Just as I did, other true and genuine
Ethiopians have followed that path and left their diplomatic post to live in
exile rather than giving in to the pressures and threats directed against them
to be a member by cadre EPRDF members. I dedicate this article to all those
diplomats and civil servants who resisted this pressure and remained true to
their beliefs and conscience by saying “Over my dead body” to membership to
EPRDF. I have listed some of them below to be a witness to their bravery and
commitment to the truth and what is right. Unlike others who prioritize their
stomach before their mind these people have at least took the step to express
their resentment to the governments’ undemocratic moves designed to perpetuate
the hegemony of EPRDF for two more decades with out
and democratic changes and economic progress.
The MelesZenawi administration has been openly engaged in mass
membership of the civil service, farmers, teachers, students with out their consent and request. The Ethiopian
diplomatic service, both at home and in missions, is no different. It has been
under a strong pressure and 100% of the staff at the head office have become
members under the direct order of the minister d’etat NegaTsegaye who is
apparently directed to do so by non other than the
chairman of EPRDF, MelesZenawi.
In the foreign missions similar moves have been taken to co-opt those very
small numbers of non-member diplomats, the majority are members, who were doing
their job with the belief that they are serving their country. Recently,
however, these non-member diplomats were obligated to be a member with clear
and unequivocal terms. And as a result they have taken the other, and of course
humanly better, decision to resign from their posts and defect.
No matter what their political opinions and
persuasion every one is expected to get in line with
their ethnic based parties even if he/she does not agree with the party
doctrines and policies. Amharas are supposed to get
in Amhara People Democratic Movement; Oromos in Oromo People Democratic Organizqation;
those from the South in to Southern Ethiopian People Democratic Movement; Tigray in to Tigrayan People
Liberation Front and others… Many friends of mine working at the head office
and missions have followed the order of the day and have become the new members
of EPRDF by joining their respective ethnic based parties. They have started
attending meetings and contribute money to EPRDF monthly even if they are
members against their will. Those who have managed to flee from the system are
those blessed. Because they have escaped from the worst form
of subordination – mental servitude.
Even though government institutions were
supposed to be free from party domination and politicization the fact on the
ground in the case of Ethiopia is different. Government institutions in
Ethiopia are instruments to protect the security and interest of EPRDF rather
than serving the interest of the people. Government offices are considered EPRDF
offices and employees are expected to endorse EPRDF policies no matter what
their personal opinions and preferences. The finance and resources of
government offices are used to promote and implement the ill-conceived EPRDF
party politics and propagandas rather than promoting Ethiopian interests.
The Woyane led
EPRDF government took the measure of mass membership of the civil service,
diplomats included, since the period leading up to the may
2010 election. For me personally, and some others, to be a member of EPRDF was
so condescending due to the fact that it would require us to adopt those
policies and values of the EPRDF that are detrimental to Ethiopia and
Ethiopians. Beyond that when you are a member the facts and ideas that you are
fed is from the book of “Abiotawi Democracy” and the
twisted version EPRDF understanding of Ethiopian history. For example, the
cadres regard Emperor Menilik as the biggest Neftenyawho oppressed others. They give him
no credit to his effort of unifying Ethiopia and defending it from colonial
encroachment. Even if they know that they do not dare to say it as cadres and
if some one says otherwise he will be considered Chauvinist.
They seem to believe that when they speak the truth and give credit to whomever
deserved it they feel that they loose legitimacy to
rule and control Ethiopia. That is why am saying to be a member of EPRDF is
condescending. You would be obliged to sell your conscience and live on deceit
and fabrication.
Therefore, the basic reason why people defect
from the EPRDF administration is to live with clean conscience and free mind.
We have abandoned the life of luxury that people are afforded by the regime
once they are a member. And those who have preferred exile rather than mental
servitude deserve appreciation to their patriotic action of standing with truth
and following what is the right path. It is my belief that others will follow
that direction and become the force in the fight for freedom and justice in
Ethiopia rather than being part of the problem. Diplomats who recently
defected, including Bethel Belay and AyalewNigussie from Austria-Vienna; Eyassu Gebrehiwot and BrukTesfamariam from Frankfurt-Germany, Asefa Delil from Washington D.C; Ambassador Kadafo Mohammed Hanfre from
Kuwait missions should be congratulated for standing in dignity and free of
guilty-conscience.
