Top Ten Tips for the Defacto Kinjit Leaders

By Menker Hailu

Sep 30, 2007

Ethio-Zagol’s political advice for touring Kinjit leaders is indeed timely and vital, and something the leadership should take to heart and act upon. But I felt that there were some important points missing or at least not emphasized enough. So, I felt compelled to add my two cents on further DOs and DON’Ts. And, since this list is still far from exhaustive, I’d like to encourage others – not just Kinjit supporters but also those who want to see a viable alternative to the ruling party – to offer their unsolicited advice before the opposition party becomes an endangered specie. And I’d like to follow the Late Show’s “Top Ten List” style – without Letterman-like wit, unfortunately.

10. Do some serious soul-searching to see what went wrong on your side of the fence. Dr. Berhanu Nega would have supporters believe that there was nothing his party could have done differently to change the equation. But I imagine that, deep inside, even he didn’t believe what he was saying. The blame for a failure of such magnitude can’t simply be laid on another’s door.

9. The old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. But don’t kid yourselves that Kinjit is not broken, though the jury is still out on how serious the damage is. Is it repairable or beyond repair as some jurors have already reached their verdict? If the answer is the latter, then perhaps it’s wise to take the irreparable to the dumpster, and go shopping for something new. After all, as Shrek recognizes in my favorite kids’ movie, “Change is good, donkey!”

8. Choose a political strategy that is militant or one that is entirely peaceful. You just can’t have it both ways. And, as we all have learned, the former has proven to be a non-starter and certainly not in the best interest of anyone.

7. You should shun the politics of hate as hate begets hate. And the healing process for you, I think, would begin when there is an admission of guilt for overtly or covertly promoting a politics of hate and divisiveness that targeted a certain ethnic group.

6. Take the high road to be gracious at times. Can’t, for instance, at least one among you utter a kind word when it comes to the Ethiopian Shemagles (elders) who played a big role in your release from prison. (It’s indeed unfortunate that Dr. Berhanu chose to give all credit to the unsubstantiated “international pressure”, while brashly denying the obvious). I mean there comes a time when partisan politics gives way to common decency. And I guarantee you that such civility is appreciated by friends and foes alike.

5. Have the courage to give credit where credit is due, and yes even to your political nemesis, the EPRDF. In reference to the positive things that have happened, Dr. Berhanu said that the credit should go to the Ethiopian people. Who could deny this fact, as it’s obvious that without the people’s involvement nothing is possible. But the people of Ethiopia were as freedom loving and hardworking during the Dergue regime as they are now. It was the military leadership, however, that made it impossible for political and economic reforms to see the light of day. So, if for nothing else, give praise to the current government for its role in facilitating the change that we are all witnessing, and you are taking advantage of.

4. A stauch supporter of your party, who really felt let down by the diplomatic and donor communities’ actions in the 2005 election aftermath, bitterly complained to me, “Ferenj Guadegna Yelewm” (the West has no friends). But I reminded her that what we were talking about was not a community support group or “Edir” where you expect neighbors to be there for you during your darkest hour no matter what. And I asked her if she ever heard the term, “in politics, there are neither permanent friends nor permanent enemies, only permanent interests”.

So, it’s my hope that there is no any illusion left on your part that assumes that you’re the West’s favorite sons and daughters. As you have seen first hand, when push comes to shove and the balancing scale tilts to the other side, your presumed friends won’t come to your rescue.

3. Don’t be hypnotized by the “Diaspora” supporters (a.k.a. “unelected leaders”) that remind me of a Jerry Springer show audience who first welcome guests with applause. Shortly after, they start yelling at them, “fight, fight, fight!!!” or “take if off!!! … take it off!!!!” from the comfort of their seats. And the audience – which visibly is far from any physical harm or embarrassment – has the last laugh when the guests (at times some naive audience members, too) oblige to make fools of themselves by throwing punches and chairs at each other or exposing their beer bellies and pale bodies on national TV.

My point here is, the bouquet of flowers at airports; the “V” signs and the “go Kinjit go!” hoopla – not to mention the toasting of champagne glasses at parties and money thrown around during fundraising events – could be mesmerizing. But just beware that this doesn’t serve as an aphrodisiac for the inevitable “fight, fight!!” and “take it off!!” climax you’ll be subjected to.

2. Some members, supporters and concerned citizens have questioned your wisdom to leave your country during a historic event for North American and European mammon as soon as you began to breathe the fresh air of freedom. Others, including Ethio-Zagol, have tried to advise you to return to the people a.s.a.p. But I, in fact, would take this a bit further:

Unless you’re referring to the outdated EPRP manifesto and wish to pursue a guerrilla warfare strategy or intend to run strictly for City Council, you should be aware that political constituents are not to be found in Addis Ababa or a couple of other major cities only. You really have to go down to the grassroots level in all regions, districts, woredas and tabias to sell your alternative social and economic policies to the vast majority of people whose votes you should earn. Failing that, you’ll be losing the war even if you win the battle. And, what’s worse, you’ll have difficulty accepting defeat one more time, and you’ll see no any other choice than to cry fowl louder, which certainly is not helpful.

1. Please “DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE”.