Travel Guide | May 24, 2005 Viewpoint Enough is enough By Alem Mamo May 24, 2005 ADDIS ABABA (AP) – Ethiopia is at a critical juncture in its 3000-year history. The long and arduous journey towards democracy and human rights is seemingly is at a crossroads. The maturity of the political consciousness of the Ethiopian people has taken the life of its own. The desire for a democratic and a meaningful political, social and economic change, which began in the early 1970s, as we all know, was hi-jacked by a few army officers and their opportunistic “intellectual” cliques. What happened during the 17 years of military dictatorship is an open secret to the Ethiopian people and the world at large. The brutality of the military regime however, never dampened the spirit and resilience of the people of Ethiopia. We all resisted by all means available, at the end the regime collapsed joining the fate of fellow dictators, who chose to govern by coercion not compromise. In 1991, the popular resistance that demanded a democratic change was once again hijacked by a group of Stalinist ethno-elite calling itself TPLF/EPRDF. The regime’s divide and conquer ethnic policy pushed the country into an unprecedented degree of polarization. Such a policy, which is based on using ethnicity as an ideology, only benefited the regime and its cadres not the people of Ethiopia. At the end the patience, political maturity and discipline of the public was demonstrated on May 15, 2005 at the polling stations. The people of Ethiopia voiced their choice through a ballot box and the majority said enough is enough, and the time for a real change has come. This clearly is the evidence, which shows the level of a mature political consciousness of the Ethiopian people. Furthermore, it shows that how far the people of this nation have come and is a manifestation of the fact that the regime is falling behind the populous. The people of Ethiopia have spoken they are demanding change. They are asking for new leadership and new political formula for the country’s social, economic and political challenges. The TPLF/EPRDF response to this “mini revolution” (as one western diplomat in Addis Ababa put it) is critical to the security and stability of the nation and the region as a whole. The message of the Ethiopian people is loud and clear. On May 15, 2005 the patient and the resilient people of Ethiopia said: ‘we are tired of watching our popular struggle and demand being hijacked by a few gun-toting gangs.’ Thus, they launched a peaceful revolution using their right to vote, for which they have fought for decades. From a land far away here in North America, I watched the sea of people lining up to vote, the old, young, men women from all walk of life and background. As, I watched all of this; I couldn’t help but be chocked with tears. In seeing the suffering and anguish of my fellow Ethiopians, their desire to remain united, their determination to bring about change no matter how long it takes. I said to myself I wish I were there with them in this historical time where the people of Ethiopia are taking a leap to a new height in their struggle for democracy. Putting aside my personal emotions however, I am summoned to admire and appreciate the calm and mature leadership provided by the senior leaders of Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Front (UEDF). They have successfully defended the interest of Ethiopia and its people and I take my hat off to their remarkable work. Viva Dr. Berhanu Nega!! Viva Dr. Merera Gudina!! Viva Dr. Beyene Petros!! We are with you. Now, the ball is on the TPLF/EPRDF side. They have a clear choice to make. They can behave like many other despots by trying to quash the verdict of the people and cling to power, Or simply be swept away by the methodical revolution that is blowing in the four corners of the country. I hope the regime will come to its senses and chose what is best for the country and its own survival. Any other alternative, rather than respecting the will of the people, is futile and it could have serious consequences to the country and the region. Finally, whatever the cost may be, the people of Ethiopia will prevail in their quest for democracy, human rights, economic prosperity and justice. The people of Ethiopia have spoken and its time to listen!!! ETHIOMEDIA.COM – ETHIOPIA’S PREMIER NEWS AND VIEWS WEBSITE © COPYRIGHT 20001-2003 ETHIOMEDIA.COM. EMAIL: [email protected] The Elections and the Aftermath: What the Addis Elections Reveal EU cites concerns on Ethiopian vote counting Anthony Mitchell, AP: May 25, 2005