(By Ethio-Zagol)
When the AFD was formed, I supported it. One of the reasons for my support was that bringing secessionist groups to main stream politics tempers their radicalization. The Ogaden National Liberation Front was one of the founders.
What ONLF did a couple of days ago was outrageous and sickening. Though I still staunchly believe in inclusive politics, the gory drama left me in no doubt that ONLF has no place in civilized politics. The AFD, if it still exists, should throw out this terrorist group.
My condolences to the families of the victims of the crime. I share your sorrow and anguish.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
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53 comments:
I totally agree with you
So do I. But I would like to highlight the fact that Meles should have focussed on his internal problems......
And I appreciate the way you accepted your mistake.....
Hi Zagol. I am one of your readers. I admire what you did. Is is really priceless. We owe you. But sometimes you jump into conclusions swiftly. Have patience. Does a war relationship between opposition and ruling party amount to terrorism? If there is terrorism in Ethiopia, it takes an organised quasi-goverment form. I remember a similar statement that came out from you about the distruction of Abebe Bekila and Mamo Woldie's .... which went unsubstantiated. A goodwill is difficult to build but takes a second to distroy. AFD is probably the major threat to the EPRDF and the ruling party will not leave any rock unturned to dismantle this organisation. There are somemany things going on that may probably be beyond the reach of some of us. But my condolences to the families of the victims too.
Even though I admire those who come out and apologise for something they do wrong, I don't agree with EZ on this one. I think this is not the time or the way to apologize for something EZ does not know or well prepared to do.
No one should tolerate a group or a violent act by a group that is directed toward innocent civilians. If, it may be, what ONLF did is attack civilians and kill 74 of them, chinese or Ethiopian Somalis, the organization and its acts should be condemned in no uncertain terms and that they should be told to desist from such savage behaviour. However,we don't know what exactly happened, the details, in this oil exploration area by the war zone. All we heard is that there was an attack by ONLF against an installation well protected by over a 100 soldiers. We don't know what and who are the casualities. Are they all civilians? Or are they mostly military men? Most of all, is it justified to attack such installations? These are questions we should be asking before jumping in to the bandwagon and drag and smear AFD. Leave AFD alone. This was done by a bona fide , military group under attack.
Your next move may then be to condemn all armed groups that are resisting Woyane's oppression.
I don't think that is what you want to do.
I guess those guys who live in Ethiopia infested by woyane propaganda. Newyork times said yestrday that 65 government die as result of fight. Today Xu Shuang, a manager for the oil group, said that Gunmen briefly took control of the field after a 50-minute fire fight with soldiers protecting it.
What AFD to do with such fight. Each Members party will fight TPLF by their way. What wrong with that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/world/africa/25ethiopia.html?ex=1335153600&en=59498cebb6e9aff1&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Dear EZ,
There are only few times I disgreed with you. But I must strictly disgree with your assessment of the AFD and one of its front members ONLF. In my openion the one who has to be blamed and the one who has to take full responsibility for this unfortunate lose of lives is EPRDF (or specifically TPLF). As far as I know there are few who took stands so far except you and some TPLF members. These front called ONLF has the right to follow any sort of ways to late others hear and respect it. They have continuously warned the Chinese workers to leave the area until a legal body is in place to make contract with. However, as you can learn from the response of the chinese government bodies they are determined to continue exploring and harnessing the untouched resources of the continent Africa, irrespective of the concern and safety of its people. China is using its vast Economy and human resources to make Africa the living hell of the inhabitants who are merely dependent on mother nature. No matter how many oil wells are drilled in this part of the continent no one will be benefited out of it except the illegal business share holders.
It is better to warn TPLF for its deeds.
Zerihun
I think we still don't have the details. The Chinese are saying there was a fight for about an hour and finally the ONLF was able to overrun the government soldiers. The Ethiopian governemnt's version is that there was no fight and all the people died are civilians. I think we must wait before jumping in to Tplf's bandwagon. If no Chinese didn't die, we wouldn't have heard the news at all. According to BBC, there was a whole lot of fight going on in the region in 2006 but we never heard about it. WHY? I think in order to be a news in Ethiopia, some foriegners must die. We need to have a lot of information before we conclude.
OUR CONDELENCE TO THE VICTIMS FAMILIS AND FRIENDS, AND MAY GOD REST THE SOUL OF THE RESTED.
-----------------------------------
I wish we revisit last summer's offer by AFD to the Ethiopian regime to come to the table for a discussion, which was DECLINED by PM Melese Zenawi (Source:posted on addisvoice.com last summer). AFD's initial tone sounded all rosy, and even a CUD rep's interview with a radio station had this person comment during the AFD meeting in EUROPE, roughly quoted, " Most of the team of the discussion in the AFD meeting is "HIZEB" and the Alliance's goal "Ethiopia.en Ghanet enadergatalegn". (The CUD member was present in the AFD meeting/The formation/May 2006/Europe
-----------------------------------
Is the famous remark of many Ethiopians that "the only language Woyane understands is the arms struggle and defense" taking place?.
Why would the regime totaly reject a discussion and how would it consider another possible offer as same as last year?. AFD is complex and controversial and can not be dismissed and or totaly trusted, but can not be under estimated. It had been discussed by the media, and all kinds of opposing and same forces to my knowledge, except between the regime and AFD.
I am an ardent supporter of CUDP. In fact, while working in one of the most prominent government office in Ethiopia, I was one of those persons who campaign decisively for KINIJIT behind the scene. The West fear Chinese involvement in Africa. That is why many medias all over the world give great coverage to the incident. Like the West, I do not like China. In fact, China is reaping what it has sowed. About 30 years ago, it was China who gave a military training to Esayas Afeworki and other 8 Eritrean Liberation Front top officers for one year in Beijing. But still, I do not support the attack carried out by ONLF. I do not support the press release, either, which has a secessionist tone. It is an attack on Ethiopia’s development; it is an attack on Ethiopia’s national interest. Ethio-Zagol should be applauded for its courageous position!!
The Washington Post casts some light on what happened and why in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. I really don't trust the original news wires from Ethiopia because they are manipulated by the government symphatizers like Tsegaye Tadesse.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/24/AR2007042400604.html
According to the Washington Post Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said "There were no troops in the camps, just workers. The attackers just went into the camps and committed a massacre."
The incident is the latest subplot in the broader story of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's various attempts to control -- at times brutally -- a variety of separatist groups inside Ethiopia and in neighboring Somalia.
Late last year, Ethiopian troops invaded Somalia to oust a growing Islamic movement and install a more friendly, U.S.-backed transitional government, a military intervention that has gone badly since, with Ethiopia now battling a clan-based insurgency on the streets of Mogadishu.
At least part of the invasion was intended to deny a potential base of operations for separatist groups such as the ONLF.
Following the invasion, Ethiopian troops arrested dozens of ethnic Ogadenis in Somalia and Kenya who are now among scores of detainees in secret prisons inside Ethiopia. And in recent weeks, Ethiopian security forces have cracked down in the Ogaden region, killing suspected ONLF leaders and arresting scores of suspected sympathizers, according to U.S. officials familiar with the situation.
Ethiopia, now a close U.S. ally, has a troubling human rights record including torture.
"This large-scale attack by the ONLF appears to be in response to the ongoing crackdown against the Ogadenis by Ethiopian security and Ethiopia's invasion of Somalia," said Ted Dagne, a specialist in African affairs with the Congressional Research Service in Washington. "In carrying out this attack, the ONLF is also sending a message that it is active and capable."
IT IS REALLY SAD THAT INNOCENT CIVILIANS MIGHT HAVE BEEN VICTIMS IN THIS INCIDENT. WE MUST DENOUNCE IF THERE WAS AN INTENTIONAL ATTACK ON CIVILIANS. HOWEVER, WE MUST ALSO DENOUNCE THE ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT'S BRUTAL ATTEMPT TO SUPPRESS THE PEOPLE IN OGADEN. THE GOVERNMENT MUST STOP KILLING AND ARRESTING PEOPLE. THERE MUST BE A PEACEFULL SOLUTION.
Ethio Zagol,
I really would like to appreciate you. It needs a big courage to openly admit mistakes. That is what we Ethiopians lack. As to your apology I totally agree with you.We don't need any more explanation about who were murdered in the scene. The ONLF already admitted the crime. Do we honestly think these guys are fighting for their right only? I don't think so. Their agenda is by any means to desruct Ethiopia from any development activities by being an instrument to our big enemy Shabia. After all for me any group who chose to side with our historical enemy(Shabia) is more enemy than Weyane
You never and ever be right! If the dead were civilians, that idiot Melese was the first to show the dead ones to an innocent guy like you on his own TV screen. I believe that most dead are Melese's 'Agazi" who slaughtered innocent Ethiopians last year. AFD is the best remedy for a butcher like Melese. Still you are wrong sir! Please wake up!
We need an Official Press Release from AFD in general, and CUDP in particular, about the incident!!!
I am yet to read any statement from AFD founding member parties, with regard to this dispicable act. The silence is defening. The longer it takes the easier it will be for EPDRF to brand the AFD party as a terorist organisation or a party harbering a terorist organisation!
Gebru from Awassa: I totally agree with the above anonymous.
Hi Zagol. I am one of your readers. I admire what you did. Is is really priceless. We owe you. But sometimes you jump into conclusions swiftly. Have patience. Does a war relationship between opposition and ruling party amount to terrorism? If there is terrorism in Ethiopia, it takes an organised quasi-goverment form. I remember a similar statement that came out from you about the distruction of Abebe Bekila and Mamo Woldie's .... which went unsubstantiated. A goodwill is difficult to build but takes a second to distroy. AFD is probably the major threat to the EPRDF and the ruling party will not leave any rock unturned to dismantle this organisation. There are somemany things going on that may probably be beyond the reach of some of us. But my condolences to the families of the victims too.
E.Z ,first, I like to thank you for every thing you ,and the rest of you are doing for the cause of Ethiopian.I am one of those who share your fundamental core values.I will differ with you at this issue.
Let me just say this ,no one in his/her right mind approves the killings of innocent civilians by any- government or group.As has been pointed out by some ,we dont have the clue who actually did this act.Therfore it is premature to jump to conclusions.Only, after the case is studied by independent fact finding study group ,then only I will take formal stand on this issue.The truth that we need to resonate in our mind now is this-the government is a total failure.This regime has no desire to democratise Ethiopia or to solve grievanc through round table discussion.That this is the method this clique has adapeted is evidenced by the fact that ,absolute power now rests in the hand of its chieftain.The whole power structure of civilian and military apartus is comanded by its party members.In other words, after the domestic poletical crisis the .T.P.L.F's method to settle public discontent is through violence.The idea that a minority government based from a remote corner of tigrie attempting to assert power over all the regions of Ethiopia need to be a use less proposition to all-in the 22'ND.CENTURY ETHIOPIA.As far I am concerned it will be wasting time to expect this government to do any thing for the people.Instead of being overly critical of the regime let us do what it needs to be done. That is let us keep the A.F.D informed then find a way to work with Shabia.After all,the majourity of Ethiopians have every right to decide about the vital issues of Ethiopia than the minority government of T.P.L.F.I have never thought that I will be in support of this idea that is mentioned above-it must have come as a result of being growen weary of watching this pathological liers spitting before me their constant stream of lies. Onther hand, the public grivance demands political solution-something this government is unwilling and in capable of doing.If this demands are left ignored the groups will make their statments about their cause.The kidnapings of the civilians few weks ago demonstrates just that;in comparision with what happens in Ogaden the hostages case was handled in dignity.Judge for your self,who in the right mind belived that this government instead of tackling its domestic political issues will declare un provocked war with somalia.Every Ethiopian sincerly belives that,what the somalians needed from this leaders could have been an assistance to be peace broker with all the partys.
We did not saw this first rate African deplomacy exercised by this regime.We need not to divert our attention ,now,from what we ought to do;our priority need to be strengthen the coalition of the opposition,then begin to seek some way to work with Shabia.We need to focuse on this issue more than any thing else.However,if the party that commited this kilings is known then we will demand accountiblity at that time:we can not be defenders of democracy and at the same time be suporters of terrorists acts-the two will not cohabit together.I think ,perhaps ,this is why E.Z was prompted to take this erly action. Let us keep the issue this issue alive.
Peace.
I like the last message,
work with Shabia to help us militarily to remove TPLF, we have all the political wings ready to work with AFD as the main political leader in Ethiopia. All we need is some help from the Eritreans to remove TPLF and bring order to the country.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/focusonafrica/meta/dps/2007/04/nb/070424_ethiopia_onlf_au_nb.ram
I disagree with EZ,
I agree with many of the people who are asking to be cautious, messages like #4, #6, #10, #12, and #16. All these people are not driven by emotion; they are condemning if innocent people are killed.
PERSONALLY, I DISAGREE WITH EZ'S RUSH TO BLAME AFD. AFD IS THE ONLY HOPE ETHIOPIANS HAVE TO REMOVE TPLF AND RESTORE ORDER WITHOUT HAVING TO BREAK UP THE COUNTRY. THEY HAVE NO CONTROL WHAT EACH MEMBER MILITARY WING IS DOING, THIS IS NOT LIKE YOU CALL AFAD HEAD QUARTER AND GET PERMISSION WHETHER OR NOT TO ATTCK TPLF MILITARY INSTALLATIONS.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HEAR HOW MANY INNOCENT CIVILIANS WERE HURT AND HOW MANY TPLF MILITARY PERSONNEL ARE KILLED AND CAPTURED. BASED ON THE INTERVIEW, I LEARNED THERE ARE SIX CHINESE WORKERS HELD FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY BY ONLF. THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN RELEASED, MANY OF THE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN GIVEN WARNING TO STOP OPERATING IN THE AREA, MANY OF THE LOCALS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THEIR HOMES IN ORDER TO MAKE THE CHINESE COMPANY OPERATE IN THE AREA THAT IS WRONG! WHAT TPLF IS DOING IN SOMALIA IS WRONG! IF THERE WAS MILITARY RESITANCE IN THE LOCATION DURING THE INCIDENT THEN I SAY THERE MUST HAVE BEEN TPLF MILITARY INSTALLATION AND THE ATTCK MAY BE JUSTIFIED. BBC HAS DONE THIS INTERVIEW WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ONLF, YUO LISTEN TO IT AND JUDGE IT FOR YOURSELVES.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/focusonafrica/meta/dps/2007/04/nb/070424_ethiopia_onlf_au_nb.ram
Ethio-Zagol,
Thank you for your honesty. From now on you are “Teflon man” and nothing should stick on you.
Thanks.
Dear Ethio Zagol,
Your contribution to the struggle is unmatched. Most of us consider you one of the world's greatest bloggers. I know the Information age is a pain to dictators in the world, and your share of contribution is probably driving TPLF CRAZY.
About AFD, I agree with your original comment about it when you broke the news when it was first formed. You wrote something like "a monumental alliance to be formed particularly with Kinijit and OLF". AFD is Meles' worst nightmare. It's the beginning step of forming the future Ethiopia. Kinijit's stand is to form an alliance (not coalition) with any orgnaization that has support in Ethiopia and discuss Post TPLF rulership. The problem that we are seeing is not with AFD itself but rather, the fact that no AFD work has been done (particularly on Kinijit's side: much of the blame goes to the shaleqa group). If AFD is doing its job, Meles knows it's the end of him as we know it; a united force to build Ethiopia. Kinijit has the majority of Ethiopians' support based on the principles it follows, but it can not get consumed in its own ego and say "I am the only one". AFD brings everyone to the table (even those who are not peaceful) and creates an environment that will protect its citizens in the post TPLF era and that will help the democratization process tremendously.
Let us not forget that Kinijit has always said we need to work with all, including TPLF; so, it should not surprise us it has formed alliance with ONLF. If Shaleqa and friends have not hurt the AFD work that should have been done, in my opinion, not only events like this one would have been prevented (if civilians are involved), but also Meles would have been forced to release the prisoners, and also either leave or negotiate.
So, EZ, I hope you come back to your original stand about AFD. The future of Ethiopia has to include all parties; otherwise we may end up we started from.
EZ.
Did you know how these people got killed? In the Middle of war, it is a common phenomena that civilians can get killed.
As to my information, many woyane soldiers have been died during this fighting and woyane and other mass medials are telling us that only Civilians have been died.
The act of the ONLF is identical to the heinous crime of Seung-Huo Cho in Virginia Tech. ONLF, ADF, and Shabia will not be free from such heinous crime. CUDP, as senior partner of ADF, should, before it is to late, denounce the act!!!
Dear EZ,
I agree with you totally. This abominable and despicable act should be condemned.
The policy put forward by CUD before the aborted May free election met my aspirations for my country and I supported whole heartedly. I was also hoping against hope the fact that the separatist movement association with CUD movement may tone down some of their policy and be part and parcel of the mainstream politics of the Ethiopia. Instead, it seems they prefer their adoptive father (Isayas Afeworki) destructive way and involved in such subhuman activities.
Who is benefiting from these now? When will it be that we agree to disagree without killing each other in such fashion? When will it be that the so called ‘liberation front’ all colour that creep up in our land stop slaughtering innocent people to score political points? The deceased are somebody’s father, son, uncle … imagine how it feels to lose someone close to you in such senseless way? Indeed this cowardice act should be condemned in the strongest word possible.
Rest in peace.
Ye Tobia Lij
how many Weyane soldiers died? 150 enemy soldiers died in the battle, and hand full Chiniese workers died because ammunition storage exploded. That is the fact as reported by people present during the military engament. All this will be forgotten soon, just like TPLF AGAZI SECURITY FORCES MURDERED Innocent Ethiopians during the protest. Lets not forget TPLF has killed innocent Ethiopians children for asking for accountability during the riged election.
Savage enjoyment from Ethiopian Review
Over all, the brave ONLF fighters should be congratulated for a job well done. ONLF and OLF might also want to consider carrying out similar operations on Al Amoudi's gold mines that are cash cows for the Woyanne terrorist regime. Need a reminder? Click here. Do it for Messeret Tadesse who was shot by Woyanne soldiers in the back. Do it for Shibire Desalegn who was gunned down by Woyanne gunmen. Do it for the countless other civilians who were brutally tortured and murdered by Woyanne thugs.]
Source: http://ethiopianreview.com/
What ONLF did is not for us to judge! But it was in the making; It has nothing to do with AFD. Please do not forget that TPLF/EPDRF is the the High Priest of Terrorism!!! The Brave will take the measure that he thinks is necessary; TPlF/EPDRF is reaping what it Saw.
hallo EZ
hmmm! i didn't expect that from you. what has AFD with it. diy you read the news correctly. even Meles don't say that yet. what kind of generalization! are you EZ who we know before ???????????????
One way, I was able to understand the positive impact of AFD is in Paltalk Current Affairs Room. There are many OLF supporters who have joined the room to discuss how to build Ethiopiachin. Many, many OLF supporters are now envisioning the fate of oromos being entertwined with the fate of their brother and sister Ethiopians who are members of other ethnic groups. I have also noticed Kinijit supporters being aware of the fact that Oromos and other ethnic groups' concerns are our concerns. Kinijit's vision has been engraved in the hearts of millions of Ethiopians. We have come to a time that the future Ethiopia needs to regard all Ethiopians as equals. When Obang Metho was testifying in Capitol Hill end of 2005 and faced the attendies and said, "you need to recognize me as a full Ethiopian like any of you. We have to unite, get the past behind us and move foreward to build a prosporous Ethiopia" was a long way we have come.
Kinijit has started a historic peaceful social consciousness movement and Ethiopia will never go back to its old ways. The new Ethiopia will have a modern thinking; will respect the rights of all Ethiopians.
Kinijit has a grand vision and its leaders are making the sacrifice to prove to us that democracy can only be achieved through peaceful means. At the same time, by bringing extreme organizations to the table, everyone's concerns, needs and vision are discussed. When you don't dismiss an extreme group and don't give it a chance to express itself and reason with it, try to convince it, etc on proper ways of democratization, it will turn more extreme. When a group is given a chance to make the next transition peaceful and it still follows its extreme ways, all other member organizations should condemn it; and based on alliance rules, may finally even dismiss it..
There is also the facftor of armed struggle. If AFD starts functioning, there's no doubt that Kinijit will have to play a major role in enlightening other organizations (especially those who support armed struggle) to release arms and join the democratic process when the time comes. Unless some type of dialogue starts from now, it'll be a chaos when some time in the future TPLf is gone. Those that have arms may decide to get a share of the pie through armed power and we know what that can mean (for more knowledge on this matter, I have found Dr Berhanu's book to be very useful).
Please, let us blame destructive people like Shaleqa Yosef and Engineer Moges for slowing down the kinijit movement and for the zero role kinijit played in AFD. As they are to blame so much for the peaceful struggle not to ignite in Ethiopia, they are also to blame for AFD not doing its job.
EZ, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU ARE DOING. You are a brave, courageous individual(s). While, we have seen destructive individuals who have hurt the struggle (Lidetu, Shaleqa, etc), we now now the best of the best are making the ultimate sacrifice and have proved to us they are true sons and daughters of Ethiopia. We are also lucky to have great people helping the struggle in the absence of the Mesfins's, Hailu's and Berhanu's (they have planted the seed of the kinijit spirit and nothing will stop it); to name a few: Andargachew Tsige, Berhane Mewa, Al Mariam, Obang Metho, Meron Ahadu, Lencho Bati, Aba Biya, Aklog Limeneh and many, many more. Thank you to those who are working day and night; who are FOCUSED on the ULTIMATE GOAL of a new Ethiopiachin; let us also be focused on the democratization of Ethiopia, on the peaceful struggle in Ethiopia, on helping the people in Ethiopia to be part of the building process (not to overthrow Meles, not to strengthen our support organization, not to shine personally, etc. Those goals are only a means to support the highest goals).
A day will come very soon when we'll all unite and start a process to move Ethiopiachin to place free of poverty, disease and oppression and go towards prosperity, freedom and democracy.
Again, please let's be clear on what the AFD is. If the AFD means everyone in the AFD agrees with what anyone in the AFD does, then we have a problem. But that's not the case. The AFD is and has only ever been, practically speaking, open channels of communication.
That being said, there is nothing wrong with Zagol's public condemnation of this attack. Certainly Kinijit leaders, if asked, would condemn this attack, and I hope all of us would.
However, we all know that the EPRDF responds to carrot AND stick, not only carrot. Such resistance against the EPRDF, even though we disapprove of its violence, only pressures EPRDF more, which is a good thing.
Most importantly, folks, we need to be able to communicate better. If Zagol jumps up to condemn this attack, don't assume he means it! Sometimes we have to say things we don't mean - this is basic stuff. And whether he means it or not, give him the benefit of the doubt. Tolerate such differences of opinion. Trust. We can't get anything done together unless we put trust ahead of suspicion.
Dear EZ,
You have the right to have your own opinion like any other Ethiopian about the incident in Ogaden. That is fine and good, but a great bloger like you should have to take a little time until the dust settles. That is to say until all the real facts about the incident is well established. I pesonally felt sorry for those who died during the battle. After all they are all our brothers and sisters. As to AFD we have to see seriously to the long term contribution of this relatively young organisation. infact It has faced all sorts of problems for the last one year because of some selfish individuals but still we can not underestimate its future contribution in Ethiopian politics. Most top leaders of AFD are with good intentions until now . We have to encourage and support them. It is quite difficult to exclude the ONLF, OLF, AND OTHER ORGANIZATION FROM THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF ETHIOPIAN POLITICS!! We need to listen to their questions honestly and try to bring them to the our common agenda i.e Ethiopia. We can not throw them to the Indian ocean . AFD should be supported by the Ethiopian people. Finally the only solution to our problem is to reach out all political groups what ever agenda they may have and try to talk!! WE NEED TO TAKE THE COURAGE TO TALK!!!Because we are living in the 21 century. I have a great hope that the ruling party will finally join the talk. Lets be positive. Peace to the people of Ethiopia.
I have been reading this blog for a while. I always had this sense that EZ is not what he claims to be. I know that he has an insider information may also be tied to one of the appendages of the TPLF. He is no different than any one of us who understand Ethiopian politics deeply. You are not going to change the poltical direction of those people who feel that they have been marginalized in the Ethiopian poltical setting. No one would ask your permission for any method that they use to counter the oppressive structure of the current and the previos governments. The Woyanes are running wild, because they got a friend in EZ. But Woyanes are isolated in Ethiopia more than ever and nothing is going to change that. There are more to come.
It is kind of tricky this post of yours , EZ!!
We are gratefull of your informative posts, but not neccessarily your quick individual stand, such as today.
I would rather know, if there was any display of pictures of the civilian victims(usually done to convince)or are you telling us the death of "our men in uniform"?
Sir/madam, there comes a time to save what is left of Ethiopia,that we the mainstreams, leave alone ONLF, have to fight our "our men in uniform"
Hi Ez,
Although I agree with your comments most of the time, to agree with this issue would make me naive. The action taken by ONLF is supported for many reasons; one of it is they have given ample time and warnings so that the blood-sucking Eritrean-proxy junta in addis is not benefiting from it, since the so called "Government" holding power in Addis has not the people mandate to govern. The other reason could be attributed to the fact that the Eritrean-proxy government in addis is committing war crimes by shelling civilians in somalia through the funds it got from "civilized nation" for the mere satisfaction of their interest. For others mentioning the word "Civilized", it is those "civilized nations" that stole the people's vote and it is better to not get biased.
Well come on board! better late than never
ez,
you must be drunk when you wrote this. how could you be taken in by bereket simon's propaganda? you are weak.
EZ IS A BENEDICT ARNOLD WISHY WASHY FOOL.
My Condolences to the Families of Victims of the Massacere in Ogaden as well as the senseless fights that are being instigated by Afewerki and Meles, whose devilish goal and aim is the destruction of Ethiopia .. And make no mistake the two people are coordinating their efforts, just as in the past...
1. During the Mengistu era, ALL so called ‘TRIBAL/ETHNIC LIBERATION FRONTS & Organizations’, including the ONLF and TPLF, were founded by Eritreans, I mean Afewerki ...
2. The present War in Somalia is being instigated and maintained by both Afewerki and Meles.
3. If Meles and Afewerki have their way the ONLF will end up fighting with the Somalis for Ogaden. Their prediction is that the ONLF will be weakened if its resources are being dispersed in fighting the tplf in the north and tfg/somalis from the southwest.
4. WESTERNERS ALWAYS SUPPORT(ed) THE DESTRUCTION OF ETHIOPIA SINCE ITS HISTORY ALWAYS SYMBOLIZE(d) THE PRIDE OF AFRICA AND THE BLACK PEOPLE...Make no mistake about this.. if you take a look at CIA's preference on who should take power in Ethiopia after the tplf, it's the ONLF. And that is just by the nature of its ethnics politics and its stand on supporting armed struggle... meaning it can buy more Armaments... more business.
4. What we need to teach westerners , by engaging in peaceful struggles for the Freedom of Ethiopia, is that we are tired of their destructive commodities such as arms. We should let them remember, ‘What goes around will come around and those who support the destruction of Ethiopia by supporting meles and the likes, including afewerki, need to pick up their Bibles and read what's written about Ethiopia…IT IS IMPOSSIBLE. PERIOD!
5. Those of us who support the CUD and OUR Leaders in Prison should continue fighting (without ceasing) the unelected regime in Ethiopia through economic and other peaceful means..
Truth Shall Always Prevail..
Read: Psalms 36 &37; Habakkuk 1-4
May God Bless Ethiopia and Ethiopian Lovers!
Hey Dear EZ,
I greately appreciate all your efforts in bridging the information gap between we people living in diaspora and back home. On your today's judgement, however, I duelly beg to differ from your swift conclusions. It sounded me a secretariate of Comm. Demsach Hailu writing it, for they are known for their unsubstantiated allegations.
First, the Chinese news sources, the direct information outlets, are saying that there was a fighting for an hour while Melese said Civilians were killed while a sleep. Having Melesse's nature that he is a pyschic liar in mind, I donow what prompted to accept his allegation. Do U think that Melese would hesitate to display the victims and try to convince those soft-minded and "yewah" Ethiopians like you the way it made with the 7 police officers alleged to have been killed in the 2005 demonstration? Second, assuming that your belief is acceptable, how on earth can you make a linkage between ONLF's Strategy and the AFD? I duelly recommend you to read the memorandum agreement so that you will understand that there has never been an acceptance of a member's political strategy through the formation of AFD, though, it is aimed that future efforts are geared towards that. Wrong deductions of your kind would definitelt hamper with this objective.
Third,well, we all Ethiopians do feel the paain of loosing our families or loved ones. But, what is TPLF's objective in making such an exploration? Do you think that TPLF, if it got such a resource, would ever dare to step down off its power, easily? Do you think it is gonna to the pocket of the ordinary people or the state treasury? Who is benefiting from Al.Amudi's gold mine? In light of this, why didn't you consider such victims as prices paid for the struggle against tyranny? Look, how many have died on the bullets since TPLF seized power. Does the number match this by any proportion?
Therefore, dear EZ, it is my belief that you will reconsider your judgement in this regard, and made an other statement, after carefully considering the issue.
Regards,
EZ needs to be educated on the nature of woyanne and how to remove such groups.
by the way who is the civlised worled?
those who invade iraqe and somallia?
Form the outset I would like to say that any lose human life is regrettable and deplorable.
I am amazed by what people have talked to this end about an AFD. I understand AFD is an alliance of parties not an umbrella organization hence:
It is a mere forum for discussion, thus no organization is a subordinate to other with in the alliance. It has never set for itself a goal to converge the method and objectives of the parties within, therefore no party were expected to stop its struggle or any related activities while being with in AFD. Besides if you take a close look, some in the alliance have a geometrically opposing outlook on how Ethiopia should be shaped.
I supported the idea of AFD because in a democratized Ethiopia no one will have the upper hand to decide the fate of the rest unless its rule is going to be based on fest. A dialogue started earlier, like under the auspices of AFD, could have been beneficiary to all, but alas as any other good idea, some politician of the old breed with baggage of personal and other grudge with each other freeze it right at the inceptions .
I personally believe that AFD was not given a chance to really materialize as it was envisaged at the inception, if it were by now; we would have been in different world at peace with each other may be even with EPRDF on board.
So it the in light of all these I was bit amused to see the EZ, my favorite blogger in the world, coming to a conclusion, that AFD or others within somehow have to do with what happened in Ogaden.
EZ,
Your position reflects one basic fact; that there are enlightened people whose ulterior motive is to dilute organized opposition to the Woyane regime at best or to weaken organized opposition at its worst. The TPLF rides high on this in decisive position of some so-called intellectuals while expressing its arrogance by openely inviting people to go to the bushes if they were to get back their freedom- speaking with two tongues. No one should expect freedom with out some kind of harsh action against occupiers. EZ is living in a dream world. You should know that the TPLF is riding high even as it persecutes the worst human rights records on ordinary Ethiopians- somalis, Oromos, Amharas...etc. Perspective is important ans as sa as it is if there were civilians affected as a result of military operations, many more civilians are killed through out the country by the Woyane regime. We know your concern is usually based on the information you have in Addis. But there are more atrocities going on through out the country and polticians are having trouble to hold down the public anger that is boiling underneath.
Please, keep off your insinuations.
invitinWe have witnessed for thethwart a revoltution against
Dear EZ,
I really want to extend my appreciation to you for what you are doing. I am a regular visitor of your website. I really appreciate that you are always ready to accept your mistakes when U think that U have done something wrong.
However, I do not agree on this one. Kinjit is always ready to sit down and have a dialogue with everyone who is an Ethiopian and who is concerned about the situation in Ethiopia. Kinjit is ready to even have discussion with EPRDF, not because EPRDF is a ruling part, but because they are Ethiopians.
If the situation in Ethiopia has to be solved, it is through a dialogue with everyone, every Ethiopian. Do U think that there is a great danger to Ethiopia than EPRDF? All the current situations are the result of EPRDF's/Melesse's ill doings.
So, If Kinjit is ready to negotiate with EPRDF, why not with ONLF?
Is it becasue these guys are working with Eritrea? I do not accept this, because EPRDF was more linked with the Eritreans thatn ONLF. Actually, had it not been for EPRDF. Eritrea would still have been part of Ethiopia.
Is it because ONLF killed some people? Let us not forget that EPRDF killed hundreds or thousands of innocent people.
So what makes Kinjit's position with respect to ONLF different from that of EPRDF?
Think about it.
God Bless U.
hi EZ first of all i admire your courage to admit that you made a mistek but in my opinion you haven't made no mistek when yoyu support afd the only mistek you make is now when you say sorry when ppl take their strggle one step further we all are sad for those who cought in b/n but that is the only way left to onlf and AFD SO IT IS WOYANNE WHO SHULD SAY SORRY NOT YOU.
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
TPLF MUST GO FOR THE REGION TO BE AT PEACE!
Mariam- what more proof do you need more than the organization's press release or would you like to hear it in Somalian language?! They have had interview on BBC and plainly said that they have done this and feel sorry for the Chinese but stressed that the Ethiopians deserve it. Any of those Ethiopians who died there could have been your brothers or sisters working as engineers to help their country develop.
EZ I admire you courage to say, "I was wrong". It takes wisdome to do that. Please continue to persue the truth zealously without black hatred as it only makes that a person more shallow than rational. God bless you.
Hey Dear EZ,
I greately appreciate all your efforts in bridging the information gap between we people living in diaspora and back home. On your today's judgement, however, I duelly beg to differ from your swift conclusions. It sounded me a secretariate of Comm. Demsach Hailu writing it, for they are known for their unsubstantiated allegations.
First, the Chinese news sources, the direct information outlets, are saying that there was a fighting for an hour while Melese said Civilians were killed while a sleep. Having Melesse's nature that he is a pyschic liar in mind, I donow what prompted to accept his allegation. Do U think that Melese would hesitate to display the victims and try to convince those soft-minded and "yewah" Ethiopians like you the way it made with the 7 police officers alleged to have been killed in the 2005 demonstration? Second, assuming that your belief is acceptable, how on earth can you make a linkage between ONLF's Strategy and the AFD? I duelly recommend you to read the memorandum agreement so that you will understand that there has never been an acceptance of a member's political strategy through the formation of AFD, though, it is aimed that future efforts are geared towards that. Wrong deductions of your kind would definitelt hamper with this objective.
Third,well, we all Ethiopians do feel the paain of loosing our families or loved ones. But, what is TPLF's objective in making such an exploration? Do you think that TPLF, if it got such a resource, would ever dare to step down off its power, easily? Do you think it is gonna to the pocket of the ordinary people or the state treasury? Who is benefiting from Al.Amudi's gold mine? In light of this, why didn't you consider such victims as prices paid for the struggle against tyranny? Look, how many have died on the bullets since TPLF seized power. Does the number match this by any proportion?
Therefore, dear EZ, it is my belief that you will reconsider your judgement in this regard, and made an other statement, after carefully considering the issue.
Regards,
Dear EZ,
I do not understand the logic to arrive at the conclusion you made. Is it not the case that when the AFD was formed each member of the Alliance said it will maintain its independence & continue with its chosen mode of struggle while collectively committing themselves to work together in areas of common interest? What has changed now? If you have solid evidence that the ONLF deliberately massacred civilians, share that evidence with us. In that case, the ONLF's act has to be denounced by all including by the AFD. We cannot agree on everything but continue with the excellent work!
Dear EZ, keep the good work. I want to use this opportunity to remind everyone, INJUTICE done to anyone is INJUTICE. As Ethiopians, we have to admit that the Ethiopian government is commiting the most outragous crime in Somalia. We have to be loud and show our support to the innocent people of Somalia. We have people like Ben of ETHIOPIAFIRST.COM who are drumming up hate against innocent people just because they are against EPRDF. My question is when did this guy (Ben) went wrong? wasn't he reporting fair and balanced reporting just as recently as last year? It sounds like he was promised some kind of post or money to completely shift his tone and support the government like he does. Unfortunately, his short sightedness like our leaders will eventually catch up to him as it will catch up to our leaders. My people, remember any thing you read on ETHIOPIAFIRST.COM is a misrepresentaion of the truth and done deliverately because of the benefit BEN is receiving from the government. Please Do not believe any of it.
shame.you are wrong this time.
The bloody incident proved that CUD was wrong to be duped by Eritrean agents to forge a front with the ONLF!
I have some reservations on the tone taken by EthiopiaFirst.Com on this issue. But nobody can deny that it is the most balanced Ethiopian website. It takes courage to do any kind of reporting/commentary. Ben is indeed courageous.
TPLF WORKING TO KILL ETHIOPIA AND FINALLY SEPARATE GREATER TIGRAY FROM ETHIOPIA. We have to stop them of using us right now. One TPLF supporter said, CUD cannot govern Ethiopia because they do not have their own military. TPLF military is getting paid from the Ethiopian people, how is it possible for it to be TPLF's military if their monthly salary is coming out of public funds?
PATRIOTIC ETHIOPIAN
Dear EZ
Keep the Good work.A balanced reporting and continue blogging , your sincere love for other human beings is expressed in your apology. I am sure you will win more minds and hearts with your apology and someone should tell ethiopianreview to follow your example(as he has made many blunders ). your are a paragon.
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