The Implied Intent of Messer's Muchie et el Open Letter to the G8
By Amare B.

Messer's Muchie et el in their press release number 7 outlined what needs to be done in the coming days and months so Ethiopia can embark on a democratic path. The press release is addressed to the G8 leaders in the open letter.

A discerning reader, Ethiopian and non Ethiopian alike, I believe, would know beyond a shadow of a doubt the press release immensely suffers from a lack of intellectual integrity and objectivity. Let us take a few of their ideas and put them under a cursory examination.

(1) They said "Meles Zenawi came to power with violence and failed to show that he can retain power through democracy."

This statement clearly twisted truth and it is nothing more than playing semantics. The imminent Ethiopian scholars know as we and the whole world does what kind of a regime was the Dergue. Thousands of Ethiopians fought gallantly to bring the demise of the brutal Dergue regime. History when it is finally written, I am confidently hopeful will remember EPRDF and its fallen fighters as Ethiopian heroes. And, yes, it is true Meles was the leader of the group that accomplished this historical victory. Just because one does not like the way Meles has governed the country since taking power, one, if objective, should not twist truth in such a manner as to paint a non existent political picture. I ask the reader what does it mean Meles came to power with violence? Did Ethiopians have any choice short of armed struggle to overthrow the Dergue? Were we not driven out by thousands from our country and condemned, as it were, to live in exile? I for one believe there is always a place for armed struggle when all avenues for a peaceful struggle are closed. On the day the Meles government closes all avenues for a peaceful struggle Ethiopians would be within their rights to take up arms to overthrow his regime as they did with the Drgue. 

2) Messrs Muchie et el also said "We wonder what criteria has been used by the G8 to invite Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia- a person who just oversaw a rigged election on May 15,2005, that has been difficult to clear and declare the outcome after nearly two months."

There was an appeal by both sides for investigation of election irregularities and a process; however, imperfect it might turn out to be is under way. No doubt, such investigation takes time. To impress on the transparency of such an investigation is one thing but to cry it is taking time is quite another thing. But to try to manipulate this fact as if the delay proves the election was rigged again is incorrect. Even in America there were times when election results were not declared for two or more months. 

3) The press release also stated "We call upon you to demand that �your good guy� Meles accepts a broad based Government involving opposition parties who demonstrated genuine backing by the people through free and fair elections, his own party and other independent personages.....We call upon the G8 leaders to impress the historic importance of constructing an alternative to forming a Government either by the incumbent or aspirant alone, given the election has been mishandled badly and the people who voted for either side would feel cheated if either side becomes a winner takes all."

This call is unfounded and should not even be entertained. What we need to push on and impress upon is the idea that the investigation be transparent, involves the active participation of the parties, and international observers. So long as the transparency and legitimacy of the process can be ascertained, there should not be a fuss about so called 'Unity government' or what have you. Why should Ethiopians be denied of their voice? If the investigation revealed the opposition had won, then they should form a government. Not a 'Unity government'. If EPRDF is shown to have won, then EPRDF should form a government. Not a 'Unity government.' Why should we assume, as the Messer's told us ...' either side would feel cheated if either side becomes a winner takes all'? In fact, I would say who cares if they feel cheated so long as the people's voice is respected? Mind you elections are meant for the people to express their will and not for the contestants to whine. I cannot stress this idea enough. So long as the process is transparent and legitimate who cares if EPRDF loses or CUD and others lose? 

4) The Messer's finally said "We are happy to offer ideas on how such a national unity Government may be composed and sustained."

It seems to me all along the idea of the press release was nothing but point 4 above. More and more I have come to believe the problem with Ethiopian politics lies with the elite who acts as self appointed 'saviors' of the people. Only and only their idea is the best, they seem to think. That has been the problem with past regimes. That is the problem with the current regime. That is the problem with the opposition. That is the problem with the Diaspora politicians. END

Amare B.

July 6, 2005