By Seifu Tsegaye Demmissie: July 21, 2008
I have found the piece by Dagmawi Dawit to be thought provoking and touching on one of the seminal issues (whether or not to treat TPLF-Meles as an enemy ) facing the struggle for democracy and freedom in Ethiopia.
I think this issue has made its own contribution to the division of the leadership of kinijit and the opposition as whole. The softening position and political tone of some former leaders of Kinijit after their release from Kaliti have puzzled many. One can speculate that they have something to do with the conditions and terms of the so called pardon which led to their release. Even so they can quit politics and seek other means of livelihood.
I know some have their own businesses and can enjoy a high standard of living.In my opinion serious analysis and understanding of the true motives and nature of the TPLF are among the critical elements missing in some opposition groups in Ethiopia. There are circles who put the blame squarely on the deceptive methods of Meles Zenawi. The fact of the matter is that Meles Zenawi himself has been consistently clear and loud enough when it comes to political power in the country. He has told the opposition to go to the bush and fight their way to the palace as he had done. Thus the issue of Meles Zenawi relinquishing political power through the ballot box will remain to be a mere wish. There can be different reasons for the failure of some political circles to realize this simple fact. The possible scenarios of some joining the fledgling opposition and causing disarray for the sake of pursuing their personal interests, can not be excluded. Party formation as a means of gaining access to the crumbs or loots of Meles and Co. is becoming apparent. If it were for the sheer number of political parties, Ethiopia could be a free and democratic country by know. Defining and treating the TPLF-Meles as the forefront enemy, mobilizing the population accordingly and pursuing the struggle with determination and resolve, are indispensable for the struggle to succeed.
Taking part in the periodical dramas (so called elections) of Meles Zenawi and receiving seats kindly given by him do not serve any other purpose than earning one a relatively comfortable live in the land of misery. This business of forming escorting and loyal opposition to lend indirect supporting hands to Meles Zenawi should be stopped.
The TPLF is the personal tool of Meles Zenawi and he can use it for any of his purposes. Volumes can be said or written about the anti-Ethiopian deeds and policies of Meles Zenawi which are jeopardising the sovereignty and survival of the country. It is on the bases of his sinister motives that all the concerned citizens of the country have classified and targeted him as the enemy of their country. Given their anti-Ethiopia doctrines and position, TPLF-Meles can not be regarded as ordinary political forces. The continued and never changing detrimental policies and positions of the TPLF-Meles have even frustrated political circleswho have been giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Like any other citizen, Professor Mesfin has every right to his opinion and stand with regard to TPLF-Meles. On the other hand I do not think that all the destructive and hostile acts of TPLF-Meles are lost to the clever and respected professor. However, his recent statement referring to the TPLF-Meles as a non-enemy is not helpful to the democratic struggle. The proponents of peaceful struggle need to understand that it is not about pacification and pleading with TPLF-Meles for our rights. It employs a range of options including boycotts, civil disobedience and disrupting or sabotaging the life lines of the enemy.Removing TPLF-Meles and securing the well being or existence of the country are the preconditions for building a democratic, free and prosperous Ethiopia. Other wise all the talks of democracy and the rule of law will be gone with the wind.
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