Ethiopian Bloggers in Kangaroo (Monkey) Kourt

August 23, 2015

by Alemayehu G. Mariam

Kangaroo/monkey kourt (in)justice T-TPLF style

Last week, young Ethiopian bloggers collectively known as “Zone 9 Bloggers” (named after a cell block  holding political prisoners at  the infamous  Meles Zenawi Kality Prison, a few kilometers outside of the capital) returned to  the kangaroo/monkey  kourt system of the Thugtatorship of the Tigrean People’s Liberation Front (T-TPLF) for  the 33^rd time  since April 2014.

TPLF kangaroo (monkey) kourt system.

(Ethiopia is the ONLY country in the world where the police arrest and detain a criminal suspect and then go out looking for evidence of wrongdoing for months and even years!)

“Justice delayed is justice denied.”  Justice delayed 33 times is justice denied 33 times.

Justice delayed 33 times while the young bloggers are held in prolonged pretrial detention, denied bail, effective assistance of counsel, speedy trials and an impartial fact finder is a travesty of justice.

In anticipation of Barack Obama’s visit in July, the T-TPLF released two bloggers and 3 journalists.

Since 2006, I have been writing about the T-TPLF kangaroo (monkey) kourt system.

I wrote my first commentary in December 2006 entitled, “Keystone Cops, Prosecutors and Judges in a Police State.” That commentary examined the “trials” of the “Kality defendants” (opposition leaders) jailed by the late Meles Zenawi following the 2005 election.

In December 2007, I wrote “Monkey Trial in Kangaroo Kourt” examining the “trial” of Daniel Bekele (manager of ActionAid International in Ethiopia at the time), presently Executive Director of the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch, and Netsanet Demessie who founded and directed the Organization for Social Justice in Ethiopia. I compared their “trial” to the grim and chilling fictional story of Joseph K., in Franz Kafka’s “The Trial“.

I have written numerous commentaries on the T-TPLF’s Banana Republicand its monkey kourts for years.

In June 2014, I wrote a commentary entitled, “Who is afraid of the Ethiopian bloggers?, on the legal plight of the Zone 9 bloggers.

I use the metaphor of “kangaroo” and “monkey” kourt to describe the T-TPLF’s (in)justice system, not out of malice, but out of necessity for descriptive precision.

The phrase “kangaroo court” has nothing to do with the marsupial kangaroos of Australia.

The phrase is said to have originated in the American West in the 19^thcentury to describe bogus, sham and phony judicial proceedings run by self-proclaimed judges.

The phrase has often been defined as 1) “a mock court in which the principles of law and justice are disregarded or perverted”, 2) “a court which blatantly and intentionally disregards recognized standards of law or justice”, 3) a “court held by a legitimate judicial authority who intentionally disregards the court’s legal or ethical obligations”,  and 4) a court projecting the “appearance of a fair and just trial, even though the verdict has in reality already been decided before the trial has begun.”

The T-TPLF judicial system fits all of the foregoing definitions to a T.

The phrase has found its way into one of the most important landmark criminal constitutional cases in the U.S. legal history. In In Re Gault, the U.S. Supreme Court condemned a judicial process “where police take matters in their own hands, seize victims, beat and pound them until they confess. It is the right of the accused to be tried by a legally constituted court, not by a kangaroo court”.

That is the essence of the T-TPLF’s kangaroo courts. T-TPLF police thugs arrest suspects in political crimes on instruction of the T-TPLF political bosses, place them  in detention, beat the hell out of them and extract confessions, delay filing charges, deny them counsel and shuttle them to and fro before judicial hacks appointed by the T-TPLF, deny them speedy trials and force them to languish in vermin-ridden jails for months or years as hack judges grant endless continuances to “prosecutors” to gather (fabricate) evidence on the suspects.

Kangaroo courts on Planet T-TPLF become monkey kourts.

I use the apt phrase monkey kourt (with a “k”) system (yezinjero chilot) interchangeably with kangaroo court to describe the T-TPLF (in)justice system as a metaphorical equivalent for my Ethiopian readers. I also aim to underscore the dominance hierarchy of the T-TPLF monkey kourt legal system, accentuated by extreme agonistic behavior of T-TPLF leaders and members against their perceived opponents.

The “trial” of the Zone 9 bloggers is such a travesty of justice that all of the major international human rights organizations have condemned it.

Of course, being politically correct, none of them would dare call it kangaroo or monkey kourt system.

But a kangaroo/monkey court by any other name is still kangaroo/monkey kourt. In other words, a pig with lipstick and makeup is still a pig at the end of the day.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has described the T-TPLF kangaroo/monkey kourt system as a “political witch-hunt.” HRW protested to the T-TPLF: “Journalism is not a crime.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the prosecutions (persecutions) for “conflating terrorism with journalism.”

Freedom House said the case against the bloggers is based on “spurious charges” and urged donors to  “press the government to stop pursuing politically motivated charges against pro-democracy activists as the country prepares for elections in May.”

In January 2015, the U.S. State Department expressed its “concern” over the T-TPLF’s “decision to proceed with the trial of six bloggers and three independent journalists on charges under the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation.”

The Department declared, “The decision undermines a free and open media environment—critical elements for credible and democratic elections, which Ethiopia will hold in May 2015.”

In June 2015, the T-TPLF declared it had won the May election by 100 percent of the vote.

In July Barack Obama showed up in Ethiopia and chimed in, “The government of Ethiopia, that has been democratically elected.” (Was Obama trippin’ when he said that?)

The crime of blogging on Planet T-TPLF

The blogger defendants in the T-TPLF kangaroo/monkey kourt facing trumped up charges include: Befekadu Hailu Techanie,  Natneal Feleke Abera, Mahlet Fantahun Tefera, Atnaf Brehanie Ayalew, Zelalem Kibret Beza, Abel Wabella Sugebo, Asmamaw Hailegiorgis Gizaw, Edom Kassaye Gelan, Tesfalem Weldeyes Arage and (charged in absentia) Soliyana Shimeles Gebremariam.)

The defendants are alternatively “charged” in two counts under the Ethiopian “Criminal Code” [“Code”] and “Proclamation No. 652/2009” [“Proclamation”]  (“Anti-terrorism law”).

In count one, they are accused of being a “Principal Criminal” or attempted “Principal Criminal” in violation of  Article 32 (1 & 2) of the Code.

In count two, the defendants are charged with violation of Article 27 (1 & 2) (attempt to commit a crime),  38 (1) (criminal conspiracy) and 238 (1) (“Crimes Against the Constitution or the State”).

The charge alleges that all of the defendants have “signed” multipage “confessions statement (sic) which can be used as evidence”:   Befekadu Hailu Techanie (31 pages); Natneal Feleke Abera (27 pages);  Mahlet Fantahun Tefera (12 pages); Atnaf Brehanie Ayalew (16 pages); Zelalem Kibret Beza (16 pages); Abel Wabella Sugebo (12 pages); Asmamaw Hailegiorgis Gizaw (13 pages); Edom Kassaye Gelan (10 pages) and  Tesfalem Weldeyes Arage (13 pages).  (Charged in absentia is Soliyana Shimeles Gebremariam.)

The defendants were denied counsel when they allegedly “confessed”.

Befeqadu Hailu Techanie is accused of “establishing a domestic secret terror enterprise” by “sketching and allocating duties & responsibilities for the members.” To avoid “government” detection Befeqadu “  assisted, organized and took part in a training communication encryption tools called ‘Security in Box’” and “embraced the strategies and sought support of the terrorist organization called Ginbot7.”

The documentary evidence against Befeqadu include:  31 pages of “confessions” and information collected from his laptop and house including: “an article written for change seekers and patriots”, and documents entitled, “how legitimate is TPLF to Tigray”, “We will fight until we become 80 million”, “What would happen to dictators if we are united,” “Stop censorship online campaign,” “Had Wael Ghonim been an Ethiopian (an imaginary interview with Egyptian internet activist)- 18 pages”),   “Training manual for defenders  of civil  liberties,” “Do we have government or whose is government and what kind – 10 pages”, “Is there a judge who is not a member of EPRDF?”, “Telecom fraud law as a tool to stifle freedom of expression – 12 pages,” “Poll collected and online campaign plan – 3 pages” and “A hand written list of interviewees for a documentary film on state of freedom of expression in Ethiopia”.

Natnael Feleke Abera, alleged to be the mastermind of the terror group,  “established a domestic secret terror enterprise” and “coordinated all activities of the terror group.” Natnael in coordination with “Ginbot 7 organized, took part and facilitated various trainings to initiate the public to incite violence.”

The documentary evidence against Natnael include: 27 pages of confessions, “documents collected from his laptop and E-mail (downloaded)”; other documents entitled, “Had Weal Ghonim been an Ethiopian an imaginary interview written by Befekadu Hailu,” “Bread and freedom article written for stop censorship campaign”, “The price of censorship (article – 8 pages); “Ginbot 7 news letter criticizing the late Meles Zenawi – 4 pages;” “Receipt of money transfer from Construction & Business Bank”, “Email message exchange about internet security with Soliyana Shimeles with his passport – 26 pages”, “A poem written by Natnael about Ethiopia collected from his house – hand written 1 page”.

Mahlet Fantahun Tefera allegedly “became an operative in various covert networks” for “Ginbot 7 in order to accomplish the objectives of the terrorist group.”   She “lent a hand in organizing and participating in various trainings of violence and terror.”

The documentary evidence against Mahlet include: 12 pages of “confessions” and other “documents collected from her computer” including “articles found to be denigrating, incite violence (sic) and deny the economic development  – 2 page” and  “Political program of OLF printed from CD – 22 pages.”

CHARGES DROPPED AND RELEASED ON JULY 9, 2015.

 Atnaf Birahane Ayalew is accused of “intentionally and knowingly participated in the covert terror group.” He “participated in the training which focuses on how to provoke government security people and create tribal divisionism amongst them to incite violence and defend oneself using apparatuses such us face covering, helmets, explosives, stones.” (Emphasis added.)

The documentary evidence against Atnaf include: 16 pages of “confessions” and other “documents collected” entitled, “Freedom in Ethiopia – 34 pages,” “Training manual about internet security”, “Hand written security procedures of covering a rally – 61 pages,” “Manual of security procedures located in flash drive,” “Proposal for producing short films about freedom in rural Ethiopia – 7 pages,” “Domain name (korogo.com) intended to be purchased for the upcoming election -8 pages,” “The role of social media in the 2015th  Ethiopia election – 9 pages, “Training manual organized by civil rights defenders on how to circumvent censorship, “Encryption tools and changing passwords  – 129 pages,” “Invitation letters send to him to attend digital security training,” “Travel itinerary and tickets – 18 pages”.

Zelalem Kibret Beza is alleged to be “a founding member of the secret terror enterprise” and intentionally and knowingly created a link with of the terrorist organization called Ginbot 7.” He “organized, took part and facilitated various trainings both inside and outside of Ethiopia to initiate the public to incite violence.”

The documentary evidence against Zelalem include 16 pages of “confessions” and other “documents collected” from his  “external hard disk” including documents entitled, “Repression and human development article,” “Had Weal Ghonim been an Ethiopian an imaginary interview written by Befekadu Hailu,” “The price of censorship,” “From hijacking our vote to let our voice be heard,” “Proposal for producing short films about freedom in rural Ethiopia with his passport,” “Vision and legacy of Meles Zenawi – 4 pages,” “The dead parliament – 22 pages.”

CHARGES DROPPED AND RELEASED ON JULY 9, 2015.

Abel Wabela Sugebo is alleged to have been “a founding member of a domestic secret terror enterprise.” He  “organized, took part and facilitated various trainings both inside and outside the country to initiate the public to incite violence” in coordination with Ginbot 7.

The evidence against Abel include 12 pages of “confessions” and other “documents collected” from him including, “Digital security manual for human rights defenders  – 18 pages,” “Roles and responsibilities of the group located in his house – 26 pages,” “Domain name (korogo.com) intended to be purchased for the upcoming election – 8 pages”.

Asmamaw Hailegiorigis Gizaw  is alleged to have been “a founding member of the secret terror enterprise.” He   “intentionally and knowingly created a link with of the terrorist organization called Ginbot7.”

The documentary evidence against Asmamaw include 13 pages of “confessions” and other “documents collected” from him including, documents entitled “Justice and peace before food,” “Muslims should start participating in Ethiopian politics – 6 pages,” “Surveillance results of movements of all accused as recorded by Ethiopia’s Information Security Service – 31 pages,” “Letter written by Ethiopia’s Federal Information Security Service – 56 pages,” “Digital security for journalists”, “Ways of hijacking freedom of expression by Ethiopia’s government,” “Letter written by Dashen Bank – 31 pages,” “Passport copies of the accused are brought to support the allegation – 6 pages”.

CHARGES DROPPED AND RELEASED ON JULY 9, 2015.

Edom Kassaye Gelan is accused of “intentionally and knowingly participated in the terror group which has embraced the strategies of Ginbot 7.” She “ took part and facilitated various trainings both inside and outside of Ethiopia to initiate the public to incite violence.”

The evidence against Edom: None listed!

CHARGES DROPPED AND RELEASED ON JULY 9, 2015.

Tesfalem Weldeyes “intentionally and knowingly participated in the terror group which has embraced the strategies of Ginbot 7.” He  “took part and facilitated various trainings both inside and outside of Ethiopia to initiate the public to incite violence.”

The evidence against Tesfalem: None listed!

CHARGES DROPPED AND RELEASED ON JULY 9, 2015.

Physical evidence of terrorism

Physical evidence of the alleged terrorist crimes include: 2 Toshiba laptop, 3 Samsung mobile phone with two SIM cards, 1 Asus laptop, 1 Techno mobile with two SIM cards, 1 Samsung mobile phone, 2 Flash drives, 1 Touch screen mobile phone, 2 Security in a box books, 3 Nokia mobile phone, 1 Dell laptop, 1 Apple laptop, 1 HUAWE mobile phone with three SIM card, 12 video CDs.

Is a “confession” obtained by force and duress without the presence of counsel sufficient evidence of terrorism”?

Is possession of any or all of the following sufficient evidence to arrest and prosecute a suspect for committing “terrorism” or a terrorist act:

“an article written for change seekers and patriots”;
“[an article questioning] how legitimate is TPLF to Tigray”,
“[an article entitled] We will fight until we become 80 million”,
“[an article entitled] What would happen to dictators if we are united,”
“[an article entitled] Stop censorship online campaign,”
“[an article entitled] Had Wael Ghonim been an Ethiopian (an imaginary interview with Egyptian internet activist)- 18 pages”),
“A Training manual for defenders  of civil  liberties,”
“[an article entitled] Do we have government or whose is government and what kind – 10 pages”,
“[an article entitled] Is there a judge who is not a member of EPRDF?”,
“[an article entitled] Telecom fraud law as a tool to stifle freedom of expression – 12 pages,”
“a poll collected and online campaign plan – 3 pages”,
“A hand written list of interviewees for a documentary film on state of freedom of expression in Ethiopia”,
 “[an article entitled] Bread and freedom article written for stop censorship campaign”
“The price of censorship (article – 8 pages);
“A Ginbot 7 news letter criticizing the late Meles Zenawi – 4 pages;”
“Receipt of money transfer from Construction & Business Bank”,
“Email message exchange about internet security with Soliyana Shimeles with his passport – 26 pages,
“A poem written by Natnael about Ethiopia collected from his house – hand written 1 page”,
“Articles found to be denigrating, incite violence and deny the economic development  – 2 page”,
“[The] Political program of OLF printed from CD – 22 pages.”
“[an article entitled] Freedom in Ethiopia – 34 pages,”
“[A] Training manual about internet security”,
“[A] hand written security procedures of covering a rally – 61 pages,”
“[A] Manual of security procedures located in flash drive,”
“[A] Proposal for producing short films about freedom in rural Ethiopia – 7 pages,”
“[A] Domain name (korogo.com) intended to be purchased for the upcoming election -8 pages,”
“[an article entitled] The role of social media in the 2015th  Ethiopia election – 9 pages,
“[A] Training manual organized by civil rights defenders on how to circumvent censorship,
“Encryption tools and changing passwords  – 129 pages,”
“Invitation letters send to him to attend digital security training,”
“[A] Travel itinerary and tickets – 18 pages”,
“[an article entitled] Repression and human development,”
“[an article entitled] Had Weal Ghonim been an Ethiopian an imaginary interview written by Befekadu Hailu,”
“[an article entitled] The price of censorship,” “From hijacking our vote to let our voice be heard,”
“[A] Proposal for producing short films about freedom in rural Ethiopia with his passport,”
“[an article entitled] Vision and legacy of Meles Zenawi – 4 pages,”
“[an article entitled] The dead parliament – 22 pages.”
“[an article entitled] Digital security manual for human rights defenders  – 18 pages,”
“[an article entitled] Roles and responsibilities of the group located in his house – 26 pages,”
“[A] Domain name (korogo.com) intended to be purchased for the upcoming election – 8 pages”.
“[an article entitled] Justice and peace before food,”
“[an article entitled] Muslims should start participating in Ethiopian politics – 6 pages,”
“[an article entitled] Surveillance results of movements of all accused as recorded by Ethiopia’s Information Security Service – 31 pages,”
“[an article entitled] Letter written by Ethiopia’s Federal Information Security Service – 56 pages,”
“Digital security for journalists”, “Ways of hijacking freedom of expression by Ethiopia’s government,”
“[A] Letter written by Dashen Bank – 31 pages,”
“Passport copies of the accused are brought to support the allegation – 6 pages”.

Are the following items the preferred weapons of mass destruction in the arsenal of terrorists?

2 Toshiba laptop, 3 Samsung mobile phone with two SIM cards, 1 Asus laptop, 1 Techno mobile with two SIM cards, 1 Samsung mobile phone, 2 Flash drives, 1 Touch screen mobile phone, 2 Security in a box books, 3 Nokia mobile phone, 1 Dell laptop, 1 Apple laptop, 1 HUAWE mobile phone with three SIM card, 12 video CDs.

Are laptops the equivalent of AK-47s?

Are cell phones the equivalent of hand grenades?

Are flash drives the equivalent of flash grenades?

Are security-in-a-box books the equivalent of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)?

Are video CDs the equivalent of RPGs?

Are SIM cards the equivalent of ammunition?

The entire case against the Zone 9 Bloggers is manifestly based on the T-TPLF’s warped imagination that the bloggers are members and operatives of Ginbot 7, an opposition movement the T-TPLF has declared a “terrorist organization”.

There is not an iota of evidence the bloggers are members of any organization, let alone Ginbot 7. The T-TPLF wants to “convict” the bloggers on the basis of imaginary guilt by association.

The Zone 9 bloggers have committed no crime. Their crime is exercising their right free speech!

The Zone 9 bloggers are themselves victims of crime and T-TPLF terrorism.

If Planet T-TPLF were the legendary Planet of the Apes, the Zone 9 bloggers would have had an excellent chance of escape.

The defense shall never rest.

But I rest my case in kangaroo/monkey kourt on Planet T-TPLF!

Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam teaches political science at California State University, San Bernardino.

posted By Daneil Al,eyu xeleke

Breaking News: UK Foreign secretary warns Ethiopia over treatment of Andargachew Tsige

June 25, 2015

Philip Hammond warns Ethiopia over treatment of Briton on death row

by Owen Bowcott | The Guardian

Foreign secretary condemns detention of Andargachew Tsige in solitary confinement with no access to consular help or right to appeal

The treatment of a Briton on death row in Ethiopia is threatening to undermine the country’s relationship with the UK, the foreign secretary has warned.

Placards demand the immediate release of UK citizen Andargachew Tsige, also sometimes spelled Tsege, who was given a death sentence in his absence. Photograph: Alamy

In an unusually blunt statement, Philip Hammond has called for rapid progress in the case of Andargachew Tsige, who is being held in solitary confinement in an unknown location in Ethiopia.

The foreign secretary’s comments, released a year after Tsige was abducted while transiting through Yemen, is a clear sign of official disapproval of the approach taken by the regime in Addis Abbaba. The Foreign Office is escalating the case beyond confidential diplomatic exchanges.

On Wednesday, Hammond spoke to the Ethiopian foreign minister, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, about the case on the phone. His statement said: “I am deeply concerned that, a year after he was first detained, British national Andargachew Tsige remains in solitary confinement in Ethiopia without a legal process to challenge his detention.

Andy Tsige pictured with his family. Photograph: Yemi Hailemariam/Family

“I am also concerned for his welfare and disappointed that our repeated requests for regular consular access have not been granted, despite promises made.

“I spoke to foreign minister Tedros and made clear that Ethiopia’s failure to grant our repeated and basic requests is not acceptable. I informed Dr Tedros that the lack of progress risks undermining the UK’s much valued bilateral relationship with Ethiopia.

“I asked Dr Tedros once again to permit immediate regular consular access and for our concerns regarding Mr Tsige’s welfare to be addressed. I have also asked that the Ethiopian authorities facilitate a visit by Mr Tsige’s family. Foreign Office officials will continue to provide consular support both to Mr Tsige and to his family during this difficult time.”

Tsige’s partner, Yemi Hailemariam, also a British national, lives in London with their three children. She has spoken to him only once by phone since his abduction.

“He’s in prison but we have no idea where he is being held,” she told the Guardian last month. “He said he was okay, but I’m sure the call was being listened to. He had been in Dubai and was flying on to Eritrea when the plane stopped over in Yemen. He hadn’t even been through immigration. We think Yemeni security took him and handed him over to the Ethiopians.

Yemi Hailemariam outside the Foreign Commonwealth Office in April Photograph: Alamy

“They say there was an extradition agreement, but it was so quick there was no time for any semblance of a legal hearing. Yemen and Ethiopia had close relations then. The [Ethiopian] government have put him on television three times in heavily edited interviews, saying he was revealing secrets.

“He has been kept under artificial light 24 hours a day and no one [other than the UK ambassador] has had access to him.”

Tsige, 60 – known as Andy – had previously been secretary general of Ginbot 7, a political opposition party that called for democracy, free elections and civil rights. He first came to the UK in 1979.

The Ethiopian government has accused him of being a terrorist. In 2009, he was tried with others in his absence and sentenced to death. The latest reports suggest that his health is deteriorating.

His lawyer, Ben Cooper, of Doughty Street Chambers, said: “We welcome the Foreign Secretary condemning the illegality of Andy Tsige’s detention, confirming the fact of his solitary confinement and demanding consular visits. But we have a simple ask: please request Andy Tsige’s return home to his family in London. Mr Tsige was kidnapped by Ethiopia at an international airport and the only remedy for kidnap is release. Why has Mr Hammond not yet asked Ethiopia to release Andy so he can return home to England?”

Juan Méndez, the UN special rapporteur on torture, has written to the Ethiopian and UK governments saying he is investigating Tsige’s treatment.

Who is Andargachew Tsige?

Andargachew, or Andy, Tsige fled Addis Abbaba in the 1970s following threats against his life from the military regime, the Derg, which then controlled Ethiopia.

A student activist, he had attracted the attention of the authorities. His younger brother was killed by the security forces. Tsige escaped into the mountains to join opposition groups.

In 1979, after falling out with fellow rebels, he sought asylum in the UK. He studied at the University of Greenwich and obtained full UK citizenship.

Tsige returned to Ethiopia after the Derg was overthrown but moved back to the UK in the early 1990s where he became active in opposition politics.

In 2005, he returned to Addis Abbaba again. He took part in that year’s election and was briefly imprisoned. after being freed, he founded a new political movement, Ginbot 7, from his exile in London.

The organisation was alleged by the Ethiopian government to have launched a failed coup in 2009. Tsige was condemned to death in his absence.

In June 2014, he had flown to the Gulf to give lectures. An unexpected change to his return route saw him fly back via Yemen where he changed planes. At Sana’a airport, he was arrested by guards and put on a plane to Ethiopia on the grounds that there was an extradition agreement between the two countries.

Supporters say that had he been born white and in the UK, the Foreign Office would have taken a more forceful line in campaigning for his release from death row in east Africa.

His partner, Yemisrach Hailemariam, and their three children live in London. She has campaigned actively for his freedom.

In February a delegation of MPs, led by Jeremy Corbyn, his local member, was scheduled to visit Ethiopia in an attempt to secure his release. The trip was abandoned following a meeting with the Ethiopian ambassador.

postedby daneil zeleke

Ethiopians: It Would Be Shame On Us From Now On, Not Anybody Else

May 30, 2015

by T.Goshu

1. As an introduction

Let me from the out-set make clear that the very purpose of this comment of mine is to express my genuine concern about the question of how we are willing and able to deal with the shame on us and move forward from now on. When I say from now on, I am referring to this “election” which is of course the very outcome of a well- orchestrated dirty political game by the ruling elites of TPLF right after the 2005 election. When I say shame on us, I am referring to the political culture of trying to deal with and solve the political challenge that keeps going worse with doing the same old way of doing politics.

Sadly enough, after a quarter of a century and five not just fake but terribly tragic elections, we once again found ourselves not only in a political quagmire as such but also in a much more sharpened killing political machine of TPLF/EPRDF. Yes, the ethno-centric tyranny has once again unleashed not only its dirty political drama but also its killing machine and has declared its “great and historic victory of winning this fifth election.” And the “victorious” ruling elites are lecturing (better to say fooling) the people of Ethiopia and the international community that they have won hundred percent because the people have fallen in absolute love with them.

By the way, do we expect any sense of shame from this mere political gangster-ism? If our response to this question is with any grain of the benefit of the doubt, not to mention the grain of positivity, the shame is not on TPLF/EPRDF but it is definitely on us. It was by the late mastermind of evil-driven political agenda, Ato Meles Zenawi that the people were told that those who insisted raising their two fingers (the symbol of peace/love and unity) would get their fingers cut off. And he did cut off not just fingers but many innocent lives so that he could continue his monstrous political power until his very last gasp. Unfortunately enough, his highly cynical and evil-driven political agenda and practice could not be effectively challenged partly because of our terrible failure to come and act together by doing things differently (not politics as usual).

It is now the turn of Hailemariam Dessalegn who is simply a messenger of the deadly political mission of his late mentor, Ato Meles Zenawi. In other words, he is nothing, but a living body carrying the very evil – mind of his late mentor. It goes without saying that what he is doing is just make sure that his surviving political bosses (the inner circle of TPLF) are happy with his role as their speaking tool. We are watching him struggling hard to show how loyal he is to his bosses as far as not only how to make this election another historic event but also how to crack down those who may try to challenge the outcome. He has just paraphrased his late “great role model” and warned that if any opposition force (be it peaceful or otherwise) would try to challenge the ‘land slide victory’ of TPLF/EPRDF as well as its political power perpetuity, his ruling front is ready to cut off those fingers which may be raised for peace and unity, and those legs which may try to march for peace and democracy in the streets of Addis and other cities of the country. And that is exactly what we have witnessed before, during and after this highly idiotic but at the same time dangerous political game (election).

I hate to say but I have to say that we have to admit that we were not willing and able to come together and deliver something that could challenge and dismiss the very sheer political intimidation by the inner circle of TPLF/EPRDF. I am not saying this out of neither mere desperation nor pessimism. I am just trying to reflect how our political culture of making great rhetoric and huge noises without practically showing how to deal with the general crisis (political, socio-economic, cultural, moral and religious) we have gone through years after years and tragic elections after tragic elections is the main reason to find ourselves where we are now.

2. Here we are now

Now, we are where we are. Our country is once again in a political dilemma which is extremely difficult to comprehend, and to foresee the direction in which things could take. Frankly speaking, it is terribly painful to find ourselves where we are now after decrying all the horrible political situations we have gone through. I strongly believe that there is a need for us to honestly and courageously admit that it is shame on us because we terribly failed to come together and make relatively better political works, not to mention making a breakthrough after ten solid years (since2005). When I say we, I do mean we as citizens, as political groupings, as civic and community associations, and most critically as a people who claim to be proud of ourselves.

Let me try to make my points of view more specific and clear as follows:

A)I hate to say but I have to say that a political endeavor that is not designed, planned and being operational based on thorough and realistic understanding of the very nature/behavior and objective of an ethno-centric tyranny such as TPLF is not only unwise but it is also a political stupidity. Yes, let’s not feel shy of admitting that making inexcusable mistakes and practically failing over and over again cannot simply be described as simple as any political weakness, but also it is a political stupidity. I understand that it is unrealistic not to expect failure on the path of making our lives meaningful leave alone dealing with a political situation in a country like ours. Yes, dealing with politics in a society that never had a taste of real senses of democracy, justice, liberty and socio-economic fairness is expected to be characterized by serious ups and downs, if not huge sacrifices.

What makes our political struggle much more challenging especially since the coming of TPLF/EPRDF into power is the use of ethnic-based propaganda as the main instrument of staying in power. Unfortunately enough, we could not effectively make this evil-driven political instrument of the tyrannical ruling elites of TPLF unworkable. This was and is partly because of the very ugly political culture of “if not my way, let things fall apart.” I am referring to the very damaging politics of no-dialogue and no- compromise between those political groupings organized on ethnic line and those organized on multi-ethnic (national level). I do not think I need to go into detail discussion about how TPLF keeps manipulating and exploiting this ugly political culture by providing ethnic-based groupings with a fertile ground (incubator). Needless to say, our political efforts to bring about the desired change has suffered from this kind of identity crisis because of the absence of real senses of honesty, tolerance, selflessness, magnanimity and willingness to make a concerted effort aimed at achieving a common goal or destiny. It is when and only when the two political groupings honestly recognize that it is they themselves that can make their homeland (Ethiopia) either their heaven or a hell on this earth. There is first and foremost a need to truly recognize the concerns of all Ethiopian political actors regardless of the way they get organized, and then to amicably address issues that should be addressed. The problem is when one group categorically tries to present itself either as the guardian of national unity (Ethiopiawinet first), or as a victim of national unity (Ethiopiawinet). Believe or not, if we continue without rationally and wisely addressing this highly confused political identity (national or ethnic), it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to defeat the ruling elites whose political power source and instrument is an ethnic-based divide and rule. Whatever the methods of the struggle (non-armed or all-around) we may choose, we will never be successful until we amicably and patriotically address this ugly aspect of our political challenge.

B) Do those opposition parties and movements in Ethiopia which have not only tried their best but also paid great sacrifices deserve due admiration and respect? Unquestionably! Do they deserve the continuation of necessary encouragement and support so that they could keep playing their role in the process of the struggle for the realization of political freedom and socio-economic justice? I sincerely believe they do! But, I want to argue that all concerned opposition forces must genuinely go beyond making clumsy excuse for the serious mistakes they have made over and over again. They desperately need to make serious and relentless efforts to correct what went terribly wrong. Put simply, they desperately need to be willing and able to see the shame on them when they say “shame on you” to others.

If those political opposition groupings and parties are serious about the causes they stand for, they necessarily need to be seriously concerned about the gross violation of the rights of others who stand for the same just cause. What did other opposition forces do when for example UDJ and AEUP were destroyed and their registration licenses were handed down to those who intentionally or unintentionally became mere playing political toys of TPLF/EPRDF? Did they go beyond issuing press releases and giving highly rhetorical interviews? Was it not desirably possible to make a real sense of togetherness that could effectively challenge, if not stop the ruling elites from keep going with taking any political action as they wished? How and why those political opposition groups and parties couldn’t do something meaningfully and effectively different instead of being victims of the deadly political arm of the ruling party one after the other? To my understanding, it would be disingenuous not to admit that we are still victims of the political culture of making our positions nice-looking when others fall apart. And this essentially emanates from our personal ulterior motives (voracious ego), to say the least. Let it be clear that I am not accusing of one party doing harm to another as such. What I am trying to say is that if we do not seriously consider that a political attack on those who stand for the same just cause we stand for is an attack on ourselves or on democracy itself, we must not forget that we are always in line of the next political assault by the notorious and ruthless ruling circle. Needless to say, that was the way we have gone through for the last two decades.

Let’s seriously and frankly remind ourselves of what TPLF/EPRDF did during and right after the 2005 election and what happened since then. Let’s be honestly critical of ourselves on the question of whether we as individual citizens, as political or civic entities, and most importantly as a people have tried to do things differently in the real sense of doing politics. Let’s take a moment of genuine and critical in-ward looking about what kind of political capital we built in the face of an evil-driven political agenda and action of the ethno-centric ruling elites for the last two decades and five elections. And let’s be courageous enough to admit that we either naively or otherwise did not see a serious shame on us when we decried the shame on others (be it TPLF/EPRDF or those foreign powers which do not see anything else beyond their own interests).

C) Let’s honestly and rationally try to look at whether the decisions by Medrek and Semayawi to be parts of “this election” was based on the very realistic assessment of the political environment in the country. We heard those political opposition bodies arguing that their decisions were not based on that TPLF/EPRDF would do something different what it did for the last two decades, but to expose its undemocratic nature and behavior and by doing so to create more public awareness . I respectfully want to argue that as the very nature and behavior of the inner circle of the ruling party has become totally naked for the last many years and particularly since the 2005 election and its tragic consequences, I do not think the justification of exposing its political madness does sound this much convincing.

Well, I am aware that the argument about the pros and cons of boycotting the so-called election is not something to beg for a common understanding. But, I do not know how not to consider boycotting the election that did not only reflect the very elementary standards of elections but sadly enough went to the extent of being the scene of political persecution and even deadly could be soundly justifiable. I am well aware that there may be fellow Ethiopians who may take this comment of mine as something that undermines the efforts and sacrifices those genuinely concerned Ethiopians have made. As I mentioned earlier, that is not the case at all. It is rather because I sincerely believe that it is the right thing to respectfully be critical of the politics of opposition if we are talking about how to get out of the political vicious cycle we continue to experience. I wish I could be deadly wrong with this straight-forward comment of mine. But the political game we came across and we are witnessing at this moment in time does not show us contrary to what I am trying to reflect. Despite all the serious weaknesses of doing politics, I want to remain optimistic that we as individuals and political entities will be courageous enough to see the shame on us and deal with it accordingly.

I sincerely watched the press conference held by Semayawi on the process and the result of the so-called election. Though it is not clear what Semayawi would have done something different if TPLF/EPRDF was “generous enough to offer” some parliamentary seats, I found the position taken by the party (not to accept the outcome and continue its peaceful struggle) quite right and courageous.

As to Medrek, I watched Dr. Beyene and Dr. Merera saying they found the process and the result ridiculously meaningless and they will not accept it at all. But, given the deadly political determination by TPLF/EPRDF to stay in power, the idea of calling for forming an investigative committee sounds either mere political correctness (saying for sake of saying) or a very absurd assumption of getting few seats by negotiating through the would-be formed committee and doing the politics of good for nothing. I hope that Medrek’s politicians would not become victims of an endless shameful politics.

D) I want to argue that despite the fact that it is understandable that the political crime committed by the ruling party is mainly responsible for the situation where we are now, it would be wrong not to admit that the repeated and clumsy failures of opposition political parties, movements, coalitions, fronts, shengos, councils in the diaspora have huge contribution to the situation where we found ourselves. I hate to say but I have to say that failing over and over and over again for two decades with no any convincing reason is not simply wrong but also terribly stupid way of doing politics. Do not get wrong that what I am saying is that those of us who might have been parts of those terrible failures are stupid as persons. No, I am not naïve enough about the difference between having an opinion about persons as such and being critical of the ideas and views of persons. What I am trying to say in the context of my comment is that the way we did politics for the last many years was overshadowed by self-defeating behaviors and practices; and that was a political stupidity, to say the least.

Do we really believe that as citizens, concerned groupings, and as a people in general played political roles to meaningfully challenge the evil-driven political orchestration by the inner circle of TPLF/EPRDF? I want to argue that unless we want to deceive ourselves, we wouldn’t have a positive answer to this very hard self- evaluating question. I do not think it is necessary for me to say more about what went wrong from the first so-called election (1995) and especially after the 2005 /2009 elections as they are self-evidently clear. I respectfully argue that those political groupings in the diaspora more particularly those under an umbrella of Shengo, Transitional Council and the like desperately need to explain/justify the reason for not being role models of creating a united force of which they preach day-in and day -out. Let me be straight –forwardly clear that staying with kind of amorphous shape (groupings) in the name of “the right to organize in any way we like” does not make sense as far as the very political reality in our country is concerned. Simply put, at this very critical moment, the people of Ethiopia cannot afford to entertain the existence of multiple of political entities with more or less the same agenda and objective but with no meaningful concerted practical efforts. Needless to say, watching this kind of political attitude and game especially in a relatively civilized and free world we live in is terribly disappointing, to say the least. I do not think a political tradition that could not go beyond making rhetoric about the plight of the people, issuing statements after statements on events, holding conferences after conferences, simply calling for united action without showing by doing, asking others to take initiative for meaningful collaboration without taking our initiatives to the very doors of others, and the like is not doing politics in the real sense of the tem.

E) Let’s genuinely recollect how many protests and demonstrations especially we in the diaspora held at various government offices, international institutions and diplomatic missions; and decried the dirty political game they continued to play with TPLF/EPRDF regardless of the untold plight of the Ethiopian people. Let’s with no any clumsy excuse admit that we have terribly failed to see the shame on us when we decry the shame on others for the last several years. Let’s courageously and honestly admit that it is shame on most of well-educated Ethiopians in the diaspora by being victims of avoidance of politics while they know very well that the challenge we face is beyond politics as we know. How many new faces we see and new voices we here even at this very critical moment as far as the roles of educated compatriots / intellectuals in the diaspora is concerned? Almost none. And that is not simply shameful but extremely worrisome. How many ex- government officials, ex-diplomats and ex- military officers are there in the diaspora, particularly in North America and how many of them do show genuine sympathy to the people of Ethiopia leave alone doing anything they could do in practical terms?

F) Though I am well aware that there may be Ethiopians who may feel uncomfortable with, I want to say that our religious leaders, teachers /preachers cannot be immune from the failures we keep suffering from. I am not naive enough about their religious mission that should not directly meddle with struggling for political power. I think that is an ABC of religious principle and doctrine. But, I strongly argue that distancing ourselves from the situation in our country which is not just a question struggle for political power but most critically a matter of natural and human rights is terribly wrong and shameful. Mahatma Gandhi has to says, “ Men say I am a saint losing myself in politics. The fact is I am a politician trying my hardest to be a saint. My patriotism is subservient to my religion.” (Louis Fischer; Gandhi: His Life and Message for the World, 1954, 1982). To my understanding, a religious mission that is not practically relevant to peoples’ struggle to live with freedom, dignity, the right to choose what is good for them, the right to fight against those who try to take away their inalienable rights is characterized by a deep-rooted fallacy. This is because, I sincerely believe that the very essence of justice, freedom, dignity, peace and love were and the reasons which brought Jesus Christ to this world. I do not think God has sent Jesus to this world not just to preach us that we will be welcomed to heaven simply because we believe in His resurrection after His death. I strongly believe that it is when we lead and live by example in practical terms that we would be fortunate enough to enjoy our live on this planet and life after death. I hate to say but I have to say that most of our religious preachers/teachers do not seem as relevant and effective as they should be especially when people found themselves in a state of confusion and frustration. Are our religious leaders and other clergies simply keep telling us not showing us by being role models? I am afraid the answer is not encouraging unless we want to pretend, if not to deceive ourselves. As an ordinary follower of the E.O.C, I fairly try to attend Sundays services and teachings. I also try to listen to the preaching on various mass media. Most of them talk about Ethiopia as a country of great religions and a glorious history. That is true and great! However, falling short of practically showing how we get out of the very disgraceful situation we currently found ourselves in is a very disturbing trend. It is true that as human beings we Ethiopians have our own weaknesses as far as internalizing and practicing what the Great book teaches us is concerned. But, I do not think trying to assertively justify that the absence of political freedom, justice and decent way of life is due to the sin we continue to commit is convincing enough. This kind of teaching cannot go far if it is challenged with the question of to what extent we have done in practical terms and ask God to give us strength in our endeavors. I do not think we can answer this question unless we try to pretend to.

By the way, I want to recognize the efforts of our Muslim compatriots who have persistently and peacefully tried to advance their just cause. I am not saying all Muslim brothers and sisters of ours are equally doing what they believe is legitimate and right. There is no doubt that the majority of them have continued their efforts to the extent of making their cause part of the just cause of the general public. I strongly argue that there is a desperate need not to fall victims of divisive behaviors and practices of certain elements in both the two major religions of ours. Because our struggle for freedom and justice is ultimately for all, and that golden goal is unthinkable let alone feasible without creating a healthy environment in this regard.

To sum up, hereafter, if we are not courageous enough to see and admit that the way we have done politics for the last two decades and dealt with the five fake and tragic elections was terribly disappointing, and get ready to move forward accordingly, there is no any convincing reason for not going through the same if not the worst vicious cycle after five years. And I want to believe that in order to break this vicious cycle of dehumanization, there is a need to strengthen any support those opposition forces which are determined to pay necessary sacrifices for the realization the change we aspire and to build a democratic system. To this end, it is absolutely necessary for us to positively and constructively remind those opposition forces regardless of the method they might have chosen or may choose to work hard towards achieving the same goal (establishing a free and democratic system). I strongly believe that the very concerted efforts of those who engage in non-armed and those who have chosen all appropriate and necessary means are the only credible instruments to bring down the ethno-centric tyranny in our country and to create the system Ethiopians deserve.

posted by Daneile Zeleke

Aaargh! T-TPLF “Wins” Again!

Posted in Al Mariam's Commentaries By almariam On May 23, 2015

Congratulations are in order to the T-TPLF for winning a hard fought thuglection!

“Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason.”

But not in T-TPLF’s Ethiopia!

Poor Ethiopia is condemned to wear the Thugtatorship of the Tigrean People Liberation Front (T-TPLF) diaper for five more years, for a total of 25. That is a quarter of a century. Talk about a country with a super-duper streak of BAD LUCK.

Well!! First things first.  I should like to think myself a gentleman, a scholar, and an officer, of the court, that is. Even victors of rigged and phony elections deserve obligatory profession of homage.

Naturally, it is a matter of noblesse oblige for me. I should react with magnanimity and discreet charm in acknowledging T-TPLF’s crushing “election victory.”

Well!! Congraaaatulations T-TPLF! (Of course, I congratulated the T-TPLF last year for winning the election today. I have done it several times over the past few months.) Still, what must be said must be said.

Congratulations, T-TPLF for a flawlessly rigged election. Way to go T-TPLF for putting on an exquisitely whitewashed election.   Hip hip hooray for conducting the best thuglection anywhere in the second decade of the Century!

Kudos! T-TPLF. You have “won”. I mean your “thuglection”. Obviously, not the hearts and minds of the Ethiopian people. That you will never win. Just like you will never, never win their respect, admiration or gratitude. Not in a thousand years! Deal with it!

How did the T-TPLF manage to exact such a crushing “victory”?

That’s not exactly ancient Chinese secret.

Perhaps I will take that back. I am sure the Chinese have taught the T-TPLF a thing or two about hijacking (thug-jacking an election, another one of my new word contributions to the English language) an election.

In the 2007-08 National Peoples Congress election, the Communist Party of China won 100 percent of the 2,987 seats.

In 2010, the T-TPLF missed winning 100 percent of the 547 seats in “parliament” by 2 seats. The T-TPLF won 99.6 percent, missed it by a doggone measly four-tenths of one percent.

How did the T-TPLF do it in 2010, and again in 2015?

Here is the secret to T-TPLF’s thuglection winning streak:

The T-TPLF “won” by exchanging “votes” for cash. Straight up!

The T-TPLF traded “votes” for seeds, fertilizer and welfare payments.

The T-TPLF used US aid (also known as “hard earned American tax dollars”) to round up “votes”.

The T-TPLF used a racket called Protection of Basic Services (welfare payments) money to squeeze “votes”.

The T-TPLF bartered food for “votes” with starving people.

The T-TPLF bought “votes” under the table.

The T-TPLF bribed, intimidated and threatened to get “votes”.

The T-TPLF did a whole lot of wheeling and dealing to get “votes”.

The T-TPLF stole “votes” in broad daylight.

The T-TPLF stuffed ballots to show it got all the “votes”.

The T-TPLF got the dead to rise up just to vote.

The T-TPLF owned and managed the election commission that “monitored” the “votes”.

The T-TPLF assigned its goons at the polling stations to ensure the voters “voted” as they should vote.

The T-TPLF jailed, prosecuted and persecuted its opposition so they will not compete for “votes”.

The T-TPLF thug-terrorized “votes” out of people by pitting one ethnic group against another; one religious group against another. If you don’t vote for the T-TPLF, the “Amhara” will come back. If you don’t vote for the T-TPLF, the “Oromo” will throw you out of Oromia. If you don’t vote for the T-TPLF, the Christians… the Muslims… will… If you don’t vote for the T-TPLF, the sky will fall on your head.

The T-TPLF discounted the “votes”.

The T-TPLF counted more votes than there are voters (not including the dead voters that rose up just to vote.)

Above all else, the T-TPLF counted the “votes”. The T-TPLF counted the votes and decided that though all votes are created equal, some “votes” are more equal than others. The T-TPLF “votes” are more equal than all other votes! One T-TPLF votes equals to thousands of other votes.

So that is the little secret to the T-TPLF’s “free, fair and credible” thuglection winning streak.

Thugs (continue to) rule in Ethiopia!

The T-TPLF has ruled Ethiopia since 1991. Today T-TPLF-ites are dancing in the streets celebrating their crushing “electoral victory”.

They go on marching and chanting, “T-TPLF today! T-TPLF tomorrow! T-TPLF forever!”

Umm! That reminds me of George Wallace. He was the rabidly racist governor of Alabama in the 1960s. He was the one who declared, “Segregation now! Segregation tomorrow! Segregation forever!”

That analogy is not really that farfetched when you think about it. The T-TPLF’s “kililism” is nothing but a modernized version of apartheid “Bantustans”. The only difference is that in apartheid it is all about racial segregation. In “kililism” it all about ethnic segregation. Apartheid was used by the white minority government to divide and rule South Africa by racial segregation. “Kililism” is used by the T-TPLF to divide and rule Ethiopia by ethnic and linguistic segregation. The T-TPLF has practiced ethnic demonization and ethnic cleansing widely, especially against the “Amhara” and the people of Gambella.

The former T-TPLF defense minister a few years ago said, “Kaliti Prison speaks Oromiffa, and 99% of one of the camps housing hundreds of inmates at Kality Prison are Oromo. Many of the detainees don’t know their charges but have counted years as OLF suspects.” Even in prison the T-TPLF practices segregation.

Truth be told, the T-TPLF’s “kililism” is the real-life equivalent of “Jim Crowism” in the old American South. By law, they segregated everything by race. They even segregated drinking fountains. The T-TPLF segregates Ethiopians by their ethnicity and language. It is the law. They call it “nations, nationalities and peoples”. It is a clever scam to keep the people divided, confused and without a national identity.

The T-TPLF expects to keep its grip on power through “elections” today and tomorrow by keeping “kililism” alive. The T-TPLF holds “elections” every five years to rejuvenate “kililism”. There is no T-TPLF without kililism. There is no kililism without the T-TPLF. They are peas in a pod. Such is the deadly cancer that has metastasized in the Ethiopian body politics.

For the T-TPLF, elections are convenient gimmicks to buy time; to prolong their grip on power for one more day; one more week; one more month and one more year.

With the active support and encouragement of the fat cat donors and loaners, the T-TPLF runs election scams and con games.

For the T-TPLF,  “elections” are powerful weapons of mass deception.

For the T-TPLF, elections are also powerful weapons of political destruction. They use elections to decimate the press, the opposition, dissidents, civil society and human rights advocates.

A T-TPLF election is an elaborate illusion stage-managed to hoodwink and bamboozle the people. The loaners and donors are the all-too-willing stage hands. They pull all the strings and levers behind the scenes.

T-TPLF elections are as real as the Easter bunny and Santa Claus

Anyone who believes in the T-TPLF victory today (besides needing to get their heads examined) must also believe in the Easter bunny handing out colored eggs from a basket and Santa Claus flying in his sleigh delivering gifts on Christmas eve.

Is there any reasonable person who believes the T-TPLF won the election today fair and square? Is there anyone who is fooled by the thuglection victory of the T-TPLF ignoramuses?

To believe the people of Ethiopia today voted for T-TPLF representation for another five more years is to believe lambs voted for a cackle of hyenas or pack of wolves to protect them.

A T-TPLF election is like inviting starving people to a cookout. When they show up for the feast, they are handed glossy photos of mouth-watering dishes. They are allowed to look at the photos and salivate and drool all they want, but they will never get to taste the tasty morsels.

Today, May 24, 2015, Ethiopians went to the polling stations dreaming to feast on a banquet of democracy. All they got is a piece of indigestible pulp to drop in the ballot box. They went home with an empty stomach.

The great Bob Marley taught us something about men and women going home on an empty stomach. “Them belly full, but we hungry;/A hungry mob is a angry mob… /Cost of livin’ gets so high,/ Rich and poor they start to cry:/ Now the weak must get strong; /…/ Now the weak must get strong.

Talking about being hungry, Meles Zenawi once said the ultimate test of his accomplishments will be whether his regime is able to ensure Ethiopians had three meals a day. Only T-TPLF members and supporters get three meals a day. Everybody else gets an empty stomach. Today, the test is building the biggest damned dam in all of Africa.

People are starving, the T-TPLF is building dams. Damn, that’s just messed up!

Today, May 24, 2015, the people of Ethiopia are angry because their voice has been stolen in broad daylight. They are also hungry for democracy. There are millions of angry and hungry Ethiopians today sitting and chafing, biding their time.

So, no more crying for them. No more crying for the beloved country. Ethiopians weakened from division and confusion must now unite and get strong and stronger every day because the T-TPLF is getting weaker and weaker every day.

How the T-TPLF looks at its “victory”

The T-TPLF’s core belief is that Ethiopians, other than T-TPLF members and supporters, all ignorant and dumb cowards. That is just a fact. I did not make it up. It is their people who told me.

The T-TPLF’s core philosophy is, “those who are not for us are against us.” They have no regard for the benevolent maxim, “Those who are not against us are for us.”

The T-TPLF practices its belief and philosophy in their own fantasy echo chamber. “The people love us. They adore us. They want us and nobody else.”

In 2010, Meles Zenawi, the late demi-god of the T-TPLF, anticipating (assured of) his triumphant “victory” in which the T-TPLF “won” 99.6 percent of the seats in “parliament”, proclaimed how much love and support he and his gang enjoyed in the population. Meles said:

The preliminary results have shown that the great majority of our people have with great dignity reached a consensus as to who should lead the country in the next five years, in a spirit of freedom and peace…. With great humility, [we] offer our gratitude and appreciation to the voters who have given us their support freely and democratically. We also offer our thanks to the real backbone of our organization, the women of Ethiopia… and youth of Ethiopia for their unwavering support and enthusiasm!… We also thank… the vast majority of the residents of our cities and the farmers of our country who actually consider themselves and the [TPLF doing business as EPDRF] as two sides of a coin…

In a curious remark, Meles pledged to win every last vote of those who did not vote for his party in 2015:

We… understand that there are people who have not voted for us. I would like to state here in no unequivocal manner that we will respect the decision of those who did not vote for us…  I would like to confirm to those who did not vote for us that we will work hard to look into your reasons for not voting for us with the view to learning from them and correcting any shortcomings on our part.We will work day and night to obtain your support in the next election. (Emphasis added.)

Few knew “great majority” and “vast majority” meant 99.6 percent control of the seats. In the T-TPLF’s fantasy echo chamber, a 99.6 percent victory makes perfect sense because the people “love” them. Moammar Gadhafi said the same thing. “They love me. All my people with me, they love me. They will die to protect me, my people.” A few days later, the people showed him how much they loved him. It was not a pretty sight.

Why would the T-TPLF announce a 99.6 percent victory and expect to be believed? There are only two answers: 1) The T-TPLF believes the Ethiopian people are dumber than a box of rocks. 2) The T-TPLF is dumber than a box of rocks to believe the Ethiopian people believe its 99.6 percent “victory”. Take your pick.

By the way, Evelyn Sherman, the T-TPLF’s newest protector, guardian and champion, copped the attitude that Ethiopians are dumb from the T-TPLF. I just don’t understand how dumb must one be to say, “Ethiopia is a young democracy” poised to execute “a free, fair and credible election. Talking about dumb and dumber, somebody needs to tell Evelyn Sherman and her T-TPLF flunkies that the Ethiopian people are not as dumb as they look.

It is funny how Sherman thinks or doesn’t. She says “Ethiopia is a young democracy.” A young democracy being raised by an old and decrepit dictatorship? Do hyenas raise lambs? Do snakes give birth to doves? Can you make new wine by pouring old wine in a new bottle? I just don’t understand how some people think or don’t.

Of course, Sherman is not the only willfully ignorant high level American policy maker to feel free to insult our intelligence and injure our dignity.

Susan Rice, Obama’s National Security advisor did it in her eulogy of Meles Zenawi in 2012. She said, Meles “of course had little patience for fools, or idiots, as he liked to call them.” She was obviously proud to let the “fools and idiots” know how Meles felt about them. She did not say who they were exactly. It is not difficult to decipher who “they” are. It is well-known that Meles had great contempt for many of the very top leaders of the T-TPLF. He had even greater contempt for the Ethiopian people. Those who knew him closely can testify to that.

Meles once said his T-TPLF’s crushing victory was assured except in “pastoral areas” (among nomads?): “There is no village that I know of in the rural areas that did not vote for us.  Expect in the pastoral areas. We stand no chance in those areas. We are not even going to contest elections there. People there are completely ignorant and not interested. The opposition is completely ignorantso we had the whole field for us alone…” (Emphasis added.)

Imagine that! The High Priest of Ignoramuses calling “pastoral people” and the “opposition “ignorant”. Well, ignorant is as ignorant does, and says.

Anyway, the lesson Meles taught his T-TPLF disciples in 2010 for the 2015 “election” was simple and clear: “Work day and night” to get the support of “those who did not vote for us” in 2010.

Meles has nothing to worry about. In May 2015, the only thing the T-TPLF has to do is take a leisurely cakewalk to a 100 percent victory.

In 2010, only four-tenths (4/10) of one percent did not vote for the T-TPLF. They had shagged, snagged, tagged and bagged the 99.6 percent.

How difficult is it for the T-TPLF to win four-tenths of one percent of the vote in 2015?  As difficult as taking candy from a baby?

Post “Election” Analysis

For the past year (actually for the past 5 years), I have been predicting that the 2015 Ethiopian “election” will prove to be a sham, a travesty of democracy and a mockery and caricature of democratic elections. So, what’s the T-TPLF election song and dance all about?

Fact #1: The May 24, 2015 election has nothing to do with the Ethiopian people, democracy or good governance. 

Ethiopians and others interested in Ethiopian affairs should clearly understand that the May 24, 2015 elections is not about good governance or the welfare and well-being of the Ethiopian people. The “election” has everything to do with the interests and demands of the T-TPLF bankrollers including the U.S., the U.K., the EU, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

The 2015 election was ordered by the mighty donors and loaners! Everyone should know and accept this fact. The donors and loaners wrote the election script for the T-TPLF a long time ago and handed it to Meles, the Architect-in-Chief.  With the advice and consent of the loaners and donors, the T-TPLF installed a bumbling country bumpkin who gets tongue-tied trying to answer a simple question.

Were it up to the ignorant TPLF thugs, they would just as soon forget about election games and cling to power thug-style, by brute force.

But why would the donors and loaners order an election? For several reasons.

First, they can evade and avoid moral responsibility for supporting a thug regime that arbitrarily jails, tortures, and kills its citizens.  The Obama Administration would have a more difficult time to support the T-TPLF without an election ritual. Last month, Evelyn Sherman, U.S. Undersecretary of State showed up in Addis Ababa to give final instructions on how the T-TPLF is to conduct the “election”. The T-TPLF got the message. That’s why Sherman  declared, “Ethiopia is a democracy that is moving forward in an election that we expect to be free, fair, credible open and inclusive in ways Ethiopia has moved forward in strengthening its democracy every time there is an election. It gets better and better.”

Second, an “election” provides a moral excuse for the donors and loaners to continue pumping and dumping billions of dollars in the T-TPLF black hole where all aid and loans check in but never check out. Of course, the donors and loaners know they are  supporting thugs in designer suits.  Wendy Sherman showered the T-TPLF with praise last month to the point of making some T-TPLF leaders blush. Even some T-TPLF leaders thought Sherman went a bit overboard with her praise.  The Washington Post in thinly-veiled disgust editorialized:  “If the election is not judged by independent observers to live up to Ms. Sherman’s billing, the administration should swallow her words — and change its approach.”

Third, an “election” shields the loaners and donors against criticism from human rights organizations. On April 17, 2015, a day after Wendy Sherman put her foot in her mouth with the “Ethiopia is a young democracy” statement, she faced the wrath of Amnesty International USA, Ethiopia Human Rights Project, Freedom House, Freedom Now, Human Rights Watch and International Rivers in a letter to Secretary John Kerry. They urged “the Department of State to issue a statement on the elections highlighting the systematic deficiencies that will prevent the Ethiopian government from meeting the standards of democratic elections outlined by the African Union.” Not a word from Kerry or Sherman.

Fact #2: Election is a carnival for the T-TPLF

Is it necessary to drag the Ethiopian people thorough a year-long election carnival?

The truth of the matter is that May 24 is when the T-TPLF Brothers Circus comes to town. All of the T-TPLF clowns, acrobats, tightrope walkers, jugglers trained animals, trapeze acts and stunt masters will be out in full force. The ringmasters will slither out of the woodwork and proclaim how “Ethiopia is a young democracy” and how the T-TPLF “won” a hard fought election. The fire breathers will come out and threaten anyone who demonstrates or protests the outcome of the elections. The T-TPLF jugglers will be juggling gibberish about how fair the election is. The contortionists will contort the truth. Of course, the big clown (or is it the marionette, puppet) will grandstand and declare, “The T-TPLF has won.”

It’s fun to go to the circus. The T-TPLF has succeeded in creating a great circus atmosphere. I even got to watch one of the sideshows on TV. The T-TPLF calls it a debate. It wasn’t much of a debate. The Blue Party chairman made breakfast, lunch and dinner of the malaria-researcher-turned-instant-foreign-minister Tedros Adhanom. What about the “political space that has been closed”? What about the “journalists, political activists, civil society leaders that have been sent to jail or forced to leave the country?” What about the fusion of party and government?

Tedros sat there vacant and lost. He did not have much to say that made sense. “We expected the opposition to come up with a plan… blah… blah… blah…” Really, like his bogus Growth and Transformation Plan?

Adhanom was as uncomfortable as a rooster in a pond. Talking about a pond, Adhanom should really go back to the pond and chase mosquitoes. He has no place in politics. Oops! He is the next prime minister?! Touché!

Fact #3: The May 24 “election” in Ethiopia is not an election

They say what is sauce for the goose is good for the gander. Or is it?

Not to the Obama Administration. An election may be an election or not an election depending upon who does the election rigging and stealing. If the SOB who stole the election is not a friend, then it is a stolen election. If the SOB that stole the election is a friend, then a stolen election is not a stolen election. It is just an election that does not meet international standards. That is the Obama African election drama.

When Robert Mugabe “won” his presidential election in August 2013 by 61 percent,

Secretary of State John Kerry sent the following “congratulatory”note condemning Mugabe’s victory:  “Make no mistake: in light of substantial electoral irregularities reported by domestic and regional observers, the United States does not believe that the results announced today represent a credible expression of the will of the Zimbabwean people…”

Two weeks ago when Omar Hassan al-Bashir claimed reelection in the Sudan by a 94.01 percent and declared that his National Congress Party (NCP) has won 323 of 426 parliamentary seats, the “Troika” (U.S., U.K. and Norway) damned him.  “The Troika regret the Government of Sudan’s failure to create a free, fair, and conducive elections environment. Restrictions on political rights and freedoms, counter to the rights enshrined in the Sudanese Constitution, the lack of a credible national dialogue” make “the outcome of these elections” as being not “a credible expression of the will of the Sudanese people.”

In the next few days, the U.S., U.K., Norway and the rest of the Western donors and loaners will come out single file to pay homage to the great Ethiopian election.

I am going to be really disappointed if the T-TPLF does not win by at least 94.02 percent. They can’t let Bashir beat them. Frankly, if they win by 90 percent or something, I don’t know what I am going to do. That’s just rock bottom. That will make Meles, not roll, spin in his grave. The T-TPLF gang has street creds to keep. I just hope they won’t wimp out and report anything less than 99.7 percent. They gotta keep the winning streak going.

I can’t wait to hear Evelyn Sherman bleating praises to the T-TPLF and how they have strengthened democracy in the “young Ethiopia democracy.” I can imagine her babbling, “The young Ethiopian democracy has won!”  Maybe she is so happy she might sing, “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay.  My, oh my, what a wonderful election day in May for the T-TPLF.”

We should all prepare to hear a whole lot of horse feathers (I did not say bull feathers) about the election from menda-duplicitous U.S. diplocrats (a term I coined to describe hyprocrisy-ridden, lyin’-through-the-teeth American and Western diplomats and poverty pimps).

Let them knock themselves out celebrating a scam election. After all, they paid for in cold hard cash. They deserve a little fun for the billions they have dumped on the T-TPLF. It’s only fair.

What happens after the T-TPLF balloons pop and the popped champagne bottles run dry?

It will be business as usual on March 25. That is not to say the T-TPLF is not prepared to deal with any protests. They have their well-armed goons itching to pull the trigger. All it takes is a snap of the fingers to loosen those dogs of war on civilian protesters. Remember 2005. REMEMBER THE MELES MASSACRE!

In the next few days, expect to read a statement along the following lines from the White House and the National Security Council:

We acknowledge the conclusion of Ethiopia’s parliamentary elections on May 24, 2015. We commend the people of Ethiopia for their civic participation and note that the voting proceeded peacefully.

We are concerned there were few international observers and are concerned elections fell short of international commitments. We are disappointed that U.S. Embassy officials were denied accreditation and the opportunity to travel outside of the capital on Election Day to observe the voting.  The limitation of independent observation and the harassment of independent media representatives are deeply troubling.

An environment conducive to free and fair elections was not in place even before Election Day. In recent years, the Ethiopian government has taken steps to restrict political space for the opposition through intimidation and harassment, tighten its control over civil society, and curtail the activities of independent media. We are concerned that these actions have restricted freedom of expression and association and are inconsistent with the Ethiopian government’s human rights obligations.

As voting concludes and the results are announced, we call on all parties to reject violence. We await the final assessments of the electoral process from independent observers, and encourage the government to address in good faith and impartially any concerns and disputes that are raised.

Ethiopia and the United States have a multifaceted relationship and share a number of important interests.  We urge the Ethiopian government to ensure that its citizens are able to enjoy their fundamental rights. We will work diligently with Ethiopia to ensure that strengthened democratic institutions and open political dialogue become a reality for the Ethiopian people.

Expect a statement along the following lines from the U.S. State Department”:

The preliminary results announced by the National Election Board indicate that the ruling party secured an overwhelming victory. It is our assessment that throughout the electoral process, freedom of choice for voters was constrained by the actions and inactions of Ethiopian Government officials, the National Elections Board of Ethiopia, and the ruling political party and its cadres. A number of laws, regulations, and procedures implemented since the previous parliamentary elections in 2005 created a clear and decisive advantage for the ruling party throughout the electoral process.

We have a broad and comprehensive relationship with Ethiopia, but we have expressed our concerns on democracy and governance directly to the government. Measures the Ethiopian Government takes following these elections will influence the future direction of U.S.-Ethiopian relations. It is important that Ethiopia move forward in strengthening its democratic institutions, and when elections are held, that it offer a level playing field to give everyone a free opportunity to participate without fear or favor.

Karl Marx said, “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” Could it also be the other way around? We have seen one more T-TPLF election farce.  What tragedy could be repeated in 2015?

posted By Daneile zeleke