The same report from Voice Of America indicated a tough stance from the government, vowing that they will not allow the protests of 2005 to occur again in 2010. Zenawi reportedly said that, “We will do everything in our power to have peace.” He has also vowed to not only stop any anti-government protests in the wake of the results, but also prevent any possible build-up of opposition support. What tactics do you think he intends to deploy?
We can only speculate what the Zenawi led government has planned for the next election. I will acknowledge that the Prime Minister is extremely crafty with words and has leveraged this skill to benefit his position in the world view. However, to say, “We will do everything in our power to have peace” is an extremely ominous indication considering his well documented past endeavours to keep the peace. Besides possible use of military force, it’s a safe bet to expect him to shut down the press completely and quell all avenues of dissent. My fear is that it could be much worse than it was in 2005. I’m not sold on the idea that everyone will go back into their houses if the government murders a bunch of unarmed civilians. It appears that the populace is deeply frustrated and they might go much further with the civil disobedience than they did in 2005. Either way, I sincerely hope no one gets hurt.
You have quoted Dr. Jedyani Frazer as to making remarks about the dangers of a free press at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia, and that in African countries, could lead to “ethnic cleansing”, such as what happened in Rwanda in 1994. What message do you think Dr. Frazer’s remarks send, and what justification did he use?
I was taken aback with Dr. Frazer’s comment. To specifically call out the so called “irresponsible press” without mentioning the dangers of media repression is a horrible proposition. Considering Dr. Frazer’s past influence on foreign policy in Africa it was a chilling comment. If the government in hand deems their press to be irresponsible, are we to base our foreign policy on their beliefs? Exactly who gets to decide the parameters of irresponsibility? And while Dr. Frazer did not specifically mention the role of the press in the Rwandan Genocide, most people know it is the 5000 pound elephant in the room. And therein lies the question- how do we balance the two?
My belief is that it is the right of the press to be free… We must base our foreign policy on the ideas we believe in ourselves, regardless of how uncomfortable it makes us feel. And when a particular government is proven to repress their media we should call them out and do nothing to lend them credence. It was the Ethiopian Ambassador to the U.S. himself, Samuel Assefa, who told me that the Ethiopian government must control the press, otherwise Ethiopians might commit ethnic genocide on themselves. All this is coming from a government that has instituted a policy of “Ethnic Federalism” which intentionally creates a divide between the many ethnic tribes within the country. This government has done little or nothing to foster a sense of national identity. It’s an old formula, control the press and divide everyone to decrease the threat of losing power. Comments like the one Dr. Frazer made simply send the wrong signal to the world.
What has U.S. President Barack Obama said regarding the Ethiopian leadership and what foreign policy initiative has he proposed? How can he be more effective in dealing with Meles Zenawi than his predecessor, George W. Bush?
To date, I haven’t heard much from the Obama Administration in regards to issues of democratic process in Africa. It’s obvious they are being very careful. In this respect I believe they are doing the right thing. However, many Africans as well as those in the diaspora appear to be holding their breath to see exactly where he will stand. I can safely say that many have high hopes. It’s a very difficult line for Obama to walk. News coming out of Somalia gets grimmer by the day and the Zenawi led government is the only one that appears to support our interests in the region.
In fact, the Ethiopian government makes this very clear to our elected officials. In my view, it is perhaps the biggest bargaining chip Zenawi can leverage. He knows that many U.S. Congressmen and Senators deplore his style of government but they are willing to deal as long as he represents our so called interests. He’s proven himself to be very skillful in keeping just within the parameters of acceptability in the U.S. As far as Obama is concerned he must make clear where his priorities lie. It was the Bush Administration that justified dealing with any despotic regime in the name of fighting the war on terror.
This policy has proven to be disastrous for the U.S. It makes no sense to support governments that use military force to control their people in the name of fighting terrorism. In fact, the whole idea is absolute insanity to me. This is a special time in U.S. history. We stand at a precipice. We are forced to decide who we are as a nation in the eyes of the world. So often we have preached the virtues of democracy and freedom to virtually everyone. And now more than ever we are understandably challenged on those core beliefs. It is my hope that the Obama Administration will understand and adapt our foreign policy with this in mind.
Do you believe that Birtukan Mideksa is Africa’s answer to the jailed leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi? Are there any similarities between the Burmese military regime and the Ethiopian leadership?
No doubt, jailed dissident leader Birtukan Mideksa is an aspiring figure. I notice many similarities between her and Aung San Suu Kyi. Besides both of them being women they possess the types of charismatic characteristics that would help them go far in national appeal. Both are smart and unwavering in their ambitions to see true democracy and freedom in their countries. In the case of Ethiopia, I think many Ethiopians have become disillusioned with the opposition in the past. From what I have been able to access there appears to be tremendous anger with the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP) opposition, the party Birtukan used to lead with Hailu Shawel.
Like anyone anywhere, Ethiopians need to believe in the strength of their leadership. Many felt let down and betrayed when the CUDP failed to stand their ground after their arrest in 2005. Many felt that they made deals selling out the cause of democracy and freedom simply to get out of jail. However, Birtukan was able to help form her own party, the Unity for Democracy and Justice Party and appeared to have a change of heart concerning the conditions of her release from prison. At this point she appears willing to stand her ground against Meles Zenawi and her popularity has dramatically risen as a result. Like Aung San Suu Kyi, her status could become legendary as long as she remains unwavering in her peaceful struggle for true democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Ethiopia. It will obviously be a long hard struggle but if she has the stomach for it she could be instrumental in leading her country to a better future.
While there are many similarities between the regimes in Ethiopia there are also many differences. The regime in Burma appears to be “straight out” dictatorial rule. They make no secret of their endeavours to ruthlessly quash dissent. They have shown time and again that they will send out their military to shoot unarmed civilians in the streets and make no apologies for doing it. However, it’s a bit more complicated in Ethiopia, as the government claims to have something called an “emerging” democracy and says it’s not perfect as it is evolving. In the mean time the end results are always the same.
When push comes to shove, the Zenawi-led government has shown to the world they will commit the same exact human rights crimes the regime in Burma has done. And while Ethiopia has labored very hard to create the perception of legitimacy they will use their military on their own people if they feel threatened to be removed by democratic process. In my opinion the only measure of democracy is whether you have it or whether you don’t. If you have no ability to change the government by virtue of free and fair elections then it doesn’t exist. This is the case in Ethiopia.
How organized and active is Washington DC’s Ethiopian community? What messages have they delivered and who has been at the forefront of such efforts?
From what I see, organization within the Ethiopian diaspora over opposition and election issues is sporadic at best. Certainly I have seen nothing on the level I witnessed a couple years ago in the fight for the Human Rights and Accountability Bill, HR 2003. True, the Ethiopian government has spent millions to stall the bill in the Senate but zealous petitioning from the Ethiopian diaspora has gone flat. I get the sense that many are just frustrated and tired of the fight.
I believe one of the biggest problems is their inability to nationalize the cause. They have a tendency to internalize the issues and keep it to themselves. It’s sad because their causes are ones most Americans can identify with. In my opinion it might work best for them if they phrase their cause as a universal human rights struggle rather than as an internal one. I think it would be most effective if they appealed directly to the American voters themselves the way the Cuban Americans have done.
In the past, the diaspora worked so hard to gain the assistance of people like Congressmen Chris Smith and Donald Payne and now the diaspora is almost never heard from. Nonetheless, I still have high hopes that they will eventually use their rights as U.S. citizens to bring deafening light to their cause, especially as the next Ethiopian election approaches in 2010.
What role has Ethiopia’s past played in shaping a future catastrophe? Do you believe that the persona of former dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam is still prominent in shaping the fear instilled by the Ethiopian leadership today?
This is a very good question. No doubt, many Ethiopians possess what I call “generational fear” which is the type of fear passed down and learned from family and others. For the latest generation of Ethiopians this is not a fear based on personal experience. During the period of the Red Terror thousands were brutally murdered in the streets and as a result an overpowering sense of fear has virtually become part of the culture. Who could blame them? If you knew how young men and women were systematically murdered, their bodies pinned with notes warning everyone to heed the Red Terror, you might better understand. It’s no wonder that the older generation warns their children to, “stay away from politics, it will get you killed”. The damage of cultural fear has stifled healthy interest in governmental participation.
Without a doubt, the Zenawi government has effectively capitalized on the culture of fear instilled by Mengistu Haile Mariam. I am aware that some Ethiopians might be offended by what I am saying but I am speaking from my heart. Recently I read that an opposition party was desperately struggling to get a permit to hold a peaceful rally in a public area known as Meskel Square. Of course the government denied the permit. I was dismayed because no one had the courage to stage the rally without the permit. The rally was planned to be peaceful with no malice intended against the government. While I absolutely do not condone violence, I do believe in peaceful protest. Martin Luther King routinely staged public demonstrations without permits. He knew people would get hurt but he also knew they would never be able to advance their movement if everyone stayed home because there was no permit.
In 1999, the BBC reported that the US Embassy in Harare admitted to assisting Mengistu in finding a safehaven where he was eventually offered sanctuary by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. Should Obama publicly acknowledge that this tactic was a mistake and has this contributed to the political unrest experienced by Ethiopia since?
While it might not bring total closure for Ethiopians the gesture would certainly go miles to break down the years of mistrust they have been feeling as a result of our misguided foreign policy. Besides the issue of the U.S’s involvement in Mengistu’s escape to Zimbabwe they should also be more transparent about their motives with the current regime. From my point of view, the U.S. has very little to lose by appealing to the Ethiopian people apart from the government.
As I said, many politicians in the U.S. are very uncomfortable with the Ethiopian government. Since the 2005 election massacres their credibility has never been the same. The U.S. absolutely needs to acknowledge the bravery of the thousands who struggle for true democracy and freedom in Ethiopia.
Following a trial that lasted 12 years, an Ethiopian court sentenced Mengistu to life imprisonment in absentia in March 2007 for his role in the genocide that took place during the 1970s. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch estimate that between half a million and 1.5 million people were killed during Mengistu’s reign, beginning in 1974 and ending in 1991.
Before receiving asylum in Zimbabwe, Mengistu is said to have pocketed an undisclosed figure following Israel’s purchase to evacuate 5,000 Falasha Jews at a cost of $300 million. In addition, he pocketed all proceeds following the sale of the Livestock Development Company for $10 million shortly before fleeing Ethiopia for Zimbabwe, where he is now a permanent resident. The Ethiopian people received no compensation.
The Zimbabwean Government has said that it would not force Mengistu to return to Ethiopia. A spokesman for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe said that the role Mengistu played in supplying arms and pilot training to the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in its war against white minority rule in the country formerly known as Rhodesia, helped resistance fighters achieve independence. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) accuse him of masterminding President Mugabe’s Operation Murambastvina (Clean Out The Trash), whereby government militiamen allegedly bulldozed the houses of between 700,000 to 1 million civilians in Harare, mainly MDC supporters. He is reportedly offered personal protection by Mugabe’s Presidential Guard battalion and owns multiple properties.
Email Chris Flaherty with your questions and comments about his documentary or this interview at: sandybeaglefilm@gmail.com.
David,
Thanks for this piece. It it people like Vicki Huddlestone who have been rooting for the minority regime in Ethiopia and misleading the American public. Here is a quote from Huddlestone’s op-ed in NY [Nov.15, 2007]
“Ethiopia has already freed opposition leaders, reformed parliamentary rules to give opposition parties greater legislative responsibility and approved a new media law that meets international standards. By singling out Ethiopia for public embarrassment, the bill puts Congress unwittingly on the side of Islamic jihadists and insurgents.
A far better approach would be to buttress Ethiopia against threats to its survival — by helping it resolve its border conflict and ensuring that it reopens negotiations with insurgents and traditional leaders and permits international investigation of reported military abuses (including allegations of rape and murder). Ethiopia has begun this process by allowing the United Nations and humanitarian aid agencies to assist civilians in the Ogaden. ”
I hope Obama Administration would recognize the disservice of such individuals early on and assign ones that are less ideological and able to think outside the box.
It’s time someone finally stood up aganist Ethiopia’s corrupt government. I hope his film sheds more light on the government’s corrupt cover-up in human rights abuses.
It is good that independent film makers such as Chris Flaherty are interested in Ethiopia’s past and present. However, his comments in the interview indicate that his source of information is one-sided and one dimensional. I do not question his motives or intentions for I do not have the basis to do so. However, it is always good to seek sources from both sides of any conflict. How can one expect to have a balanced view if he is advancing only one side of a story/history?
I am not a big fan of the current Ethiopian regime and I see many things that could be better handled. However, this talk about the government being similar to the dictators of Burma is not consistent with facts. The killings of post-election 2005 are not justifiable by any means and no matter who might have a role in instigating such a disaster, the government in power will always have to take responsibility since these people were killed by its men. But the situation in Ethiopia is a whole lot more complicated than appears to the uninformed observer. There are ethnic hatreds on both sides – especially those in the opposition that accuse the government about such things. You don’t have to believe me. Just browse the opposition blogs and forums for 15 minutes and you can see that such hatred is spewed openly and repeatedly. How can one accuse the government of ethnic hatred and vehemently practice it themselves? I dread to think about what these folks will do if they had power.
Ethnic federalism is not a crime. Several other democratic countries practice it and one may arguably say that it is not illogical to believe that this form of government actually made sense to keep the peace in Ethiopia after Mengistu’s regime. Let’s even say it is not good for Ethiopia. But who decides that? Have anyone ever asked Ethiopians from under-represented ethnic groups (that together constitute a significant block) who were always under the foot of the majority or are we only basing our opinion by the cries of those Ethiopians who happened to be from the ruling ethnic groups in Ethiopia’s recent past (during the reigns of Emperors Hailesellassie, Zewditu, and Menilik)? Ethiopia’s dilemma is partly this ethnic power struggle among the larger ethnic groups and outsiders that are misinformed or with ulterior agendas fuel such problems for the worse (unwittingly or otherwise). Partly it is a struggle for economic deliverance. Partly it is a misguided fantasy by “lost in translation” diaspora that are neither here nor there.
Those that accept and tolerate deplorable living conditions for Ethiopians (saying under the circumstance of the country it is acceptable) expect first-world democracy to magically appear in a country still struggling to feed its citizens.
It is sad that we never give time to fully understand situations in poor countries but prescribe “solutions” with potentially disastrous results.
A genuine opposition is always good to keep in check those in power. However, what Ethiopia needs even more are more doctors, more engineers, more teachers. No matter who is in power, such “heroes” can make a difference in the lives of Ethiopians and their contributions to their country (former country, fellow human beings) will be greater than the misguided advocacy on the streets of Washington, the halls of congress, or the pages of New York Times.
Instant opposition “leaders” are not what the country needs. Remember that most of the current regime’s leaders fought Mengistu for 17 years. That doesn’t by itself justify their ascent to power and staying in power. But they seem to have been more dedicated to their cause than most of the opposition. Just do a good research on most of the “opposition leaders” of the last election and see what they were doing just a couple of years before the election and now after the election and you will find out that many of them may have been in the election to ride the wave of popular discontent into their own power.
Ethiopians should be able to advance opposition politics without seeking a zero-sum political game. And Westerners should give Africans the respect they deserve and allow them to be respectful of each other. This prodding to demonize anyone with whom we do not agree is not helpful. We can have vigorous debates and even political confrontations but don’t expect us to fight to death every time we have political differences. Surely, that is not what you expect for your country and its politicians.
In every political showdown in the West, comments (just comments) of politicians that are deemed below the belt are categorically rejected by all (the press, the populous, and one’s own party members). Why do we then advocate and promote bitterness and vileness when it comes to the politics of developing countries? I am not even touching the fact that no foreigner will be allowed to “interfere” in anyway in the politics of a Western nation.
Michael, the last commenter, has delivered the classic government response. He starts by admitting that he is not sympathizer of the current government. He approves the writer’s [Ethiopian Descent into Tyranny] “good intentions” BUT goes on to criticize that it is one-sided. Foreigners, he suggests, are not capable of analyzing such a complex “internal” matters.
He fails to tell us that it does not take a rocket science to conclude a stolen election is wrong and unconstitutional no matter how look at it or that for an ethnic minority to remain in power for 18 years is no help in democracy building.
Michael admits that the 2005 elections were not fair nor was the killing of nearly 200 unarmed protestors. He does not, however, tell us why the government having been implicated by the result of an investigation had not taken any action yet! He rather deceptively puts the blame on all parties.
No matter how much he tried Michael miserably failed to hide his true color. Read this: I quote, “A genuine opposition is always good to keep in check those in power. However, what Ethiopia needs even more are more doctors, more engineers, more teachers. No matter who is in power…” [end quote]
He concludes by requesting that “foreigners” not “interfere” with his party’s politics [just as those “foreigners” would not allow interference from outsiders.] In other words, no one should talk about democracy and human rights as universal principles that need to be nurtured and guarded. Michael wants to build a world divorced from reality. Just read his comments to see how much he himself meddles in the politics of the West!
I agree with M. The comment Michael posted sounds like the same old tired lines coming from the Ethiopian government. Michael makes the statement that the Opposition is always mired in tribal politics. I have been to Ethiopia a few times and am well read on the tribal history there. It just blows my mind how one particular tribe which represents less than 20% of the entire national population controls the base of government power. It’s no wonder many of the other tribes are frustrated. Flahertry got it right. Ethiopia despratley needs a sense of national identity to bring them together as ETHIOPIANS not Amharas, Tigryey’s, Oromo’s or anything else. Ethnic Federalism only keeps everyone apart much to the benefit of the ruling party. Like Burma, the Ethiopian government is revealing their fear of their own people. They are afraid of democracy because they know it would be the end of tribal rule as they know it. And as Flaherty said- they will kill their own people to stay in power just like Burma. Ruling by the gun is the same no matter how you slice it. With democracy it’s government for the people by the people- no bull. I dont think michael understands the concept.
http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/video-interview-with-eppf-fighters-2/
Michael, thank you for your wonderful comment. It was well said. There will always be individuals who have no clue about the reality of the things they write/say, but think they know ‘every thing’. Mr. David Calleja, certainly, is one of them. I’ll just hope he will one day wakes up and realize that he was out to lunch, when it comes to the true face of the current Ethiopian politics. For now, his heroes will continue to be the reactionary forces and the enemies of CHANGE in my beloved country, Ethiopia.
Gashaw, kindly quote Mr. Calleja where he indicated that he knows “every thing”. And if you feel Mr. Calleja is so “out to lunch”, kindly quote where he got any facts wrong or asked any questions based on mistaken assumptions, etc. Thanks very much.
For those that dont know Ethiopia has experienced a lot of bloodshed through the years. I think we are just tired of all the politics and the killing. My brother was killed in the Durgue. Mr. Flaherty seemed to be very perceptive about our past and how it relates to our future. I am afraid now because I dont know where we are headed. I want my own children to see an Ethiopia that is free but I dont know if that will ever happen. Very few seem willing to make the sacrafice. I dont believe the party in power represents the interest of my people. Gashaw and Michael on this page speak only for themselves not for the majority of Ethiopians. The majority would like to see them go.
Thank you to everybody who has responded so far. It is great to see that such an important issue can be discussed in an open and mature manner, and I sincerely mean that. One of the greatest freedoms that we all enjoy is to contribute freely without fear of violence or intimidation. That is one of the underpinnings of democracy.
Michael and gashaw, your points regarding are well-taken,and I thank you both for your respective contributions. I am interested to hear your views in further detail. If you are willing to share your version of the true situation, then please email me at: david_calleja@foreignpolicyjournal.com
I will write up an article based on your responses to a similar number of questions and answers and post it here too. Every version has two sides to the story, and I would like to hear yours.
David Calleja
I think that’s fair David.
I also suggest that Michael respond to M’s request for clarification.
Gashaw and Michael may be consulting with H.Q. In the meantime, I want to inquire why a wrong information [not an oversight] is posted in the Library of Congress page. http://memory.loc.gov/frd/cs/ettoc.html
Scroll down to
1. Ethnic Group and Language and Relgion: it is stated that “Amharic, formerly the official language” [the fact: Amharic was formerly the national language and now the Constitution says in Article 5:1. The official language of the Federal Government shall be Amharic]
2. “the Tigray, who speak Tigrinya and account perhaps 14 percent of Ethiopia’s people”. [the fact: population for Tigray is approx. 4.5 million of 80 million; you may check the 1994/2007 censuses report put out by the government.] What is interesting is that the 2006 updated document in pdf read Tigray population was “perhaps 10 percent” of Ethiopia’s population.
3. Check also the discrepancy in regard to religion. The 2007 census put out by the government states Christians are about 63% [Orthodox: 43.5%; Protestant: 18.6%] and Muslim: about 33.9%.
4. If you have the time and the stomach for it check also the disinformation put out through foreign consulates [China, Canada, UK, etc]
5. Check who is in charge of updating the country document at the Library of Congress and on what basis these figures are provided. Integrity of the Library is on the line.
6. Why the ethnic minority government in Ethiopia is succeeding in disinforming the public [especially the international community] is because no thinking person would suspect even for a moment that a sitting government could go to such lengths to engage in deceit; anothe reason is that hardly any foreigners understand the official language to compare documents.
Thank you Chris,
Journalists like you are voices for the oppressed. I was there close to Tikur Anbessa Hospital in front of the Swedish Embassy when you were surrounded by the Woyane (TPLF) security on that fateful dark day on June 2005. I saw you ran away with your camera to the Swedish Embassy and the Ambassador or someone form the embassy staff gave you the necessary protection. To my amazement you were taking photographs at the office of the Electoral Board when Kinijit (CUDP) and Hibret (UEDF) leaders were signing a memorandum of understanding with Woyane (TPLF) representative on the same day in the afternoon. God be with you. We Ethiopians at present could only say THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Tedla
Hey, Timb hula Telba binchacha beand mewkecha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Long live with Meles and EPRDF!!!!!!!!!!!
TPLF has truly disrespect for women. Why are they treating Birtukan so mean and rough even when they know that she is a peaceful person? Birtukan is simply such a brilliant, generous, and selfless to her people. TPLF proved itself that it can no longer lead Ethiopia; so the sooner they fall the better. TPLF has managed to successfully tune each ethnic group to become tribal minded and fight against each other and remain suspicious of one another. There is quite a cliché causing further disunity. Instead we need leaders like Birtukan Mideksa to take over power in the 2010 election.
Tazabi, you are so so right. Ethiopia needs leadership that is not paranoid about anyone who isn’t of the Tigray persuasion. While their dethroning of Mengistu Haile Mariam was essential and justified, years later they have degenerated into tribal protection of their power. Why is it that nearly all the top notch positions held within the ruling party are people of Tigray identity? I’m not afraid to call it the way it is. Anywhere else in the World this would be called blatant discrimination or even racism. And yes, I do understand the situation, regardless of how complex some would claim it to be. Comments like the one Timb posted here prove my point.
I don’t know why the article begins with the sentence “In May 2005, the ruling Ethiopian Revolutionary Patriot’s Democratic Front won elections” The murderous regime of Woyane did not in fact win the elections, they stole it. This has been openly acknowledged by the EU. The allegations were proven enough for the government to concede to a recount. Then, during the the recount Woyane, emboldened by US backing, stole more votes. These are the facts that need to be told. the opening sentence is misleading.
Also, when Flaherty says in the interview that Ethiopians are angry with CUD for making deals there was no deal. The imprisoned leaders were simply forced under duress to beg for pardon for their release. They signed a partial acceptance of blame for the killings conducted by Woyane. One of the four CUD leaders got scared of being in prison, succumbed and joined parliament to avoid prison. He is reviled for his actions. THat is all in a nutshell. Flaherty says “From what I have been able to access” there appears to be tremendous anger with the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party. What did FLaherty have to “access” that led him to this very wrong conclusio? How can people be angry with a faceless party, either they are angry with CUD leadership and that would include Birtukan Berhanu Shawil and Lidetu (a.k.a. khidetu meaning traitor) or there are those that still support all 4 of these leaders albeit dissappointed the leaders of the four parties that formed CUD. If Birtukan enjoys tremendous support it then follows that the other former leaders of CUD do to. In any case whatever Flaherty “accessed” has yeilded incorrect info. The truth is CUD, the princples it stood for remains a beloved covenant amongst Ethiopians, not to mention the glorious victory of CUD in the not so distant collective memory of the nation. Because of its Victory, the victory that the author of this article, and Flaherty continue to deny or ignore. It was the Ethiopian people in Ethiopa who achieved that victory and they will defeat Woyane again by any means necessary with the Diaspora or without it.
Talking about genocide, you mention genocide in the 1970s and Mengistu Hailemariam but what about Meles and genocide today. I hope to God Flaherty’s film has included the heroic and sustained efforts of US Activist Obeng Metho who looks for justice regarding Ethiopians in Gambella who were exterminated, yes genocide, by Meles’s US trained and armed forces. I am amazed that the honoruable Obeng Metho is not metioned in this article or seen in the trailers for this film IS OBENG FEATURED IN MIGRATION OF BEAUTY, if not then i would conclude that there has been a migration of sanity when making this film.
Thanks Chris for document this for history.
If not today, tomorrow the Criminal meles zenawi and Mengistu face justice in Ethiopia or in International Court.
Really, this is not Ethiopian history stop being your own enemy.
Chris,
Thanks for leting out this movie to shine some light on the suffering of the ethiopian people. The documentary like this may bring some clue to the many western states who are blind folded by the lies and misrepresentation of the current ethiopian government. We can spend so much time agreeing or disagreeing on this documentary just because of our difrences in ethnicity , race, level of understanding of various culture, however, one that can deny the equality of being human being is total ignorance. Being an Ethiopian, i can say that, no gevernment, in the history of that Thanks for letting out this movie to shine some light on the suffering of the Ethiopian people. I am not suggesting that we should continue to treat each other like that. At least, when we have a government that rules its people by totalitarian and lead the country just based on ethnicity, we all should stand together and tell this is wrong. I hope we all come together to understand the suffering of the Ethiopian people and be able to lend some voice to the voiceless and spare some power to the powerless.
God bless
My apology for the above corrupted posting. Here it is the correct version of it.
Chris,
Thanks for letting out this movie to shine some light on the suffering of the Ethiopian people. The documentary like this may bring some clue to the many western states who are blind folded by the lies and misrepresentation of the current Ethiopian government. We can spend so much time agreeing or disagreeing on this documentary just because of our differences in ethnicity , race, level of understanding of various culture, however, one that can deny the equality of being human being is total ignorance. As an Ethiopian, i can say that, no government, in the history of that nation treated its people fairly other than its own ethnic group. Fortunately, Mengistu was the only dictator who did not discriminate power sharing based on just ethnicity. At least, when we have a government that rules its people by totalitarian and lead the country just based on ethnicity, we all should stand together and tell this is wrong. I hope we all come together to understand the suffering of the Ethiopian people and be able to lend some voice to the voiceless and spare some power to the powerless.
God bless
Michael above,
Please tell us what TPLF stands for that is ruling Ethiopia today. Isn’t it based on pro Tigray ethnicity agenda? What does LF stands for, Liberation Front agenda. This government that still fully believes in such is the root cause of the problem. The very belief is by itself Anti Ethiopia and pro Ethiopia. So, how do you expect who have no regard for Ethiopia but Tigray region only expect to rule Ethiopia in fair and balanced manner? TPLF from its inception is anti Ethiopian, there is absolutely no patriotism of Ethiopia. Meles has said Ethiopia’s flag is a piece of rag. Imagine a Western president saying that to the flag of his country, he will be in treason probably will be sentenced to death or imprisoned for the rest of his life. So, people of the West, such party and Meles are ruling our beloved Ethiopia. Michael today blames Ethiopians being pro ethnic. TPLF had 2 decade to inject such evil belief of ethnic rule to divide and rule the country. You might ask now they got what they want why don’t they go? Well, they realize that through such manipulation, they are really getting fat in every sector you can think of economically. It is a sweet deal and they can’t avoid that therefore will do anything to stay in power and loot. I guess Michael forgot to tell you about that either.
Thank you Chris and David. Keep telling the truth about Ethiopia to the world!
Correction:
“The very belief is by itself Anti Ethiopia and pro Ethiopia”
should be “The very belief is by itself Anti Ethiopia and *pro Tigray