May 15th is a historic day of revitalization and courage for all freedom loving people of Ethiopia. Moreover, May 15 is a day of awakening and resolve that brought Ginbot 7 to the Ethiopian political scene.

Ginbot 7, Movement for Justice, Freedom, and Democracy, is the fruit of years of struggle of the Ethiopian people. In fact, the name Ginbot 7 was carefully selected to symbolize the significance of the vision, hope, and dream of the Ethiopian people that culminated to its highest level in the historic election of May 15, 2005. The name was also chosen to pay homage to our people and to fulfill the promise that was broken on that momentous day.

Four years ago, today, 26 million young and old registered voters from all walks of life ignored their religious and ethnic affiliations and came together with a common purpose of electing the party that will lead them for the next five years. It was indeed, one of the most peaceful and dramatic voter turnouts that the world had ever witnessed. Ginbot 7 is not just a historic day to remember, it is the quintessential guiding light for the grassroots movement of the Ethiopian people.

On this hallowed day, as we renew our covenant with the Ethiopian people, we solemnly pay tribute to those who were massacred, maimed, imprisoned; and to the million of exiled citizens whose hopes and dreams to live in a democratic Ethiopia was shattered.

Ginbt 7, also remembers May 15 as the first anniversary of its establishment as a movement. On this day, we look back and take into account our first year journey, and most importantly, we look forward to work in tandem with different political and civic stakeholders to bring about the much awaited democratic governance to Ethiopia.

Our first anniversary is not a time for jubilation or celebration; rather it is a time for introspection, self assessment, and gathering the necessary momentum to achieve our goals and free our people from the tyrannical rule of Meles Zenawi.

In the last 12 months, Ginbot 7 has achieved significant milestones, that stand tall by themselves, and tell their own story. By deliberately choosing Ethiopia as the epicenter of the struggle, by recruiting members and building grassroots movements, and by broadening its mass base, Ginbot 7 has successfully defended Meles Zenawi?s verbal and physical attacks. More than anything, Ginbot 7 has created an atmosphere where every freedom seeking Ethiopian takes personal responsibility and shares the burden in our just cause for freedom from tyranny.

Ginbot 7 has diligently been working to inspire and create a sense of urgency in the otherwise fractured and demoralized opposition camp. As a responsible political entity, we have tried to foster positive relationships with and within political parties. We have also worked hard to build a consensus and forge a grand coalition that includes all Ethiopians that share a common vision. While we believe we have made a promising start in the right direction, we are acutely aware of the daunting tasks ahead of us. Hence, neither our leaders, nor our members will rest on their laurels before total victory.

On this historic day, Ginbot 7 once again reaffirms its strong determination to empower the Ethiopian people and enable them to be masters of their own destiny. Let?s all reflect back and make this day, a day of renewal to our commitment to bring an end to tyranny and gross human rights abuses in our country.

Finally, Ginbot 7 calls on all Ethiopians to work together to dismantle Meles Zenawi?s despotic rule and build a true democratic Ethiopia from the ashes of a divisive ethnocratic regime.

Victory to the courageous Ethiopian people.

Ginbot 7, Movement for Justice, Freedom and Democracy.

(Nazret)

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