It is unfortunate that Dagmawi is not allowing readers to directly respond to his comments that he occasionally posts. 

Two points:

One: He seems to support the actions of foreign forces who try to smuggle ‘prominent human rights activists’ illegally through our porous borders.  He should seriously think the implications of his statements.  Illegal activities are punishable by law. And if civil disobedience is illegal then the ‘disobdients’ will face the legal system.

Two: Dagmawi should seriously think about his uncritical support for civil disobedience. As a concerned Ethiopian one should seriously consider the priorities of the country at this particular time.  Is one committed to pure western-style democracy in a country that does not fulfill all the preconditions for a fully democratic governance, or is one pragmatic enough to work through the system and support the country’s quest for quick development route while at the same time continuing the struggle for a more democratic state?  It seems to me that our intellectuals have completely forgotten the root causes of Ethiopian problem and fully engrossed with a utopian concept of democracy.

I expect a more sober and critical, and yet, responsible response from Dagmawi – a one time hero of mine, seriously.

At the same time I would caution the Ethiopian government to be more strategic in its handling of foreigners who engage themselves in illegal activities.  Authorities should have opted for a diplomatic channel in resolving this issue.  They should have been expelled following a diplomatic process that could have given a face saving opportunity for the European Commission.  EU is now outraged because its personnel have been caught red-handed.

Hailu Getachew