Just to forstall any misunderstanding, I would like to state that in my comments below I do not in any way question the motives of the author of this article.
Motives aside, however, at least from the title of the article, presentation of facts, and the vague suggestions for future directions to be taken by CUD, the author failed to appreciate the gravity of the issues that separate the oppositoin and Meles at this juncture in Ethiopian politics. As a result the article appears to trivializ the tragic political and human rights situation in today’s Ethiopia.
At the root of the current political problem in Ethiopia are major unresolved issues all relating to the May 2005 elections:
Indiscriminate large scale extrajudicial killings in Adiss Ababa and the rest of the country.
the imprisonment without charge and torture of tens of thausands of citizens all over the country, still underway.
The ongoing charade — trial of elected oppostion political leaders, human rights advocates, and journalists on trumped up charges.
These are big issues and they require specific actions to resolve. Simple window dressing won’t do it. Given the plane at which Ethiopian politics is being played out currently, it is immaterial and impertinent to the issues of the day; wether Meles appropriated the agendas of the opposition or not!
Well talk is cheap, action is what matters! Meles cannot transform his talks into concrete actions, for the same old reason: acting on his words will definitly lead to an end to his stranglehold on power – something for which he is prepared to kill and kill in large numbers!.
There is, however, a point I agree on in the article that relates to recosntituting the CUD leadership and get it moving. I think that is a good point, CUD should start reconstituting an adhoc leadership team that has much of the powers of the imprisoned leaders, but of course with the blessing of the imprisoned leaders.
Ethiomedia for me and, I belive, for most Ethiopians is the principal portal to online Ethiopian news. It is reliable and has an unambiguous views on the great issues of the day in Ethiopia. It is my sincere wishes that it maintains that high standard in the future as well.
