Restructuring the Kinijit Diaspora Ethiomedia

SEATTLE – Hundreds of Ethiopians march on a cold, rainy and windy day in 2006 in Seattle, protesting against the widespread human rights violations in Ethiopia following the rigged May 2005 elections. Seattle was used as a hub of protest marches by Ethiopian Americans and Ethiopian Canadians who drove to the city from as far as Portland, Oregon in the west and Vancouver BC, Canada, to the north. The prosters were successful in drawing the support of senators and members of the US Congress who denounced the nationwide crackdown the Meles Zenawi launched following its dismal performance at the 2005 polls.(Photo: Ethiomedia)

The myriad problems Kinijit Diaspora faces today has its roots in the lack of basic democratic principles such as transparency and accountability. Most of the Kinijit Support Chapters in the different States have neither elected nor selected their respective representatives democratically. Because many of the individuals and groups who led Kinijit Diaspora were either appointed, delegated or inherited their position as a result of their affiliation with former party officials, they are not accountable and the constituents have no means of monitoring the decisions they make on their behalf. Granted, given the dynamics of the election of May 2005 and its aftermath, there may not have been sufficient time to organize the Chapters or Support Groups along democratic principles.

Even though the majority of the Chapters were not democratically elected by their constituents, they have managed to hold rallies, to lobby their elected Representatives and to raise funds for the struggle back home. Although the Kinijit leaders have expressed their gratitude for the contribution of Kinijit supporters in the Diaspora, we are all very aware that Kinijit supporters, at least in North America, could have done a far better job than what has been acknowledged and appreciated.

The main culprit for the limited achievement and often stifled movement is the persistent internal bickering, division, and disagreement within the Diaspora leadership. Given the vast knowledge and financial resources the Diaspora possesses, suffice it to say, a lot more could have been done and achieved major victories. Still, it is not too late to pool together the vast resources of the Diaspora and build an effective organization in the shortest possible time.

In order to avoid future political pitfalls in the Diaspora, the Kinijit leadership in Ethiopia has enormous tasks to tackle during its upcoming visits. As a pro-democracy website that would like to see the triumph of genuine democracy and the rule of law in Ethiopia, we have a few points to suggest here so as Kinijit leaders may consider them during their move to restructure support groups in the Diaspora:

First, the Kinijit leadership should assert their executive powers to require all Kinijit Support Chapters be restructured democratically. Each Chapter should adopt written by-laws and elect their Executive Committee in accordance with their governing by-laws. It is imperative that Kinijit North America mirror Kinijit Ethiopia. Adherence to the founding principles of Kinijit, solid reputation within the community and a strong commitment to serve should be the essential requirements for leadership roles.

Second, the role of the Diaspora and its democratically elected leaders have to be clearly defined and stated in the Kinijit Manifesto or any future by-law; specifically the responsibilities the Diaspora leadership will assume if and when the Kinijit Ethiopia leadership is unable to exercise its power for whatsoever reason.

Third, to restore the trust and confidence of the Diaspora supporters, the Kinijit Leadership should implement a clear procedure of raising funds, accounting for the funds collected, and disbursement of the funds from the Chapters. In the past, this area has neither been managed wisely or professionally. Kinijit as a forward looking and modern party must demand utmost professionalism, accountability, and transparency at every stage. Nothing less should be acceptable.

Fourth, the Kinijit leadership should give proper credit to those who played critical leadership roles in the Diaspora under very difficult circumstances. A diverse and vibrant youth league as well as women’s league have to be crucial components in the restructuring of the Diaspora movement.

Fifth, the Kinijit Leadership must implement a conflict resolution procedure that may be utilized when disagreements arise within the Diaspora. This can be accomplished by having a written bylaw that is detailed and designed to address all possible scenarios within a political party or its supporters.

In the absence of these basic recommendations it would be extremely challenging to have a unified, vibrant, and powerful Diaspora that will be a major ally in the fight for democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. We, at Ethiomedia, strongly believe democracy is best achieved when it has its tentacles deep at the grassroots level.

Ethiomedia would like to acknowledge and thank all parties that tirelessly fought to free the elected CUD leaders, and everyone who has contributed, and will continue to contribute tremendously toward making Ethiopia a nation where democracy and the rule of law flourish.