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Joint Statement
August 10, 2012
We, the undersigned believe that, the dictatorial single party rule of the minority ethnic-based Tigray People’s
Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) it dominates, faces the prospect of sustained popular resistance and inevitable demise that its oppressive predecessors also faced. The Ethiopian people and the world community continue to watch an unfolding drama with anxiety and uneasiness emanating from the widely reported “critical illness” and disappearance of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the face of the governing party for the past 21 years. Ethiopian society is replete with gossips, rumors, widespread speculation concerning the closely guarded meetings and rivalry within the governing party, for succession. This occurs in an environment of fear, repression of all forms of dissent, gross human rights violations, hyperinflation, high unemployment and immigration among youth, nepotism, graft and corruption, uncertainty and an unpredictable future for the entire society, the country and the Horn of Africa. The level of uncertainty on the country’s future and on alleviating endemic poverty is evidenced by the 2012 Fund for Peace Index of Failed States that places Ethiopia under the TPLF/EPRDF regime 17th of 177 countries.
Against this ominous sign that poses enormous risks for durable peace and stability, Ethiopia’s territorial integrity, and sustainable and equitable development for 90 million people is widespread, and sustained through dissent and struggle in search of a modicum of freedom among a wide segment of the population: young women and men, students, teachers, journalists, human rights activists, professionals, business women and men, civil servants, ordinary soldiers, civic and political activists within and outside the country, the unemployed, farmers and pastoralists, leaders and followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox and Muslim faiths. We believe that this democratic trend is unstoppable.
The common thread that binds Ethiopia’s mosaic of people together includes rejection of the regime’s deliberate policy of ethnic, linguistic and religion based “divide and rule,” insatiable desire for a government that respects human dignity and honor, justice, fairness, equal treatment under the law and individual and group rights. . These common hopes and aspirations suggest that the vast majority of the Ethiopian people are ready and willing to do their part in getting rid-of the current dictatorship and replacing it with a genuinely representative form of government that is totally accountable to them.
In light of the above, the Ethiopian people as a whole expect all civic and political groups and democratic and patriotic activists within and outside the country to come together, pull their resources and adopt a common platform and chart a road map that will lead to justice, genuine equality of opportunity and a democratic form of government. All social, economic and political indicators suggest that the TPLF/EPRDF regime is no longer capable of resolving the country’s myriad of problems of its making. Popular sentiment suggests that the TPLF/EPRDF has lost legitimacy to govern. The followed outcome of a vacuum in inclusive, national and democratic organization and leadership reinforces our sentiment that opposition groups cannot afford to miss another window of opportunity for a democratic transition. Hence the urgent call to pull together.
Accordingly, we the undersigned, commit ourselves to the pursuit of lasting peace and stability that is based on justice, inclusion, equality of opportunity, freedom, the rule of law and the establishment of democratic governance that emanates from unfettered popular participation, free and fair elections. We call on all opposition groups and individuals to join this noble effort; and endorse the following five fundamental principles as our guide:
1. We commit ourselves to secure the durability of Ethiopia’s unity, territorial integrity and independence by promoting the establishment of a genuine democratic system of government that reflects the will of all segments of the population;
2. We pledge to promote and create favorable conditions for all democratic groups and individuals within and outside the country to engage fully; and to carefully, wisely and methodically arrive at Transitional Arrangements and Processes proactively. Such a process should lead towards effective and unencumbered participation of all segments of Ethiopian society and position them to discuss and approve a new democratic constitution and enjoy a new era of free and fair elections. The complexities and challenges ahead require that we:
a) Establish a Coordinating Committee–drawn from participant groups–whose lead responsibility is to oversee and facilitate information and intelligence gathering, sharing and dissemination among partners within and outside the country; and
b) The Coordinating Committee shall monitor and assess current developments, develop and or design meaningful interventions and strategies, craft positions that partner organizations will implement in common.
3. We resolve to stand firm and speak with one voice against all forms of internal and external interferences that threaten and or compromise the territorial integrity and independence of the country; and derail the democratization process underway.
4. We stand firm against and reject any form of ‘private or secret’ negotiations and short cuts for power by any individual person or group outside the process of genuine democratization of Ethiopian society that we intend to pursue collectively, collaboratively and vigorously in concert with willing partners.
5. We call on all Ethiopians across the globe to transcend the politics of fear and division on the basis of, ethnic, linguistic, religious, gender, age and other differences and urge them to organize themselves as champions of change in a mutually respectful, tolerant and collaborative manner solely as Ethiopians.
The crisis facing the country and its diverse population is real and systemic. For this reason, we feel strongly that only a just, all inclusive and democratic alternative will avert national disaster and pave the way for the protection of fundamental human rights and genuine equality of all citizens.. To this effect, we draw special attention to five critical areas to which each of us can contribute as catalysts of change:
a) The role of Ethiopia’s Defense establishment is not to serve an individual or a single governing party or ethnic group. Its sole and prime responsibility is to defend and preserve the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We therefore call on the Armed Forces to side with the Ethiopian people.
b) We call on democratic, patriotic and reform-oriented individuals and groups within the TPLF/EPRDF to overcome fear and division and join their compatriots who stand and struggle for a democratic transition.
c) We condemn the regime’s desecration of religious institutions; and interference in all matters of religious freedom, association and organization. We support the democratic rights and freedom of all religious leaders and members in dissenting against any interference and repression by the state and government; and call on all faiths to be vigilant against the regime’s instigated religious divisions, intrigues and civil unrest.
d) We call on the Ethiopian people to be cognizant of the TPLF/EPRDF policy and program of “divide and rule” that pities one ethnic or religious or ideological group against another on a recurring basis; and urge them to close ranks in pursuit of justice, the rule of law and democratic governance.
e) We urge all segments of Ethiopian society: students, teachers, workers, civil servants, business women and men, professionals, political and civic leaders, farmers and pastoralists to come together, reject fear and division, and assert their fundamental rights for justice, freedom, equality and democratic governance in unison.
On our part, we pledge to the Ethiopian people as a whole that our primary goal is not to replace one form of dictatorship by another. It is to support them in their illusive quest for justice, freedom, equality and a democratic form of government that is totally accountable to them.
Sponsoring organizations:
Advocacy for Ethiopia
Alliance for Liberty, Equality and Justice in Ethiopia (ALEJE)
All Ethiopia Socialist Movement (ME’ISONE)
Biruh Ethiopia Democratic Movement (Biruh)
Ethiopian Border Affairs Committee
Ethiopian National Priorities Consultative Process (ENPCP)
Ethiopian National Transitional Council
Ethiopian People’s Congress for United Struggle (Shengo)
Global Civic Movement for Change in Ethiopia (Beka)
March 4 Freedom
Oromo Liberation Front (Led by Gen Kemal Gelchu)
August 10, 2012
Tags: Addis Ababa, Ethiopian News
Nigussie
August 20, 2012 at 8:33 am
Here we go again for another round of havoc within inside!
Ho bilen Metan! Ho bilen,
Meles (Woyane) Mote bilen!
I’m not sure how the above phrases sound but I see bunch of fools getting together for another round of havoc within themselves.
My advice for you all:
1. Ethiopians have bad reputation regarding TEAM WORK. So I doubt any Ethiopian unions, unless I see true education in there.
2. Politics is business; a business which could go holy or wicked. Accept or Reject this first.
3. Let’s assume that you are a TRUE Ethiopian and take politics as a holy business.
4. When you accept it that way, check whether you are fit or not for any positions in that business circle.
5. When you believe you are fit, come back home right away! Don’t pretend that you went out of country because of your political stand. All of us in Ethiopia know who is who and what is what. Never assume we are bunch of fools who knows nothing than begging.
6. Living and sharing life within the country itself teaches you all a lot. And only then express yourself and the holy agenda you have for your country and its people.
7. I tell you this: Those genius citizens living in Ethiopia, with true experiences of life knows far better than those dependent on ETV, ESAT, ERTV, etc. Because those true citizens are living the life not watching it via those phony TV stations.
8. By doing the above get ready to die any time; any ways you are mortal.
9. Let the people evaluate and judge you.
Then believe me, you don’t have to worry about the naming, the union you are with, etc.
Nigussie
Askale Dama
August 12, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Outcome Driven Political Action
Until the newly formed collaborative comes up with a name, I am going to call it the Ethiopian Group (EG).
1. We expect ESAT to closely follow and report on the actual activites of EG and its member organizations.
2. The only fact we have no need to know is underground organizing activites inside Ethiopia or in the diaspora. These are the only facts that people have no need to know.
3. The measure, value or evidence of existence, contribution, and effectiveness of EG or any member organization is its actual, practical, or physical activity such as meeting, rallies, demos, protests and other forms of concrete action.
If EG or a member organization is not engaged in observable activity with meaningul outcomes, then ESAT and the public must pose their challenges including public criticism.
Concrete goal driven poltical, civic, fund raising,or organizing activity is the only measure of success and reason for existence of EG or its member organizations.
4. If two or more organizations operate in the same place and promote similar principles and goals, the public must push them to merge as one organization.
There must be a good reason why we create and support different organizations to do the same job. In management, if there are two workers for the same job, we fire the second worker.
5. EG was declared almost 2 weeks ago. It has not yet structured itself into functional departments, leading or coodinating teams, action groups and asked the public to do somethnig. The task of EG is to lead, to asked, to moblize the public to somethnig. What is it waiting for?
Only practical action unites people. Endless talking divides people. The people did not demand unity of the oppostion to read a lot of statements. We expect you to give us plans, schudules of actions everywhere all over the glove.
If there are member organizations slowing down the movement of EG, they must be made public so that we can push them to move. Every body knows what Ethiopia needs. Please generate action, not more declaration
Thank you
T.Goshu
August 12, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Here I am once again to say few points of observation of mine about the reactions from the representatives of a couple of members of the group ( the 11) who were on Addis Dimts Radio Show of August 11/12.
As I have tried earlier to reflect my comment about the interests of those groups to work together, I want to reiterate one again that the move is so desirable and encouraging. Having said this, let me jump to my observation I want to express:
1) I am sorry to say but I have to say that the way Dr. Fisiha tried to claim himself as one of the elements of democrtic forces by saying that ” We all democratic forces who have been making efforts for long time….” sounds unintetionally or otherwise exaggerated. Given his very late involvement in politics , I do not think this kind of self- upgrading is wise and honest. I am not saying he does not desreve appreciation for the simple reason being a late comer. Absolutely not!! What I am trying to say is that it is good to give credit to what we did , what we are diong rigt now, and what we are going to do next in a very humble but rational and credible manner. I hope Dr.Fisiha’s comment was not intentionally expressed but it was rather a common error of expression .
2) Another arguement by most of the interviwees particularly by Dr. Fisiha was on the question of going beyond working together around exchange of information, releasing statements and conducting press conferences, and organizing protests/demonstrations . He tried to use a very common saying that “it is not possible to resolve a 30 or 40-yrear old plotlical problem over night …. ” which is of course one of the most highly abused line of arguement not only by him but also by almost all of us. Yes, time matters a lot in every human activity. However, not trying hard to do something within the reach of our willingness and effort; and citing any proverb or saying such as ” a seven-year blind person ….” as an execuse is not only weak but also clumsy.Again, I am not saying that things are as simple as we talk about them. What I want to say is that using time reference as an execuse without sustantiating the details of our priorities , and the challenges and opportunities we may have within that time frame is not convincing enough. Yes, I want repeat that this most abused line of arguement , had been used by alomst all our past rulers ,and now is being used as one of the most important instrument to misinform, mislead and above all to undermine the very intelligence of the people. Simply put, it is abslutely important to make our arguement of time frame meanigfully relevant to our efforts being made within that time frame work not simply by making a very general statements but by making a well-qualified and specific priorities which we are dealing with within that time frame work.
3) I heard Dr.Ermias claiming that his group (shengo) is the brain child of hard work for the last 2 years . That is fantastic!! He also repeatedly told us that a fairly long time effort has brought about a very refined ( yenetere) principle and objective . That is again a wonderful expression!! However, although their efforts ( too late or uncessarily late) is appreciable and encouraging, I have to say that he did not convince us how that long time “refined ” effrot has become the strong locomotive force of the very urgent and critical moment manifesting itself in our country. Yes, it is good to come together and make some sort of cooperation and coordination ( exchange ideas/information, making statements/press releases, organizing demonstrations Which I beleive are not new happenings) . But, given the challenges we face and strong claim by the “Shengo ” that it has produced a very “refined -Yenetere” vision and plan of action of two years ,it it is not convincing enough to claim that the current efforts are very big and serious steps forward. Yes, I totally agree that ordinary Ethiopians like myself have to play their own meanigful part!! But, the people who are willing and able to play active role need a transparent and credible leardership . And they desperately need to be part and parcel of not only the PRACTICAL ASPECT of an organized political activity but equally part and parcel of the very PROCESS of it if we want to make an effective (in terms of material ,financial , time and human resource) way of doing things ,and bring about the change we desperately aspire. I do not know why Dr.Ermias did not tell us the reason for working behind closed doors for two years which was supposed to be a very critical part of the process to be enriched or developed by public opinion. I am not simply comlaining or underminig the efforts . I am just expressing my opinon which I believe is helpful for the struggle the Ethiopian people are waging against the tyrannical ruling elite in our country.
4) I was wondering when I heard the number of groups under the “umbrella” of the recently announced working together groups of the 11. Forty -three something?? Well, I can undestand the existence of several political groups including those which have legitimate or otherwise differences which may take time to irron out. But, I do not really understand the reason why civic groups which claim alomst similar causes could not work as a unified forces of the general public. It is absolutely nonsense to have multiple of political and civic organization for or in a country of poverty-striken such as ours. I am sorry to say but I have to say that unless we hold our breathe and, think deeply and seriously how we minimize if not stop this very nonsensical political and social game, we are doomed to fail. Is this harsh ,or rude, or radical way of thinking?? I do not think so if we want to be honest enough with ourselves!!
Any way,I want to remain cautiously optimistic that the genuinely concerned fellow Ethiopians will think and act accordingly!!
All the best !!
T.Goshu
August 11, 2012 at 2:52 pm
I tried to express my impression and appreciation about this not only desirable but very urgent move as soon as it was announced .
I want once again to say that a real sense of togetherness around dealing with very big and shared issues, promoting common and noble values which are so indispensable in the process of building a genuinely democratic country in which all her citizens could live with dignity and shared prosperity is a very huge and golrious mission. And the move by those groups is admirable and encouraging. I strongly believe that the move deserves sincere appreciation, recognition, and above all meaningful support.
However, given our difficult and sometimes very terrible experiences about the fromation and the untimely if not very ugly disintegration of coalitions ,fronts , unions, alliances ,councils and the like in past several years; the effort to win the hearts and minds of the people who have been frustrated and disappointed , and to change the very negetative experience to a positive attitude and opportunity is not an easy task. It needs a very deep dedication and determination both at an individual and a group level. As a real sense of leadership emantes from credibility and the ability to lead the peaple during the time of very challenging moments , those eleven groups are expected to lead by a practical and presistent example. I do believe that the Ethiopian people cannot afford to “entertain ” the cordination or cooperation among groups that is not willing and able to go beyond the declaration of its intention via communiques,press releases, getting together and talk about talks and etc.
I want to say a couple of points with regard to the role of any genuinely concerned Ethiopian in supporting the efforts being made by groups who are trying to pull their efforts together and make something meaningful in the process of the struggle for the realization of genuine freedom, justice, human dignity in our country: 1) It is good and desirable to express our enthusiasim about the encouraging efforts being made by individuals and groups . It is fantastic to express our readines to contribute to the success of any effort being made by any individual or group for the sake of freedom amd justice. However, I strongly argue that our support should not be a kind of passive or non-critical way of doing things. We really need a very objective,matured , well- thought and well -articulated and substantiated way of doing things . I sincerely beileve that those groups desperately need to deal with different and critical views from all sections of the community or society. 2) It is not politically wise to consider those who did not join the coordinating effort of the eleven groups as if they are intended to play a distructive role . Instead it is quite desirable to encourage both sides to go extra mile and convince each other through a real sense of civility. I do think condemning that or this group is not helpful at all. Let’s foward our views of disareements in a very objective,rational, issue-fucused, and tolerant fasion, not the other way round. I am not saying there is no need to reject and condemn an individual or group that is determined to obstruct the struggle for the political system the Ethiopian people are aspiring. What I am trying to say is that we need to be courageous enough to talk and listen to each other with a true sense of civility before we draw a bottom line.3) I strongly believe the noble idea of coming together which is initiated and strated by the eleven groups sounds very significant and big . However, I sincerely believe that there is a need to make the profile and capabilities of most of the groups more visible and clear . The information about who is who ,and to what extent an individual or group is capable ,and what is the level of influence it has on efforts to be made is important.
Yes folks, coming together is a very good thing,but doing something practiaclly remarkable is the best of all!! And I want to wish the groups all the best in making a great initiative and example that is so critical to take the struggle for genuine democracy , justice, human dignity a great step forward!!
Tenesa
August 11, 2012 at 6:37 am
Dear Behailu,
Ginbot 7 is included in ALEJE.
Askale Dama
August 11, 2012 at 4:11 am
The emergence of this united front is a milestone in Ethiopian struggle for freedom and development. If the task was small and simple enough to be accomplished by a few people or a few organization, the need for combination and collaboration would not have arisen. This is a massive task; it is an Ethiopian project. Our gratitude goes to all those putting so much work into this noble and historic undertaking.
I have a simple but important suggestion to make. It is about the name of the united front. Naming is important. I am not an expert in logo design or advertisement but I know when a name, an image or a logo is effective.
People don’t like long, complicated, hard-to-say, hard-to-remeber or abstract names and logo.
I suggest that we should call this united front:
THE ETHIOPIAN GROUP
Why?
1. It is simple, straight, clear
2. It is very common, well known, deeply engraved in the psyche of people
3. It clearly demarcates the Ethiopian from the Woyane
4. Any person including non-English speakers can say it. Even the term ‘Budin’ is as simple and popular
5. Very soon people will simply refer to it as The Group, Budinu, the Ge or ‘the g’ … so forth
6. It is clear, simple and accessible to world media, international community
7. In short, it is clean, humble, simple, deep, and lasting – Ethiopians as one group
Degafun Enyew
August 11, 2012 at 3:58 am
Everyone with a fair judgement would applaude this modest begining of the effort to work closely and collaboratively among the majority of opposition forces in the Diaspora. This is something we all have been waiting for to hear and witness.
Credit to those who have been working tirelessly to acheive this major step towards formation of a stronger and united alternative force of Ethiopian democratic groups.
The big question now is up to all of us in gathering and rallying around these forces to give them the all needed support to reach our common goal and realise our common vision: i.e. building a united democratic Ethiopia where power emantes only from the will of the people through a newly and truly peoples’ constitution.
God bless Ethiopia!
Degafun Enyew.
Beahilu
August 11, 2012 at 1:10 am
GOOD NEWS, SOME OF THEM ARE LEFT OUT, LIKE G7, SMANE ETC , IS IT BY CHOISE OR OTHER??????????
DEL LE EWNTE ETHIOPIA
LET THE TRUTH PREVAIL
FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM