Where is the place of the CUD and the OLF in these confusing and complex categories? The OLF is/was pursuing a separatist agenda on the basis of national self determination. While the CUD albeit its young age it is firmly established on the platform of Ethiopian nationalism—with the vision of a democratic Ethiopia where all of its citizens would be equally and democratically treated.
Both of these political approaches to Ethiopian politics have been tried but they are not as such able to address in a meaningful and effective way Ethiopia’s intricate political problems. That is why these seemingly contradictory approaches to Ethiopian politics should be synthesized or should be balanced. In addition to this, the existing division between multiethnic political organizations and nationalist movements like the OLF has helped the consolidation of the position of the TPLF/EPRDF rule. It is because of the rather mutual exclusionary approach of Ethiopian opposition forces that the minority government of Mr. Zenawi has managed not only to divide and rule the country but also pit the Oromos against the Amhara and other ethnic groups. The previous position of the OLF not to engage with non-ethnic based political parties in Ethiopia was advantageous to the TPLF minority regime. The OLF gradually but surely was coming to the center stage of Ethiopian politics over the last few years. The desire of the OLF not to be used by the TPLF minority regime was clearly exemplified by its rebuff to the invitation of Mr. Zenawi to enter into dialogue and create what was dubbed as the “anti Neftegna alliance” right after the electoral setback of the TPLF. Moreover, when top OPDO officials of the TPLF and their propagandists like Junedin Saddo, Aba Dulla Gemeda, Gemechu Megerssa and others were trying to incite the Oromo people in Arssi against the Amhara who live in the region by saying that we lost the election because of the Neftegna the OLF made clear to its members and supporters that the Oromo people do not have enmity with the Amhara people but only with political systems which oppressed them and urged people to desist from any inter-ethnic conflict. That was a major blow in the face of the Mr. Zenawi who was then clamoring for a major inter-ethnic conflict between the Oromo and the Amhara which would able to transform his brutal army and federal police as peacekeepers and mediators between these two difficult and ‘backward’ ethnic groups. Let me then come to some of the major criticisms against the AFD.
Firstly, the separatism of the OLF and the ONLF. Some demand the OLF should disassociate itself form separatism or even ethnic politics before it is considered as a legitimate player in Ethiopian politics. Some even think that the OLF is anti-Ethiopian. Some even suggest that the OLF should apologize for its earlier actions and policies. I think these types of demands are destructive. People who promote such ideas are those who are not interested to consider the OLF as an organization which has its own wide constituency and of course a cause/grievance. Why not we ask apology from the EPRP, MEISON and other organizations of the 1960s when they seek to play a major role in Ethiopian politics. Those who voice these demands are those who seek the kneeling down and surrender of the OLF. As a result criticisms of such individuals for that matter organizations should not be counted as they are not well intentioned and do not respect the position of the other.
But for those who are genuinely concerned, the key to all these questions could be found in the declaration of the AFD itself. The AFD is calling for the convening of a national conference-which could if properly handled lead to a multiple process of political democratization, national reconciliation and mutual understanding. In fact the OLF is sliding away from separatism. The decision of the OLF to call the meeting that led to the formation of the AFD is a clear testimony of this. Moreover, all the above issues would be considered more thoroughly once the process and the framework leading to reconciliation and national healing are underway. Such a process of national reconciliation and healing not only considers our history of violence in the immediate past but also unequal and unjust relationships between different ethnic groups of the country in our history. Such a process of reconciliation would help to create mutual confidence between different groups of people.
Secondly, the UDEF opposition: “civic organization”? The tug of war between those who support the AFD and the UDEF is going out of the proportion beyond what it really deservers. Let me just address one of the pillars of UDEF’s opposition not to endorse the AFD, i.e. the issue of civic organizations. The civic organizations should have a very strong role in Ethiopia’s transition to democracy. They should, however, first assemble themselves—at least those who operate in the Diaspora and voice their concerns collectively. The civic organizations should not enter into partisan opposition politics–they should serve as the conscience of the people—serve as watchdogs of public interest. Should civic organizations join political fronts and alliances? My answer is an empathic no! The moment they join political alliances they cease to be civic organizations. It would endanger their own survival and integrity. It is my sincere wish that the civic organizations should not be entangled in this unnecessary tug of war between the supporters of the AFD and the UDEF. It would be also helpful if the UDEF and the AFD could sort out their differences in a civil manner.
Thirdly, Isayas and the Eritrean factor – we Ethiopians for a long time unfortunately failed to agree among ourselves and work out the necessary political and legal framework which would provide security for all groups and make politics non-violent. The result of this failure is mass exile, seeking of refugee throughout the world. The lack of civic and political space in Ethiopia during the time of the emperor, the Derg and the TPLF has forced opposition political groupings to go to neighboring countries to pursue their objectives. The neighboring countries also either support or suppress such movements depending of their own interest. The EPLF, TPLF, EPRP, and many others in their history used neighboring countries and others to pursue their political objectives. Ethiopians hope for peaceful and democratic transition by the killing of innocent children on the streets of Addis Ababa by the Agazi tribal militia dashed the prospect of peaceful and democratic transition in Ethiopia. I think those who argue that peaceful and democratic transition under the tutelage of Mr. Zenawi is possible should join the UDEF in Addis Ababa and negotiate with Mr. Zenawi as leaders of the UDEF in Ethiopia. What is now needed is a coordinated and all round struggle. The armed opposition groups should strengthen their military activities and those who are still pursuing a non-violent struggle should also strengthen their activities. The operation of the OLF and the EPPF from Asmara should be considered in this context. These organizations cannot operate from anywhere else other than Asmara. The Eritreans have their own interest in supporting the OLF and the EPP. The interest of the Eritreans is undermining the TPLF. Eritrea being a small country would not fathom of ruling Ethiopia indirectly through the AFD or OLF. That could not happen. The best thing they could achieve from a change of Mr. Zenawi in Addis Ababa is the coming of a friendly or less hostile regime in Addis Ababa to Asmara. Those who are suspicious of the Eritreans I think should join the AFD and see from inside what is going to happen and engage in old rhetoric and propaganda war that the Shabia was responsible for all our woes. That is now history. We do not have to battle history but look the future.
It is in the context of my above discussion I consider the AFD. The AFD is a good beginning. It needs to further develop itself. The parties within the AFD need to work to develop mutual understanding and tolerance not only among themselves but also among their wide followers.
