Mr.
Al Amoudi is not a �Sacred Cow�
By Abegaz Bellete, June 24, 2005
We
thought that the issue of Mr. Al Amoudi will be forgotten like that,
but has been revived with special emphasis on some Ethiopian
websites. Many are saying that this is not a big issue worth
emphasizing while others feel we are being made to distract
ourselves unnecessarily from the main issue our country is facing. I
myself had no intention of going into such affairs as our countrymen
and women have dealt it with during the election. Lately an editor,
widely respected for providing balanced views has opted to bring
this issue of less substance at this very time along with numerous
other commentators, all of them issuing praise statement. Slightly
dissenting views were not entertained including this article. As
editorial, commenting on current issues and taking timely positions
would have increased much admiration. While we agree that editorials
are always expected to provide balanced views, they cannot ignore
the widely accepted wishes of the public and hence should be
accountable to matters affecting the public. They are the defenders
of the people�s cause. In fact it is the duty of editorials to
take position on sensitive matters like Mr. Al Amoudi�s campaign
on behalf of EPRDF at the very start of events.
The
issue of Mr. Al Amoudi is not between Mr. Al Amoudi and opposition
parties or a particular party. It is he versus the public. Therefore
opposition parties should not be dragged in this controversy. We
have read many comments on Ethiopian websites, chat rooms,
newspapers and some radio broadcasts regarding Mr. Al Amoudi�s
political campaign for EPRDF and the subsequent public reactions. I
have not come across radio broadcasts, including Ethiopiawinet
Radio, that have been so harsh on the Sheik to the extent of the
allegation stated in the Sheik�s press release. If true, that is
regrettable. The once I listened to are those of the views of the
opposition, on other radio broadcasts, which were very mild. They
did not go to the extent of criticizing the Sheik except expressing
their dissatisfaction. When generalized the essence of the message
they gave was �unexpected from a man of this caliber.�
Regarding the issue
of the legality of Mr. Al Amoudi�s campaign for EPRDF, we hear two
contrasting remarks. Some say he has every democratic right to
support EPRDF like every one of us (with a foreign passport) is
doing it here in a foreign land. Others say, as a foreign passport
holder, Mr. Al Amoudi cannot campaign for EPRDF inside Ethiopia.
They say it is not possible to compare two events taking place in
different countries. Ethiopian laws have made it clear that no
foreign passport holder of Ethiopian origin can be elected or elect,
while making it clear that they have all other privileges any
citizen has. They say that the aim of this is to limit any influence
in the political process. If an influential person like Mr. Al
Amoudi, that hired 60, 000 people and has many followers makes a
campaign, the election result can be greatly influenced. The effect
is more than being elector or elected. They say that if Al Amoudi
did the same thing for the opposition, he would have been at risk
for deportation like any foreigner interfering in Ethiopia�s
affairs. Further, they bring the case where Meles Zenawi banned
demonstration for two months in Ethiopia, yet Ethiopians are not
bound to this decree in Europe and America. In my opinion, I do not
give a damn weight to the legal issues but rather stick to morality
versus the Sheik�s position to support EPRDF, considering the
enormous faith the public has in him.
Criticism
is not a new phenomenon and the many criticisms against Mr. Al
Amoudi must not be alarming. America opposed Europe for lifting the
embargo on armament sale to China because America was concerned on
human right handling in China. Democrats criticized Ralph Nadar
during Election 2004 in the USA because they thought it will
be to the advantage of Bush. But Nadar has every right to contest.
Numerous examples of this nature can be cited. On the other hand,
America did not criticize Ethiopia when the latter supported China
on Taiwan issue. Criticism depends on the significance of issues and
the strength of those to be criticized. Mr. Al Amoudi has been
criticized for allying with EPRDF � a party known for it deceit
and that does not have Ethiopia at its heart. He is the most
influential (no less than a big institution) personality across
Ethiopia and that can tilt the balance of the electorate�s
decision to some degree. So all his past records will be revealed in
an attempt to counter attack his actions. In addition, Mr. Al Amoudi
controls much of the investment in Ethiopia in many sectors,
including the small-man�s business. Many resent his monopolistic
approach and might have used also this opportunity. There are some
who feel that Mr. Al Amoudi�s businesses are not profitable and he
is not engaged in innovation work except buying government firms.
Many question whether his investment is really helping the economy
in real terms. These critics might have used the same opportunity as
well. Some were optimistic that Mr. Al Amoudi would help the
people�s struggle for freedom and democracy in various ways. To
their disappointment, he staged a situation to influence his
employees and admirers to elect EPRDF. Knowing EPRDF, the least
these men and women expect from Mr. Al Amoudi is staying neutral,
incase he is afraid to openly support the peoples� struggle by
helping the under funded and relatively weaker opposition that is
fighting with a mighty and wealthy EPRDF.
Mr.
Al Amoudi says, �As such, an independent media requires a sense
of responsibility. Other wise, any thing to the contrary would be
harmful to the country and to the development of democracy in
Ethiopia. I believe you all know me well. I would rather let the
facts and my endless effort to help my country and people speak for
me.� We all agree
on this. Truth has to be upheld. A sense of responsibility is
required as expressed by the sheik.
Mr. Al Amoudi deserves fair criticism and he must not be
exposed to any untrue image tarnishing. We have no support for every
name bashing.
�Needless
to say, I support the introduction of democracy into Ethiopia and
the rise of multi-party politics, where people can elect through a
fair and just election process, their government and the maintenance
of law and peace as well as the safe transfer of the country to
future generations. Equally, I am a staunch supporter for the rise
and flourishing of independent media both at home and abroad.�
Well said! But the big question is: has Mr. Al Amoudi seen
these things happening in real terms in Ethiopia before he runs to
say he supports EPRDF? Is
it because he saw the EPRDF doing fair things that he came in
support of it? Many support the EPRDF for reasons of wealth. We do
not think the sheik has anything to do with that.
So why against the wishes of the people he stands for?
�I
myself hold no grudge against anyone in particular. But I insist
that there be an end to all transgression against me, and those who
bear responsibility for character defamation and false allegations
should learn that there are consequences for their action.�
It is right that the unfounded defamation must be halted. It
is also good that Mr. Al Amoudi has no ill will to any one. On the
other front, the legal process he pursued will reveal the depth of
the accusation and consequences. Whatever verdict is given, it is
taken as appropriate as there is fairness in the American justice
system for the plaintiff and the defendant. The sheik also speaks
confidently that the people that brought him defamation will be
punished and the money they pay to him goes to charity. It looks
that the verdict is known ahead. It is surprising that we are made
to accept that the defendant has made mistakes before even going
through the processes of court hearing. We hope the American justice
is fair and that the radio blocked will be back on its course with
all the necessary corrections for the benefit of the Ethiopian
community. That is the larger picture we have to see, as the radio
is an information provider. After all America has so many radio
programs in many languages to support democracy.
The
Sheik has also said he has no bad intention against anyone in
particular and therefore must look for reconciliation in the
Ethiopian tradition. It is said that Radio Ethiopiawinet
station has not only been talking about Mr. Al Amoudi; it gives
service to the Ethiopian Diaspora in Washington and environs on many
other issues: social, entertainment and other political aspects of
Ethiopia. A famous American journalist tried to tarnish the image of
President Bush on CBS show; but the station neither was closed nor
the person persecuted. The journalist did that at the crucial time
when President Bush was campaigning for re-election.
While we regret for any unfair criticisms against the Sheik,
we hope notable Ethiopian legal experts and friends will help for
the survival of Ethiopiawinet Radio that is said to have
contributed in the fight against the brutal dictators in Ethiopia.
Mr. Al Amoudi says he loves his people and
that his aspirations and efforts are towards fulfilling the interest
of his country�s men and women. We have no doubt on that.
But now his people want freedom from EPRDF and it is this
freedom, which he is against. The people have said Ethiopian economy
cannot go anywhere with the Woyanies on power. They have been tested
for 14 years. What is required is a just system that can create a
number of Al Amoudis in the country to change the misery condition
Ethiopians are in. Mr. Al Amoudi knows the starvation that
endangered 14 million Ethiopians not so long ago. This has to change
through an alternative path to EPRDF. The need for a change of
government is not a compromise to Ethiopians. The government as an
institution is controlling Ethiopians because of its control of the
economy and the politics. The issue here is we need a democratic
system that can move our country to a better position and keep the
territorial integrity of the country. Certainly, EPRDF is not the
answer for it. Unless we have many bread providers and good
administrators, allowing the system for few EPRDF and company will
not take us anywhere. For fourteen years we are seeing the same
EPRDF politicians, same political program and same arrogant prime
minister looking for another five years to subjugate us.
In
a net shell, opposing an influential man like Mr. Al Amoudi is
normal in a democratic country. It makes it much normal when he
sides with a government that is known for violating human rights and
compromising Ethiopian national interests. What Ethiopians say to
Mr. Al Amoudi is, �look here is a brutal regime we do not like to
rule us and we want you to stay away from the club.� They are
expressing their dissatisfaction to diminish his influence on the
electorate. Ethiopians have shown that they appreciate his role in
the economy but they have independent thinking when it comes to
their freedom. We regret for the slanderous criticisms around his
family, his associates and himself but criticisms based on his true
records, if there exist, must not be totally denounced. The best
scenario for Mr. Al Amoudi is to make it clear that he stands by the
side of the people at all times or stays neutral. While it is
unfortunate for the Sheik to go through unfair criticisms, we hope
notable Ethiopian legal experts and others will help bring
reconciliation and that the radio owner adheres to proper reporting
ethics. Judging the high poll approval on the net, Ethiopian lawyers
need to defend the survival of Ethiopiawinet Radio that is
said to have been popular and that contributes its share in the
fight against the brutal dictators in Ethiopia.
In my opinion, I do
not give a damn weight to legal issues on the rights of Mr. Al
Amoudi, but rather stick to morality versus the sheik�s position
to support EPRDF considering the enormous faith we have in him. We
still respect him, but do not spare time to criticize him in order
to bring him back to the public domain. With all respect to our
well-mannered and ethical editorials, just criticism for defending
the people�s cause is not going against the democratic rights of
the Sheik who allied with a murderous regime. Editorials are not
also neutral when it comes to public interests. They ought to make
fair criticism on the issue.
Abegaz Bellete
June 24, 2005
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