We understand because we Ethiopians have also had enough of the 20-year dictatorial rule by another
African strongman, Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia. It is only a matter of time before Ethiopians, like Libyans,
rise up to demand the same the rights and freedom!
Until then, Ethiopians have no legitimate government to protect them in times of danger or crisis.
Because the SMNE stands up for the well being of Ethiopians wherever they are found, we are speaking
in their behalf in asking you for your help in protecting the hundreds of Ethiopians stranded in Libya,
abandoned by their own country.
In particular, we are concerned about Ethiopians who have contacted us who are trapped in the rebel-
controlled city of Benghazi. These are Ethiopians who were working in Libya simply because they were
looking for opportunity. These are not mercenaries sent by Meles Zenawi; however, because of their
nationality, skin color and ethnic differences, they are being mistaken as being Ethiopian mercenaries.
As a result they have been mistreated, attacked and beaten. They are in serious jeopardy as they are
running out of food and are afraid to go out on the streets. Please alert your people to their plight.
We strongly condemn the actions of the Ethiopian government against the people of Libya. The currently
hated Meles regime was illegitimately elected, represses the peoples’ freedom, commits widespread
human rights atrocities, robs the people of their land, resources and lives and absolutely DOES NOT
represent the people of Ethiopia. They only maintain their power through the gun. We are not surprised
that Meles has aligned with Gaddafi to defeat the Libyan people’s movement for freedom as your victory
is a frightening and very real threat to his own survival. As you proceed, please be cautious not to
identify Ethiopians with him.
On behalf of these Ethiopians in Libya, we in the SMNE strongly and urgently appeal to you, the
leaders of this peoples’ movement in Libya, to please alert the rebels in Benghazi, and wherever
Ethiopians are found, to the fact that these Ethiopians are brothers and sisters in a shared struggle for
freedom. If there is a safe shelter for them in another country, please help them find it without being
harmed as they travel the streets; simply for having the misfortune of living under the authoritarian
rule of a tyrant who is supporting your tyrant!
While other countries who care about their own people rush to rescue their citizens; the response of the
Ethiopian Ambassador to Libya and the Sudan to the plight of Ethiopians trapped in Libya was very
telling. When the interviewer on Deutsche Welle Radio suggested the ambassador give listeners the
contact information for emergency assistance, he refused to do so.
We Africans have suffered too long at the hands of merciless leaders and at such a time as this we
should stand together; across our own borders, cooperating together in bringing about the liberation
and transformation of Africa, where humanity comes before ethnicity, religion or any other kind of
difference and where we care for the freedom, justice and well being of others for no one will be free
until all are free. Let us take these less-traveled roads towards peace, prosperity and continental
integration until they become highways connecting our beautiful people and continent!
CONTACT – Inquiries could be addressed to: Mr. Obang Metho at: [email protected]
