By Yilma Bekele | 31 May 2009 — President Obama is traveling to Africa. After attending the G8 meeting in Moscow the President is making a quick one-night stop in Accra, Ghana on July 10. This is not the first visit by a sitting US president to our continent. But this trip is very different. One of our own is coming to Africa as the leader of the most powerful nation.
As an African I am very happy. Mr. Obama is a very busy person. He is dealing with the worst economic downturn in his nations history, nuclear proliferation issues in Korea and Iran, the ongoing problem in the Middle East and the legacy of two wars he inherited from his predecessor. The fact that he found the time to stop over in Africa says a lot about where his heart is.
Again I am delighted he is honoring our continent with his presence. The choice of Ghana as his first stop to Africa says a lot about the President. Out of forty-seven countries in Africa why Ghana? Is it because it is the biggest, most populous, the richest, the most powerful, or the oldest? Why Ghana is a good question.
He could have traveled to Kenya the home of his father. He could have stopped in Ethiopia, the seat of African Union. Nigeria as the most populous black nation would have been good too. But President Obama chose Ghana.
He chose Ghana because according to a White House source “Ghana is an outpost of democracy and civil society in a volatile region.” Very simple and straight forward statement. In other words Ghana has a legitmate governement chosen by the people. Ghana is a beacon of bright light in our dark continent. President Obama is making a powerful statement regarding democracy, human right and the rule of law.
As an Ethiopian I was filled with conflicting emotions regarding his visit. I wanted him to come to Ethiopia. I know it is being selfish but it is the truth. As the founder of Africa Union and the seat of the Organization, Ethiopia should have been the logical venue for the President to share his vision for Africa.
We deserve such an honor because we are one of the oldest nation state in the world. Our country was in the forefront of the struggle of the African people to gain their freedom. Most liberation movements in Africa are indebted to Ethiopia for the generous help offered by our government and people. We helped in training freedom fighters, giving safe haven to those prosecuted for their beliefs and urged the UN to bring the cause of freedom to the forefront.
On the other hand I am very glad President Obama chose Ghana instead of my homeland. It is the right thing to do. To be frank I would have been disappointed if he had come to Addis. I would have considered him an enabler.
It would be looked at as coddling a military junta masquerading as an elected government. The lawlessness nature of the Ethiopian government has been recorded by reports such as US Department of State, Amnesty international, Human Rights Watch, Doctors without Frontiers, International Federation of Journalists, Education International and the most compelling witness of all; you the Ethiopian in the Diaspora.
You know how many rely on you to survive. You are aware of those being washed in the shores of Yemen. It is an open secret the abuse of young Ethiopian girls in the Middle East. You have heard of those who travel thru territories escorted into unknown lands, a few left behind during this dangerous trek to die alone while others are Caught and put in jail for trespassing. You are the best witness if you want to be.
Nairobi’s Daily Nation wrote “in skipping Kenya, the first African American president is signaling that he puts political values over ancestral allegiances.” I agree. Ethnic politics is very backward and destructive. It should be a thing of the past. When it comes to Ethiopia Mr. Obama was avoiding two negative characters he abhors. He is definitely not familiar with tribalism. Tribalism is primitive and so yesterday. Democracy and the rule of law is what he promised to uphold and it will be contrary to his principles to bestow such honor on a tyrannical regime as Ethiopia. Ghana is a perfect choice to enable positive character. It is a perfect reward to the achievement of our Ghanaian cousins.
I am sure his confidential report on Ethiopia includes such facts as:
- Government ownership of all land.
- Government monopoly of news media such as TV, Radio and Newspaper.
- Government ownership of communication media such as telephone, both land line and mobile and Internet service.
- Government practice of blocking web sites.
- Single ethnic group control of commercial enterprises such as insurance, transportation, construction, fertilizer, seeds and now coffee.
- Single ethnic group control of the military and internal security.
- The ruling party’s practice of creating clone parties and trade organizations.
- The ruling party’s use of death squads to get rid of opposition.
- Government act of exiling opponents by intimidation and physical violence.
All nations with embassies in Ethiopia are perfectly aware of the nature of the government. I am sure their reports back to their government is full of revelations of the atrocities committed by the regime. They all have their own interest when they assesss their relationship with our country. We are the only ones that can change the equation.
I am sure it is early enough to catch President Obama during his next visit to Africa. I am hopeful he will be met by a nation united under the umbrella of democracy and committed to the rule of law. Ethiopia will take its righteous place as the leader of Africa. It is up to each one of us to get involved and help steer the freedom train on the right track. Mr. Obama made a powerful statement. Are you going to sit there and talk about it or lift a finger and be part of the solution?
May 31st, 2009 at 10:27 am
Too bad that Americas power is not as much powerful influential and respected as once used to be in international stage. Americas economy is in unprecedented alarming free fall declining state,while in the mean time China and India and rest of Asian countries GDP growing registering double degite annual growth.
May 31st, 2009 at 12:17 pm
and we are have to know why?
May 31st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
So what, if he goes africa or not. COME ON PEOPLE! Please do not expect Mirical from Western or Ero Leaders. If you all remember what He was saying during his campain, he is not going by his word for africa leaders. So please do not make it a big deal foriegn leaders visited africa.
May 31st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Ginbot 7 Secretary General Andargachew held talks with high-level Eritrean government officials
we will smash agazzi baby killer. The war has begain. agazzi are caged with east west south north.
viva our eritrean brothres. viva Isyas.
http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/2009/05/ginbot-7-secretary-general-held-talks-in-asmara/
May 31st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Moges
I understood very well what you have written.China and India are emerging economies so also is Ethiopia according to Weyane.These are replacing America at the world stage and the trip of President Obama to Gahna is insignficant as far as Africa is concerned.But the implication is very significant especially for The servival of Weyane.Mr obama has chosen to stop over in a democratic country in Africa instead of the political capital of Africa.That is a disdane Mr obama has to the Weyne Mafia and it implies a lot untill China and India are strong enough to rescue Ato Meles whenever his in trouble as in that of 2005 when he stole the election and gunned down 200 citzens by his owen account.Let us hope that Mr.Obama makes his African police in Ghana to see all the implications.
May 31st, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Mr. Temesegen,
Slow down dude! Africa does not mean Ethiopia, and Africa is not all about Ethiopia.
Beside, Ghana been postively constructive country for the last 50 years, in the other hand Ethiopia been in war for the last 50 years, all the monies and resources used to buy Tanks and guns and poisons to kill each other instead of using it to the common advancement of all. It may take you by surprise, but ethiopia will not catch up to ghana any time soon, considering all the mess and damage done by amara dominated governments for the past 70+ years..
May 31st, 2009 at 9:55 pm
TPLF only trust tigran people.
we ethiopian will fight TPFL from all corner.
viva ethiopian force
Agazzzi will pay the price.
http://www.eppfonline.org/
June 1st, 2009 at 4:08 am
Astagsachew/Moges
Typical weyane,blaming others for the 35 years of untold distructions, wars ,pillages and terrior brought by the Weyane in Ethiopia.The Ethiopian people have explicitly shown to the world in 2005 that democracy is over due in Ethiopia and shall acheive it soon, as Weyane is on the way to its grave.
Amhara and Amhara is your old song.That is now a cliche.
The world has witnessed what weyane has brought to diffirent ethinc groups:Genocide in gambela, Awassa,Ogaden etc and you still sing Amhara.Now it is definate The brave Amhara will fight you with all the other natinalities in Ethiopia and erect democracy on a solid rock.
June 1st, 2009 at 7:08 am
MOGES SO WHAT? I THINK YOU ARE LIVING IN A FAIRY LAND IF YOU THINK THE PRESIDENTS VISIT TO GHANA DOES NOT BRING MUCH YOU ARE WRONG. IT IS A MESSAGE TO ALL AFRICAN DICTATORS THE CIVILIZED WORLD IS HAPPY TO SEE A PROGRESS ON ITS WAY TO DEMOCRACY , IF YOU THINK CHINA AND INDIA WILL BRING YOU FORWARD INVITE THEM TO YOUR FAIRY LAND NOT TO ETHIOPIA. ANYWAY YOUR (WOYANNES) GAME SEEMS TO BE OVER . THE 18 YEARS OF FAIRY POLITICS IS GONE BY SAME FLIGHT WITH BUSH (IT WAS BUSH THE FORMER AMERICAN PRESIDENT WHO ENABLES YOU TO URINE OVER ETHIOPIANS
June 1st, 2009 at 8:59 am
POWER AND INFLUENCE DOES NOT EXIST IN VACUUM.
The era of the WEST domination of the world is no more, those who hold the power of economic means will likely dominate the future and influence the world political affairs.
June 1st, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Mr. astagesechew,
Why are you blaming only the amaras, there were also tigrean Ethiopians who paticipated in amara governments to do the damage, mostly Tigreans from Mekele were allies to amara governments and historically served as house niggers.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
ASTGSACHEW KOSTRACHEW(WOYANNES)ARE REALLY CLOWNS AND FUNNY EVEN BY NIC THEY ARE GOOD ONLY FOR LIES AND FANTASY BUT I WILL TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU WILL BE SURPRISED BY THE OUT COME OF THE VOLCANIC MOVE THAT SEEMS DORMANT UNDER YOUR BED SHEET AND MAKES YOU A DUST NOT EVEN ENOUGH FOR A RESPECTED BURIAL
June 2nd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Abara is TPLF weyane agazzi baby killer rat. He wants pro-TPLF government in eritrea, so his rat race can rule ethiopia forever. Ethiopian wake up. Down with TPLF.
http://www.eppfonline.org/
reply
Rightfully it was so. Indeed, with the ardent sacrifice and unflinching support of TPLF, on May 24, 1991 Eritrea happens to claim its national independence from Ethiopia. Now that Eritrea is free in political, legal, or in legislative terms from Ethiopia still remain a riddle until further unresolved key national issues are completely solved and its inhabitants are freed from endless military captivity.
No matter how this might sound and, is odd or even bizarre, the cruel and undeniable realities on the ground inside Eritrea even as we speak dictate the very question whether Eritrea is really a nation of serfdom or freedom; whether Eritrea is certainly independent in the true sense of the word or not; or is she yet to reclaim that independence stance in its solid terms either by asking the international community for the border demarcation or by making a deal with the opposition forces being supported inside Eritrea. The answer is quite far from, and not even close to, what we may call freedom; indeed Eritrea is an absolute and unequivocal state of collective serfdom; a nation of military garrisons and guerrilla warfare camps openly observable everywhere. The overwhelming majorities of the nearly 4-million Eritrean people remain incarcerated in military garrisons; and are no where near claiming to be free people! Nor is the boundary demarcating Eritrea as a free nation is clearly settled by any international or national means. In the last nearly two decades Eritrea has declared war plainly with all its neighboring states indiscriminative all around.
To one’s dismay, the Eritrean tyrant Issayas Afewarki has already turned Eritrea exactly into his private Estate; and Eritrean inhabitants into his serfs bound to remain loyal who unquestionably obey his leadership or commanderships. They are inculcated with absolute caution to fulfill only his will in every aspect of societal life; including asking his permission to move from point A to point B! No national constitution, no parliament, no basic human rights, or no elected officials exist in today’s Eritrea. Tyrant Issayas Afewarki single-handedly picks, hires, and fires folk at will. He appoints public officials, “diplomats”, “Ministers”, “zonal administrators”, “zonal generals” and makes sure that they in turn acknowledge him as the strongest Eritrean man who must be feared and obeyed by any and all means for leading them to “freedom”. Like every landlord, tyrant Issayas Afewarki has the last words over every thing that pertains to his private Eritrea Estate! The Eritrean people are only told; not consulted about Afewarki’s decisions or actions. Yes, it is customary for serf-masters not to consult the untouchable serfs. As loyal serfs, the Eritrean people have accepted the hardship conditions exerted by their landlord as they have no other options; but left obviously to concur with the landlord’s daily decisions; or whatever he (Tyrant Issayas Afewarki) who must be obeyed by all means has to say or to offer for rendered labor or military services! How different is this contemporary Eritrean livelihood than the feudal era of Ethiopia? Or the collective communistic military garrison state of Northern Korea today?
First of all, Tyrant Issayas Afewarki openly declares democracy as ‘non-existent’ in the world. That means, for their own survival or for their own good, the Eritrean serfs must know how to concur! Secondly, Afewarki dismisses elections as western conspiracy to divide the people of Eritrea along vertical differences. Consequently, the Eritrean serfs are propagated day in day out through the Eritrean mass media and through community cadres to zealously continue to concur for their own survival! And if Afewarki were to say 10+1=14, serfs would concur that too! Especially after September 2001 when his most prominent opponents were summarily arrested or fled the country, Issayas Afewarki’s predominance is boosted by his handpicked persons holding key positions for fear of political reprisals.
In short whatever the tyrant has to mumble on the national TV or Radio or in his public speeches the serfs simply concur that without any questioning at all! Thirdly, as serfs, the people of Eritrea are there only to render their labor services however they are compensated for it by the landlord, if any! Fourthly, it is clear that social, economic, and political emancipation indeed constitute the major props of freedom. But these are non-existent in Eritrea as such ideas are said to be western liberal talks that happen far from the preaching of the Western World in the Western arena itself. So in Eritrea, it is all about serfdom under the guise of freedom all the way through! It is befitting to communism or state capitalism to keep Eritrean people in serfdom. Eritrean people are told by the landlord Tyrant Issayas Afewarki that they shouldn’t get all what they want; but they may feel free to want what they get! As per tyrant Afewarki, the Eritrean people don’t want what the Western World terms as: “democracy, justice, rule of law, elections, human rights, free press, etc”. To Afewarki, these are empty terms in ideal context. The Western liberals talk all about freedom that never exists in reality. As far as Afewarki is concerned, “indeed the Eritrean people want what they can get. And the state expects from each according to his ability and provides to each according to his needs”.
In a recent interview Afewarki gave to Asharq Al-Awsat he stated saying: “We do not have a misguided press in this country and we do not think there is an absolute press freedom in the world. The world newspapers are now operating in the so-called age of globalization. It is a process of monopoly by specific groups that are known by name and known by their capabilities, financing, and management. Press freedom is non-existent and we are opposed to this situation in the world on which certain quarters impose their control. These quarters are using the media to serve their private interests. The true voices of the media are the voices that oppose the monopolization of the media that are distorting the facts and serving monopolist interests. The media is now monopolized by a specific quarter that has interests, ambitions, and policies of hegemony and monopoly. They are exploiting the media and this is part of their policies. Should we be part of this process or should we make our voices heard and not allow these quarters to muzzle us? We do not allow these world organs to be active on our land to distort the facts and create discord in our country or our region and in our environment. This country and this region need a free media, a free media that convey the information as it is so that the people would build on facts and correct information and then analyze viewpoints in the interest of these peoples. This region needs to create and unify harmony among its peoples not to use the media to cause division and create sedition among nations and countries. This is not true media but media of distortion and fabrication of discord. We do not welcome and we have no interest in adopting such a process. That is the false media say that there is no free press in Eritrea. We are reassured and at peace with this process because the accusations against us are being made by oppressors, counterfeiters, and monopolists that think they alone have media and no one else. We have a clear stand on this issue and the people are following up on what is happening in the world and in the region. They differentiate between facts in this country.”
But let me say it clearly and loudly: It is long overdue time for FREEDOM from tyranny and serfdom in Eritrea.
The Author can be reached @ abrehe@gmail.com