Stop fanning the flame in Kinijit

By Neamin Zeleke | September 26, 2007

Split as it could if the current dangerous tendency continues. The prime beneficiary is going to be none other than the TPLF regime. I do not think any sane person would debate this stark truth.

I read and hear much of the tifozo sort of fanning the flame on both sides. Thus far many conspiracy theories, much innuendo, many interesting stories abound . However, I have yet to see solid arguments and facts beyond a shadow of doubt that the problem in Kinjit is that of fundamental political difference, a strategic nature among the two groups. Thereby proving that one or the other has made a radical departure from the very manifesto and political program on which Kinjit was found.

If the crux of the matter is that of a fundamental difference, as I said, I could at least understand the merit in the all out war of nerves and the attacks and counter attacks by the protagonists and their supporters as evidenced in the electronic fora and websites . This could well be understandable. Short of such incontrovertible facts , marshaled as evidences that can prove the many allegations against this or that group within Kinjit, I think the tendency to escalate the problems and current contradictions in the organization by all calming to support this or that group will not benefit the struggle of the people of Ethiopia for their democratic and fundamental rights against the TPLF/EPRDF minority dictatorship. If the trend continues and Kinjit eventually splits the moral and political impact will be disastrous for the millions of Ethiopians who voted and supported/still support Kinjit.

When we take positions , without the sufficient and necessary conditions and facts to ground our political judgments , we should give primacy by asking whether or not our actions advance the struggle of the Ethiopian people for democracy and unity . Of course , it is easy to entangle this noble and larger than life cause of the people of Ethiopia with personal and narrow group interests and try to justify our otherwise unwarned– often times based on unsubstantiated rumors –political , positions against this or that group. Ultimately it is us , all of us , who are going to be the loosers. Of course, as the sincere, observers of this sad situation have said, that pest Meles Zenawi will keep on laughing at our “kermo Tija” behavior , a phrase often used by Prof Mesfin to characterize the political elite of Ethiopia. .

As most may know , I am neither a member nor a supporter of Kinjit. Nor do I have any sort of special attachment or love for its leaders. Despite secondary political differences, what I have is respect for people who stood firm for what they believed and paid for it. One may even have an issue to pick with the way they got released from prison.

But first and foremost I am an Ethiopian . and I would like to think in terms of the broadest interest of our people as opposed to the partisan political ideology and partisan political agenda that I may otherwise espouse under normal and democratic conditions if they ever exit in Ethiopia. After painstaking effort to find the truth and facts from many and diverse quarters, I am still unable to find much that justifies the cannibalism and all out war by supporters of both groups against each other. I see much ego, jockeying for non-existent power, and kursho, and hatred of one personality against another, and vice versa. In a sort of complex interplay of much personal and narrow group interest, few going back to years and even decades ago.

For instance there are allegations from many quarters that Dr. Berhanu Nega would like to “work with Woayne” and that he is going to “sell out” etc, etc . It does not matter if the said person was, at one time, very friendly with Woyane top cadres. It does not prove that he is or capable of being Woayne now. Having read his book, knowing what he has done at least for the past six years, there is no evidence to suggest the allegations that attempt to link him with Woayne, to prove a point at this time. If this sort of argument is taken to its logical steps, many will not be immune from being victims of similar allegations. As we all remember those who lead UEDF, in fact the most senior leaders, where none other than people who at worked with Woayne, shared Happy moments with the top Cadres of the TPLF. Yet many chose at many opposition conferences the likes of the slimy Dr. Beyene and others, again and again, to lead coalitions including UEDF.

Even after Beyene Petros and others joined the TPLF parliament , not much was said against them as compared to the barrage of attacks now directed against Dr. Berhanu and the 33 years old leader Birtuakn Mideksa. At the very least these Kinjit leaders paid a price , 22 months or ten years it does not matter. What matters is that they went to jail and paid a price where none of us, including those who we elected as leaders betrayed the people and took their seats to be lame ducks in that Kangaroo so-called parliament. Whereas when the very leaders we trusted to stand firm unbuckled and joined Woaynes’ Kangaroo parliament I did not see the sort of harsh and at times below the belt attacks that are directed against the CUD leaders .

If we go by what one did or did not do in his/her political life in recent past, I would hold few individuals now working in KIC as opposed to the former KIL as the prime instigators and advisors for the then AEUP of Ato Hailu to leave the Hibret (UEDF) some four years ago. Not Andargechew Tsige and Brehane Moa as these fellows became actors after Kinjit was formed . I bring this because I do not understand as to why those who have no business in Kinjit’s internal feud take sides one way or the other, as taking sides and fanning the flame would not help but exacerbate the problem and contradictions in the organization, whatever cause, or causes, they may have.

Folks, where is our sense of balance and fairness. By the way, why I chose to bring to single out Dr. Brehanu. I happen to know few people who have direct contact with him , his views and the overall direction of his and that of Kinjit is contrary to what has been written and alleged wihtout adducing concrete and indouable evideces to that effect. Not that I care for Dr. Berhanu as a person, since I do not know him. He is name is here in so far as he and his actions are in the public sphere and a source of much of the innuendo and conspiracy theories. But what is telling is that fact that we , including myself , are very quick to make very distractive and counter productive statements and judgments in public that have consequences beyond ourselves, sometimes in a very negative ways. The difference is do we learn from our mistakes and failures. On my part, I would like to believe that I try my best.

The moral of my winding story: Please, please let us be very cautious, wise, and patient in our actions, and with the positions that we take in public that may influence outcomes this or that way. What is at stake is the survival of an organization that has given much hope for the people of Ethiopia in their struggle against the TPLF/EPRDF tyranny.

I would like to appeal to all to come to our senses, stop fanning the flame , rather seek out elders to mediate and resolve the problems that may exist between the two groups, as suggested by sensible and responsible Ethiopians, all those who have not lost their sanity . All those who have avoided being entangled in much of the unsubstantiated allegations and the way too many conspiracy theories being thrown from all corners.

One does not have to be its member, even a supporter to hope for its integrity and strength on its own merit. The only thing one has to be is an Ethiopian with a mission to see the demise of the TPLF/EPRDF regime. And Kinjit by historical accident a/or by design is here and has a major role to play, if not an exclusive monopoly in our quest for democratic and united Ethiopia . Let its members and supporters on both sides act and act responsibly before committing a blunder of historic and tragic proportion as a result of a split if such a dangerous trend continues.

——–
The writer can be reached at [email protected]