Meles: From Surviving to Thriving              

Nowadays I am reading many articles related to the statement made by Prime Minister Melez Zenawi, " I personally had enough". Probably I am one oft the most critical Ethiopians of the Prime Minister, especially with the issue of Eritrea and the unquestionable interests and rights of Ethiopia over Eritrea.

My critism has never emanated from irrational and unjustifiable hatred to him, but based on the past, present, and future vital territorial, economic,and security of interest of the nation of about 80 million people. Everyone know Meles is an extra-ordinary person. He has committed his life for his cause. For that reason he spent year 17 years in the caves of Tigray living like rats, squirrels,.... which is a testament of his commitment. His life experience is far more than the biblical king, king David who spent 14 years on the run and in the caves while he had been pursued by Saul,... and including his own son, Absolam. Even once King Divad allied with the Phistines against his people in the process. He also killed many people which was recorded by God in his book of life as a result God refused to allow king David to build for him a temple because he shed many innocent blood.

Nonetheless, King David eventually came out the most wisest king ever known and begot even a wise son King Solomon. We know his excellency, our prime minister, has integrated bad things into his cause. By the time he integrated the doctrine that Eritrea must be an independent and Ethiopia must be landlocked, he has made a blunder. He could have achieved his cause without the help of EPLF and that mistake has been an impedment to his cause. 15 years is a long time. The biggest project takes 2 years to implement. Meles could have achieved much more progress in Ethiopia in 15 years. However, mainly because of the issue of Eritrea, he has been prefigured as an enemy of Ethiopia and he did not have support of the people of Ethiopia, Everyone has been trying to dethrone him.

However, Meles has fouled and survived all attempts against him. Yes, there is relative progress in Ethiopia than ever before. I personally admit all these achievements are only by Meles' personal effort as many have not been keen to work with him only because of his policy on the issue of Eritrea. Meles could have achieved far more than that if he could have worked with the people of Ethiopia and  listen to thier grievances, and win the hearts and mind of all the people.

By now Meles must be much more wiser than King David. Because he has struggled three more years than king David. Meles must able to reform himself now. He must correct his grievous mistakes of his past on the issue of Eritrea. He must withdraw his Recongtion of Eritrea as a nation; Eritrea must be declared as one of the federal states of Ethiopia. This will benefit people from both sides. We do not have to beg port transits from Sudan, Djibouit, Somalia, and Kenya while our ports are sitting idle and if we do, for how long?. It is unnatural and unacceptble to landlock about 80 million people because of the legacy of colonialism. I want to make it clear that this is not out of hate to Eritreans. I personally love Eritreans equally with Ethiopians. Otherwise, even if Meles leaves office by will, he will be leaving Ethiopia immersed in bloodshed with thier Eritrean compatriots.

In conclusion, Meles must correct his past mistakes by reforming his misdeeds and ways. Probably he need to apply his mind and wisdom to undo what has been done wrong. Then even if Meles wants to leave office by will, Ethiopians will not allow him to do so. Reason, he is a valuable asset with a long time practical experience if he corrects his mistakes of his past. Then he will sit back and let the people of Ethiopia work for him and for the country. He can even put shift Prime Ministers and become the tutor. Then he can propelled Ethiopia to the highest developemnt orbit from the same developement launching pad or platform he is using now.

Gezaee Hailemichael, Canada

12/23/06