EPRDF statement speaks of a new Renaissance: Pardon me, but I don’t see it yet!

Today, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defence Force (EPRDF) Council has left a statement on the State Television Ethiopian Broadcasting Company on their Facebook, it is really revealing, that they are trailing and trying to figure the next steps out, as the new chairman and new Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, will have to find away within the coalition structure and with the turmoil that is currently there. The EPRDF have ways to figure this out, the new PM Dr. Abyi can either work for the agenda of the Woyane, since has to trade their water, as well as not insult the wishes for more liberty and freedoms in the regions, where the state is currently battling them with a fresh State of Emergency.

What the EPRDF Council said to today, is revealing, I will take the piece that caught my eye: “The EPRDF Council has evaluated several factors that have not resulted in a timely adjustment of this problem, and its main reason is that the lack of public service in our organization is weakening and the tendency to use and control the power of personal power. Numerous mistakes have undergone the good start of the successful process as the whole of the changes that we have recorded over the past 27 years has been attributed to the strength of our corporate spirit and focus. Anti-democratic propensity has widened our constitutional limitations. With the desire of power, it is possible to create and to abate the interest groups. The persistent views of the leadership of the leadership and the stubbornness of the leadership have resulted in the loss of the organization and the survival of our country. Our institution has gradually expanded the old system of thinking that is led by thinking ability. As a result, the performance of our Growth and Transformation Plan has not reached the desired level of efficiency and efficiency. These problems, above all, are the weaknesses of the highest leadership, the council’s review has been verified, and the executive committee assumes responsibility for the problems and consequences of the collapse. The Council has decided that steps should be taken to ensure that the steps required to ensure accountability are properly and properly implemented” (A statement from the EPRDF Council, EBC Facebook, 30.03.2018).

This part of the message is striking for various of reasons, because it says more than they usually wants. But if I believe it is another matter. Because they have used the force, they have detained and have killed several, dozens and to many citizens to stay in power. They are at the same time proclaiming the people who asking for democracy and freedom, calling them anti-democratic. Not like the EPRDF is really democratic, neither the elections, that has been handpicked man and handpicked parties to run. So the men wished by the Central Government could be Members of Parliament, serve under the EPRDF and the TPLF. Not like Woyane has made progressions in this era. That isn’t a mistake, that is with clear efforts and with meaning to control it all. We know this, because even if opposition critics are drinking coffee in a garden together, they can be detained without any warrants or reason, other than the state are in fear of their voices.

I wonder, how accountable they will be or will review themselves, since they are the initiator and the ones doing the aggression. They are silencing or showing no mercy to dissidents, there is no return if they run to the streets or even start blockades, but if they don’t do that. The Central Government will not see them or care of their existence. Therefore, the only thing they can do, is stay home demonstrations, that even this government has banned with the directions from the Command Post Secretariat.

Hard to believe that the EPRDF will really change or pay amends to the regions of hurt, like Oromia or Amhara. I am saying that, because of what ESAT News reported today: “The twelve member inquiry board formed by the House of People’s Representatives was supposed to travel to Moyale, Southern Ethiopia, on March 25, 2018 and stay in the town for a week. Wazema Radio quoted a member of the inquiry group as saying that they were told by “higher ups” to scrapp their mission. The member of the inquiry board who wish to remain anonymous said they do not exactly know which specific authority has given the order” (Engidu Wolde – ‘Ethiopia: Parliamentary inquiry into Moyale atrocities suspended’ 30.03.2018, ESAT News). So, when the same state talking a fresh start and mistakes. They are not looking to violations and the state sanctioned kilings in Moyale, that led to a civilians fleeing from the area to Kenya. The ruling regime is clearly not taking responsibility for the killings of their own.

That is why, the statement on Facebook is hard to believe and read. That they will review, when they are even scrapping investigation into the killings of Moyale, the state sanctioned massacre. This sort of activity should have consequences, for the ones ordering it and the ones doing it. They shouldn’t walk around in Oromia with the guns, they are merciless killers of innocent citizens.

So with that in mind, it is hard to believe the EPRDF is planning to change it’s efforts. Even stop the State of Emergency, stop the harsh rules and regulations of the measure and also have dialogue with the groups affected by the decision made by Command Post and the EPRDF Council of Ministers.

There are many things, that needs change, but the state is not acting wise if they want to seriously grant the people more than empty hope and gestures. That is shown with the scraping of the misison to investigate in Moyale. We know now, the EPRDF don’t want to be transparent about their misgivings, they can violate the law and make activists into terrorists, but they cannot stand-up and offer change. Unless, the Prime Minister stands up to the Woyane and also the ones “high-up” who controls the affairs.

Since, this is not looking good and make you wonder, if the change of PM Abiy is just a game, the people are the pawns and the TPLF are awaiting their prize. Peace.

Joint Statement of Afar Liberation Front Party (ALFP) and Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) on current Political Situation of Ethiopia (28.03.2018)

 

The Tigray Peoples Liberation Front/ Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (TPLF/ EPRDF) regime of Ethiopia is in a futile attempt to breathe life in to its dying regime. The regime is trying to do everything possible to restore their supremacy destabilised by popular struggle for freedom and democracy. Under auspices of the state of emergency, the regime’s armed forces assassinate, kidnap and mistreat innocent civilians. In an aim to divert the attention of the peoples from the current crises in the country and deter them from continuing wide spread protests, the regime is trying to sow seeds of mistrust among century long lived brotherly nations. It is in our recent memory that the TPLF/ EPRDF has instigated conflict between Oromo and Ogaden Somalis that costed many lives and displaced a million from both sides. The TPLF/ EPRDF regime committed and will continue to commit such heinous crime against humanity on a regular basis. The Afar Liberation Front Party (ALFP) and Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) noted the recent attempt of the EPRDF force camouflaging itself in eastern and northeast border between Oromia and Afar regions in attacking peaceful civilians on both sides. This recent act of TPLF/EPRDF that was witnessed by local peoples is a direct replica of the drama which they were playing to instigate war among other nations and nationalities throughout the country.

Ethiopian regime has been doing every means possible to divide nations and nationalities in Ethiopia to weaken their liberation struggle for freedom, peace and democracy. To execute its diabolical objectives it is using all means to divide and rule. Both ALFP and OLF strongly condemn and vigorously fight all fiendish attempts that target the unity of both peoples. Both organizations reaffirm their commitment to fight any tendency that weakens both people’s unity.

Hence, the ALFP and OLF want to make the Afar, Oromo and other peoples of Ethiopia to be aware of the intended evil plan of TPLF/EPRDF regime. This dying regime is desperate that it cannot refrain itself from doing all kinds of crime to stay in power.

We ask the international community to a pressure upon TPLF/EPRDF regime instead of replicating conflicts to find all-inclusive solution that enable the empowerment of peoples.

Finally, we call the Afar, the Oromo and other peoples of Ethiopia to be vigilant and cooperate in solving peacefully any conflict that the TPLF/EPRDF instigates among them. We also call all political organisations to play a major role in making peoples aware of these anti-brotherly relations of TPLF and struggle in unison to remove this brutal regime from power.

Peace shall prevail!!

ALFP-OLF

28 March 2018

ODF Statement on the election of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Chairman of Ethiopia’s ruling party (28.03.2018)

Ethiopia: Dr. Abiy Ahmed have a long walk ahead!

A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it’s lowest ones”Nelson Mandela

On the 15th February 2018 on National Television, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned as Chairman of Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Defence Force (EPRDF) and also Prime Minister. This happen as sudden swift action, caught many by surprise. Since then the state has re-issued new restrictions and a new State of Emergency, where the state oppress the regions of Oromia and Amhara especially.

Therefore, now after 40 days and long meetings for the Council of Ministers, they have no been able to pick a candidate, the one who become the official chairman of the EPRDF to day is the leader of Oromo People Democratic Organization (OPDO) Dr. Abiy Ahmed. He was elected the chairman of the party, just this 23rd February 2018. So, the rise has gone quickly and seemingly smooth for the 41 year old politician.

Addis Standard reports: “Update: Dr. Abiy Ahmed secured 108 of the 180 and came out the clear winner. The current Deputy PM Demeke Mekonnen, chairman of the ANDM, will remain in his position as deputy Prime Minister” (Addis Standard, 27.03.2018). So we can expect that he stays as deputy in the time coming. So the coalition still has different parties between the various post.

Fana BC Reports: “Addis Ababa, March 27, 2018 (FBC) – The Council of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) today elected Dr Abiy Ahmed as Chairperson of the Front. Demeke Mekonnen was elected Deputy Chairperson of EPRDF. The Council concluded the meeting it has been conducting since March 20, 2018” (Fana Broadcasting Company – ‘Dr Abiy Ahmed elected Chairperson of EPRDF’, 27.03.2018). What they are saying they needed 7 days or a week to vote for the future Chairman and also Prime Minister. They also waited 33 days before starting to have the Council of Ministers to decide the matter. Therefore, you cannot say the EPDRF isn’t careful and thorough on the matter.

This is not a clean slate, but for some a fig of hope, though I am skeptic, since the EPRDF has been a Woyane and a Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) infused government, where their needs has come first. That is why the oppression, the arrests and the killings has happen on their fields and town. With the sieges and the skirmishes to stop people from protesting the state. Therefore, OPDO chairman and now chairman of EPRDF needs time, but also hope. Because, it is a tricky road ahead. As the Command Post and the army are going-in on the population. Not creating peace, but havoc.

Jawar Mohammed put its very nicely: “Congratulation Dr Abiy Ahmed. You have ascended to the helm of power at the most critical time in the country’s history. To save country from the current dangerous crisis immediate task ahead;

1) Start dialogue with opposition to pave roadmap towards democratic transition immediately

2) Lift the illegal state of emergency

3) Release all political prisoners

4) Reform the security sector to reflect diversity of the country

I wish you Good Luck!” (Jawar Mohammed, 27.03.2018).

This here, what Jawar is writing and wishing for the chairman to focus on reconciliation and not further oppression against the civilians. That is what the state is doing right now, with the detaining of writers, journalists, bloggers, activists and politicians. All political prisoners, as well as the wounded and the killings. That has been all done in the favors of the TPLF. The other parties have idly looked by and let it happen.

So thinks this might settle the score with the oppression and stops the protest. Because the EPRDF have picked a Oromo to be the Chairman. It is nice gesture and token of respect, but the means on the ground, the violations and the hurt is still there. The lack of tolerance and the lack of building bridges is the reason for the outcome these days. That the TPLF is eating and taken advantage, while the other groups are left to play second fiddle.

There has to substantial changes to stop the protests in the regions. The EPRDF has to show signs, like they did in the days ahead of the resignation of the previous Prime Minister. Now, there is nothing, except for his ethnic background. But that will not matter if Oromia are burning and people are fleeing the army, like they have done during the recent 40 days.

There is need for progress and change, swift change, since the government are stifling own citizens and their own voices. This was an internal change and we could see how the new chairman of the EPRDF has gone up the ranks, first in his first party after the resignation and now he has been voted in the coalition too. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, has a long road to walk. This will not be easy, he has many pieces to play and uncertain how he will handle it.

He could be a puppet to the TPLF like his predecessor or his own man. Time will tell, but the protest will not unsubscribe because of his ethnic background, they will stop when the state acts right. Not like now, when it acts wrong.

The trust between the Woyane and where the provinces where the protests are is lacking, but is because of the years of oppression and violence. The TPLF has to understand that, they cannot get away with it and the Oromo will continue to block trade-routes, block oil-transports from Djibouti and so on. To hurt the Central Government, therefore, the new leader need to have dialogue and not send guns to the provinces. There is a need for change of methods and change of ways to handle this. So that all parts can feel involved and take parts of the decisions. Not just one group on top.

Therefore, I fear that Dr. Abiy Ahmed might just be a new puppet. But I hope I am wrong. Peace.

UNSOM Renewal Statement by Ambassador Abukar Osman, Permanent Representative of Somalia to the UN in NY (27.03.2018)

Statement Issued by the Inter-Governmental Authority On Development (IGAD) on the Ongoing Political Tension in Somalia (26.03.2018)

Ethiopia: Desperation hits the TPLF as they are detaining more political prisoners again!

Just as the releases has appeared, today and yesterday the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front with their State of Emergency and Command Post. Has again started to arrest both opposition leaders and activists. In both Oromia and in Amhara.

Also, just days ago, the state arrested again Seyoum Teshome, since the journalist is such a man, that the state fares his written word. That it might infest the public with hope and not despair.

In Bahir Dir, the state has arrested 19 political activists, because they we’re planning to form a political party, that is illegal by the State of Emergency, because all political activity is suspended. Except for the Central Government, that has for days struggled to find the next Prime Minister, as the Council of Minsters hasn’t been able to find anyone suitable or one that can be a puppet Prime Minister for the TPLF government.

In Addis Ababa. Eskinder Nega, Zelalem Workagegnehu, Temesgen Desalegn, Befeqadu Hailu, Mahlet Fantahun, Andualem Aragie, Adisu Getaneh, Woynishet Molla, Yidnekachew Addis, Fekadu Mahtemework and Tefera Tesfaye.

The reason for this that is leaked for the arrests in Addis was this: “Update: Police undergoing investigation, accused Temesgen Desalegn of killing attempt on Police officers. Police also inquired Temesgen why they haven’t requested permission to have gathering: Temesgen in response, there is no need to do that for a private gathering” (Ethiopian Press, 25.03.2018).

These arrest is happening, while the EPRDF has planned to publish more motivational quotes online, just to build up the spirit of the people. While there are detaining the voices of the people. Its is a miss-match of what they want to accomplish. Since they are not building fruitful changes, but just oppressing the people even more. Just like they did in the past. They are not trying to move forward. More going backwards, with some motivational quotes online.

Just to prove how foolish the EPRDF is this days, the state broadcaster Fana stated this yesterday: “In yesterday’s session, it also discussed on ways to address these challenges and bring about better understanding among the parties. The Council also underscored the need to protect the federal system from any threat, the statement added” (FANA BC – ‘EPRDF Council continued its meeting with sense of unity: Office’ 24.03.2018).

So because of the threat they see, they are now re-arresting the activists, writers and opposition leaders. Because they cannot do anything else.

We know now the State of Emergency is really making the state insane, they are fearing people meeting up together. Just like they have put the aggressive rules, and we know that if it is in the provinces, it is dangerous to even crash on motorcycles like in Moyale. This state makes everything spiral into a crisis. Instead of fixing things, they are creating new wounds and new battles. Not talking, not finding solutions, but silencing and oppressing the people.

That is why there are people who are dissenting in Oromia and Amhara, they are tired of being muffled by this regime, the Woyane, who doesn’t listen, but only shoots or detains. Peace.

Fragile Somalia is now taken advantage of by its neighbors!

Just as the International Community, the United Nations and African Union Mission are holding a tight grip, while the Mogadishu political scene is in full squabble and in-fighting. The neighbors are setting their sights on more land, Somali land to take control over. Over the last 24 hours, there are reports that Ethiopia has taken control over Aato District of Bakool province, where the Ethiopian government has built a hospital and a Police Station. They have annexed it without any forewarning.

Just like that the Kenyan government has started to building a border wall at Beled-hawo Town, the Kenyans are extending their border and their land with the building of the wall. It is a trick to grab some more land away from Somalia. Just like Ethiopia just have built themselves as a state in Aato District. That is the province closest to the Ethiopian border. So, it is fitting, the same as the Kenyan.

This is happening as the Berbera Port deal between Somaliland, Ethiopia and DP World has gotten into issues, as the Mogadishu politicians are trying to stop it and also the connection with Ethiopia. Who has already had a Berbera Corridor, that has been a project since October 2014 and has involved both IGAD, World Bank and other international development banks. All to secure a transport hub between Addis Ababa and Berbera port. That is fitting that the added pressure and lack of transparency between the regional government and the central government in Mogadishu, gets into question. That led to issues between Speaker Mohamad Osman Jawari and Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire. Money talks and also adds guns.

That is why the whole play of the international community, while the Mogadishu government lacks control and oversight. While most of the family members of the cabinet are living abroad, while the leaders themselves, are eating for bad deals. And they don’t have the security or training to secure the borders. That is why Kenya and Ethiopia are taking charge on the porous borders, they are invading and annexing land. Because it has no consequence to the sovereignty of Somalia.

AMISOM, who has foreign soldiers on mandate cannot even keep Mogadishu totally safe, as the escalation of car-bombs and fatalities of civilians are a sign of troubles ahead. The President hasn’t attacked or asked for reasons for the neighbors annexation of land. Even if he cares or afraid of doing so. While the PM isn’t acting on it either. Even UN’s Micheal Keating hasn’t addressed it, he who loves to be the face of the Republic. Now he is gone missing on the map. Just like President Farmajo, who should fight for his borders and his state, instead he is busy elsewhere.

This is worrying, that the Kenyans can take this land, that Ethiopia does too. That them all are doing this, that the DP Deal with Ethiopia, while the secrecy of the Berbera Corridor deal is showing it was planned a long while ago, since Ethiopia is landlocked and wants more safe ports than only in Djibouti. That is the sign, it is the Ethiopian power-play, while Kenya just showing power to take more land in self-defense. Still, it is not right to do that to a sovereign.

I am not even Somali and I am worried about the porous borders, the lack of manpower, the Somali National Army and the Police Service, when the foreign states can just do this. You take a breadcrumb, another breadcrumb and next time slice of bread, with time you take the whole bread. That is how we are as people, state is not different from that. As a weak state, that is taken advantage by its neighbor. They know this, because the AMISOM and UN Mission is not training or trying to achieve a secure state. The ones in Central Government want to live on donor funds and rampant corruption, instead of building institutions and stronger army to secure the borders. Because if they do, then they cannot beg for aid. A pledge they can eat without doing any work for it. Peace.

Final Communique of the Nairobi Action Plan on Durable Solutions for Somali Refugees and Reintegration of Returnees in Somalia (22.03.2018)

Ethiopia: Wrongly blame Eritrea, its all self-destruction mode from the TPLF!

Reading in the recent hours that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) have started to blame the old adversary Eritrea. There has been skirmishes during the recent years, just like Eritrea has annexed land from Djibouti. Therefore, if it was true, it would be believable. However, I doubt that Eritrea is the reason behind the demonstrations and the protests in Oromia. That is lie from the Command Post Secretariat. They have to walk on water like Jesus before I believe that.

The TPLF and Aghazi squad is the one that is creating trouble on the Horn of Africa. The TPLF and the military forces in the provinces of Amhara and Oromia is the troublemaker. They don’t need forces from abroad to create chaos. They have done it perfectly well on their own. That is proven with the massacre in Moyale. Where total of 8500 approximately fled to Kenya. Therefore, it is not like the State of Emergency and the use of military force against civilians isn’t showing consequences across the border.

To blame this instance the Eritrean Government is a deception, as the matter in hand and the occupation troops are their own. They are the ones shooting, killing and detaining own citizens. Who is peacefully protesting, like the gasoline strike in Oromia this week. That has stopped convoys of petroleum to reach Ethiopia and the hurting of the economy that does. This is because their voice is not heard and if the security agents thinks something is happening. Like a motorcycle accident, it can turn into a massacre like in Moyale. We cannot have faith in this sort of government. Where they raid homes, throw tear-gas and kill kids who are parts protest. That has happen again and again. They don’t need outside sources for their troubles.

While Ethiopia is blaming Eritrea for the State of Emergency, they are the ones sanctioning and punishing their own public. They are using military seizure of towns, road-blocks and threats. They are limiting the voices and expressions. They are using all means to silence the ones speaking against the TPLF and EPRDF. They are pulling a blind eye on the ill-will of themselves. While not asking themselves, why these people are demonstrating in the first place. The greed for power is evident and has been for long.

They are blaming Eritrea, but they should be careful, because they are putting high stakes in Somaliland and you can wonder if they can pay the bills for their arrangements with Djibouti, with the railway and the possible pipeline. This will be proven if the Ethiopian government can carry that too. While the government might also pull strings into Somalia it cannot carry, as the relationship with Djibouti might become fragile. Therefore, the escalation of the protest and the demonstration might cost even more for TPLF.

The TPLF and EPRDF should be careful, but instead they are stirring the pot on the Horn of Africa. They are just missing to piss of Kiir and the Juba government. Saying something about Cattle Rustling from the border region. However, that has not happen, but wouldn’t be surprising. The acts of the EPRDF claiming this about the Eritrean. Is a way of washing their hands of dirt, instead of taking more responsibility for their actions against their own citizens, they claim a foreign power came in a created havoc.

The TPLF should look into itself and pound on the predicament it has put itself in. It is self-destructive, it will create a revolution that it cannot control. That because it didn’t reconcile, that was a decision it made and should regret, but the will to stay power by all means. Has been the way of this government. That is why so many political prisoners been detained, why so many innocent lives been taken by the soldiers and why so many people been hurt by the security agents. That should be shocking, but instead it is just another day in the TPLF era.

You can put blame, but that doesn’t make it real, you can make up stories, but that doesn’t make it true. It would better if you took the blame, used some of the courage of the decrees of shooting on your own population and carried the hurt on your own backs. Instead of deflecting and trying to spin it away. The only think it shows, is that your desperate for legitimacy and for making the ill actions righteous. Which isn’t a good move.

Time to step your game up, TPLF, take the courage, man-up and stand-up for the ills you have put onto others. Just because you want to be in power and rule the whole Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It is time, to swallow your pride and show some mercy, show some accountability and not just blaze the guns. You will just be further and further down the cliff of destruction and fuel a revolution in the provinces, which you cannot hold-on too. Because there isn’t enough of you, but more of them. It is simple math. Peace.