What more does it take for the modern, supposedly civilized world to condemn injustice without any
reservation? This is the one most grueling question that has wrenched the minds of most Ethiopians since the
May 2005 election.

The people’s concerted effort to replace a repressive regime through democratic means was thwarted with
brutal force. A long awaited dream for a democratic future has been savagely crushed. The continuous call for
reconciliation, unity, peace and democracy was violently rejected. The people’s plea for international support
to pressure the government to abide by the rules of democracy has been ignored. Leaders of the opposition
have been held in prison for months in violation of their constitutional rights. Nevertheless, many of those who
are in the position of power and influence watch this spectacle with contempt and indifference as the country
slowly inches towards disaster. Only a few brave souls unequivocally condemned the arrogant suppression of
the democratic process and gross violation of human rights.

In an ideal world, the blatant vote rigging, the summary executions, the arrests and unjust imprisonment of
opposition political leaders, journalists and activists should have stirred the conscience of the civilized world.
For a community that claims to be governed by high moral standards — and demands that others do the same –
the cruel actions taken by the government should have triggered strong condemnation and/or punitive measures.
Unfortunately, when it comes to Ethiopia, the western world seems to be intent on watching it succumb to one
disaster after another only to scramble for its rescue when conditions reach the critical stage.

It is clear that the reason why the wealthy nations of the world collaborate hand in glove with suppressive
governments all over the globe is to safeguard their interest. However, it has to be stressed that this kind of
unfair and self-serving arrangement is resulting in atrocious outcomes, subjecting millions to abject poverty
making a mess out of the world.

It is the responsibility of those who claim to have reached a higher level of moral standards to stand up for truth
instead of hiding behind the excuses of self-interest. Regardless of how the relationship between two
governments may be affected, injustice in any form, under any circumstances, should be condemned with no
reservation. The core values that give humanity the high distinction it holds among living things should not be
conveniently abandoned when self-interest comes into play. If those who make a mockery out of democracy
are allowed to get away with whatever they desire and those who claim to be righteous do nothing so as to
safeguard their interest, then we might as well adopt the laws that govern wild animals instead of fooling the
masses of the world about the possibilities of freedom.

When the voice of the majority is muffled to satisfy the selfish desires of a few, when an entire population is
held hostage by a few staunch proponents of ethnic division, looking the other way or endorsing suppression for
selfish reasons is a dishonorable act. A group of wealthy nations who have, at their disposal, more than their
fair share shouldn’t be the main obstacles in poor people’s quest for democracy. It is their responsibility as
members of the human family to ensure that their interference does not result in the suppression of democratic
rights when people in bondage are struggling for the universal vision of life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. As seen throughout history, the outcome of inaction is most likely to be devastating and those who
allow atrocities to occur by their mere silence and indifference are just as responsible as those who commit the
actual crime. History will testify to this.

It is true and recognized that Ethiopia could only depend on its own people to bring about its redemption. What
is expected from the rest of the world is unfettered support to this honest endeavor without any excuses.
Encouraging the brutal government to continue committing atrocities on the people by simply ignoring the
situation or undermining the decision made by the majority will only exacerbate the problem. It also emboldens
the government to continue with its anti-democracy actions resulting in the devastation of many lives. No
country’s fate should be determined based on the needs, desires and aspirations of others. Only the people
themselves, and nobody else, should make the decision on how to determine their own fate. Those who truly
believe in the potentials of democracy to enhance the best traits of humanity should have the courage to accept
this fact.

Ethiopians have arrived at the collective conclusion that they have to do away with repression for good. They
have shown to the world that they possess the democratic desire; capability and wisdom — in contrast to what
many detractors may want the world to believe — to achieve this goal. Sadly, the only obstacle that keeps
holding them from building a democratic society is the unwarranted support the government receives from
foreign governments that for a number of selfish reasons seem to be reluctant to condemn the wrong that they
see with their naked eyes.

To steer the country in the right direction, the people’s leaders should be free. It should be thoroughly
understood that their life is in grave danger. No time should be wasted anymore. A critical stage has been
reached. By now it should be clear to all that they have committed no crime except to challenge the devastating
direction pursued by the brutal regime.

Recognizing that the country’s future is in jeopardy, the world should lend its support to the people without any
reservation. All fair-minded individuals and governments should demand the restoration of democracy and the
immediate, unconditional release of prisoners. In addition, the government should be held accountable for its
actions. It monopolized power for fifteen years and it is time for change. Power belongs to the people and it
should be transferred to those who were chosen by the people. By a large margin, the people have made their
unwavering decision in support of the opposition. Their ultimate resolution should not be compromised for the
sake of satisfying ulterior motives.

Ethiopia’s genuine sons and daughters have continuously given their testimony on several occasions. Those
who ignore their plea wouldn’t be betraying Ethiopia but their own conscience. Any action contrary to the
people’s desire without taking the time to understand the truth will destroy many lives. Now is the time to
refrain from adding more weight to an already overburdened conscience. The mere silence or compromise on
democracy gives the sign that the world approves the brutal actions taken by the government.

A bright hope for democracy was extinguished and this vile act should be condemned unconditionally. The
killing of innocent civilians should stir an emotion of grief, betrayal and sadness in every man, woman and
child’s soul just as it did in many Ethiopians. No one should be looking for excuses as to why the
demonstrations that were meant to show the people’s discontent turned ugly and how the killings happened
when the victims are unarmed innocent civilians. The lives of the imprisoned citizens, opposition leaders,
journalists and civic leaders shouldn’t be added to the thousands that perished because those who could have
avoided such atrocities decided to look the other way. Deceptive drama concocted for foreign consumption
shouldn’t be allowed to taint the beginnings of a budding democracy. Evil should not be acknowledged by
silence or encouraged by tolerance while it destroys the hopes and dreams of millions.