May God help Birtukan from extreme Diaspora!!
After listening to the interview AUDIO of Birtukan Mideksa (http://aigaforum.com/audiovideo/BirtukanOnPeacefulStruggle_04272008.asx ) one can only pray that Birtukan does not become the next victim of the extreme Diaspora politicians who label any opposition that has logic as “woyane” or as “woyane puppet.” Today, listening to Birtukan accept the existence of democratic progress in Ethiopia must have been one of the biggest blows to the extreme Diaspora since the failure of HR 2003! Her acknowledgement of the big change from the Derg era to today showed her maturity. Meanwhile, her acknowledgement that the Judicial system has improved and the free press has grown –to the point that three of the private newspapers published their full condemnation of the recent local elections – indicated how much the democratic progress have become too obvious to ignore.
Only a few months ago, Birtukan and her party were blindly opposing EPRDF. Today, it seems like her party has changed, grown and matured. Her party was forced to accept the realities of progress under Meles Zenawi’s leadership. For this we say Congrats, but beware! Now that you have indicated about the democratic progress under EPRDF, you are an opposition candidate to be tagged the next "Woyane puppet!"
Even if Birtukan’s UDJ party makes up the majority of the previous Kinijit party, it does not mean the extreme Diaspora and their agents in Addis Ababa will not target her party and defame her. The extreme Diaspora did it against Beyene Petros and his UEDF opposition party. They did it against Lidetu Ayalew and his UEDP-Medhin opposition party. They did it against Ayele Chamiso and his splinter CUD group. I am afraid the next in line for defamation might be Birtukan Mideksa.
In general, we know her new political thought is similar to the policies of Lidetu Ayalew and his party who chose the so-called “ Third Way .” This Lidetu “ Third Way ” policy was about acknowledging progress by EPRDF and seeking to improve conditions in Ethiopia by building up on what is started, instead of tearing down everything. It was about appreciating EPRDF’s reforms and changes while condemning failures and bad governance as well as bringing alternative options on the table. Just like Birtukan said that full democracy can be achieved in Ethiopia with the transformation of opposition parties and our society as well as the ruling party, Lidetu Ayalew’s “ Third Way ” wanted to bring change from the grassroots by noting that all of us have a responsibility, an obligation.
Establishing ideal “democracy democratically” is the way to go. This means, the opposition parties have to behave democratically and show democratic conduct BEFORE they gain power, not just promise it or give an appointment for democracy. Dictator Hailu Shawel and Co has been giving an appointment to democracy inside his own party, just like Dictator Isayas has been giving an appointment to establish the Eritrean constitution the last 17 years. As the result, Dictator Hailu and co destroyed Kinijit internally and cut apart his party into 4 -5 pieces. Thankfully, Birtukan and her party have finally decided that there is no need for an appointment for democratic conduct and therefore development of democratic conduct starts now!
We hope that Birtukan builds up on what her party started and all of us should wish her good luck. In Ethiopia , the opposition needs to apply what I call the 3-D Policy slogan of “Developing Democracy Democratically.” Here, when we say the word “Developing,” that means the opposition should know that it takes time to achieve ideal democracy. When we say “Democracy,” it means the opposition should not compromise its core principles to appease the ruling party. And lastly when we say “Democratically,” it means the opposition members themselves should act democratically or show patience, honesty, peace, reason, transparency, love and tolerance BEFORE they become the next ruling party.
In general, it is great to witness when opposition parties mature and gradually develop. Meanwhile, it is important that the ruling party acknowledges the change among the opposition and it also repeatedly reforms itself. The ruling party needs to accommodate the democratic opposition for the sake of democratic progress in Ethiopia as well as to show the fruits of the “ Third Way. ” In the end, we all want what is best for Ethiopia and we must unite to bring change in our country. Today, our Ethiopia is already blessed naturally, culturally and spiritually. Can we say enough about Ethiopia's other great possessions? Ethiopia already has a proud military history being African longest independent nation, with endless show of triumph and that is why more than 15 countries in Africa & around the world have copied our national flag colors - the Green, Yellow and Red. Ethiopia also has some of the most amazing attractions: with religious and historical sites not imitated anywhere on Earth. And with archeological significance, no one can compare with Ethiopia. AU and Africa's capital? –yes, it is in Ethiopia! Some of the holiest Christian and Muslim locations in the world – Axum, Negash, Lalibela, Harar and others – yes, they are all in Ethiopia. The Holy Arc of the Covenant and the Origin of coffee? ...again in Ethiopia. Some of the most diverse wildlife? ...also found in Ethiopia. The most democratic ancient governing system of Gadaa, again only in Ethiopia. Fertile lands, natural resources and big population to become a future economic powerhouse in the world... Ethiopia has it all! The list of Ethiopia's greatness is endless but it is only AFTER we speed up our economic advancement and develop democratic institutions that our country will fulfill its destiny as one of the Greatest nations in our world. To do this, all political parties in Ethiopia need to work together by Developing democracy democratically.
Certainly, the recent show of transformation of Birtukan and her opposition party is a good news to Ethiopia and all Ethiopians. Sadly, it might be very bad news for those extremists (especially in the Diaspora) who want to portray Ethiopia as a country burning in flames 24 hours 7 days a week. But does it have to be bad news for them? Why can’t the extreme Diaspora find a change of mind as well? Some of the extreme Diaspora is blinded by bitterness from 17 years ago when Mengistu’s Derg lost. Some in the Diaspora has legitimate concerns or had bad experiences that make them think unreasonably and emotionally. Some of the extreme Diaspora is also infiltrated by Eritrean government agents and Isayas supporters disguised as Ethiopian oppositions. Some in the Diaspora is brainwashed by the propaganda that EPRDF is anti-Ethiopia. Also, some of the other extreme Diaspora simply hates Meles and all Tigrayans. In general, if anyone among the extreme wing of the Diaspora genuinely loves Ethiopia as well as wishes peace for others, there is absolutely NO reason why all in the Diaspora can not follow the path of Lidetu, Beyene, Bulcha, Ayele, Temesgen and Birtukan. But, if the extreme Diaspora can not follow the path of Lidetu or Birtukan, I can only pray that they spare Birtukan from defamation! God help Birtukan from being labeled the new “Woyane puppet.”
Gemeda Humnasa
04/28/08