SERIOUS NOTES ON THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY

Several Ethiopians were frustrated and becoming cynical as the struggle to democratize Ethiopia seems being lead to dead end. They were up in arms over the failure of opposition leaders at best to work together and/or at least to” agree to disagree” on the choice of strategies of the struggle. Few Diaspora member flew off the handle when Professor Mesfin reportedly said, “EPRDF is not an enemy.” It is unfortunate.

UDJ and Ginbot 7 leaders and other good wise men/women told these Diaspora members to not get their knickers in a twist as the battle lines have been drawn among those who accept the peaceful struggle, armed struggle, and peaceful/armed struggle. What these few angry men/women kept forgetting is that all parties/fronts have bones to pick with together as their end goal is to democratize Ethiopia. The peaceful and armed struggle should not be a bone of contention. Some people vehemently argue that “those who accept peaceful struggle are free to follow and support UDJP and the like; those who choose armed struggle, they are free to join EPPF and others; those who believe in armed/peaceful (Hulegeb) struggle, they may follow and support Ginbot 7, EPRP and others. We are free to talk the talk, so let’s start walking the walk.” It makes sense.