Atlanta, Georgia – At a dinner party organized to mark the 15th anniversary of the launching of Mahidere Anidnet Radio, the ever-inspiring human rights activist Tamagne Beyene once again emphasized that the dictatorial regime in Addis Ababa could not annihilate the spirit of Ethiopiawinet from the minds and hearts of the long suffering people of Ethiopia.
Addressing a fully packed audience, at Jade Event entertainment center, Tamagne said Ethiopians should neither be discouraged nor lose hope by the transient shortfall manifested by different opposition political parties. Such attitude has to be changed, Tamagne noted. He praised senior party leaders in various political organizations for their tenacity and selfless sacrifice in the struggle to end tyrany and injustices in Ethiopia. He further emphasized that the time has come for the young generation to hold responsibility in safeguarding the nation and free its people from decades of untold suffering under the policy of ethnic federalism.
He asked, “who as an Ethiopian does not want to see his country develop and register progress in all sectors of the economy?” “All of us wish to see roads and high rise buildings be constructed but not sowing the seeds of hatred among the different ethnic groups of Ethiopia and denying the “oxygen of liberty” for all, said he.
Speaking of equality among the various nationalities of Ethiopia, supported by a video clips , Tamagen exposed how fictitious and deceiving was Ato Meles who at the onset of seizing power said that a new era has come to Ethiopia where “equality of all nationalities is guaranteed.” Tamgaen said, “today equality of nationalities is manifested only through the various songs and dances .” He uncovered this farce notion of “equality” by citing the composition within the military as an example, where the vast majority of high ranking officers emanate from one single ethnic group and how disproportionately the Ethiopian army is structured.
Unlike the Woyane regime that sows the seeds of hate day in day out, the Ethiopian people don’t sanction hate on a particular ethnic group. Rather they oppose the acts of injustices and crimes against the country that the ruling party commits in the name of the Tigrean people, Tamagne stressed. He emphatically stated that the people of Tigray would like to live with the rest of the Ethiopian people in peace and harmony. Tamagne requested the gathering to hold each others hands in a symbolic gesture of unity and solidarity that breaks the realm of tribalism.
Referring to the current tsunami of protracted civil upheaval in Norht Africa and the Middle East, he expressed optimism that Meskel Square in Addis Ababa would soon be swamped by thousands who fight for change — a change that makes every Ethiopian equal in the eyes of the law. He further stated that be it in Libya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe or Egypt, the behavior and charactersitics of dictators are almost identical.”
Earlier, Dr. Seyoum Gelaye, dean of post-graduate school at Fort valley State University at Fort valley Georgia, reviewed and exposed the discrepancies within Woyane’s constitution. He pointed out that while the constitution unequivocally guarantees individual rights and freedom of expression, what we actually witness is opposite to the sermon.
Sisay Agena, a journalist who recently came from Ethiopia to receive Pen Center USA award, sketched the atrocities perpetrated by security forces against free press.
Elias Kifle, chief editor of Ethiopian Review, who is also a founding member of Mahidere-Andinet called on the general public to stand behind the media and render all kinds of support. “Preparation is underway to celebrate 20th anniversary of Ethiopian Review in Washington DC”, Elias noted. If things continue with the current pace in Middle East and North Africa, there is a good chance to celebrate 20th anniversary of the world wide page in Addis Ababa, the veteran journalist aired optimism.
The 15th anniversary of Mahidere-Andinet celebration was one of the most successful events ever held in recent days. The program included poetry reading, music and other activities. Despite the absence of unity among the various political parties, Saturday’s gathering clearly indicated that Ethiopians beyond the boundaries of religion, language and ethnic background assembled in the spirit of unity and togetherness.
