any result and nothing different is expected from the "Stimulant Commission". The fund Meles will collect will help him keep his apartheid rule for the coming years beside paying his Chinese creditors.
How can a tyrant who put more than ten millions of people currently on foreign food aid and who is a known human right abuser will be allowed to represent Africa on April 2, G20 gathering in London ? That is a big insult to Africa. This is the man who is working closely with the Darfur butcher, Al-Beshir , committed similar crimes in Gambella and Ogaden. I have no doubt that his secret mission is also to lobby on behalf of Al-Beshir by arguing that the cost of peace in Sudan VS the cost of indicting Al-Beshir.
Melws Zenawi's appetite for cash by giving away large areas of western Ethiopia to Sudan and leasing our land for anyone with cash show that this man care less for his people and running on greed and treason. This guy has enough stimulant and do not deserve extra juice to compensate for his lose abroad from the world economic downturn.
Yes indeed, Meles and his inner circle lost money from "their investment" in foreign market. However, this is Ethiopian stolen money and we want it to be audited by independent auditors. Yes it is true also that countries who have big economic downturn will cut giving financial aid to other poor countries.
However, throwing money to African tyrants for the last fifty years haven't produced any development for our continent. The scare tactics of Meles Zenawi that violence will increase and countries will be under is the same judgement he used and send soldiers to "liberate Somalia from Alshabab" two years ago and after huge cost of human lives, we are now where we were before the invasion. The person who was behind this crime is now on world stage thanks to Gordon Brown.
It is a disgrace for Africa that we have the likes of Al-Beshir and Meles Zenawi. The difference is Al-Beshir had served Western interest in destroying Ethiopia and Meles is still on their payroll to enslave and mortgage the continent of Africa.
The Ethiopian tyrant who currently chairs the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and other eleven countries from Africa most represented by minsters were in London meeting with Gordon Brown to beg the "rich" countries of G20 not to forget Africa in their coming April meeting in London.
The tyrant of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi, recently on record told his sleepy parliament that the world crisis has no impact to his country because Ethiopia's economy is not linked with the rich nations economy. Why then now crying for money and scared his host that no money means violence in Africa ?
So what happened in the last few months for Meles to declare that if we do not get financial help, some countries surely he means Ethiopia among others will be under and Africa will be in chaos. He warned also that the cost of violence will be much higher than the cost of giving funds now. Why did the G20 care if there is violence in Africa ? When is the last time we read or heard that Africa is in economic progress and prosperity ?
Here is what is going to happen in April in London. Gordon Brown will do the follow up of Tony Blair's "African Commission" of the early 2000 on which Meles served and will establish a commission for "Stimulating African Economy" , " African Stimulant Commission", of course Meles Zenawi is a member, loves to be on stage. I wish he has permanent job on one of the never ending shows on Broadway and give his place for fellow African.
The defunct African Commission of Tony Blair as we all know had not produced any result and nothing different is expected from the "Stimulant Commission". The fund Meles will collect will help him keep his apartheid rule for the coming years beside paying his Chinese creditors.
How can a tyrant who put more than ten millions of people currently on foreign food aid and who is a known human right abuser will be allowed to represent Africa on April 2, G20 gathering in London ? That is a big insult to Africa. This is the man who is working closely with the Darfur butcher, Al-Beshir , committed similar crimes in Gambella and Ogaden. I have no doubt that his secret mission is also to lobby on behalf of Al-Beshir by arguing that the cost of peace in Sudan VS the cost of indicting Al-Beshir.
Melws Zenawi's appetite for cash by giving away large areas of western Ethiopia to Sudan and leasing our land for anyone with cash show that this man care less for his people and running on greed and treason. This guy has enough stimulant and do not deserve extra juice to compensate for his lose abroad from the world economic downturn.
Yes indeed, Meles and his inner circle lost money from "their investment" in foreign market. However, this is Ethiopian stolen money and we want it to be audited by independent auditors. Yes it is true also that countries who have big economic downturn will cut giving financial aid to other poor countries.
However, throwing money to African tyrants for the last fifty years haven't produced any development for our continent. The scare tactics of Meles Zenawi that violence will increase and countries will be under is the same judgement he used and send soldiers to "liberate Somalia from Alshabab" two years ago and after huge cost of human lives, we are now where we were before the invasion. The person who was behind this crime is now on world stage thanks to Gordon Brown.
It is a disgrace for Africa that we have the likes of Al-Beshir and Meles Zenawi. The difference is Al-Beshir had served Western interest in destroying Ethiopia and Meles is still on their payroll to enslave and mortgage the continent of Africa.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Learn from mass protest of Pakistan !!!!
Tedla Asfaw
Chief Judge Iftikhar Chaudery of Pakistan who was thrown with other judges by the former western loved dictator Musharraf is now reinstated to its former position by the organized protest which is a lesson to our own country. The protesters went out in force yesterday on the streets of Pakistan and planned to stage a huge demonstration today and the Pakistan government has back down after consulting with its western supporters.
Ms. Clinton was heard saying yesterday that the struggle in Pakistan is with the extremists and she wanted the government to focus on fighting Taliban and Pakistanis extremists. It is a shame that for her throwing judges to jail or the struggle to free them as was demanded by the majority of Pakistanis is not an issue that has to worry her.
Secretary of State, Ms. Clinton on her recent visit to Asia she made it also clear that she is not standing for human rights and rule of law and cajoling with dictators to get their help in fighting the world economic crisis and do business as usual. Now in Pakistan she affirmed that what she needs is a partner to fight American war. Is this the change the Obama was talking about on his campaign ?
On March 21, citizens in huge numbers are coming to Pentagon in D.C. to demand the end of war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Middle east and force the Obama Administration to focus on the big economic crisis at home. A bankrupt USA has not the means to fight multiple wars and people are demanding their tax dollars not to be spent in any kind of war.
For the world dictators who are suffocating their people with the help of USA military machine and tax dollars they should learn a big lesson from the Pakistanis mobilization that succeeded in forcing the release of their judges. Similar actions can be taken to secure the Ethiopian judge, Birtukan Mediksa, who is now behind bars for three months.
Members of the party she is leading, UDJP, tried to stage protest rally in Addis Ababa recently and the TPLF regime denied permit. The next step is to come out and challenge the authorities like the Pakistanis did and face the consequence. If the current leadership of UDJP is not be able to stage a protest it officially has to stop calling itself an opposition party and be disbanded.
The call in western cities for Judge Birtukan release has not produced any result so far because it is not supported by similar actions back home out of fear by current leadership of UDJP. Persons like Yackob Hailemariam are good only on radios and televisions lecturing law and scared to practice law on the streets of Ethiopia.
The grassroots supporters of UDJP should be supported by the masses of Ethiopians in a huge demonstration to demand for the unconditional release of Judge Birtukan Mediksa and all political prisoners. The financiers of Meles Zenawi will back down when they see an angry crowd that condemn both the ethnic apartheid rule of TPLF and their evil hands.
Chief Judge Iftikhar Chaudery of Pakistan who was thrown with other judges by the former western loved dictator Musharraf is now reinstated to its former position by the organized protest which is a lesson to our own country. The protesters went out in force yesterday on the streets of Pakistan and planned to stage a huge demonstration today and the Pakistan government has back down after consulting with its western supporters.
Ms. Clinton was heard saying yesterday that the struggle in Pakistan is with the extremists and she wanted the government to focus on fighting Taliban and Pakistanis extremists. It is a shame that for her throwing judges to jail or the struggle to free them as was demanded by the majority of Pakistanis is not an issue that has to worry her.
Secretary of State, Ms. Clinton on her recent visit to Asia she made it also clear that she is not standing for human rights and rule of law and cajoling with dictators to get their help in fighting the world economic crisis and do business as usual. Now in Pakistan she affirmed that what she needs is a partner to fight American war. Is this the change the Obama was talking about on his campaign ?
On March 21, citizens in huge numbers are coming to Pentagon in D.C. to demand the end of war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Middle east and force the Obama Administration to focus on the big economic crisis at home. A bankrupt USA has not the means to fight multiple wars and people are demanding their tax dollars not to be spent in any kind of war.
For the world dictators who are suffocating their people with the help of USA military machine and tax dollars they should learn a big lesson from the Pakistanis mobilization that succeeded in forcing the release of their judges. Similar actions can be taken to secure the Ethiopian judge, Birtukan Mediksa, who is now behind bars for three months.
Members of the party she is leading, UDJP, tried to stage protest rally in Addis Ababa recently and the TPLF regime denied permit. The next step is to come out and challenge the authorities like the Pakistanis did and face the consequence. If the current leadership of UDJP is not be able to stage a protest it officially has to stop calling itself an opposition party and be disbanded.
The call in western cities for Judge Birtukan release has not produced any result so far because it is not supported by similar actions back home out of fear by current leadership of UDJP. Persons like Yackob Hailemariam are good only on radios and televisions lecturing law and scared to practice law on the streets of Ethiopia.
The grassroots supporters of UDJP should be supported by the masses of Ethiopians in a huge demonstration to demand for the unconditional release of Judge Birtukan Mediksa and all political prisoners. The financiers of Meles Zenawi will back down when they see an angry crowd that condemn both the ethnic apartheid rule of TPLF and their evil hands.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Diredawa Rail workers protest !!!
Tedla Asfaw
Railway workers in Diredawa demanded the firing of the TPLF appointed manager of the railway for incompetence and raised also the survival issues, "for their little belly " families that can not afford sending their children to school or pay gas and rent with the current income. Follow the short audio on www.ethiomedia.com (March 12)
German Amharic interviewed the manager for his immediate dismissal which was overwhelming by the loud cheers of employees, " Yenisa Zare". The manager care less for the voice of the workers and he assured the journalist that he is accountable for those who put him there.
The Telecommunication workers who are now abused by their Chinese bosses, the Power Authority workers who are rationing power even in Addis Ababa and others should follow the example of the Diredawa Rail workers and fight for their right and they have nothing to lose.
TPLF would like to infiltrate this movement like it did the Ethiopian students and arrest leaders and that is expected. What it can not do is to stop the coming upheaval of workers in near future demanding enough pay to survive.
Where is the registered economic growth of TPLF ? Is it not a matter that occupy space or is it gas which is invisible to see ?
Railway workers in Diredawa demanded the firing of the TPLF appointed manager of the railway for incompetence and raised also the survival issues, "for their little belly " families that can not afford sending their children to school or pay gas and rent with the current income. Follow the short audio on www.ethiomedia.com (March 12)
German Amharic interviewed the manager for his immediate dismissal which was overwhelming by the loud cheers of employees, " Yenisa Zare". The manager care less for the voice of the workers and he assured the journalist that he is accountable for those who put him there.
The Telecommunication workers who are now abused by their Chinese bosses, the Power Authority workers who are rationing power even in Addis Ababa and others should follow the example of the Diredawa Rail workers and fight for their right and they have nothing to lose.
TPLF would like to infiltrate this movement like it did the Ethiopian students and arrest leaders and that is expected. What it can not do is to stop the coming upheaval of workers in near future demanding enough pay to survive.
Where is the registered economic growth of TPLF ? Is it not a matter that occupy space or is it gas which is invisible to see ?
Monday, 9 March 2009
Tesfaye Gebrab on Bedeno and Arbagugu massacare !!!
Tedla Asfaw
Bezu Wondemagene, a former employee in Ethiopia who was dismissed among fifty others from Ethiopian Press questioned Ato Tefaye Gebrab, (www.ecadform paltalk, March 9 ), who was then the head of the press in early 1991 as a 23 year old young man's participation on dismissal of Amharas, keeping Tigreans and Eritreans on their positions, under the pretext of security.
Tesfaye admitted participating on such blatant dismissal of Amharas from press which he said went on other civil administrations too. Bezu Wondemagene then working for AAPO mentioned also the letter of the late Professor Asrat Woldeyese to local and international organizations exposing the despicable crime committed against the Bedeno and Arbagugu Amharas that was also sent to the then head of press, Tesfaye Gebrab.
Who will forget an elderly man weeping like a baby whose family was wiped out thrown from the cliff of Arsi under the order of OPDO cadres like "Gurmessa" currently residing in Canada ? God bless Asrat Woldeyese for standing with the poor Amharas where no one including Tesfaye Gebrab look otherwise.
Tesfaye Gebrab promised to include the Arbagugu and Bedeno massacres among others in his next book. He got many questions regarding "Ye Burka Zimita" a fiction,based on the true stories he heard from Oromos and as young man growing in Bishoftu's role in igniting clashes between Oromos and Amharas, he said the crime committed against Amharas in Arbagugu, Bedeno or other places were not by ordinary Oromos who read his book but by the Oromo wing of TPLF, OPDO.
Tesfaye regarding the new party "Arena" led by Gebru Asrat and party-less Seye Abraha he said these individuals will never expose all the crimes committed by TPLF because they were part of it and if they had succeeded in winning and took over TPLF after the completion of the Badme war in 1998-2000 Ethiopia would remain the same.
According to Tesfaye Gebrab, Gebru Asrat and Seye Abraha would like to keep all the policies of TPLF/EPRDF and only wanted to remove Meles Zenawi and his circle who have Eritrean blood. Do Gebru and Seye Abraha know who is behind the brutal massacre in Bedeno and Arbagugu ? or is it the same "Hisab Mawerarede" never to be raised ?
When it comes to the objective of TPLF, Tesfaye said the regime's goal is to rule Ethiopia and Ethiopians by destroying them and care less for the country after their eventual departure.
I would like all to listen to these interesting engagement of Tesfaye Gebrab with the audience and lean from it. I thank Ms. Bezu Wonemagene for asking pointed questions and also worked to save innocent Amharas lives when many current so called opposition leaders were partying and feasting with TPLF.
Even without reading ,"Ye Burka Zimita" and before reading Professor Getachew Haile's wonderful review of Tesfaye's new book, Ye "Gazetgnaw Mastawesh " I never questioned the sincerity of Tesfaye Gebrab, the character he surely developed living with Oromos. I am waiting for the coming book eagerly for untold stories to be told.
Friday, 6 March 2009
The dark cloud hanging on university campuses in Ethiopia !!!
Tedla Asfaw
Bono and his U2 Rock Band lighten up the Bronx gray sky at Fordham University this morning in their first appearance on Good Morning America (GMA). What makes me write this piece is the enthusiasm and smile of the students on this gloomy year of financial difficulty as long lines for Job fair here in New York City seems a norm and most of the seniors soon will join that line after their graduation.
University days as we all know is the time of feeling good, the time of rebellion too. That was the university I know in the the 1980s when Ethiopia was under military dictatorship and the Ethiopian youth was in front calling for real change and power to people. Unlike Bono's song, there is no light beyond the horizon, we believed otherwise.
However, Ethiopian University students under TPLF ethnic apartheid rule for the last eighteen years were not only denied looking for light beyond the horizon they are not sure if they will be alive the next day. TPLF's instigated ethnic clash destroyed the fabric of university life. Campuses have become a war zone and many undercover security agents are roaming the campuses to kill or harass any one who seem not to bow to ethnic apartheid rule. Hundreds of Oromo students were expelled for who they are and many were killed in different campuses throughout the country. In my day in the university, ethnically motivated killing was unheard of.
Had Bono sang today in the Bahrdar University campus he will not find an audience enthusiastic as the one he found in Bronx this morning. The youth of Ethiopia are an endangered species, hunted by TPLF security agents in all corners of Ethiopia. Recently two students were killed in the Bahrdar University for being from wrong ethnic group, Amharas. This is state terrorism and I challenge Bono who did a wonderful humanitarian job in Ethiopia and loves Ethiopian to look deeply inside the state of Ethiopian students life in universities.
Bono knows Ethiopian rural poor very well and worked hard to convince rich nations to forgive debt of poor countries like Ethiopia so they will spend their money to improve the lives of their people. I have no doubt Bono also agree with me with out well educated societies we will remain beggar nations forever and be a burden on him too. What will make Bono happier than seeing Ethiopian students dance to his wonderful songs and optimism on their faces as the one he found today in Bronx.
The dark clouds hanging on our country is going to be removed . The likes of Meles Zenawi and Al-Beshir of Sudan will not hide their crimes indefinitely. They will be held accountable for crime committed against people whom they do not like. Beshir got its arrest warrant from International Criminal Court (ICC) for ordering an organized terror on the people of Darfur which took the lives of half million people.
Meles Zenawi's crimes in Gambella, Oromia, South Ethiopia, Ogaden is well documented. His contempt and hate for Amahra people also has no boundary even do not spare the lives of two students in Bahrdar University this month. For him Amhara as a people are enemies and their children have to be killed blamed for past wrong deeds by "Amhara Rulers". Imagine blaming all the whites in USA for slavery and punish the children of white people.
Who has to stop this mad man ? When are we going to say enough is enough and charge this man for all crimes he committed against humanity ? I hope there is a glimmer of hope after the arrest warrant for Al-Beshir, the butcher of Darfur. It is not if but when for Meles Zenawi ????
Bono and his U2 Rock Band lighten up the Bronx gray sky at Fordham University this morning in their first appearance on Good Morning America (GMA). What makes me write this piece is the enthusiasm and smile of the students on this gloomy year of financial difficulty as long lines for Job fair here in New York City seems a norm and most of the seniors soon will join that line after their graduation.
University days as we all know is the time of feeling good, the time of rebellion too. That was the university I know in the the 1980s when Ethiopia was under military dictatorship and the Ethiopian youth was in front calling for real change and power to people. Unlike Bono's song, there is no light beyond the horizon, we believed otherwise.
However, Ethiopian University students under TPLF ethnic apartheid rule for the last eighteen years were not only denied looking for light beyond the horizon they are not sure if they will be alive the next day. TPLF's instigated ethnic clash destroyed the fabric of university life. Campuses have become a war zone and many undercover security agents are roaming the campuses to kill or harass any one who seem not to bow to ethnic apartheid rule. Hundreds of Oromo students were expelled for who they are and many were killed in different campuses throughout the country. In my day in the university, ethnically motivated killing was unheard of.
Had Bono sang today in the Bahrdar University campus he will not find an audience enthusiastic as the one he found in Bronx this morning. The youth of Ethiopia are an endangered species, hunted by TPLF security agents in all corners of Ethiopia. Recently two students were killed in the Bahrdar University for being from wrong ethnic group, Amharas. This is state terrorism and I challenge Bono who did a wonderful humanitarian job in Ethiopia and loves Ethiopian to look deeply inside the state of Ethiopian students life in universities.
Bono knows Ethiopian rural poor very well and worked hard to convince rich nations to forgive debt of poor countries like Ethiopia so they will spend their money to improve the lives of their people. I have no doubt Bono also agree with me with out well educated societies we will remain beggar nations forever and be a burden on him too. What will make Bono happier than seeing Ethiopian students dance to his wonderful songs and optimism on their faces as the one he found today in Bronx.
The dark clouds hanging on our country is going to be removed . The likes of Meles Zenawi and Al-Beshir of Sudan will not hide their crimes indefinitely. They will be held accountable for crime committed against people whom they do not like. Beshir got its arrest warrant from International Criminal Court (ICC) for ordering an organized terror on the people of Darfur which took the lives of half million people.
Meles Zenawi's crimes in Gambella, Oromia, South Ethiopia, Ogaden is well documented. His contempt and hate for Amahra people also has no boundary even do not spare the lives of two students in Bahrdar University this month. For him Amhara as a people are enemies and their children have to be killed blamed for past wrong deeds by "Amhara Rulers". Imagine blaming all the whites in USA for slavery and punish the children of white people.
Who has to stop this mad man ? When are we going to say enough is enough and charge this man for all crimes he committed against humanity ? I hope there is a glimmer of hope after the arrest warrant for Al-Beshir, the butcher of Darfur. It is not if but when for Meles Zenawi ????
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Arrest warrant for Butcher of Darfur !!!
Tedla Asfaw
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against the butcher of Darfur Al-Beshir of Sudan for crimes against humanity. This is a victory for justice. Meles Zenawi and his butchers around him campaigned very hard hard with other African tyrants to delay it for one year.
Who is next ? If not Meles who else ? Beshir's visit to Addis Ababa this coming days will go on because Meles Zenawi another tyrant who sold chunk of our land to Bashir is his best buddy and he is safe in Addis.
Beshir cannot travel in other parts of the world,however, except Arab and African countries fearing arrest. Let March 4, 2009 be heard wide and clear, killers must face justice one day and Beshir got it today.
It is a victory for Justice !!!!
---
Monday, 2 March 2009
Worldwide Protest for freedom of political prisoners and democracy
VOA Amharic covers today's worldwide protest, March 2, in Switzerland, Rome,Stockholm, London coinciding with Obama's Visit to London, Munich, Frankfurt. The protest rally was held in front of USA embassies in Europe and here in USA it was conducted in front of the State Department below freezing temperature calling for release of Judge Birtukan, Teddy Afro and all political prisoners, demanding unequivocally for Obama to stop "stimulating dictatorship". Let tyranny goes to its grave and the people charter their own future freely. Damp TPLF not stimulate it Obama !!!!
The Obama administration is surely put on spot. What is to follow in the next "four" years for his administration will show us if he is a man who stand for what is right or as we all know USA's own national interest at the expense of poor countries like Ethiopia.
The crowd of hundreds coming below freezing temperature in front of the States Department in D.C.is a big plus to send a strong message for Obama administration. All who participated should be commended and such protest should go on because we are the voice of the voiceless.
Bravo to all who worked together to make March 2 a big success.
Happy Adwa Victory Day !!!!
Tedla Asfaw
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