Renowned Ethiopian human rights advocate and scholar Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam speaks out on the ongoing leadership crisis inside Kinijit.
DW: Click here to listen [forward to the 16:00 minute mark].
VOA: Click here to listen [forward to the 27:00 minute mark].
Ethiopian Review begs to differ with the good professor on many points. His interview creates more confusion than solve problems or clarify issues…
- more on this later.
FORUM | 64 Comments
Wake up, Elias!!
Go to VOA. The father of Kinijit endorsed Wzrt Birtukan Midekssa. The problem is the power struggle between Hailu and Birhanu.
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 5:17 PM
Elias,
This time you have to be careful with professor Mesfin. Of course, you have the right to disagree but not to call names or denigrate Professor Mesfin which happens to be easy for you to do. If you do, your reputation as well as the people you are supporting will loose credibility forever.
I have heard the interview. He gave us a very interesting view on the inside working of Kinijit that we have not known before. He openly declared that Hailu Showel and Berhanu Nega are power mongerers especially Haily Showel.
I like his conclusion. He wants Burtukan Mideksa to lead the party and asks every body to help her strengthen Kinijit for the good of the country.
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 5:18 PM
I know the Prof is a revered figure and all… but this was the biggest non-starter interview if I ever heard one, notwithstanding that VOA may have edited stuff out as they seemed to imply at the end. For a man who wanted to make a “death bed confession,” he said nothing… which may be more of a reflection on him than the (unidentified) faction of Kinijit he scolded. I couldn’t help but recall the infighting the Prof himself had with Dr. Tilahun Yilma some years back…
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 5:23 PM
Elias, I know you are digging hard to find the truth and I believe you stand for truth. I appreciate you for that.
Ethiopians respect all the CUD leaders including Prof. Mesfin. He told us his side of the story. I think it is time for Dr. Berhanu to speak out too. He has to tell Ethiopians clearly about this issue. Ethiopians will then decide on who to lead them. I personally, I have problems with Ato Hailu and his groups because of the way they are handling the issue. Prof Mesfin clearly stated that there is no difference in objective among the two groups excepet the power thrust. However, Ato Hailu and Dr. Taye are telling us a different story, as there is a differnce in objective. It is time Dr. Berhanu to speak out about this serious issue. We all have listen and trusted him during the election campaign. We want to know whether he still stands for the same principles clearly by telling us why Prof. Mesfin came to this conclusion.
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 5:34 PM
As Ethio Zagol put it “when Prof. Mesfen talk I listen” That is exactly what I will be doing from now on. No more dictator Hail Shawel. KINIJIT ke Bertukan gar wedeffett. That is my gol. Follw our young and talented sister Birtukan Medekisa. KINIJIT is one and it is not for fudal!!!!!!
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October 16th, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Thanks! I listened to Prof. Mesfin’s voa interview.
I was very immotional at the end of it.
I took his message close to my heart.And deliver to my ability his plea to rally behind Ms. Birtukan Mideksa to save Kinijit and the rule of law in Ethiopia.
Please post the his VOA interview too.
I was very immotional at the end of the interview.
I wish him the best of luck on his surgery.
Thanks,
Haily
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October 16th, 2007 at 5:50 PM
I don’t know where the confusion is, he clearly stated that the problem is due to power hungry individuals who puts the interest of the Ethiopia people aside and look for their own glory and power. The cause of the problem was known for a while and everybody talks about it, when we hear it from people like Prof. Mesfin it transform from rumor to a validated fact.
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October 16th, 2007 at 5:55 PM
His comments were open to interpretation by either side as he tried to show his dissatisfaction with both sides. But, he indicated the source of the problem broadly. In fact, on the VOA, he tried to address the issues more specifically. He seems to have little information or tried to avoid further aggravation, wanted not to talk about the escalation of the crisis after all the six arrived in the US.
Most of us took sides following the development in the US, after listening to reckless interviews, defamations, etc., consistently seen on one group.
In light of this, he gave few new details that we didn’t know. However, in my opinion, the highlight of his interview is the concluding remarks he gave on the VOA — His unequivocal support to the Vice President and her delegation.
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October 16th, 2007 at 6:13 PM
I heard Professor Mesfin interview and my take is he is very critical about Ato Hailu and Berhanu but he also confirmed the ability of Wz/ Birukan Mideksa as a leader. The message to the new generation is also great as it has Abatawi message.
One thing not clear for me is his take on Berhanu’s book called “Yenestanet Gohe Sikide”. The book by enalrge is the writer mini biography including the history of Kinijit since its inception to imprisonment. (ofcourse it is his story) I don’t think Dr Berhanu either claimed the book is the history of kinijit. It will be hard to imagine and write a hefty book about few months old party too. But, Dr Berhanu demonstrate in his book all political feud between AEUP, EDEPA-Medhin and the rest of political parties in kinijit including the small Rainbow coalation and the rest.
For a person who was in Addis at a time of the book release, it was a great relief and assurance for Ethiopian democrats who support Kinjit to see something is coming out from the prison.
I think, in my opinion, Dr berhanu shows a leadership quality to read a need for the minds of the youth as well as the political supporters of Kinijit.
Although I take most of his points as valid, with due respect Professor Mesfin’s own book titled “Yekehedet Kulkulet” seems a bit biased with lack of clarity and substance compare to Yenesanet Gohe sikede. And, I truly can’t buy his point on that.
Having said that, I like him dearly and he is an Ethiopian civil and human right hero. His name will be in Ethiopian history for ever for his work to EHRCO.
All the best and wish him a speedy recovery.
Zemeta
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October 16th, 2007 at 6:24 PM
Elias, please listen his VOA interview …. it is a very expanded and has a clear message. Post his VOA interview and When you comment , make sure to comment based on the two interviews so that you can base it on complete info.
Thanks
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October 16th, 2007 at 6:25 PM
Elias,
I am with you. I don’t think Prof. Mesfin helped much. Let’s say there was power mongering by the Berhanu and Hailu. Who is acting so arrogantly dicatatorial right now even telling the diaspora who gave its money to Kinijit go to hell and defending Yoseph? I really don’t think the
Prof. is well informed. Lidetu and Hailu were at each others throat long before Berhanu came to the scene. I understand that Prof may want to be easy on Hailu considering his age and physical condition, but I don’t think he should give him a free ride. Anyway, I will take Berhanu anyday over Hailu. He has the vision thing down pat!!!
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 6:41 PM
Dear Prof. Mesfin,
You always speak truth to power. You always tell it as it is. I knew you would be the one single person who would tell us the truth, the whole truth. Thank you for remaining the model of integrity in our country throughout the years. Wish you a successful procedure and quick recovery. God bless!
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 6:59 PM
I was literally crying when I was listening Prof. Mesfin’s interview. Especially at the end it touched my heart. The whole interview gives me an idea about the whole Kinijit controversial. Now, both groups need to come together, worked out their difference, and the rest of us should stop fanning and supporting one group over the other one. Elias Kifle, I like to believe that your parents raised you in Ethiopia as any other Ethiopian kid. Prof. Mesfin’s advice is a typical and kind father figure advice. Don’t you dare to call him names! I noticed that it is very easy for you to put people down. Don’t you dare to do that to Prof. Mesfin!
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 7:22 PM
Elias,
I don’t expect you to agree completely with professor Mesfin. And nobody does. But at the end of the day, he made a suggestion that is very beneficial. He recommended Burtukan Mideksa to lead the party. By doing so, he gave Hailu Showel, the dictator, a major blow. This is good news for me and for Ethiopian people.
If Hailu Showel is listening, it is time to take professor Mesfin’s advice. Stop attacking everyone like a mad dog just to satisfy your thirst for power. Professor Mesfin already told you that you don’t give a damn for Ethiopian people except to use them to get to power. He told you clearly to stop it if you have any sense of shame.
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October 16th, 2007 at 7:48 PM
ER – I totally agree with your assessment. What Prof Mesfin is doing is standing above all and being moral judge of the rest. All I say is another EGO labelling someone and expecting people to be convinced! NO BEEF! Give us example and we might listen.
Whatever Prof Mesfin will have to say about Dr Berhanu’s desire for power it does not compare to Emperor HAILU and his gang.
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October 16th, 2007 at 7:59 PM
I listen pro.Mesfin interview and it was a good info to unify Kinijit again.Eventhough the 5 Delegate made minor error like not including others or coming early to USA,They are the ligitemate Kinijit leadres over the corrupted,unrespectful(to his presion commored) X-kinijit EPRP Hailu Shawel.
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October 16th, 2007 at 8:01 PM
Prof Mesfine’s message is well taken. One thing clear from the interview is that he has some kind of beef with Berhanu. For instance, presenting the problem between Lidetu and Hailu as that of Berhanu versus Lidetu has been the most biased. Anyway, I wish him speedy recovery. No doubt as he is the father of modern politics in Ethiopia.
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October 16th, 2007 at 8:04 PM
Dont worry Professor, Burtukan has million young soldiers behind her…
We hope speedy recovery profssor.
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October 16th, 2007 at 8:05 PM
“When Prof. Mesfin talks, I listen”…….Ethio-Zagol.
Prof. Mesfin told us to follow Kinijit’s principles, not individuals. I don’t know why Ethiopian Review is confused this time. Elias, if you are really confused with his message, please listen to it time and again. It is crystal clear and he criticized both Ato Hailu and Dr. Birhanu for creating personal cliques with in Kinijit’s leadership circle. As the saying goes, “a problem understood is half-solved”. Prof. Mesfin told us the real problem so that we will be able to better understand the crisis in Kinijit. We should focus on resolving this problem than blindly adoring people and aligning ourselves with individuals. He also humbly requested the people to help Birtukan in solving the problem. Let everyone of us do whatever is expected from our part.
Ethiopian Review should continue as a source of truth, integrity and critical analysis as it has been doing especially in the past few weeks. I felt this time, however, that Elias is trapped with personal biases.
God Bless Kinijit
God Bless Ethiopia
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 8:14 PM
Thanks for posting this. This was helpful. I have been waiting for Prof. Mesfin to speak out. Elias is always on one side. I have been waiting for a day that you(Elias) would just tell the news without being biased, as it is the most important part of your job as a journalist, if you call yourself one. But right now, telling that Prof. Mesfin is confusing you is not the place to say it. Prof. Mesfin was clear, right to the point, and he has read the mind of all Ethiopians, who didn’t take side and try to understand the whole situation. I have much respect for Prof. Mesfin than I have for the Engineer, Dr. Berhanu and Birtukan combined. What a great and educated comment he gave. To all the other comments, he didn’t say Birtukan should be the leader, he said if she comes out of this fire in a proper way, that means she would show her talent and leadership skills. One, we abeshoch, you like to twist words and spice it up. That has to stop as it could leads us in a wrong direction. Second, you like to flip back and forth and boil up everything (too much hoy hoy). Rega belu, tegenzebu before you start supporting any group. This is not an individual race but a cause for our country. I suggest that Dr. Berhanu and Engineer Hailu Shawel should resign from Kinijit or they need to resolve their issue. Long live Kinijit!
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October 16th, 2007 at 9:00 PM
Many Thanks to Prof. Mesfin
Long Live GASHE MESFINE!!!
To Elias (the editor), I believe you heard the professors, if the worst comes, his last advice to all Ethiopians. I wrote you many times on an issue to think ” Many times” before putting down a person. As I read many comments, they beg you to not let the Professore down as you have the web page as a weapon. Had you not called the Engineer dictator…whatever you called him, may be many of us wouldn’t have changed our view much to the negative of Hailu. Please, it is really not good for us to side with a person. What is good for us (Ethiopians) is to side with ideology. Again please listen what to the professor’s advice. Do not rush to disrespect people.
regards,
Yehualaw
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October 16th, 2007 at 9:14 PM
May God be with you as you go through the Surgery and may you recover soon. I will pray for you. WE Love you Professor. Jesus loves you too.
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October 16th, 2007 at 9:43 PM
Elias, this time you will need to be very careful. You have been very careless with facts for a while. You have an opinion that is so clouded. You have not been willing to give others the benefit of the doubt, which have lead you to denigrate Hailu Shawel and other brave Ethiopians.
I wrote about the apparent power struggle between Hailu Shawel and Berhanu Nega. Anyone who has not been able to recognize that has been bamboozled by the ‘Kinijit Five.”
If these two people were concerned about Kinijit and the Ethiopian people, they would not have done what they have done so far. These are two power hungry individuals that we may be better off pushing to the side. We Ethiopians should be able to produce other politicians with vision and passion for what they believe in. Don’t forget power is an aphrodisiac.
I also believe that Birtukan is being used by the Berhau Nega. She may be smart and have a lot to give in the future, Birtukan is a rookie politician who has not been able to do much. By the way, what is her background, beside being a judge at one time. I think they’re using her as a figurehead (a woman, smart, good looking, college grad, judge.) Do not take me wrong, but non of the are ready for prime time yet.
Ermias
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 9:58 PM
Yehualaw,
Your comment is assinine! You are saying that just because Elias said Hailu Shawel is a dictator you changed your mind? If someone has that much control over you, you are in big trouble.
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 10:01 PM
Dear Elias,
I really admire the work you do for us Ethiopian people. i myself is a graduate of Engineering. i was born and raised in Ethiopia. i lived half of my life here in america and the other half in Ethiopia. i really don’t know what is up with our elder politician. they say that they want to see Ethiopia succeed but i don’t think they have any idea how. I personally think that Dr. Birhanu understand and knows how to be a leader.
i don’t think there is any problem with wanting to be a leader if one knows how to lead. i listned and followed every interview Eng. Hailu and Prof. Mesfin gave and what i conclude from those interview is that they have some sort of problem with a person who wants to be a leader. for me it is hard to say that these people have lived outside of Ethiopia. here in America people actually compete to lead the country in a better place and none of us are having a problem.
to conclude i just want to say Dr. Birhanu is great for us young people and our country Ethiopia. i am reading his recent book and he has great ideas and open minded.
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 10:46 PM
Thank you professor.
As you have confirmed, Birtukan is a telented young Ethiopian who will lead kinijit and Ethiopia in to the new mellinnium. Don’t worry, she has millions of troops and millions of truth with her. VIVA SISTER!!!
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 11:11 PM
I am glad that Prof. Mesfin is finally speaks out.
I find Prof Mesfin’s assertion that the problem within CUD is rooted in untimely straggle for power between Berhanu and Hailu is very plausible.
I don’t have any problem with his endorsement of Birtukan for CUD headship. Nevertheless, I want to wait and see how she going to handle this crisis before I jumping on her bandwagon.
[Reply]
October 16th, 2007 at 11:32 PM
The prof said a lot of good things such as the lack of leadership on Hailu Shawel’s part. He also forcefully endorsed that Birtukan Mideksa should lead the party forward. IMO, that is very important. Hailu’s attempt to hijack the kinijit party from us and parade it for his own personal glory is becoming bankrupt by the day. Hailu failed to lead. This point was stressed very clearly today. Hailu should retire and try to recover his bruised imaged.
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October 16th, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Ermias of comment #23.
I just have a simple question to you. What leads you to that conclusion i.e Dr. Berhanu being power hungry? What evidence do you have? Please, please, indulge me with an answer.
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October 16th, 2007 at 11:40 PM
as the prosecesor said BURTUKAN MIDEKESA Ye Setoch Anbesa
go for it Sister take Ethiopia to the future.
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:03 AM
we have to think about LDETU may be he was right.
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:12 AM
OH, Lord
Save us from the feudals such as Taye and Hailu.
This people are from 3rd century. They talk about democracy
but thet don’t have any respect for anyone except themselves
Hope prof Mesfin doesn’t join the feudals.
DOWNWITH FEAUDALS
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:15 AM
The Professor has told us about the power struggle between Hailu and Birhanu. When did that happened? Didn’t they tell us that they had a very democratic process when they elected Hailu to be chairman, Birhanu to be Mayor of Addis, and so on? Wasn’t that just few weeks before they were thrown to jail? If that was the case, when did they have the time for a power struggle between them? After they were released? They were released just about few weeks before they came to USA. So, when did the power struggle happened and how? That’s why I think what Professor Mesfin said is confusing. He also said that the power struggle has been there before they were jailed. Does he mean that Birhanu didn’t accept his Mayor of Addis position and wanted to be Kinijit’s leader? I may sound naïve, but I am confused.
I agree with some of the things he said. But, he also sounded to have some kind of personal issue with Dr. Birhanu. He reflected that when he talked about Birhanu’s book.
Lot’s of questions remained to be answered. I hope, this time, Dr. Birhanu comes out and gives us some information on this.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 12:58 AM
Any way the truth is out thanks to professor Mesfin W/M he even gave us the clue for the solution let us focus on that.
Pro. Mesfin we Ethiopians love U, we respect U our prayer is with you May The Almighty GOD have his MERCY on YOU
GET WELL SOON!!! ETHIOPIA need’s you
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 1:52 AM
Well, Great leadrs are power driven vain and smart ones. It might be right that Both Berhanu and Hilu are on Power stragle but I admire Berhanu for his paitence and silence. He is a very good politician. His silence has brought out the true color of Hilu’s. from what I can see Hilu is on a mission trying to kill everyones rep by going againest the group in general that cause he doesn’t want to be the first to point finger. what this does is put him at odds with the most educated and supported politicians. It will be too late before he weaks up and realize that he is cutting his own hand by reacting emotionaly. He is lose trust and support from the people. Hilu may have the shroodness deep down to be politican but he doesn’t have the gesture and the ethics. The more he speakes the more he sounds incapable. On the other hand all Berhanu has to do is be quite he is watching his opponent sinking like Titanic. what a great man! fells what we need is this kind of people to face Makavelians like Meles. It is so easy for Meles to lable Hilu like a dictator and prove the world he is not the right man but he can not do that to Berahnu. If anyone reads history and politics read about Bismark and Tallyrand then you will understand what true politicians are made of. ER I think you should come down. You sound more like Hilu cause you are being pulled to one extrem and let your emotions do the talking cause you are more like that die hard supporter than anything. just report what is happening not your comment. have you ever imagined your self being one of the politicans? We have to learn from Meles the reason why he is still in power is because he knows how to play the game.
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October 17th, 2007 at 3:22 AM
Eng. Hailu Shawol has to step down imediately because he has betrayed principles of Kinijit and associated with the Adamant historic enemies of the people’s strugle of Ehtiopia .
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October 17th, 2007 at 3:39 AM
Hailu shawel is another ledetu, he is the reason for the death of professor Asrat Woldeyes, now he is gang up with the woyane agent Bedru Adem and once again started destablizing our struggle for freedom, everybody of us have a responsiblity of exposing of his ill motivation, even if the professor Mesfin untimely confession accuses other leaders of kinijit,But the root cause for the problem emanets from the betrial nature of Hailu, we never forget Professor Asrat Woldeyes forever, whoever fell from our struggle, “Aluta Continua” “tigelu yeketelale”, till our opperesor woyane completely eradicated from our land Ethiopia.
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October 17th, 2007 at 3:46 AM
Elias,
*STOP* to swing like a pendulum. Weigh your reporting in terms of whether it supports the genuine cause. Don’t take sides and focus on personalities. Focus on issues and report objectively. I believe the professor has spoken clearly for all of us to take note of it seriously.
No doubt you have your own backers lined up behind each and every story. You have your own agenda to promote one group over the other depending on the political barometer. For the gullible and for the un-informed, it appears differently, though.
Don’t get me wrong. As much as I hate the type of language you used to criticize the Eng. and his group, I have come to conclude that the engineer and his co deserve no less. Their trashy bravado on last Sunday’s meeting is unbecoming of a leader and nauseating at worst. Don’t also forget your previous diatribe and bashing of Dr. Berhanu and exalting Lidetu.
Now that the damage between the factions inside Kinijit is beyond repair, we all have to look for the way forward in the spirit of “Kinijit.” Otherwise, we remain hashing and re-hashing same stories ten years from today thereby furthering the suffering of the Ethiopian people.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 4:13 AM
Dear Elias,
This time you have to stand on the side of the poor Ethiopian people, remember those who gave their precious life for freedom by supporting kinijit.
Don’t you see the power thirst of Birhanu, how he manuplates everything arround him, he is the one with a hidden power thirst. As to Hailu it is clear that he is the leader and he is doing his job just as a leader – it is not being a dictator.
That is what Ethiopian’s are known – respecting people. I believe you will continue your service doing so.
Thank you.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 4:23 AM
Hi ER and readers,
I have few points to make regarding the interview by professor Mesfin.
1. He was right about the mistake of not including all council members. Eventhough what Ms Bertukan and Dr Araya gave as a reason sounds OK it was not 100% convincing to me. As the professor said they should have at least invited them via an official letter.
2. Professor Mesfin is right about the power-greedyness of Hailu Shawel. This was demonstrated more than enough with the episode in 2005 with Lidetu vs Hailu Shawel.
3. Professor Mesfin has every right to find Dr Berhanu’s and Lidetu’s books not objective. But I am not convinced why professor Mesfin would find Dr Birhanu’s book not objective. The only reason I could think of is because Dr Birhanu critisizes some of Hailu Shawel’s actions in this book. The professor might think that Dr Birhanu should have been more careful in critisizing the old fashioned Hailu Shawel not to create more problems inside Kinijit. But I think deep down his heart, professor Mesfin knows that Dr Birhanu is not “power-hungry”– definitely not to be compared with Hailu Shawel. That’s why he endorsed Ms Birtukan as a deserving party leader knowing full well that she is more with Birhanu than she is with Hailu.
4. All in all it was a good interview.
AleQa Bru
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October 17th, 2007 at 4:41 AM
I didn’t hear the interview.
My feeling is that Dr. Birhanu is a very democratic person and hailu show us that he can also be a dictator. So, it is expected that Dr. Birhanu may had a problem with hailu shawel. This must not be expresse about power hungry.
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October 17th, 2007 at 6:19 AM
His comments was more divisive than bringing these people togather. I would have done it with out going to public. In the country where policies change frequently It
was wise for them to make a quick dicision to come to America at the best earlier time. This has made it possible to raise more money at this critical time. They should not be blamed for this. The comment about Berhanu’s book was also a cheap shot. I respect Mesfin Woldemariam as an elderly states man but his comments has a little bad effect to our spirit(Kingit) Elias you are right again!
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 8:40 AM
Getachew/Ermias (Comment #23 and #29)
Getachew if you don’t think that Dr. Berhanu is power hungry, just go back and listen to what Prof. Mesfin said. Loud and clear. Ermias doesn’t need to explain anything to you. Listen and understand.
Ermias, I give credit to Birtukan and how brave she is. But I also agree with your point that she is a rookie politician and she needs to mature with time. If she comes out from this turmoil peacefully, then she would show us that she got potential. If she doesn’t do that, she is cooked. But I agree, I think Dr. Berhanu is using her.
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October 17th, 2007 at 9:06 AM
Come on Elias, i am sure Dr Birhanu himself will like this interview…I think he puts all the facts clear…now we want these two guys to come out and say and show practically that they are not fighting for power…Hailu should resign…and may be not for Dr Birhanu…Dr can be a good spokes person for the party…(he can be a good leader too, but lets save him to lead the country)
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October 17th, 2007 at 9:19 AM
I should also say,
Get well soon Prof!
We love and respect you so much!
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 9:24 AM
Thanks for posting:
I beleive the cloud is cleared – VP Bertukan Mideksa will save kinijit from powermongers. I’ve no doubt that Dr. Berhanu will work under VP’s leadership. In case of Mr. Hailu, I’m not sure. Perhaps, EPRP’s will merge as it has in the past ( Meiso, COEDF, Hibret and so on).
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October 17th, 2007 at 10:08 AM
The Professor’s suggestions doesn’t seem right. It sounds like he has some personal issues with Berhanu. He didn’t have to gut to acknowledge Berhanu’s book. It is clear and true that there is a problem between Berhanu and Hailu. But it could be due to the fact that Hailu is a dictator
and Berhanu cannot stand it not neccessarily a power struggle. Berhanu should tell his story to the people. Another point is Hailu and the like are so scared that the guy is smart and they fear that they are overshadowed. Mengistu didn’t like people who are active and smart. Hailu shares the samething because he was a derg too.
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October 17th, 2007 at 10:27 AM
I listened the interview with at most interest. Yes I was a little confused by some of his assertion but Prof. Mesfin spoke his mind and he is entitled just like anyone. What I see and what was said by Prof. Mesfin regarding Dr. Berhanu Nega did not make sense. One thing, I seriously doubt Dr. Berhanu has any desire for power. Kinijit needs Dr. Berhanu and he should be supported by all of us.
Supporting Eng. Hailu after listening his last sunday’s meeting, it is just flat out embarrassing.
Only Weyane wants Dr. Berhanu out of the political struggle cause they know he can inspire millions of young and old Ethiopians with his electrifying speech.
KINIJIT needs DR. BERHANU.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Birhanu was offered the chairmanship of cudp on its foundation.But he declined.Power seeker would not pass that opportunity.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 11:41 AM
As usual prof Mesfin came forward with a workable but incomplete solution. His biggest contribution being his clear indication of the two major culprits of the whole mess. HAILU and BERHANU.
The power struggle between Berhanu and Hailu started to show its ugly face during the formation of KIL. there was a ressentment by some in former AEUP being marginalised in to the minority in the organization where they think to have controlled more than 95% of the members.
This kindled a small but affordable friction which soon grow in to big flare when Shaleka took that drastic measure to bring the balance in to his groups favor. When that too failed the next step by the AEUP was to try to bring the balance back to their favor by injecting new blood in to KIL by reforming it to be KIC. The former KIL rejected the idea and remained out of KIC. That is when the two faction scenario went public. In hind sight was it ok for KIL people to accept the decission to be swallowed in to KIC and work from there? Was there rejection worth the open war that we have now that started to shrugg the very foundation of KINJIT?
Can the people who are a party to the infight show magnanimity to save KINJIT by resigning from any post in KINJIT and give KINJIT a fresh start?
THE ROAD AHEAD IS POSSIBLE IF EVERY BODY BUERIES HIS EGO AND SHOW MODESTY AND MAGNANIMITY TO SAVE KINJIT.
HAILU SHAWUL, BERHANU NEGA , ANDARGACHEW TSIGE, BERHANE MEWA , TAYE WOLDESEMAYAT, SHALLEKA YOSEF YAZEW ALL KIL AND KIC PEOPLE
PLEASE RESIGN AND STOP COMPETING FOR ANY OFFICE IN KINJIT GIVE KINJIT A CHANCE TO SURVIVE AS ONE PARTY !
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:41 PM
It does not matter if Prof Mesfin has issues with Dr Berhanu. Dr Berhanu is a big boy. I am sure he can take his criticism and work on it. The bigger picture is the future of kinijit. Mind you, the professor said there is a place for everyone in the party. I am glad he endorsed Birtukan Mideksa to lead us. With so much talent, intelligence, charisma and fierce skill, Dr Berhanu’s political future is as solid as a rock. As much as Birtukan Mideksa’s leadership is critical on this issue, Dr Berhanu’s wise and thoughtful decisions in the following days will be important. He, including the other members of the delegate, should help her consolidate power and lead the party. Birtukan should be helped by all to lead Kinijit to the future. Feudals who are willing to trash the struggle of the Ethiopian people just because everybody didn’t come to the airport to bow for them are discarded from our politics. Hailu Shawel’s behavior in the last few weeks has been offensive to our sense of Ethiopiawinet. Sheer selfishness at its worst.
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October 17th, 2007 at 12:49 PM
I think most of you instead of trying to mediate, jumped to conclusion and formed opinion. “Yechekole Afeso Lekeme” I believe I didn’t here so far anything that resembles a difference in ideology, it is all personal. may be as professor stated clearly “power struggle”. The diaspora polaraization have a lasting damage on the diaspora movement at this critical time. Ethiopians in Ethiopia knows better what is really going on within Kinijit. Kinijit is wounded from inside. At this junction we need a people party, not a party of elites and intellectuals. There shall be a wisdom from the vice chairwomen
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October 17th, 2007 at 1:22 PM
I agree with some of the comments above that Prof. Mesfin said NOTHING. He did not have a clear stance, no data to support his theory and his views are more theorethical that actionable. It is one thing to theorize about working together but at the end of the day you need results and accountability. There was no way one could deny that Berhanu is leading that way and Hailu Shawel’s is running away from responsibility and his feudalistic inclinications are beyond damanging. Prof. Mesfin did not speak about what exactly the problems are other than saying he heard this and that and there is power struggel. What does that really mean? may be more personal?
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October 17th, 2007 at 2:04 PM
Dear prof mesfin. i wish all the best and tnx for your golden advice that w’r Birtukan medkessa is very talented leader,you do believe in her leadership capablity,but she needs more support from ethiopians. that we will do.but i have some more question ,1,the delegates are in usa and europe, becuase CUDP needs alot of funds to open and run all the offices, to support the victums families, it is not allow to have any publice meeting in ethiopia, so it was a right decision which is being taken by the delegates. so what is worng for that? 2.concerning power struggle, we are sure that Dr birhanu nega doesn’t have any power ambition ,simply he is trying to do his best to drive out ethiopia from deep rooted multiple types of problems.we know eng hailu is a power monger dictator since prof asrat.we have learned so many new things from Dr Birhanu nega’s book.so there is nothing wrong.Porf mesfin , With high respect ,prof mesfin, you do not have enough information about 1.2 m dollars which eng hailu’s gang’s group has snatched from kinijit and you are as human right defender , we , ethiopians in disapora have un limited right to elect our leaders in disapora to support the struggle for freedom and democracy at home.so why has eng hailu appointed Dr taye as a leader of kinijit in diaspora? i am very disappointed about your interview by VOA.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 3:32 PM
Reply to Getachew (29) and Belachew (42)
Dear Mr. Getachew and fellow Ethiopians
I think Belachew has partially answered the issue of “the power struggle” between Hailu Shawel and Berhanu Nega. Getachew, what you have to remember is that politicians are very cunning people. Most of what they aspire is somehow covered with some rhetoric that they know people are interested to hear. Deep in their heart of hearts they have big ambitions. How they fulfill their ambitions is through many calculative moves–– some are not so obvious.
Ambition is good, and that’s what Ethiopia needs–– ambitious people. However, if the ambition is self serving then you have a person that is going to undermine the grass roots effort. An ambitious self serving business man is another thing. As a member of an organization, individuals with grand ideas must work within the framework of the organization and its leadership. They must share their ideas and present it to the group to get the support of the majority. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they fall short. Yet their struggle to help the organization flourish, must adhere to the set rules and regulations. Their determination and unwavering support to the grand plan, over a period of time will be recognized by their colleagues and they will advance to a leadership level because they have manifested political resilience, brilliance and fortitude. I personally do not see these characteristics in Dr. Berhanu.
Dr. Berhanu is a very wise man who has a lot to offer to Ethiopia. However, he seems to me that he’s opportunistic and to some extent cunning. While he was the mayor of Addis Ababa, I have heard that he has done some good (I do not know what), but he must have… for many people to praise him. And we should grant him that. His position brought him to prominence and national recognition that propelled him to the position he has now. He understands his fame, and recognizes that politics is all about timing. Do you remember a few years back when an astounding 93% of Americans had a favorable outlook towards Collin Powel for President? That was his time. Time to take advantage of his popularity–– we later discovered that he was a “yes man” and an “empty suit.” I think, Dr. Berhanu believes that he needs to step up as a leader while his political chips are high. Unfortunately, he may be tarnishing his image in the process, due to missteps that he, Birtukan and the three other fellows have taken so far.
If you think that Berhanu Nega is not the main person behind this upheaval, you’re politically naïve. It’s like Mengistu Haile Mariam was not maneuvering to become the dictator of Ethiopia while Aman Amdom was in power and then Tafari Bente. He ultimately killed both and became victorious. I AM NOT COMAPRING BERHANU NEGA WITH THE BUTCHER , MEGISTU. I am simply mentioning this to arouse your political senses so you can think deeply than just on the surface.
E. Getachew
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October 17th, 2007 at 4:49 PM
Generally speaking, in the world we live in, everybody likes to have power and money. Those of us who don’t run for power, we don’t run not because we don’t like to take a power position, but because we saw ahead of running for a power position that our likelihood of success to take a power position is low, or we are unwilling to pay the price of a power position. Those who run for power position, on the other hand, are those who believe in their potential, and willing to pay the price to take a power position. Therefore, our lack of crave for power due to our knowledge that such a crave would not come to reality for us, does give us neither a moral nor a legal right to condemn those who run for power because they believe with their potential success and as a result, willing to pay price.
Therefore, Prof. Mesfin may most probably be right when he says the problem of Kinjjit is due to the power struggle between Dr. Birhanu & Engineer Shawel. For that matter, one doesn’t have to be extra ordinary genius to tell people who run for a “power position” to have crave for power. In fact, with out crave for power it is very unlikely for individual like Engineer Shawel & Dr. Birhanu or the others to tolerate a more than 2 years prison life. It is only because they saw the power sit they may take and the responsibility they may accomplish after the prison term, they came out of a 2 year prison with healthy physical and mental energy. Without the seeing a potential for success ahead of us, none of us want to spend our limited lifetime in a place like a prison. Especially, people who claim to love freedom the most, would not have the energy to spend at a place where they lose freedom the most.
The problem would be if they run for power when they don’t have crave for power. If they run for power when they don’t have crave for power, they may not appreciate it when they have it. If they don’t appreciate the power when the people give them, they don’t work with their full energy, talent, and commitment to accomplish their duty in power.
I believe when professor Mesfin blames the two individuals, he meant – they put their crave for power before the interests of supporters of the party, and the party’s principles. He doesn’t mean, crave for power is intrinsically wrong or evil.
The question at this point, however, should not be weather the two prominent figures (Dr. Birhanu, and Engineer Shawel) crave for power. It is natural and acceptable to have crave for power for people who run for power. There is no sin with such a crave. The sin is when people crave for power without demonstrating talent, character, respect for their followers, and all other qualities the power position they crave demands from them. As an Ethiopian who loves the good of my country, I side with the individuals that demonstrate qualities of a good leader, so that I may be a good follower.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 5:05 PM
Prof.Mesfin eng.Hailun tefi setew siabaru, Dr.Berhanun gin bekunticha astenkikew sirawun endiketil adrgewal. yekalemeteyku wana yzet
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October 17th, 2007 at 7:02 PM
I have read the heart breaking news yesterday while I was in the shcool,I did not waste any time to go back home and listed the original version.Yes,it is heart breaking but We have to see things in perspective to find the right ways to follow.
I do respect and wish all the best to our professor,But I have some reservation here,As long as I know our prestigous professor was was their from the inception of the party upto recent days from membership to the position of indipendant advisor to the party.
Now the party is in problem as it is ,it needs some one who can risk the party rather than aggravating the problems.Now we need someone who who can heal the party.
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 7:40 PM
I completely disagree with Prof. Mesfin W/Mariam
His message was full of ambiguity and brings a lot of confusion rather than unity and fraternity. I always have respected and will continue respecting Prof. Mesfin, however I felt so disappointed for the criticism he tried to make to Dr. Nega, and to my belief his criticism was unfortunate and lacks all kinds of commonsense.
1. First off all had Dr. Nega wants power, he could have gotten easily from Woyane, there is no need for him to go to Kaliti and to stay in harsh condition scarifying his life and the life of his families.
2. Any person who got a chance to read the book of Dr. Birhanu, will laugh with the statement of Prof. Mesfin “the book is written by Birhanu for Birhanu.”., allow me to differ father Mesfin, the book is about past, present and future of Ethiopia, and the author one more time demonstrated not only his talent, also his capacity to offer alternative for the complex reality of Ethiopian politics.
3. I appreciate your offer to support Birtukan, and in my belief all pro democracy and pro Ethiopia people will do the level of his best to do it so. However here again I colloid with you, leadership is not assumable by one person recommendation, it is by talent, experience, maturity, knowledge, and after all acceptance by the majority.
4. To my belief Nega is a visionary leader, with Knowledge, Wisdom, Courage and experience as to assume any kind of responsibility in Ethiopian politics, but that has to approved by the people of Ethiopia.
5. Finally to conclude I wish a speedy recovery to the father of Human Rights Organization, our hero Prof. Mesfin W/ Mariam. I might disagree with his position, but in my heart I will always consider him as a father and good son of Ethiopia
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October 17th, 2007 at 7:49 PM
My 5 Cent Solution:
Here is my solution for crisis in Kinijit— Transitional Leadership
1)Make Temesgen Zewede, the chairman of Kinijit, inorder to save the Kinijit name and its legality. The chairmanship should last only for two months. New election after two months.
2)Appoint Eng. Hailu and Dr. Birhanu as advisors to the chairman
3)Keep Birtukan Midekssa as first Vice Chair, and Mr Muluneh Eyuel as Secretary General of Kinijit.
4)Make Ayele Chamiso as 2nd vice chairman and Ato Mohamed/Ali as asistance secretary general.
5)Add some people from the Ayele group(two) and Temesgen group (two)to the Executive Committee.
6)Add five people from the Ayele and Temesgen groups each to the Central Committee.
What do you all think?
[Reply]
October 17th, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Hi ER, readers,
comment #56 — nice and valid points
comment #57 — good summary of the interview
comment #60 — sounds brilliant idea but I am not a legal expert. I think the Kinijit leaders should consider something simple like this to save time and energy fighting with Woyane beaurocracy…
Kinijit shall rise again–this time without feudals and incompetent jealous members!!!!!!!
[Reply]
October 18th, 2007 at 5:13 AM
Dear Elias,
We are totally confused. We don’t know whom to believe. After all these people (Hailu, Berhanu…) are not tested politicians. Mother Ethiopia may bring us new people with better vision and commitment, we pray.
God bless mother Ethiopia
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October 18th, 2007 at 11:12 AM
ፕሮፈሰር መስፍን የኢትዮጵይ ህዝብ የሰላማዊ ትግል አበት የሆኑ: እድሜ ልካቸውን የኢትዮጵያ ህስብ የስልጣን ምንጭ መሆኑ ተረጋግቶ: መብቱ ተክብሮ እንዲኖር የታገሉ ሀገር በቀል ምሁር ናቸው::
የኢትዮጵያን ህዝብ ምኞቱና ህልም ጠንቅቀው የሚያውቁ መንፈሰ ተንካራ ሰው ናቸው:: ዛሬም ያዩትን የታዘቡትን በህዝብ ላይ ተረማምዶ “አንቱ” ለመባል የሚደረገውን ትንንቅንቅ ማንንም ሳይፈሩ ለኢትጵያ ህዝብ የምስክርነት ቃላቸውን መስጠታቸው ሁላችንንም ነው ያኮራን::
ዛሬ ለኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ ታግለን ምን አመጣንለት ሳይሉ: ሃዘኑን ሳይካፈሉ : እግዚአብሄር ያጥናህ ሳይሉ በስቃዩና ሰቆቃው ላይ ተረማምደው አንቱ ለመባል በኢሮፕና በአሜሪካ በሊሞዚን እየተምነሽነሹ የአርስ በርስ ጦርነት የገጠሙትን የቅንጅት መሪዎች ድክመት እፍረጥርጠው ለህዝብ መግለጣቸው ያላቸውን የመንፈስ ጥናትና ድፍረት ነው የሚያሳየው: ለዚህ ውለታቸው አግዚአብሄር እድሜ እንዲሰጣቸው ከመለመን ሌላ ምንም አልልም: የህዝብን ሰቆቃ ተጠቅመው ስልጣን ለመቆጣጠር በመሮጥ ላይ ያሉት አድብ ግዙ ማለታቸው ለኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ ያላቸውን ወገናዊነት ያረጋግጣል:: የኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ አወኩልህ በአንተ ስም ልግዛልህ የሚሉትን ጮሌዎች አይፈልግም:: ሁላችንንም በኢትዮጵያ ህዝብ ስም ሊሞዚን ይቅረብልኝ: ተሰልፋችሁ ዘምሩልን የሚሉ የስልጣን ጥመኞች ሳይሆን ኑሮውን ኖረው: መደቡላይ ተኝተው ያላቸውን አካፍለው ከችግሩ የሚያላቅቁት አንጂ እራሳቸውን አንቱ ያሉ ዱልትና ሙገሳ ፈላጊዎች የሚሽከምበት ትክሻ የለውም:
የፕሮፈሰር መስፍን በአጭሩ
1. ህዝቡም እንባው ሳይደርቅ ዳንሱና ዳንኪራው በልክ ይሁን:
2. በእጅ ባልገባ ስልጣንንም ትንንቀ ይቁም: ነው: የተናገሩት ውነቱን ነው:
ፕሮፈሰር መስፍን የኢትዮጵይ አምላክ ረጂም እድሜ ይስጥዎት:: አሜን
[Reply]
October 19th, 2007 at 1:28 PM
I think we Ethiopian, doesn’t like openess and trasparency. For the sake of the current situation in the CUD we don’t want any elected member hide us the truth in the circle. this is not a husband and wife case. It is about the a country and it is about blood of young Ethiopians. Let the truth be exposed let us know them in and out, let us judge them. Ethiopia wake up!! For how long we shed our blood for stupid individual politics. We don’t have time as a country to comfort politicians who has a self interest.
good luck,
Matt
[Reply]
October 21st, 2007 at 3:43 PM