Bemused by Ethiopia First

People from the extreme opposition say “If only EPRDF got rid of Meles they would not have problem with the organization” Of course, this is stated not out of support for the ruling party but because the Prime Minster has outsmarted his enemies and brought EPRDF to victory that if he is out of the picture they think they would have a better chance of decimating the ruling party.

Ethiopia First states “As I said above if UEDP-Medhin can’t face its weakest link at this stage, I don’t think that their struggle will bear its fruits.” The interesting part is that Ethiopia First states “I’m not here disputing the facts.” and then talks about Ato Ledetu’s limitless power thirst.

 Now Ethiopia First has either to agree that the problem is as stated by the paper or the problem is the about “Ato Ledetu’s limitless power thirst”. If the problem is with Lidetu and his limitless power thirst then should they not point out exactly where this character flow has affected UEDP-Medhin than ask it leaders to accept professor Mesfin characterization ,who by the way would like to groom Birtukan whom he can twist and turn to his liking? What event would UEDP-Medhin would have done better in the fracas with the CUD had Lidetu not been leading the fight?

 But if Ethiopia first agrees with the facts stated on the paper then who better person has the party than Ledetu Ayalew? It’s like saying I know what the battle is about but don’t bring your best person who can fight the fight and bring you to victory. Now how ridicule is that?

The problem with UEDP-Medhin is the problem of any other party and is reflective of the society. We have yet to institutionalize political parties and see them as such. It is not that Lidetu is the weakest link but that Lidetu is their only strongest person as EPRDF has the Prime Minister. The problem of grooming a heir apparently becomes more pressing for UEDP-Medhin thank EPRDF because  it is the only party that has term - limits and EPRDF will have better success of getting acceptability of  a new leader because it has the state machinery and organizational strength

How Ethiopia First could get it wrong about the person who is leading a revolution on being an opposition in Ethiopia is bewildering. If one likes  what UEDP-Medhin stands for then logic has it that there should be more of Lidetus than wishing to get rid the only person who is the embodiment of what it means to be UEDP-Medhin and who has successfully saved his party form the cannibalism of the CUD.[Alula Nega 03/18/08]