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Historic Opposition alliance "Medrek" to finalize
manifesto in Ethiopia
Published 06/28/2009 - 1:30 a.m.
Historic Opposition alliance "Medrek" to finalize manifesto in Ethiopia
Jimma Times
After dozens of meetings and months of discussions on a wide range of topics by the largest
opposition alliance in Ethiopia, the Forum (Medrek) for Democratic Dialogue (FDD), the
group is in the process of endorsing its manifesto, according to JT sources. Some of its
objectives and statements in the document declared support for democracy and that regions
in Ethiopia should get full autonomy, Afan Oromo should become Ethiopia's official language
and Ethiopia should regain Assab port from Eritrea.
The Forum (Medrek) for Democratic Dialogue (FDD) coalition group is made up of the
opposition parties Oromo People's Congress (OPC) and its United Ethiopian Democratic
Forces (UEDF) alliance led by Dr. Merera Gudina, Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) of
Judge Birtukan Mideksa, Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty (Arena), Oromo
Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) and Somali Democratic Alliance Forces (SDAF).
Independent participants in the FDD/Medrek include dissidents and former President
Negasso Gidada and former Defence Minister Siye Abraha, who had joined opposition forces.
The historic alliance brought together deeply contradicting sides of the opposition who have
been ideologically fragmented since the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) led
Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) of Meles Zenawi came to power
in 1991. During the deliberations, all members of the opposition alliance made concessions
which led to some groups adopting the policies of the other or reaching a middle ground in
order to compromise.
According to JT sources, the manifesto is going to seek implementation of federalism which
members said was violated by the TPLF and regions would get more autonomy to achieve
real decentralization of power. In compromise with the diverse groups in the alliance, FDD's
members negotiated to remove Article 39 of the Ethiopian constitution which allows for
secession of states. The FDD manifesto has also put ending Ethiopia's status as one of the
biggest landlocked country in the world by regaining the Assab port as one of its objectives.
The current Meles government says Assab port belongs to Eritrea despite this being one of
the many top reasons why the opposition won significant seats during the last election in
2005.
Another part of the FDD/Medrek mission seeks to make Afan Oromo the official language of
Ethiopia alongside Amharic, similar to the status of English and French languages in Canada.
Oromo is the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, though Amharic is currently the most widely
spoken language in the country largely due to it being the main language of the 15 million
people of the SNNRP.
The FDD is believed to be the first time in Ethiopia's modern history that political groups with
disparate doctrines from different corners of the country united and formulated a common
manifesto. Observers say the ideological conflict in the past between opposition forces from
different parts of Ethiopia has allowed the Meles ruling party to remain in power both
militarily and ideologically while it has weakened opposition movements, both peaceful and
armed, during the past years. While opposition military alliances often come and go over the
last 18 years, many believe the FDD bringing diverse opposition groups around a table to set
a foundational ideological alliance is a precedent that can eventually solve the decades old
political predicament of the country.
Throughout the period of deliberation between members of FDD, witnesses told JT that the
government was harassing representatives and broadcasting propaganda to divide members
of FDD/Medrek. In some cases, the state-run media broadcasted false information about FDD
while some pro-government private newspapers published out-of-context comments to
divide the opposition members, particularly to create animosity between Oromos and
Amharas.
On other topics, the FDD manifesto opposed the government policy that keeps land fully in
the hands of the state. The FDD supported land privatization but one than can accomodate
communal ownership in unique cases, as proposed by Bulcha Demeksa's OFDM who referred
to land ownership in the Oromo Gadaa system. The FDD alliance manifesto also seeks to
improve the electoral system, reduce executive powers and set term limits while it set forth a
new educational policy to change the current general education that ends in grade 10 to the
old curriculum, similar to the one in the Unites States.
Though some FDD members are undecided about participating in the upcoming 2010 national
election, all the opposition parties inside FDD are widely expected to contest the election
under the "Medrek" banner while keeping their structures. Despite its leader Judge Birtukan
Mideksa being in prison, the UDJ opposition party has opened the most offices in Ethiopia
during the last ten months, with around five dozen new party offices. UDJ's vice-Presidents
have meanwhile called for Ethiopians to remember Birtukan on Sunday by holding a
candlelight vigil to commemorate her sixth month in prison.
In other development, an Ethiopian court will be hearing from several witnesses presented
by the prosecutor this coming week, regarding the 46 alleged members of the illegal Ginbot 7
organization arrested in April. The Meles government has meanwhile accused Voice of
America (VOA) and Deutsche Welle (DW) radio stations for allegedly harming development
of democracy and peace in Ethiopia by giving platform for supporters of armed movement.
The government complained about an alleged "double standard" by the West regarding "war
on terrorism." Ginbot 7 is founded by the US-based Berhanu Nega who has reportedly called
for an armed struggle to overthrow the Meles government.
14 comment(s) so far...
Monday, July 6, 2009 6:46 PM
By Kuulani
Re.: ...opposition alliance MEDREK....
Nice to see that EFU (Ethiopian Federalists Union) is forged. Hopefully their mission is to foster what
Jimmaa Times called: "majority led ethnic federalism", which is also named by different authors as:
- "Ethnic" federalism
- National self-detremination with multinational democracy
- Union of Independent nations
- Self-rule with shared-rule
- Confederation of Neighbouring Nations
_ .....etc!
I personally do prefer the expression: Union of Autonomous Nations, which is a best solution for
Ethiopia in particular and Africa in general. One blogger put the form of administrative organization
rightly as follows:
"Based on their size and development, some nations can forge mono-national-state like Oromia. The
others, which are too small to have their own state can forge multi-national-state like SNNP of
Ethiopia, with all nations having their own Province/Zone, District/Wereda or Community/Qebele as
autonomous natonal areas based on their size. Relatively bigger nations like Sidama can have their
own autonomous Province, nations smaller than this like Alaba can have autonomous District and the
smallest nations like Dorze can have their own Community. Based on their geographical position,
certain small nations like Agew and Harari can join the bigger neighbour nations like Amhara or
Oromia, but have their own autonomy, be it as province, district or community. Such 5 tier
organization (African Federation — Mono-/Multinational States — Mono-/Multinational Provinces —
Mono-/Multionational Districts and Mono-/Multinational Communities) is the best way of
adiministrative Organization for ! Africa."
email = kuulani@yahoo.com
By Kumsaa
Great news!!
This is amazing development!! let us hope it holds water and keeps growing.
the most important for our oromo people is
- full autonomy (selfgovernance)
- afaan oromoo as main language of ethiopia
- democratic institutions
if the 3 above exist then everything will change in the country. if the 3 requirements are satisfied, we
are de facto living in a CONFEDERATION of states, which means we only have economic alliance of
independent states under ethiopia umbrella and we use afanoromo/amharic for commercial integration
and working language (just like english/spanish in america)
this will bring us back to the pre-emperor miniliq status quo of only commercial alliance between
independent states.
Kumsaa=kmm@yahoo.com
By Ogina
It is good to have MEDREK at home and TIBIBIR in diaspora. We like it or not, all opposition groups are
coming together to forge an AFD in a new style. Now opposition groups at home are on a process to
froge AFD-1 aka Merdek, whereas those in diaspora are trying to come up with a new alliance, AFD-2
aka Tibibir. Still these two alliances need to be more incluisive to be effective against the sewu-bella
regime. I just suggest that AEUP of Ato Hailu to join AFD-1 at home and that EPRP of Ato Iyasu as
well ULFO of Obo Jarra to join AFD-2 in diasprora! Then, there will be no much dissonance in pro-
democracy opposition camp!
MEDREK + TIBIBIR = AFD
The only problem in forging all inclusive MEDREK at home or TIBIBIR in diaspora is the question of
federalism! Ob Bulcha said in VOA that only those who do support LBF (Language-Based-Federalism)
aka "ethnic" federalism are well come in Medrek. I think this is logical. If Amhara parties like AEUP
want to have unconditional Ethiopian Unity, then Oromo parties like OFDM and OPC should also
demand the unconditional Oromian Liberty in that Eth Unity. Amharas cannot have both, Eth unity
and GBF (Geography-Based-Federalism) which is an euphemy for dismantling Oromia, if they need a
compromise solution. If Oromos give up Independence for the sake of compromise, Amharas should
give up their dream for unitary Ethiopia by getting rid of Oromia also for the sake of compromise. Now
UDJ seems to be ready for this now by trying to join MEDREK. Can G7M and other Amhara
organizations in diaspora do the same thing to forge TIBIBIR with OLF and ONLF?? The only
compromise solution is Oromian N!
ational Liberty in Ethiopian Regional Unity!!
After breaking up of CUD, anti-"ethnic federalisim" people are in disarray. 2005 election was the
struggle between Weyane and this force. 2010 election rather will be between Weyane and pro-"ethnic
federalism" force aka MEDREK. Weyane systematically could isolate and weaken the anti-"ethnic
federalism" group, even though still AEUP are trying their best!!
email = ogina@yahoo.com
By Obssan
The main conflict between differnt groups in the empire is the conflict between the virtues Liberty and
Unity. Oromos and other oppressed nations emphasize National Liberty, whereas Abyssinians stress
Regional Unity. Now moderate Oromos being led by Ob Daud Ibsa seem to reconcile these two virtues.
For such Oromos, Liberty of Oromia is national issue and Unity of Ethiopia is regional issue for they
consider Ethiopia as a region for many nations.
The only enemies of national Liberty and regional Unity are Weyane and the very few Unitarist
Amharas, who want to see only amharanized Ethiopia they dream for. Even we differentiate between
the Region Ethiopia and the Nations Abeshas. So we can also fight for national Libetrty of Abyssinians
like Tigaru and Amhara as well for the Regional Unity of Ethiopia.
I recommended this National Liberty with Regional Unity as a common denominator for FDD memeber
organizations, for G7M, OLF and others to forge a front against the Sewu-bella fascists aka Weyane!!
So the common purpose of the alliance to come will be Oromian National Liberty (Oromo being the
symbol for all oppressed nations) with Ethiopian Regional Unity. Now MEDREK seems to accept the
common purpose. Now the opposition in diaspora, specially G-7 and OLF should do the same!!
email = obssan@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 8:35 AM
By Walfidaa
Re: historic Opposition alliance "Medrek" to....
Oromos' political move against Weyane is to be grouped roughly in to three:
1) the struggle for individual FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY in Ethiopia disregarding the national self-
determination of Oromos. People like Ad. Birtukan in UDJ and Ato Andargachew in G-7 belong to this
group.
2) the struggle for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY including INTERNAL self-determination of Oromos in
Ethiopian context. Ob. Bulcha of OFDM and Dr. Mararaa of OPC seem to belong to this categorie.
3) the struggle for INDEPENDENT Gadaa Republic of Oromia (EXTERNAL self-determination of Oromos)
without any compromise, which is represented by Ob Galaasa of OLF and Ob Jaarra of ULFO.
After many years of struggle, now the trend tends to consolidate in favour of the 2nd option. People in
the first group started to recognize that ignoring the right of Oromos to self-determination is no more
possible because of the irriversible growth of Oromo nationalism to demand self-rule of Oromia.
Politicians in the third group still heisitate to accept the 2nd option, but the feasibility of their goal with
in the current international geo-political condition in a near future is minimal, so that many of their
supporters also tend to accept the 2nd option as the temporary COMPROMISE solution.
That is why I do dare to say that achieving INDEPENDENT Oromia in an INTEGRATED Ethiopia is at the
moment the only feasible option. Therefore the formation of MEDREK and the move of G-7 and OLF to
struggle together for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY in Ethiopia is very smart and timely. It is a middle
way compromise solution to the apparently irreconcilable goals of these two political organizations
(OLF struggles for INDEPENDENT Oromia and G-7 wants to achieve an INTEGRATED Ethiopia). Any
alliance similar to AFD is the best way to internal self-determination of Oromos and to the
democratization as well integration of Ethiopia. The result will be INDEPENDENT Oromia in an
INTEGRATED Ethiopia. It is not just a fancy, but a fact to be realized.
email = walfidaa@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 6:43 PM
By Fayyis
Re: to Historic alliance "Medrek"...
Well such alliace is good only to move Oromo liberation from status quo (Diredhawa) to genuine
Oromian Autonomy (Adaama) on the way to our END goal aka complete Oromo freedom and Oromian
sovereignity (Finfinne). Achieving Oromian Autonomy in Ethiopian context doesn't necessarly mean
destruction of empire system or forging a genuine UNION of Independent nations. We have to be able
to see the difference between Empire and Union!
Abyssinians use the euphemy Unity to mean keeping their Empire intact. Did we Oromos grasp this
intrigue? Just to put it in short: Empire is "Unity per force" and Union is "Unity per free will". If
Abeshas are the believers of the second one, then they also risk that "the free will" can lead to
Independence of nations instead of to the unconditional Unity they seem to cry for.
In summary here is the difference between the pre-modern unity and the post-modern union. I don't
remember his name, but certain English scholar classified countries in the world in to three:
- pre-modern chaotic states like the artificial constructs in Africa, such as the Empire you seem to love,
- modern nation-states like some mono-national-states in Asia and Latine America and
- post-modern UNION of free nations like those in European union.
So, we can see that African nations including the Empire Abeshas seem to love are kept as pre-
modern due to the arrangement of European colonies, being perpetuated by AU-dictators, who are
dedicated not to change it. Leaving the artificial nations in the Horn (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti,
Somaliland, Somalia and Kenya) behind, we need to forge natural nation-states like Eritigrai, Amhara,
Afar, Oromia, Somalia...etc to be transformed from our present position (pre-modern) going through
modern status to the post-modern situation Europeans them selves are enjoying now!!!!
Abeshas need just to give their opinion explicitly if they mean the pre-modern Unity or the post-
modern Union of Independent Nations (UIN), when they preach about Ethiopian Unity!! Otherwise
enjoy the following discussion between Abesha and Oromo on this topic:
www.oromoindex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10650
email = fayyis@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 8:49 PM
By Lewux
Re: ....alliance Medrek....
By applying the Metaphor from Ob Fayyis, MEDREK is an alliance to promote Oromo liberation journey
from Diredhawa (status quo) to Adaama (Oromo people's freedom) on the way to Finfinne (peopel's
freedom and Oromia's sovereignity)! Medrek deserves support of all Bilisummaa loving Oromos!!!
email = lewux@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 10:17 PM
By AFDist
Re:....alliance MEDREK.....
Fayyis, thanks for the metaphor! Our liberation journey will be from the present status quo of
"Foreign-determination" (Diredhawa) first to "Elit-determination" of Medrek (Adaama), but lastly we
need to move further to SELF-determination of Oromo nation (Finfinne)!!
email = afdist@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:29 PM
By Kuulani
Re: ......MEDREK....
Till now, it was very difficult to get a common purpose on which pro INDEPENDENCE Oromos and pro
UNION Oromos could agree. Pro Independence Oromos argue that Oromos must be free from
Abyssinian colonization by any meanse. Pro Union Oromos argue that Abyssinians are the semiticized
Oromos and Agews,but speaking Amharinya and Tigrinya, this second group say: "we don't have to
separate from our own, but we should bring them back to their lost origin and Oromos should have
appropriate position in the politics of the country".
At the same time other nations in the country, specially Amharas do fear the disintegration of the
empire they did build. So they do every thing possible that Oromos never had an upper hand in
Ethiopian politics for they fear that Oromos may opt for Independence of Oromia. On the contrary
Oromos do all thing possible to hinder the come back of Amharas to power, for we know what they are
going to do: amharinization of the whole nations in the empire.
This mistrust between Amharas and Oromos is the God-given opportunity that Weyane is using to
rule over the country as long as possible. Unless Amharas and Oromos come to term and cooperate
against the blood suckers, we have to settle for the rule of Weyane not only for few years, but for
many decades.
I think UNION of INDEPENDENT NATIONS (UIN) is a middle ground and can be used as a common
purpose on which the two Oromo groups as well as the two giant nations of the region can agree.
Union of independent Amhara, Tigrai, Afar, Oromia, Ogadenia, Sidama, Gurage.....etc even including
Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia (if they agree based on free will) is the noble cause for which all can fight
together. Not accepting this model meanse SEPARATION of these nations as an alternative. The
question to be asked is: can the fanatic (unity freak) Amharas settle for this? I know Tigreans will
accept it as soon as they sense that they may loose power in Finfinne palace!!
email = kuulani@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:36 PM
BY Fayyis
When we look at the conflict in the country called Ethiopia today, it simply comes form the meaning of
the word Ethiopia. There are five meanings of it:
- Blackland as the Greeks called us?
- Cushland as Jews put it in Bible?
- Abyssinia of 3000 years history?
- The present geography as Aste H/Silassie wanted it to be called? or
- Weyane's empire as it is today?
As far as Oromos are concerened, we can accept and live with the first two meanings, but we don't
want to recognizer the last three! Anyways important for us now is not Ethiopia of the past and
present, but the NEW Ethiopia of the future. As far as Oromos are concerned, we are clear in our
vision: Oromian national sovereignity with or with out UNION of nations in Cushland in paricular or
Blackland in general. Any movement against such noble move is rejected by Gadaa people. Specially
the two confused Cush nations, being semetized, aka Amharas and Tigarus need to come to their
sense. Both are semetized people of Agew and Oromo origin speaking GE'EZ derivatives aka
Amharinya and Tigirinya. These two confused nations seem not to accept and respect the right of
other Cush nations like Afar, Agew, Oromo, Sidama, Somali....etc to have their own autonomy. That is
the obstacle for the genuine Union needed to be forged.
Gadaa people as usual shows patience and tolerance to all these nonsence atrocities. We need to
show the two confused nations that we will build a united Cushland based on the freedom of each
Cush peoples and the sovereignity of all their respected nations to be united for common benefit. So
the future Ethiopia will be either Cushland or Blackland, not Abesha dominated status quo. Viva
Cushland or Blackland!!!!
email = fayyis@yahoo.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 5:44 AM
By Mosissa
Ethiopianst Groups are dead asleep
Since the news that Medrek is about to finalize their organizational Manifesto, I was checking many
ethiopianist websites to see if this news is posted and given due to consideration, at least as a news
headline that may provoke discussion among the Diaspora community. We know that the so-called
Pro-Ethiopian websites are in a state of deep sleep from which they do not seem to wake up forever,
including their ignorant and arrogant fans. Things in that pathetic country called Ethiopia has changed
so much so that the equilibrium point has passed the point of no return. Time was but time will never
be the same. It is very disappointing to realize that the Diaspora Community are worse than the
illiterate population in northern Ethiopia when it comes to understanding the dynamics in the
Ethiopian politics. It is absolutely clear that they choose to live in the past and are busy with wishful
thinking rather than confronting the reality on the ground.
Their Ethiopia has changed and! it has changed forever. If they do not get it, then there is no much
we can say. It is during such situations that an angry Somali would call this never learning
Ethiopianist politicians "Doqon", It is worse than calling someone stupid "warra daalle kana"
"warra janjjawe" "warra aduun itti dhiite". What the so-called Medrek political alliance proposed
is in fact very much short of what the majority of the peoples in Ethiopia including the Oromos want,
but people are ready to compromise their political aspirations for the sake of finding a lasting and
durable peace in that pathetic country where millions each day starve in the middle of plenty. If they
are not ready to compromise, then the train that is in motion to change the course of history in that
country will not stop, they will find themselves left behind. They have to learn a language of the
civilized political groups in other parts of the world- win-win political game and not always...my way is
a high way type leading to what they wish to see "win-lose scenario" they win and others lose...
Friends, wake up and face the challenges of working to find a negotiated political settlement for the
looming crisis in that region of Africa. When, I say this I am not saying the political organizations
representing the Oromo and other nationalities in Ethiopia are perfect and need not change. What is
real is only the cause that has been defined by the bones and the blood of the fallen heroes and
heroines. The politicians have largely failed their popular base. They suffer from the lack of capacity to
ignite paradigm shift in the minds of their supporters and sympathizers to take the struggle one major
step towards achieving victory. Wake up folks! The dawn of a new history has just started...
email = mosissa.saba@gmail.com
manifesto in Ethiopia
Published 06/28/2009 - 1:30 a.m.
Historic Opposition alliance "Medrek" to finalize manifesto in Ethiopia
Jimma Times
After dozens of meetings and months of discussions on a wide range of topics by the largest
opposition alliance in Ethiopia, the Forum (Medrek) for Democratic Dialogue (FDD), the
group is in the process of endorsing its manifesto, according to JT sources. Some of its
objectives and statements in the document declared support for democracy and that regions
in Ethiopia should get full autonomy, Afan Oromo should become Ethiopia's official language
and Ethiopia should regain Assab port from Eritrea.
The Forum (Medrek) for Democratic Dialogue (FDD) coalition group is made up of the
opposition parties Oromo People's Congress (OPC) and its United Ethiopian Democratic
Forces (UEDF) alliance led by Dr. Merera Gudina, Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) of
Judge Birtukan Mideksa, Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty (Arena), Oromo
Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) and Somali Democratic Alliance Forces (SDAF).
Independent participants in the FDD/Medrek include dissidents and former President
Negasso Gidada and former Defence Minister Siye Abraha, who had joined opposition forces.
The historic alliance brought together deeply contradicting sides of the opposition who have
been ideologically fragmented since the Tigrayan Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) led
Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) of Meles Zenawi came to power
in 1991. During the deliberations, all members of the opposition alliance made concessions
which led to some groups adopting the policies of the other or reaching a middle ground in
order to compromise.
According to JT sources, the manifesto is going to seek implementation of federalism which
members said was violated by the TPLF and regions would get more autonomy to achieve
real decentralization of power. In compromise with the diverse groups in the alliance, FDD's
members negotiated to remove Article 39 of the Ethiopian constitution which allows for
secession of states. The FDD manifesto has also put ending Ethiopia's status as one of the
biggest landlocked country in the world by regaining the Assab port as one of its objectives.
The current Meles government says Assab port belongs to Eritrea despite this being one of
the many top reasons why the opposition won significant seats during the last election in
2005.
Another part of the FDD/Medrek mission seeks to make Afan Oromo the official language of
Ethiopia alongside Amharic, similar to the status of English and French languages in Canada.
Oromo is the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, though Amharic is currently the most widely
spoken language in the country largely due to it being the main language of the 15 million
people of the SNNRP.
The FDD is believed to be the first time in Ethiopia's modern history that political groups with
disparate doctrines from different corners of the country united and formulated a common
manifesto. Observers say the ideological conflict in the past between opposition forces from
different parts of Ethiopia has allowed the Meles ruling party to remain in power both
militarily and ideologically while it has weakened opposition movements, both peaceful and
armed, during the past years. While opposition military alliances often come and go over the
last 18 years, many believe the FDD bringing diverse opposition groups around a table to set
a foundational ideological alliance is a precedent that can eventually solve the decades old
political predicament of the country.
Throughout the period of deliberation between members of FDD, witnesses told JT that the
government was harassing representatives and broadcasting propaganda to divide members
of FDD/Medrek. In some cases, the state-run media broadcasted false information about FDD
while some pro-government private newspapers published out-of-context comments to
divide the opposition members, particularly to create animosity between Oromos and
Amharas.
On other topics, the FDD manifesto opposed the government policy that keeps land fully in
the hands of the state. The FDD supported land privatization but one than can accomodate
communal ownership in unique cases, as proposed by Bulcha Demeksa's OFDM who referred
to land ownership in the Oromo Gadaa system. The FDD alliance manifesto also seeks to
improve the electoral system, reduce executive powers and set term limits while it set forth a
new educational policy to change the current general education that ends in grade 10 to the
old curriculum, similar to the one in the Unites States.
Though some FDD members are undecided about participating in the upcoming 2010 national
election, all the opposition parties inside FDD are widely expected to contest the election
under the "Medrek" banner while keeping their structures. Despite its leader Judge Birtukan
Mideksa being in prison, the UDJ opposition party has opened the most offices in Ethiopia
during the last ten months, with around five dozen new party offices. UDJ's vice-Presidents
have meanwhile called for Ethiopians to remember Birtukan on Sunday by holding a
candlelight vigil to commemorate her sixth month in prison.
In other development, an Ethiopian court will be hearing from several witnesses presented
by the prosecutor this coming week, regarding the 46 alleged members of the illegal Ginbot 7
organization arrested in April. The Meles government has meanwhile accused Voice of
America (VOA) and Deutsche Welle (DW) radio stations for allegedly harming development
of democracy and peace in Ethiopia by giving platform for supporters of armed movement.
The government complained about an alleged "double standard" by the West regarding "war
on terrorism." Ginbot 7 is founded by the US-based Berhanu Nega who has reportedly called
for an armed struggle to overthrow the Meles government.
14 comment(s) so far...
Monday, July 6, 2009 6:46 PM
By Kuulani
Re.: ...opposition alliance MEDREK....
Nice to see that EFU (Ethiopian Federalists Union) is forged. Hopefully their mission is to foster what
Jimmaa Times called: "majority led ethnic federalism", which is also named by different authors as:
- "Ethnic" federalism
- National self-detremination with multinational democracy
- Union of Independent nations
- Self-rule with shared-rule
- Confederation of Neighbouring Nations
_ .....etc!
I personally do prefer the expression: Union of Autonomous Nations, which is a best solution for
Ethiopia in particular and Africa in general. One blogger put the form of administrative organization
rightly as follows:
"Based on their size and development, some nations can forge mono-national-state like Oromia. The
others, which are too small to have their own state can forge multi-national-state like SNNP of
Ethiopia, with all nations having their own Province/Zone, District/Wereda or Community/Qebele as
autonomous natonal areas based on their size. Relatively bigger nations like Sidama can have their
own autonomous Province, nations smaller than this like Alaba can have autonomous District and the
smallest nations like Dorze can have their own Community. Based on their geographical position,
certain small nations like Agew and Harari can join the bigger neighbour nations like Amhara or
Oromia, but have their own autonomy, be it as province, district or community. Such 5 tier
organization (African Federation — Mono-/Multinational States — Mono-/Multinational Provinces —
Mono-/Multionational Districts and Mono-/Multinational Communities) is the best way of
adiministrative Organization for ! Africa."
email = kuulani@yahoo.com
By Kumsaa
Great news!!
This is amazing development!! let us hope it holds water and keeps growing.
the most important for our oromo people is
- full autonomy (selfgovernance)
- afaan oromoo as main language of ethiopia
- democratic institutions
if the 3 above exist then everything will change in the country. if the 3 requirements are satisfied, we
are de facto living in a CONFEDERATION of states, which means we only have economic alliance of
independent states under ethiopia umbrella and we use afanoromo/amharic for commercial integration
and working language (just like english/spanish in america)
this will bring us back to the pre-emperor miniliq status quo of only commercial alliance between
independent states.
Kumsaa=kmm@yahoo.com
By Ogina
It is good to have MEDREK at home and TIBIBIR in diaspora. We like it or not, all opposition groups are
coming together to forge an AFD in a new style. Now opposition groups at home are on a process to
froge AFD-1 aka Merdek, whereas those in diaspora are trying to come up with a new alliance, AFD-2
aka Tibibir. Still these two alliances need to be more incluisive to be effective against the sewu-bella
regime. I just suggest that AEUP of Ato Hailu to join AFD-1 at home and that EPRP of Ato Iyasu as
well ULFO of Obo Jarra to join AFD-2 in diasprora! Then, there will be no much dissonance in pro-
democracy opposition camp!
MEDREK + TIBIBIR = AFD
The only problem in forging all inclusive MEDREK at home or TIBIBIR in diaspora is the question of
federalism! Ob Bulcha said in VOA that only those who do support LBF (Language-Based-Federalism)
aka "ethnic" federalism are well come in Medrek. I think this is logical. If Amhara parties like AEUP
want to have unconditional Ethiopian Unity, then Oromo parties like OFDM and OPC should also
demand the unconditional Oromian Liberty in that Eth Unity. Amharas cannot have both, Eth unity
and GBF (Geography-Based-Federalism) which is an euphemy for dismantling Oromia, if they need a
compromise solution. If Oromos give up Independence for the sake of compromise, Amharas should
give up their dream for unitary Ethiopia by getting rid of Oromia also for the sake of compromise. Now
UDJ seems to be ready for this now by trying to join MEDREK. Can G7M and other Amhara
organizations in diaspora do the same thing to forge TIBIBIR with OLF and ONLF?? The only
compromise solution is Oromian N!
ational Liberty in Ethiopian Regional Unity!!
After breaking up of CUD, anti-"ethnic federalisim" people are in disarray. 2005 election was the
struggle between Weyane and this force. 2010 election rather will be between Weyane and pro-"ethnic
federalism" force aka MEDREK. Weyane systematically could isolate and weaken the anti-"ethnic
federalism" group, even though still AEUP are trying their best!!
email = ogina@yahoo.com
By Obssan
The main conflict between differnt groups in the empire is the conflict between the virtues Liberty and
Unity. Oromos and other oppressed nations emphasize National Liberty, whereas Abyssinians stress
Regional Unity. Now moderate Oromos being led by Ob Daud Ibsa seem to reconcile these two virtues.
For such Oromos, Liberty of Oromia is national issue and Unity of Ethiopia is regional issue for they
consider Ethiopia as a region for many nations.
The only enemies of national Liberty and regional Unity are Weyane and the very few Unitarist
Amharas, who want to see only amharanized Ethiopia they dream for. Even we differentiate between
the Region Ethiopia and the Nations Abeshas. So we can also fight for national Libetrty of Abyssinians
like Tigaru and Amhara as well for the Regional Unity of Ethiopia.
I recommended this National Liberty with Regional Unity as a common denominator for FDD memeber
organizations, for G7M, OLF and others to forge a front against the Sewu-bella fascists aka Weyane!!
So the common purpose of the alliance to come will be Oromian National Liberty (Oromo being the
symbol for all oppressed nations) with Ethiopian Regional Unity. Now MEDREK seems to accept the
common purpose. Now the opposition in diaspora, specially G-7 and OLF should do the same!!
email = obssan@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 8:35 AM
By Walfidaa
Re: historic Opposition alliance "Medrek" to....
Oromos' political move against Weyane is to be grouped roughly in to three:
1) the struggle for individual FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY in Ethiopia disregarding the national self-
determination of Oromos. People like Ad. Birtukan in UDJ and Ato Andargachew in G-7 belong to this
group.
2) the struggle for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY including INTERNAL self-determination of Oromos in
Ethiopian context. Ob. Bulcha of OFDM and Dr. Mararaa of OPC seem to belong to this categorie.
3) the struggle for INDEPENDENT Gadaa Republic of Oromia (EXTERNAL self-determination of Oromos)
without any compromise, which is represented by Ob Galaasa of OLF and Ob Jaarra of ULFO.
After many years of struggle, now the trend tends to consolidate in favour of the 2nd option. People in
the first group started to recognize that ignoring the right of Oromos to self-determination is no more
possible because of the irriversible growth of Oromo nationalism to demand self-rule of Oromia.
Politicians in the third group still heisitate to accept the 2nd option, but the feasibility of their goal with
in the current international geo-political condition in a near future is minimal, so that many of their
supporters also tend to accept the 2nd option as the temporary COMPROMISE solution.
That is why I do dare to say that achieving INDEPENDENT Oromia in an INTEGRATED Ethiopia is at the
moment the only feasible option. Therefore the formation of MEDREK and the move of G-7 and OLF to
struggle together for FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY in Ethiopia is very smart and timely. It is a middle
way compromise solution to the apparently irreconcilable goals of these two political organizations
(OLF struggles for INDEPENDENT Oromia and G-7 wants to achieve an INTEGRATED Ethiopia). Any
alliance similar to AFD is the best way to internal self-determination of Oromos and to the
democratization as well integration of Ethiopia. The result will be INDEPENDENT Oromia in an
INTEGRATED Ethiopia. It is not just a fancy, but a fact to be realized.
email = walfidaa@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 6:43 PM
By Fayyis
Re: to Historic alliance "Medrek"...
Well such alliace is good only to move Oromo liberation from status quo (Diredhawa) to genuine
Oromian Autonomy (Adaama) on the way to our END goal aka complete Oromo freedom and Oromian
sovereignity (Finfinne). Achieving Oromian Autonomy in Ethiopian context doesn't necessarly mean
destruction of empire system or forging a genuine UNION of Independent nations. We have to be able
to see the difference between Empire and Union!
Abyssinians use the euphemy Unity to mean keeping their Empire intact. Did we Oromos grasp this
intrigue? Just to put it in short: Empire is "Unity per force" and Union is "Unity per free will". If
Abeshas are the believers of the second one, then they also risk that "the free will" can lead to
Independence of nations instead of to the unconditional Unity they seem to cry for.
In summary here is the difference between the pre-modern unity and the post-modern union. I don't
remember his name, but certain English scholar classified countries in the world in to three:
- pre-modern chaotic states like the artificial constructs in Africa, such as the Empire you seem to love,
- modern nation-states like some mono-national-states in Asia and Latine America and
- post-modern UNION of free nations like those in European union.
So, we can see that African nations including the Empire Abeshas seem to love are kept as pre-
modern due to the arrangement of European colonies, being perpetuated by AU-dictators, who are
dedicated not to change it. Leaving the artificial nations in the Horn (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti,
Somaliland, Somalia and Kenya) behind, we need to forge natural nation-states like Eritigrai, Amhara,
Afar, Oromia, Somalia...etc to be transformed from our present position (pre-modern) going through
modern status to the post-modern situation Europeans them selves are enjoying now!!!!
Abeshas need just to give their opinion explicitly if they mean the pre-modern Unity or the post-
modern Union of Independent Nations (UIN), when they preach about Ethiopian Unity!! Otherwise
enjoy the following discussion between Abesha and Oromo on this topic:
www.oromoindex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10650
email = fayyis@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 8:49 PM
By Lewux
Re: ....alliance Medrek....
By applying the Metaphor from Ob Fayyis, MEDREK is an alliance to promote Oromo liberation journey
from Diredhawa (status quo) to Adaama (Oromo people's freedom) on the way to Finfinne (peopel's
freedom and Oromia's sovereignity)! Medrek deserves support of all Bilisummaa loving Oromos!!!
email = lewux@yahoo.com
Monday, June 29, 2009 10:17 PM
By AFDist
Re:....alliance MEDREK.....
Fayyis, thanks for the metaphor! Our liberation journey will be from the present status quo of
"Foreign-determination" (Diredhawa) first to "Elit-determination" of Medrek (Adaama), but lastly we
need to move further to SELF-determination of Oromo nation (Finfinne)!!
email = afdist@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:29 PM
By Kuulani
Re: ......MEDREK....
Till now, it was very difficult to get a common purpose on which pro INDEPENDENCE Oromos and pro
UNION Oromos could agree. Pro Independence Oromos argue that Oromos must be free from
Abyssinian colonization by any meanse. Pro Union Oromos argue that Abyssinians are the semiticized
Oromos and Agews,but speaking Amharinya and Tigrinya, this second group say: "we don't have to
separate from our own, but we should bring them back to their lost origin and Oromos should have
appropriate position in the politics of the country".
At the same time other nations in the country, specially Amharas do fear the disintegration of the
empire they did build. So they do every thing possible that Oromos never had an upper hand in
Ethiopian politics for they fear that Oromos may opt for Independence of Oromia. On the contrary
Oromos do all thing possible to hinder the come back of Amharas to power, for we know what they are
going to do: amharinization of the whole nations in the empire.
This mistrust between Amharas and Oromos is the God-given opportunity that Weyane is using to
rule over the country as long as possible. Unless Amharas and Oromos come to term and cooperate
against the blood suckers, we have to settle for the rule of Weyane not only for few years, but for
many decades.
I think UNION of INDEPENDENT NATIONS (UIN) is a middle ground and can be used as a common
purpose on which the two Oromo groups as well as the two giant nations of the region can agree.
Union of independent Amhara, Tigrai, Afar, Oromia, Ogadenia, Sidama, Gurage.....etc even including
Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia (if they agree based on free will) is the noble cause for which all can fight
together. Not accepting this model meanse SEPARATION of these nations as an alternative. The
question to be asked is: can the fanatic (unity freak) Amharas settle for this? I know Tigreans will
accept it as soon as they sense that they may loose power in Finfinne palace!!
email = kuulani@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 10:36 PM
BY Fayyis
When we look at the conflict in the country called Ethiopia today, it simply comes form the meaning of
the word Ethiopia. There are five meanings of it:
- Blackland as the Greeks called us?
- Cushland as Jews put it in Bible?
- Abyssinia of 3000 years history?
- The present geography as Aste H/Silassie wanted it to be called? or
- Weyane's empire as it is today?
As far as Oromos are concerened, we can accept and live with the first two meanings, but we don't
want to recognizer the last three! Anyways important for us now is not Ethiopia of the past and
present, but the NEW Ethiopia of the future. As far as Oromos are concerned, we are clear in our
vision: Oromian national sovereignity with or with out UNION of nations in Cushland in paricular or
Blackland in general. Any movement against such noble move is rejected by Gadaa people. Specially
the two confused Cush nations, being semetized, aka Amharas and Tigarus need to come to their
sense. Both are semetized people of Agew and Oromo origin speaking GE'EZ derivatives aka
Amharinya and Tigirinya. These two confused nations seem not to accept and respect the right of
other Cush nations like Afar, Agew, Oromo, Sidama, Somali....etc to have their own autonomy. That is
the obstacle for the genuine Union needed to be forged.
Gadaa people as usual shows patience and tolerance to all these nonsence atrocities. We need to
show the two confused nations that we will build a united Cushland based on the freedom of each
Cush peoples and the sovereignity of all their respected nations to be united for common benefit. So
the future Ethiopia will be either Cushland or Blackland, not Abesha dominated status quo. Viva
Cushland or Blackland!!!!
email = fayyis@yahoo.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 5:44 AM
By Mosissa
Ethiopianst Groups are dead asleep
Since the news that Medrek is about to finalize their organizational Manifesto, I was checking many
ethiopianist websites to see if this news is posted and given due to consideration, at least as a news
headline that may provoke discussion among the Diaspora community. We know that the so-called
Pro-Ethiopian websites are in a state of deep sleep from which they do not seem to wake up forever,
including their ignorant and arrogant fans. Things in that pathetic country called Ethiopia has changed
so much so that the equilibrium point has passed the point of no return. Time was but time will never
be the same. It is very disappointing to realize that the Diaspora Community are worse than the
illiterate population in northern Ethiopia when it comes to understanding the dynamics in the
Ethiopian politics. It is absolutely clear that they choose to live in the past and are busy with wishful
thinking rather than confronting the reality on the ground.
Their Ethiopia has changed and! it has changed forever. If they do not get it, then there is no much
we can say. It is during such situations that an angry Somali would call this never learning
Ethiopianist politicians "Doqon", It is worse than calling someone stupid "warra daalle kana"
"warra janjjawe" "warra aduun itti dhiite". What the so-called Medrek political alliance proposed
is in fact very much short of what the majority of the peoples in Ethiopia including the Oromos want,
but people are ready to compromise their political aspirations for the sake of finding a lasting and
durable peace in that pathetic country where millions each day starve in the middle of plenty. If they
are not ready to compromise, then the train that is in motion to change the course of history in that
country will not stop, they will find themselves left behind. They have to learn a language of the
civilized political groups in other parts of the world- win-win political game and not always...my way is
a high way type leading to what they wish to see "win-lose scenario" they win and others lose...
Friends, wake up and face the challenges of working to find a negotiated political settlement for the
looming crisis in that region of Africa. When, I say this I am not saying the political organizations
representing the Oromo and other nationalities in Ethiopia are perfect and need not change. What is
real is only the cause that has been defined by the bones and the blood of the fallen heroes and
heroines. The politicians have largely failed their popular base. They suffer from the lack of capacity to
ignite paradigm shift in the minds of their supporters and sympathizers to take the struggle one major
step towards achieving victory. Wake up folks! The dawn of a new history has just started...
email = mosissa.saba@gmail.com
