The current visit to the U.S. by Ethiopia’s distinguished scholar and human rights activist Professor Mesfin Woldemariam has one mission: To preach to Ethiopians in the Diaspora NOT to support all-inclusive struggles to defeat the Meles fascist regime in Ethiopia and instead to start preparing for the 2010 elections. It is a mission to disarm the people of Ethiopia and make us all spineless people who do not stand up and defend ourselves.
What makes the professor’s mission potent is 1) he really believes in and is sincere about being passive in the face of extreme savagery of the fascist regime, and 2) he is respected by most Ethiopians and it is difficult to challenge him on the issues because of the much harmful idolatrous tendencies in our society toward individuals of his stature. Nevertheless, ER will once again be the lone wolf here. We will challenge Professor Mesfin that we appreciate your sincerity, but your way is against what made Ethiopia a proud nation — give me freedom or give me death. Your philosophy made 80 million Ethiopians slaves to a few thugs. Dear Professor, you are a great scholar in the field of geography. You are a respected human rights advocate. Please stick to those fields. Leave the politics to those who know the kind of language Woyanne thugs understand… more later >>>
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FORUM | 112 Comments
Elias,
You better fight Melese Zenawi than Prof. Mesfin.
[Reply]
July 10th, 2008 at 6:32 AM
I have respect for you and i shared the same value how best we can chalange Woyane tigrea, but On the issue of Mesfin and Andnet’s stad I differ with you 360o and I also think as you already know it you are ALONE. Do your share in your own way and let them do theirs in the way they choose.
As far as i am concerned you are not member of G7 or ANDNET.
You can not dictate the day to day politics this way.Be member fight your idea with in and be the winer.
Kindly
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:46 AM
Elias,do you know why professor support this kind of unacceptable agenda?because he fears to be jailed again by woyane,
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:53 AM
Elias please post this article.
Illegal treaties and transactions that must be revoked by Ethiopians:
1. The Nile “treaty” between Egypt and Egypt that sanctions laughably Ethiopia from using its own Water resource.
2. The buying and selling of Djibouti between France and an Ethiopian individual who never had a legal representation from the central government hence the mandate to engage himself in such activities.
3. The illegal cessation of Eritrea from Ethiopia during a time that the country was under the siege of gorilla fighters who were directly revolting the constitution itself hence the sovereignty, the people and their interest. At the time, Meles Zenawi did not have a mandate from the people of Ethiopia hence never had the constitutional power or right to facilitate, authorize, and recognize the creation of Eritrea on behalf of Ethiopia. As a result, Ethiopia and Ethiopians should not and do not recognize the legitimacy of a state called Eritrea at its current geographical location.
What shall We do?
It is stark clear that the Woyane government under the leadership of a man mothered by an Eritrean woman and fathered by an Italian Dech’Azmach will never stand for the short and long term interests of Ethiopia. Thus, our first crucial step should be to unite and depose the treasonous man out of office. We have seen the power of peaceful struggle in 2005. We have shaken the foundation of the brutal Woyanes unlike never before while sitting at the very heart of the country. OLF never done that nor ONLF nor EPPF nor Shabea, Nothing else but Kinijit fueled by the people of Ethiopia themselves. I know where is Kinijit today, but it is nobody but us, the diaspora, to be blamed. We never was serious enough to pressure the ‘alagach’ politicians so that they would put Ethiopia before their personal glory. Instead, we were caught up with an ‘asresh michiw’ type gossip from shabean lover Elias Kifle and his purposeless ‘tifozowoch’. We failed our people and country. The good thing, it is still possible to make amends so that the heart broken Ethiopians at home could once again pledge their trust are rally behind a peaceful opposition party with a clear political plate forms that promote a united, free and strong Ethiopia. We shall stop listening and clapping for every group of individuals with costly, unrealistic and an already tested and failed political agendas. We shall fully support those home based political parties, because under the circumstances we are in today, that is the only viable and secure method to achieve a non-disintegrated Ethiopia. Most of all, keep in mind that Shabea is not an Enemy of Woyane but Ethiopia, and Meles is not an Enemy of Eritrea but Shabea with a dream of a permanently handicapped and disadvantaged Ethiopia that can be bullied, abused and exploited by tiny Eritrea. That leads us to a conclusion both meles and Shabea have the same disastrous dream to Ethiopia. Hence, any Ethiopian that opposes Shabea/Eritrea should oppose Meles unless legitimatizing a country called Eritrea and disintegrating Ethiopia is his/her primary agenda.
Once we realized the fall of Meles/Woyane, implementing what i have stated at the beginning of this comment should be one of the would be government’s prior responsibility. It is East Africa and we got to play Tough!
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:56 AM
Elias,
I believe one day you will regret what you are writing now about the prof, as you regreted what you had written about Hailu Shawel. Mark my words!
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:56 AM
Dear Professor, With all due respect, I have a question for you.Due you still telling us that “peaceful” struggle is the only, and probably the most successful, way of trying to deal with the totalitarian Meles regime? Let’s open our eyes and look the political situation in Ethiopia. Do you think and progress can be achieved in the democratization process of the country. The 2010 election is coming with in 2 years time and Woyane is trying all its best to put every hurdles to close all the democratic ways of participating in election. Remember what has been done by woyane to force opposition parties to withdraw from the recent local and parliamentarian election. Don’t forget that EPRDF declared that it won almost 98% of the vote. Do not all these facts clearly testify the woyane’s determination to do whatever act, including killing, arresting rigging etc, to stay in power? Have you ever thought that nobody will commit him/herself to organize, observe etc, for opposition parties especially in the country sides because doing so would amount to pulling the trigger back against one self? If you really insist “peaceful” struggle through election is the only way to bring about change in Ethiopia, did you push Kinijit leaders to take their seats in the parliament in 2005? If not, why? If you did it, what makes you believe that participating in the coming will change things? was it not unwise decision to refuse to join the parliament in 2005 if you still think that election is the only way now? What is the position of UDJ to push for the 8 point issues to bring about democratic institutions? If you are planning to push for it, do you think woyane will negotiate in the situation where every opposition party already lost the negotiating power after 2005? So let us know your calculation before you criticize those who opt for collective struggle. Please Professor do not attack others for nothing your party will bring for oppressed Ethiopians.
Meylina-4
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:29 AM
Eliase, this time i like your wording. I think this is the way to express disagreement in one’s opinion.
Eliase, i agree with your comment.
Professor always says, peaceful strugle is not yet started. what does that mean. was the previous election armed struggle? we have seen the result of peaceful struggle in ethiopia.we don’t be fooled every time by woyanne in the name of peaceful struggle. Here after the struggle should be all inclusive.Professor can struggle the way he thinks fruitful.others can also struggle the way they think it would be fruitful. Every body has to stop critisizing each other.
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:46 AM
I am always wondering when I read your comment to peoples. Elias never and ever you come to the truth or realities. Because your mind and your body is full of hate and dislike the Tigray people. This is not new for you ,It comes from your Grand Grand parents. Assuming The Tigray People is Poor and uncleaned,But You have to Know one Thing Tigray is the center of development, Tigary is full of commited peoples.
Any ways when I come to Proffessor Mesfin idea regarding the current government of Ethiopia , He is 100 % correct and he knows about the ethiopian politics past and current situation more than me and you.
As he said we have to compite with Eprdf in the coming Election, Yes EPRDF is one of the strong party like Rupublican and others will come and they will take their site step by step may be after 40 or 50 years they gonna be the leader of the country.
Please please don’t assume EPRDF will be out of bussiness or out of politics. EPRDF is compased of Tigary ,Amhara, Oroma and others.
thanks,
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:48 AM
Dear Elias ,
No one listens to your hollow phrases. You better come to your senses.Be a man not a child who often guided by instincts. I often warn you although you are determined not to bublish any of my sincere criticisms. You are bold to try to teach Prof. Mesfin politics.How naive you are ,how bold you are. You are just an infant in the face of the professor. he is trying to teach a civilized way of politics, those who know definitely know him. It is a matter of time, No body will listen to you.Your website is well organized and feeds our community with varied information for which i am always grateful.you can support what ever group you believe right, that is your right. But dont agitate so that people will follow you. Birtukan and prof mesfin have a lot of support both at home and abroad. They are doing their own way fighting the dictators. I wonder what you are doing, are you a political organization or some what a jornalist trying to inform? Please Mr. elias i wish to talk to you but you are not doing well. You will soon come to insult the Dr. brhanu group you are in love(Passion) with for the time being. Please Mr. Elias try to look at your self, Sit down and ponder about the things in your mind ,sleep on them and ask your self what you are doing. I have no evidence to give you all kinds of names such as agent, a man of asmara and so on.But I believe you are on the wrong track, You are not on the civilized train although you live in the country of democracy.This is unacceptable. I always rated Ethipian Review, ethiomedia and Addis voice as the best sites serving our community.Now i believe the latter two do not support your ways and see how they are dealing with both groups ,with birhanu and birtukan as they both are working against the irrisponsible Meles regime.Because they believe to fight the repressive government in their own way so where is the sin? Who are you to judge these peopole who made a lot of sucrifice? it is easy to say what ever in your heart while in the comfort of the west.Elias dont trash this please, be a democrat,some times be couragious to publish those sorts trying to shape you.Accepting criticisms doesnt kill.
Good day!!
P.S. Most of all Esias afeworki can not liberate Ethiopia .Both Meles and him came from the same river ,they are the two faces of the same coin. dont be deceived. I can see your tendency to push to wards Eritrea, a country with much more problems.We need to fight both.
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:58 AM
Dear Profesr Mesfen
With due respect, do you have another option to let woyane accept the will of Ethiopians rather than talking about election by which melese plays full we respected Ethiopians in the face of the world?
I might belive what you say if this cruel regime facilitates the environments for the establishment of free and fare civil servant systems. If not you can not deal with it, please do not prolong the pain of the citizens.
I realy do not know you from history by being instrument for harsh and devil rulers.God bless you and keep you well.
from Ethiopia
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:04 AM
Elias
No one could state it better!!!!
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:08 AM
The professor may choose whatever he thinks right, but his speech lack honesty. in addition to this he tried to insult others ironically. Did u notice what he tried to say about artist Debebe? you know what, I think he is getting older and lossing his memory. The main problem is he wants to be the only prominent figure in the history of Eth. but he cant. to tell the truth he did nothing more than a lot of Ethiopian heros.
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:15 AM
The Ethiopian Review editor`s critical and investigative approach to the issues around Professor Mesfin and his andenet party is appropriate and timely. All their moves and signs indicate that the Andenet party is ging to ba another loyal or escorting opposition. The composition of the leadership of the party is such that it is filled mostly with soft and submissive persons who are ready to cooperate with the TPLF regime. For example ato Temesgen Zewdie is known for opportunism and can not be a reliable partner in the struggle against the TPLF. It is widely told that he has joined the Andenet party after having lost the competition for the favour of the TPLF to his former ally Ayele Chamiso. The party`s leaders like MS. Birtkun Midekassa and Dr. Yacob are pacifiers speaking about ethics, morality and the rule of law. By so doing they are trying to dampen the spirit of militancy and resistance some genuine opposition groups are spreading in the country. The struggle will not benefit any thing from their ethical or moral issues or teachings. Thus, Andenet will not be the kind of party which can rally Ethiopians and lead the struggle for democracy, freedom and sovereinty.
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:26 AM
another im mature coment from cowboy media man.
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:41 AM
You think you know about Politics and you are up critisizing the Professor. The professor believes that the way that he chose to fight woyanne is the best and he has the right to preach that to his followers. Those who think that other ways of fighting woyanne possible can go on their way and do their best on the side they chose. Please stop creating hatered and confusion on the diaspora. We had enough in the past from the likes of Ethiolion and Debteraw.
If you are criticizing the professor or the peaceful struggle as a whole, make it in a professional way (change yourself, I never seen you acting as a profesional anyway). Stop messing and leave the professor to accomplish his duty that the UDJ sent him for. You have no gut to criticise those who are in the fire, while you are sleeping and eating and living in ur luxury apartment in the US.
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:52 AM
Selam wondm Elias,
Mesfin Woildemariam is more than a professor of Geography. He is one of the few people our country has produced that is not easy to replace. If you closely know him or you have even taken Geo 101 or other subjects under him, you would realise he is not only a geography teacher but also a philosopher, a politician, a sociologist and a far sighted visionary and a strategist.
What Professor Mesfin is saying in relation to forming a viable political party is that, it is not a good idea to raise arms and kill each other. If we do that we will be falling in the traps that is laid for us.
Please remember the recent history of Ethiopia, namely the 70′s and 80′s. EPRP raised arms against a government that was equipped to its nose with Russian arms and we know that after sacrificing irreplaceable young peopl, EPRP failed badly. What the distinguished professor is implying here is that it is not TPLF or/and EPLF per se that brought down the government of Mengistu Hailemariam and replaced it with the current regime. TPLF or EPLF would have never succeeded removing Mengistu in a thousand years, had it not been for the support tplf/eplf received from the British and the Americans. Obviously Mengistu was the most vicious dictator our country ever had but the West hated him not because of what he did to our people but for humiliating them on many occasions.
I thank you for your patient.
Yibeltal.
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:53 AM
Let us give a chance to individuals and political parties and civic societies the right to express their views, we have a lot of difference as a human being and we better come together for the common goal to estabilish democracy in Ethiopia, we shuld not be always negative if some one brings new ideas from our views to the surface.
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:57 AM
Dear Elias,
bado ayafrim sibal alsemahim?
Kentu shabiya neh!! Le Ethiopia andnet yeminesa sew atiwedim.
Ene bich awqI MALET BITAqOM MIN ALEBET.
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:32 AM
KELETAM ATEHUN.Remain Respected.
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Elyas Please grow up!
I am tired of u r nonsense! U have no capacity to challange the knowldge and wisdom of such a person like Prof Mesfin!
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Have you heard the expression “Gedlo Madan”? That is exactly what you are engaged in currently. You keep saying ER will be the lone wolf and challenge professor Mesfin and his ways. Well sir, your reality so far has been character assassination and distortion of facts and the reasons for this are pretty obvious.
1. Your understanding of the concept of peaceful resistance is very limited.
2. You are so blinded by hate to the point that you have lost any sense of rationality.
3. You and your type are more comfortable hiding behind the keyboard to spread their venom. It takes spine and intelligence to stand up and debate issues in public. In other words, to use your own expression, you are spineless. Your writings to date speak to the latter.
Wake up and smell the coffee
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:50 AM
Elias keep it up we shouldn’t allowed Professor Mesfin to kill the movement, peaceful struggle is a joke with TPLF.
I think Professor Mesfin have beef with Dr.Berhanu it’s shame to see a respected scholar with full of ego with out facts.Professor Mesfin was advocated peaceful struggle with facist TPLF the last 17 years and we are loosing our country Ethiopia.
The professor knows Ethiopians weakness we listen Professor,Dr. or Engineer even if they are leading us to hell please please not at this time we are loosing our country if we keep listening professor Mesfin Addiss Ababa will be Sudan border very soon.
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:54 AM
My friend I share your idea,I advise pro Mesfin to retire and join the shemagle group.If goes against ethiopian people and sold facts like this he could just lose his pristage no body is going to listen to him.we have no more brothers to die for his peacefull means
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Elias Kifle, are you still crazy? discuss events and ideas not individuals,of course little minds discuss people like you.So professor Mesfin is hero he is the true son of Ethiopia,\….you are trying to agitate people because if you are sponsered by Shabia,
P
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Elias, I think you’re the one who supposed to leave poltics and keep yourself in insulting people on the streets. How the hell you tell this respected person to follow your (Donkoro) Astesasebe. Pls man you better wake up, cause you’re comming more useless.
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Prof. Mesfin is now the newly appointed messenger of the Woyane government to prepare the Ethiopian people and the Diaspora for the next drama:2010 Election. One thing is clear: this time the Woyane government decided to use his best and last weapon: Mesfin Woldemariam. What I don’t understand is how our academics at the end of the road decide to serve the enemy who has been imprisoning them, humiliating them for long. Perhaps they are suffering from a psychatric state of mind known as the “Stockholm Syndrome”(i.e. emotional bond with an abuser). Prof. Mesfin is telling us not to hate Woyane, not to call woyane as an enemy,etc. (1)Woyane is selling our land behind our back, (2) woyane killed many innocent demonstrators in the 2005 election, (3)woyane imprisoned more than 50,000 Ethiopians simply because they elected a legal party, CUD (4) Woyane robbed our national bank and replaced the gold bars with iron bars (5) woyane deliberately starved our people to death (6) woyane even blocked the famine affected people from humanitarian assistance etc. In light of all these facts,Prof. Mesfin is “instructing” us not to consider woyane as an enemy. If Woyane is not an anemy after doing all these things to us, then we can not call Graziani as enemy of Ethiopia! What is the difference between Lidetu and Prof. Mesfin now? Woyane will continue sending his respected emissaries as long as he fools us.
Woyane is the father of blackmailing. Who knows even Prof. Mesfin might be his latest victim of woyane blackmail! We don’t expect Prof. Mesfin to tell us this. But we have the right to deduce by taking his infamous assignment to pacify the Diaspora in to consideration.
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:10 AM
This old man is the most arrogant ever left among hebashas.
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:19 AM
FYI: Correction
Prof. Mesfine is a political-Geographer (not just a Geographer)
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:25 AM
i am realy surprised pro mesfin to be critisized by you.are you going to fight or to give orders from the macdonalds front washington
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Both of Ginbot 7′s alternative struggle and Professor Mesfin’s peaceful struggle ideas can work hand in hand. Let UDJ wage the internal struggle and let Ginbot 7 wage the other struggle. Woyane should be shown both the carrot (UDJ) and the stick (Ginbot 7 and other struggles) to come to terms and surrender power to an elected government. Otherwise, it will either fight to the end like the donkey or relax and make fun of the people like what happened to us after May 2005. Just let’s learn to live with both, since both types of struggle lend support to each other.
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:31 AM
elias
ante mehayim leba yeleba zer. minim btdekim ertra ethiopiam mahenef atchilim.
kentu dkem siolih new
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Dear Elias U are the only who have the gut to challenge this old “nutty Profesor”. This has been his character through out his life. Those of us who were part of the student movement back in the 70s know him very well. In the first place he is megalomanic and needs to be worshipped. Fuck professor Mesfin
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I am really surprised you comments on the political stand of Hon. Professor Mesfin. For me his stand is matured and civilized one.Of course, it is individual freedom and stand to choose other hell options. But who are you after all to certify that you are a good politician so go ahead and you are not better to be this and that.
Elias, please, please just try to think at least the minimum that a person thinks just for being human. For me currently you are becoming a senseless wild animal.
Elias I want to remind you that writing some senseless thing on the cyber world is different from being in the actual war. I know that you will not be to the war front against Woyane as you know them no one can defeat them in a war. Of course, possible to defeat them in a peaceful struggle like what Hon Professor has chosen.
Long live Ethiopia!
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:48 AM
your idiocy is becoming too much to be ignored when it comes to your big mouth against our icons like proffessor mesfin and his likes.it is likr a rat trying to wrestle with cat untill it is eaten up like a piece of meat.do not try to pick the weight you can not lift only to perish if you try so.but we need the spoilers like you to be thrown to the antiquities or dust bin.
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:51 AM
y u afraid Mesfin? bcos he is a wise man? and u know ur stupidity?
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Hay! Mr Elias do not rush to critize as you Know all answers and act as the Doctor of Medecine of Ethiopians ills and agony .There are two forms of struggle armed and peacful one is complementry to other. the choise is your intelect and experience and awarness of the consequence it entails .
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I am very disapointed by Pro/Mesfin remarks time to time this days, he sound like supporting WAYANNE or i can say he become wayanne servent, what hapen Pro/Mesfin i don’t think you live for long, so either tell the truth or keep quite you are not helping Ethiopian people, you became one of Wayanne FLIP FLIPER BANDA. Ethiopian people will do fine with out you go to hell old man.
ONE ETHIOPIA
ONE PEOPLE
ONE NATION
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Sometime the proffesor’s role is blown out of proportion: this man is infact apportunist ins ense that when the derg was slaughtering many shcolars, he was working with the derg and he never been touched by the brutal dergsits! he quitly lived during the emperior now in his few remaining years , he is doing the same thing living under the weyanes! His survival method is to please people at the top! Haven’t you read the article he wrote in prison given a tigrigna title saying that Tigray is the centere of ethiopian hsitory and all that jazz..yes Tigray is a histrotical place and it is an epicentere of ethiopian history however his motive to write that article titled”may Neakeb-somthing in that line explaining the fact that tigryans are more ethiopian than other or they more role sort of say- all these historical claims were designed to pleas the people at the top. Now his lethal mission starts to reducle Dr. Berhanu because dr. refused to say eshi geteya to him!! So Genbot 7 memebrs and sympathiasers have to organize and challenge this man for his actions. he is more concerned for hsi Zena than the overall cause! enoguht is enough, Prof. Leave the politics to the kurte ken lejoch!!
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Elias:
This time i agree with you.
Let him talk about his (their) own way of struggle. We should NOT give him a chance to influence us!
I have a message for him:
Mr. Woldemariam, thanks for all your contribution in old good days.
But now, with all due respects…please leave us alone.
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Hi Elias,
I was in ETH during the election; I remember he is not a man of politics. He was making a lot of mistakes on TV debates which made CUD vulnerable to Woyane counter attack.
I recommend Pro. Mesfin should be an advisor to other fields. on the other hand keep it on: we need any info about for whoever is. All belongs to ETH equally.
Finally pls remove your pop-up ads from your website: I hate websites with pop-ups due to security threats.
Thanks
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Why don’t you leave him and UDJ alone…we can support both if we want and this is the effective way…G7 may force weyane to come to the table with a strong UDJ and that way, we will get our country back without bloodshed and economic distraction…So, you stu** bi** please stop messing up things. We know what you are after…You know what? You are good for nothing and you don’t know this too…
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I just can’t understand as to why we Ethiopians are reduced to kissing the hard and harsh dirty ground infront of some types of self serving big and small opportunists who are not where they are to improve the lives of the Ethiopian people starving to death?
Is it due to the past feudal domination that imposed fatalism and passiveness infront of the small and big feudal robbers? Hmm…
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Elias, you are such an idiot. But keep writing such a nonsense, “my way is the only way” approach. Although, I donot support the ideas of the narrow minded, so called professor Mesfin, unlike you, I believe he has a right to preach and advance his beliefs, for regardless of his contributions to the racist MAHD movement in the past, he is still an Ethiopian.
You sicken me Elias, and yet I still contribute to your wealth by browsing your web page, for this is the only way you can keep making money, to feed your kids and family.
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Plaese let’s try to get out of this kind of seriously sickness of blackmailing and insulting people such as Professor Mesifin who are trying to do whtat they can do to their country.
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July 10th, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Prof Mesfen is a confused old man came to America to get
tretment for his chronic disease.
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July 10th, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Elias what is your field? Please stop from creating another division. You more inclined to work with EPLF, the professor tried to create a peaceful democratic transition by negotiation with TPLF. Both TPLF and EPLF are Ethiopia enemies; if you choose to work with EPLF to solve our problem go ahead. But do not say my way is always right and anyone who does not follow me should be blamed. Please, please …stop from creating another division because of the outlook difference. Nothing good will be happened from EPLF and did not happen.
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July 10th, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Elias;
you rock Elias. Yes with due respect the prof. should not damage the struggle what Ethiopians are already doing it ; what Ethiopians are spilling their blood for their country.
Some Ethiopians think the prof. is the ultimate man to look for their guidance of the method of the struggle. It is their right to follow him but leave most Ethiopians who believe in all kinds of struggle form whom they follow. Meanwhile woyane is fanning the different methods to make a division within Ethiopians. That is what the good prof and some of his blind followers miss. To give freedom for others to fight woyane the way they wish and the way woyane understand. I think it is a fundamental right for many to fight back woyane they think it fits the extreme urgency of the country.
I salute you for telling “jonya is jonya”
wey gud
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July 10th, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Hahahahaahaha,
Elias,
You are a beautiful monkey!!!
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July 10th, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Let’s focus on our enemy !!!
Stop fighting EACH OTHER !!!
Unite all opposition group (Andnet, Ginbot 7, OLF, Hibret and etc. !!!
Yes for Unity !!!
No for fighting each other !!!
Yes for HR-2003 !!!
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:02 PM
Elias,
This time around I think you are a little bit over your head! Who do yo tink you are to insult prof. Mesfin like he is a child? Don’t you know that Prof. Mesfin can make your kinds out of a pure mud? Please try to understand your limits before you open your big mouth. Maferia neh.
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:14 PM
#28 alm@yahoo.com,
I have heard that the professor’s academic degree is actutally very old BA or MA maximum. Is that true?
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:15 PM
both of you are day dreamers in the sense that you want to change the government through rehetoric that never bring down the system that came in ethiopia to be there at least for several generations to come. the eprdf is there to stay like the mexican ruling party foe generations becouse it has the vision which the time has come for.democratization,good governance,economic progress are to prevail over feudalism,chauvinism and obsolete system you advocate.period.
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:28 PM
After listening to the pal talk a couple of days ago and reading some of comments in response to this article I can see there is a vocal minority in Ethiopia who still lives in the past and would not care about the welfare of the Ethiopian people as a whole. Some of the commentators are still living in the past and can’t recognize the peril that Ethiopia is in now. Unless the majority of Ethiopians stand up and say enough is enough, wake up to the fact that Ethiopia belongs to all its people then they will surprised when Ethiopia is balkanized in front of their eyes. Woyanne could care less about what happens to Ethiopia as long as they are power, when they not in power anymore they have plan B, that is to create the “republic of Abay Tigray” with lands taken from Wollo and Gonder. I can guarantee you that they will not have an inch of land from Eritrea because the Eritrean people unlike some Ethiopians will not let that happen. They stopped Woyanne in their tracks between 1998-2000 and they will teach Woyanne more lessons if they tried again.
Memo to some Ethiopians, just because a man is a professor it doesn’t make him a saint who can’t make mistakes, traitors come in all colors and shades and specially so called intellectuals are the worst of traitors because they have the capability to fool thousands if not millions of people who are not aware of their treachery. This professor is nothing but a tool for Woyanne, Melles is using him to keep Ethiopians divided. Elias is one of the few courageous Ethiopians who is calling a spade a spade, so some of the commentators who worship this professor as if he is the second coming of Jesus need to think hard and fast before it is too late.
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:30 PM
he never acquired PHD, his “proffesorship” is bestowed based on his service and acedemic contribution! Lets be fair here, he is a well known geography scholar! And, his masters was acquired from India! Not even a prestigious western univesrity..so he is more of a slef thought scholar!
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Belew! Elias…can you go with this words of yours to Ethiopia? “Give me my freedom or Give me my death!” How courageous!!! May be just like Mengistu H/Mariam: “Revolutionary motherland or death!!!” or was it “revolutionary motherland or Zimbabwe!!!”?
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Elias,
Please let us leave alone Professor Mesfin. Professor is doing great job.
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Selam Asfaw Mesfin,
No onw should feel ashamed of Elias, for he never have felt shamed himself. Elias would never be ashamed of what he is doing, b/s he is un professional and un ethical in the first place. Did anyone watch what he said on the DC based tv about a certian puppet of Meles? Legese Asfaaw?… I dont remember But Elias said “This man (Meles’ tug) deserves hunged at the Meskel Square….” This is who Elias is. I never have read any non-judgmental article of his own on his site.
The main reason that Meles keeps Ethiopians poor is on purpose–he can recruit spys, soldiers etc—so that he would use them as a weapon. These people do work for Meles may be because they dont have anyother option to stay alive and to survive, though it is still not acceptable when it comes to moral issues.
It is very sad that Elias, who is living here in a relatively free country, with lots of oportunities, is recruited by some entity to work against Meles, but indirectly, is working against Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
Begenzeb yetegeza sew ayafirim. Gin endalkew yesew maferia new.
The best solution is, boycotting his site.
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Please Elias,
If you cannot win by direct confrontation, you must take the path of peaceful struggle to win taking into account
the prevailing situation in Ethiopia.The current geopolitical condition in the age of globalization (in the Horn of Africa) demands new thinking.The Professor has paid a heavy price for freedom.As you get older you get wiser.
I still believe that if the Derg was not cornered by many political parties and liberations movements, a compromise would have been made and its brutality would have been avoided. The Derg even crafted autonomy offer with Ertria which Esayas was to accept. MEISON offered to work with the Derg.EPRP with its good intentions to the freedom of Ethiopian people failed to compromise. I am not criticising any organization, because it will be foolhardy to judge the past by present circumstances. But Elias, we have to learn from the past. We have to caliberate what is working. You are an inteligent person. Making compromises by peaceful means to advance freedom and democracy is the correct path.
Give more Ghandis, MLKs and Mandellas than internet worriers that can further polarize the society and plunge the nation to chaos and oblivion. Peaceful struggle does not mean supporting Meles.You work with him to share power and to ultimately give power to the people without vengeance. If the regime knows that you are going to revenge it is not in its best interest to give power to open negotiations. remeber what Ghandi said, it may not be the exact word, “IF AN EYE FOR AN EYE IS THE LAW, EVERYBODY WILL BE BLIND”! Balcha
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:50 PM
When it comes to Ethiopia nobody is indispinsible. The professor have done Some good things in the past and we all exonerate him, but we can’t afford to be quiet when he make a flip on Ethiopian politics. We all remember the transformation of charimatic Ledtu to Outragious Khedetu.
Elias you are right. Keep up the good work.
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July 10th, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Breaking news: Metema is blocked by Sudan
10 July 2008 (Washington, DC)- The northern historic towns of Gondar, Metema and Abderafi is cut off from Ethiopia as the Sudanese army has blocked roads and closed all communication channels, sources said from the area. According to reliable sources, oil supply and other merchandise business have been stopped to come to Ethiopia as the result of war between the Sudanese army and unknown Ethiopian forces. Sources also said the Sudanese government has deployed huge military force from Gadaref. There was a fierce fighting in Quara in the last three weeks between the Sudanese forces and forces which our reporter says are not yet known. But it seems that the fighting is beyond the knowledge and control of Meles Zenawi’s regime.
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July 10th, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Elias,
your are not the only one concerned about the professor. i believe in the professor or his supporteres knows in their hearts woyanne will never give up power peacefully. but,the part i will never understand is why the respected professor decided to help woyanne. i felt very sad.
they now talking of 2010 elections,as if there is freedom in the country. ofocourse, the negotiator profess. yishaq will beg meles and they will share power? or still under meles leadership they may get some ministorial positions. but, mark my word the majority win is always for meles and his gang. then they gonna serve meles for another 5 years, ok, what ? yeah in 2015 with another election meles will give them a little bit more seats..in 2020 meles will tranfer power to one of his loyal friend,,and woyanne plan is to play like that as long as possible. i wish the professor, if he couldn’t find A better way to fight woyanne,if he just leave the politics and focous in humanitarian issues.like the great job he accomplished before in exposing woyannes attrocities on the innocent ethiopian people.
THOSE WHO ADOVACTES TO PARTICIPATE IN 2010 ELECTIONS,,PLEASE ANSWER ME THESEQUESTIONS.
—MELES ELECTION BOARD
—MELES MEDIA, TV, NEWSPAPERS
—-MELES’S SAME AGAZI KILLERS
—-MELES LOCAL CADRES
—-MELES LOCAL ELECTION OBSERVERS
—-MELES SUPERME COURT
—-MELES FEDERAL POLICE
SO, U DO NOT NEED TO BE A POLITICIAN OR A PROFESSOR TO KNOW THE RESULT OF THE ELECTION. PLEASE HAVE COMMON SENSE. DO NOT EXPECT MIRACLES. WHAT U THINKING? ” IF WE JUST BEG MELES WHO KNOWS HE WILL GIVE US POWER.” IS THAT WHAT U THINKING? GO AHEAD AND BEG HIM,WORSHIP HIM LIKE GOD, IF U WANT,,THE SON OF DARKNESS WILL NEVER GIVE U LIGHT.
BUT ONE DAY,SOONER OR LATER ETHIOPIA WILL BE FREE AND THIS WILL BE A VERY SAD HISTORY,,THE DARKEST DAY OF ETHIOPIA.
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July 10th, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Elias
Why don’t you challenge him with your questions? Just invite him to the media and ask him ALL the questions you have. Not only you but all the media outlets in North America – just invite Prof Mesfin for questions and challege him.EASY!!!!
I am even expecting a debate between Prof Mesfin and Dr Berhanu!! Then we can talk!
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July 10th, 2008 at 2:25 PM
aur enmey is meles is not pro mesfin is ethiopa ppl hero ok elias……..
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July 10th, 2008 at 2:57 PM
The weyanes in this forum are all of the sudden Proffesor mesfin lovers-this reminds me when the white American’s were courting Pacifists like marthin luhter king while Malcom and black panters were being rediculed and even being kileld! Mandella and ANC brought a change by armed and violent struggle not by being sitting ducks that is why the tigrayns are courting Proffesor Mesfin:-) , In fact , Dr. Yacob who belongs to the same party UDJ was being belittled by weyane mouth piece AIGA for making it clear that peaceful mode of struggle doesn’t mean a pacificit oone! At the end of the day, Ethiopian know how to bring about change-the past history is a clear indication. The emperor was over thrown through bloody coup, the derg was forced to leave through armed struggle and now weyanes will follow same trend…so professor Mesfin is just trying to leave a gando legecy but the difference is Gandi was not an apportunist!!proffesor mesfin is not all that cracked up to be-temesaselo menore yemrete -yemuhur beletegna new-
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:17 PM
As long as he understands what it takes to continue a peaceful straggle – stoppage of work – demonstrations – defying the butchers openly by distributing document exposing the evils of the rulers – and organizing his part to challenge the actions of the butchers in public – and be ready to be killed or rot in prison.
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:18 PM
I am too shocked with this article for several reasons.
1. A simple journalist attempts beyond his capacity to asses the distinguished scholar;
2. An individual who proposed one of the worst tyrants in the world as a person of the year tries to discredit the internationally respected father of Ethiopian human rights;
3. This editor is and traditionally contradictory whose target is to hurt the integration of Ethiopia.
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Shame on you dispora, I dont know why we fight each other like this all the time. Let everyone do in his own way. After all the aim is to get our independence. Ato Elias, please dont enforce everyone to walk your own way. What is the difference between your stand with woyane both of you say we know better than you so you have to follow us.
Lastly, Please Please let everyone walk his own way. Let Professor alone and focus on the Crime Minister.
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Professor, we love you but you are wrong. Please do not be an obstacle to the struggle. You could have been the Mandela of Ethiopia, but unlike Mandela, you are asking your people not to fight back for our freedom. If you continue doing what you have now started, in a short time, you will be the most despised old man in Ethiopia. Please do not destroy your good name and credibility you earned as mehur.
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Dear Elias; there is a common feature you share with PM Zenawi: you both are arrogantly fearless and shamelessly disrespectful. True virtue lies outside that extremism you both enjoy as a way of life. As a result, he is making Ethiopia friendless, even a hostile country of a sort and, you, getting very lonely person in your self-serving position as the “fighter”. I am not sure whether your psychopath twin-brother will recover from his total madness; there is a reason to believe and encourage you get back to a common sense position, please.
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July 10th, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Hi Elias plase leave the Professor, we have a mind to think, meditate and analayze what the poleticians tells us. Please not undemine the Ethiopin,don’t expand your hateful, confussed and unmature propaganda.
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July 10th, 2008 at 4:02 PM
I am not suprised by what Elias is doing because it is his busines as usual: unconstractive complain. But why we spend our time on such irrelevant argument. if you belive in individual freedom, then let people do what is best for themselves. let us concentrate on ends not on meanses.
Elias, keep on commenting but try to keep your integrety! mind multiple ways of doing things!
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July 10th, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Elias,
Almost all Ethiopians those who read what you have been posting on your website don’t trust you. And they have been thinking that you have been a great negative influence on their struggle against the Meles regime. For example, people on the Ethiopian Current Affairs Discussion Forum have generously advised you and they also have generously shared their opinions with you regarding the messages you been posting on your website.
They listened to what you said. They looked into your soul, mind, and heart and they noted that you are not a bold person but you are a person who is not willing to listen to other people opinions.
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July 10th, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Prof Mesfin is the last standing warrior. It is easy to side with Prof mesfin because he is not a monster, but only befriended with a monster for one reason, ERITREA. He chose the lesser evil, TPLF. How is TPLF less evil than Eritrea. Prof want to use TPLF to fulfill his dream by labeling Eritrea as Evil. May be this is your last wish before you die Prof, unfortunately your dream is not the pressing matter for Ethiopians. The pressing issue is we are in the verge of disintegrating in to ethnic groups and our enemies(your friends) created more enemies in every corner of our borders who, everyone of them, want us vanish except Eritreans and the Government of Eritrea. The existence of our survival as one Ethiopia is getting numbered as TPLF work hard igniting ethnic conflict in and out side the country . How united are we to get Assab back with TPLF prof? The Prof’s action is so dangerous that will hinders our fight and alliance by creating suspicion and fear between Eritreans and Ethiopians. he should be condemned. Prof didn’t care for those Ethiopians who died in Ethiopia/Eritrea war, as sick as it sounds ,he want to do it again through TPLF. That is all in to it. He hates TPLF like any of us but he is egomaniac who want to use Ethiopians for his pipe dream. He could have done more if he cares about united Ethiopia. We like to live with Eritrean bro/sis with love not hate. He better put his acclaim and stature in protecting and uniting Ethiopians. He never known for your work in uniting Ethiopia except talking, why not start now when we need you instead of working against us. We need to stand up first as one. TPLF has done enough damage to our unity and dignity we hardly call our selves united Ethiopia. To unite and to see the rebirth of strong prosperous Ethiopia, G7, OLF ONLF….. and Eritrea are our only options, not prof Mesfin and TPLF.
Regards,
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July 10th, 2008 at 4:26 PM
The Diaspora is makng a mountain out of a mole hill. 80 million people against one man. You must be full of fear not to find a solution without a shot! The professor is right you need not shot to dehrone one man who is despised by the population. You were poor in ethiopia because you said the politics make you/ Now why are you not working hard and smart to get rich here in USA instead. The parties inside are suffcient to fight melese. They have proven so. The task of the diasporara is to fight age old poverty. Please have forum of how to create wealth instead. Do not west precious life on stupid Melese!
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July 10th, 2008 at 4:46 PM
elias,u better advise ur own heart than others,we r all tired of weyane’s atrocity and we r all worried about our future but we have to respect the ppl why they r choosing their way of struggle ,prof.Mesfin is not the first person to choose “non violence”if it’s his way ,let’s ask ourselves “what is our common goal?”our difference is more severe than our common enemy?my fellow ethiopian it’s notorious to say to some one who is paying his life to our common interest”u better stick to ur profession.”Einstien was a physicst but he was moaning in the agony of his people donc he was a member of zionism,Martin Luter King was a revernd but he was a non vilolence activist,Ghandi was a lawyer but he is the symbol of non-violence,prof.Mesfin is a concerned ethiopian whose soul crying to his country,man “know thy self!”.MERCI.
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July 10th, 2008 at 4:52 PM
you stupid and arrogant enemy of Ethiopia, Elias, please be a person at least for one second. The main problem on your side is that you don’t yourself. I reckon you should try to see who you are; arrongant, useless, aimless, shallow what else? you are everything diry. stop bleming innocent Ethiopians who sacrificed their life for you to get this advantage to go to school. You are very sick and with a mission from Eritrea and everyone is tried to see your baseless and unprofessional collection of words.
fuck you stupid
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July 10th, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Shame on you elias. Did prof mesfin said to you not to go and fight weyane? Good dance with hailu’s gangs . you do not have your own stand . wolawayi.
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July 10th, 2008 at 5:12 PM
pro. mesfin is loyality opposition and he will do what he can. Reason:
1. He have no any other alternative way that makes him fron figure in ethiopian politic.
2. He have long experiance in turning himself 360 degree, in case of regime change. remind he was Esepa central committe member.
3. He were been beated 3 times a day by wayane cadres during his stay in Kality.
I hope he will drop his way and Join Dr. Brhanu Nega sooner.
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July 10th, 2008 at 5:45 PM
I wish to congratulate the most analytical, coherent and enlightening analysis of No.53 (Eritrawi) on the contemporary Ethiopian political landscape. Unlike most of the garbage comments spewn on this article to discredit the patriotic Ethiopian website moderator, you have clearly demonstrated the danger of the likes of Mesfin Woldemariam to the future existence of Ethiopia as a nation. The so called Professor have always been and time after time proved himself to be a wolf in a sheep skin when it comes to the interest of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
In my opinion, most people who write on this website as well as all other print and broadcast media dealing with Ethiopian politics seem to have very little knowledge of Prof Mesfin. I have known the Professor for the last 35 years. To put it mildly he has always been the most controversial person. During his tenure at Haile Selassie University (the current Addis Ababa University) he has always been, one way or another, opposed to the Ethiopian Students Movement or no positive contribution except criticizing everybody. He was simply at odds with many of the then scholars including Drs. Eshetu Chole, Assefa etc. One contemporarey of his told me he is a man with no integrity – his arguments are always very destructive and “Oh yes” very Power Hungry – A critic simply to promote his ego. I don’t know where this “great Professor” label came from…. maybe good enough to satify his insatiable ego but that is far from the truth!
To fill his power thirst the emperor gave him a position of District Administrator (Awraja Geji). He was then tested and labeled as a man who can talk but with no substance and he returned to the University. Again during the tenure of the Dergue, he assumed “Mermari Commission” position and got very close to Mengistu – by condemning intellectuals who dwarfed his ego and to win favor from Mengistu. Because of his lack of integrity, Mengistu also denied him a position of power. BTW he was very close to Mengistu!!!
He is a very bitter man whose chauvinistic statements against Oromos, Somalis and all other non-amara ethnic group is well documented.
It is this man who is now trying to put down those who have put their lives on the line to realize a free and democratic Ethiopia.
Could this be his chauvinistic awakening???
Long live the progressive leaders of tomorrow’s Democratic Ethiopia – including OLF, ONLF, Patriotic Front, Guinbot7
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July 10th, 2008 at 5:47 PM
The cunning TPLF minority specializing in dividing and effectively destroying Ethiopia bought the professor at dirt cheap price as one of its propaganda mouth piece for staying in power and keep dehumanizing Ethiopians.
I am not worried by the professor’s peaceful struggle repeat speach if he can ever go beyond his self serving empty propaganda, but the alarming thing is his additional barrages of condemning all the other modes of struggle except that of his own that does not even exist.
Wayane seems to have strictly instructed the guy as to what to say and whom to attack as a fresh and new comer to the business of Wayane cadre in disguise.
He may keep on propagating and pleasing Wayanes while at the same time tranquilizing his loyal followers to shut up and go to bed and start sleeping and snoring loud.
Eighteen long years of barbaric human rights violations, massacars, genocides, massive displacements and international refugeeism, massive starvations and hoplesseness, ongoing war and chaos, etc, and some one calling himself a professor and an opposition leader for that matter dares to come out and states that “nothing really bad happened and all is well in the empire?
BIG SHAME!
The guy is misusing the good will and loyalty of his direct and indirect innocent supporters which he is currently selling for cash to the genocidal Wayane dictators. He lost my due respect and high regard for him.
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Dear Elias attacking andnet party and Prof. Mesfine is not the arm struggle.Don`t cheat us bro. Your campaign is to kill other means of struggle before you start your imaginable armed struggle which has not yet drafted. You are preaching us Issayas/Ertirea is good for Ethiopia but not Pro. Mesfine/ Andnett Party. By this equation your Ethiopian identity is in question mark? By the way from your activities I can say you are not a supporter of Ginbot 7 or Other freedom fighters b/c they said nothing about your concern. From your activities anybody can classify you as a politician, journalist, political analyst, activist and decision maker on Ethiopian politics. and so on…
If you are genuine Ethiopian and serious I suggest you not to spend your precious time and resources on blackmailing and gossiping true Ethiopian patriots! But if you have a mission it is already unmasked. Please, reconsider your position before ER is banned by true Ethiopian readers and thrown to the garbage Basket of weyane mass media groups like Ethiolion,fana and Aigaforum.thanks!
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:12 PM
Elias,
Please do not liston to those who try to discourage you not to challange to those who destruct our struggle. Prof. Mesfine has to earn his respect by justifying his arguements without insulting others. No matter whether he is a professor or elder, if he acts stupid, people will tend to call him, you are a stupid. In my part, I love both Ginbot 7 and Andnet. These two groups are complementary each other. If they work together, I am sure, they will produce fruitful results. By the way, they are friends one another. I strongly suggest that professor Mesfin has to stop talking nonesens.
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:34 PM
76# sara andeta,
Why do you get too much outraged? You outrage actually applies to the “professor” wgo have been studying with the scarces resources of the wretched Ethiopians but always cunningly aligned himself with the enemies of the same same people who emotionally and finacially helped him to succeed while starving for themselves.
All the barrages of insults you have directed against the editor of ER actualy applies to the capitulationist “professor” who have been serving absolute king Haile Sellassies, dictator Mengist Haile Mariam and now dictator Wayane, all impoverishing and self serving rulers who kept Ethiopia the beautiful in abject poverty and alarming shameful chaos.
You are asking if the professor prevented him from going and fighting the Wayane dictator. My own answer is “YES” he did try to prevent by accusing other genuine and independent opposition groups and down grading and insulting their methodes of truggle and trying his best to demoralize the Ethiopian people from independently struggling for their natural GOD GIVEN rights.
That is why lots of us are resisting. We don’t want to be sold as slaves to the Wayane butchers! Don’t you understand?
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July 10th, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Professor Mesfin is hiding behind his scholastic myth and the grace that age brings along with, to conceal his real personality. At this particular point and time his role is totally subversive. His mission is to create desperation, spread mistrust and confusion among the opposition. He is doing that because, deep at heart, he is a coward and opportunistic.
From years of opportunism under three different regimes, Mesfin has mastered to be manipulative and had amassed worshippers around him. I have no problem with the professor saying that the only means of struggle is peaceful. For him and the likes that is the type of struggle which is safe and above all liked by the current rulers.
Professor Mesfin has always been against anyone who could be a potential leader in Ethiopia. He has a false ego that does not match his commitment and readiness to sacrifice. We all hear that he was the first person to beg pardon from the Woyane regime and persuade the rest of the prisoners to sign the so called “amnesty” paper. By so doing, the professor has forfeited his rights to struggle the woyane regime and has also unconditionally recognized that the regime is the legitimate and sole representatvie of the Ethiopian people.
The signature of that document was a political blackmail in broad day light. That is why Mesfin is beating around the bush. He can not call Woyanne an enemy as that would be a reason to put him back to jail. Up until this moment, I have not heard from the professor or any of the Kinijit leadership why they signed that document to get out of prison. It was only the carsmatic Hailu Shawel who at least acknowledged that was a mistake.
Mesfin is trying to preach to us that Woyane will be tired or ruling and will concede the will of the Ethiopian people.
I would suggest that personalities like the professor rather stay behind the screen if at all there is any wisdom left that they could share. How is it going to happen when the security, the standing army, the police and the notorious court system all defend the current regime? Where is the separation of powers, dear professor!!! and what is the guarantee to that road?
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:06 PM
If there was ever was a backward, opportunist feudal lord, it is Mesfin W/ Mariam. I know than man because I took one of his courses and I find him to be one of the most divisive individuals on the University campus. Anyone who took his geography class will tell you that he never focuses on the subject matter he is familiar with, but he was good at belittling other professors and any student who dared to challenge his assertions. I am not sure how this individual was elevated to a status of a revered figure, but this is the same individual who did not find anything wrong to rub shoulders with Mengistu and served as an adviser during his reign. And what he is doing right now is nothing out character. His only fame is being in prison with other CUD leaders but he himself told us that he was treated fairly in prison and is nothing to talk about. He was quick on his feet to criticize Dr. Berhanu any chance he got because he thought the latter took the spotlight from him. The professor is neither senile and a patriot, he is just doing what he has been doing all through his life, looking for his own interest. Meles sent him on a mission to subdue the vocal opposition in the diaspora and some of us have taken his garbage in one mouthful. The struggle of our people is not about any one individual and certainly it is not about the professor. If some of you are into “hero” worshipping, you go ahead and wallow in your fantasy, but the professor like Haile Shewal is a backward opportunist under the service of anyone who can throw him a leftover. The 2005 election was forcefully and openly taken away from the true victors by the ruling fascist clique and the professor is telling us to forget all that and just get prepared for the next election. If this is the message that he has brought to the diaspora Ethiopians, he should have learned something from his friend Hailu not to stand against the interest of the people because the judgment of Ethiopians against people like him is swift.
Bravo, Elias, keep up the good-work; please don’t listen to all these Woyane-lovers, dergue-apologists and feudal lords who camouflage themselves as patriots. We know who the true patriots are!
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:14 PM
Eritrawi,
Min agebah? Gud eko new!
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Some you would like to compare this — with Mandela and other important historical figures. While he was “serving” as a human right advocate, I have never heard him raise a voice for thousandths of Oromos and other nationalities that are still languishing in Meles’s prison for standing up for their rights. I never heard him raise his voice when Ethiopian Mulims were denied to build their places of worship in many parts of Ethiopia by the government as well as die-hard chauvinists. The only time this guy pretended to shout at the top his old voice was when a particular nationality of a particular faith was abused by the Woyane government. The professor is a very narrow nationalist and I know this suits many of you because he is fighting a particular form of struggle to your liking. But, let me tell you, he never was and is a hero to anyone other than the Amharas. And those of you who are from those regions try to see the light because, by excluding or ignoring the rights of others, he is not serving you right. The professor is and has always been an opportunist who was elevated to a hero status because of his time in prison. The rest of his life was spent taking care of his own self. Don’t take it on Elias, he is just writing it as he sees it and that is the truth.
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July 10th, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Minim Sanifeyid, Endihu Sinafers Singeneba Zemenachin Endayalik Egziyabiher Yirdan. Bezemen Mecheresha Yetawekewun Profeser Tselot Yastemare Menfeskidus Lehulachininim Feriha Egziabiherin, Fikirin Ena Tihitinan Yastemiren.
Amen
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Elias we know your hiden mission i beg you
in the name of God please leave them alon
do not write such kin of un necessary thing
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July 10th, 2008 at 8:59 PM
sara andeta (#76),
Calm down; don’t curse, but bless!
Words used wisely could move a mountain, but when they are used emotionally, they could destroy the person who uses them intentionally or unwittingly. Whether the editor is from Eritrea or Saudi Arabia, you are able to express yourself on his ER freely, and he is very kind enough to post your opinion full of curse and profanity; in other words, he is exposing you to the public what kind of person you are, not to hurt you but to educate you by getting some kind of counseling from us the ER readers. He could have rejected your unbalanced comment, if he wanted to, but he didn’t do it because he wants to satisfy everybody, which is impossible when one comes with an undisciplined behavior.
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:19 PM
bekebere bemot menalebet
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Elias,
You are absolutely suffering from a very serious mental sickness that needs a very serious attention.
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July 10th, 2008 at 9:48 PM
liqe liqawent elias.
why didn’t let the proffessor know that he is not a politicianbefore 2005, while he was in jail…so and so on..
as usual, i will quote the phrase that you used to describe this man , you said” THE MASTER TACTITIAN OF KINIJIT” . This was what you said while he was visiting the US during summer 2005(i.e immediately after the election).then the MASTER TACTITIAN and now the DANGEROUS MAN….. What miracle happened btween then and now
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:18 PM
ER has lately focused his target of UDJ and particularly on the mission of the two UDJ delegates to the US. He expressed his strong disagreement to Prof. Mesfin message and called for the professor to leave politics. :) He characterized the mission of Prof Mesfin as “dangerous”.
ER also noted that he may be the “lone wolf”.
I surely disagree and reject the latest assertions of ER. ER has been all along wrong in his latest proposed remedies for Ethiopia’s political solution. The radical outlook of ER is basically rebuffed and rejected by the majority of Ethiopians. Groups (like Ginbot 7) that were benefiting from the ER public support are now indirectly distancing themselves from ER. ER advocay of working with Ato Issayas, his “AFD is the solution” propoganda, his characterization of ethiopians soliders as “weyane” , his open support of Somali Insurgents ……are something that have no place in the main stream Ethiopians politics. ER in this regard is loosing the public relation battle.
However, even tough I disagree and reject what ER is lately saying, I admire and respect his boldness. I see courage from the part of ER, to take on unpopular items. He wrote once against Dr Berhanu, Ato Hailu Shawel, Birtukan and now Prof Mesfin. We need people like ER who are not afraid of politicians and freely express their views without being intimidated.
I believe the criticism of Prof Mesfin by ER is helpful for democracy and honest discussion. I believe it will send a signal to UDJ officials that someone is watching. That the era where we follow leaders blindly is over.
As has been the case always, the UDJ officials know what they are doing. Their process is clean, open and transparent. Their message, be it in Ethiopia or outside, before the weyanes or before those who are against the weyanes …..is the same. They don’t change their stories and flip flop like a pendulum. Therefore, they are capable of talking openly to Ethiopians and address any challenges, be it from ER or AIGA or any media outlet.
I remember an exchange of ER and Prof Mesfin in a teleconference about two, three months ago. Ato Elias asked pointed questions. (as always). He got clear and direct answer from the professor. Prof Mesfin et UDJ officials, are not afraid of anyone. They don’t have stories or intrigues they hide. If they make mistakes they are willing to be corrected and surely welcome any challenges and appreciate criticisms and feedbacks.
Therefore, I defend the right of ER to report what it think is right. (though I disagree with him 95% mostly lately)
What I do not like from ER is his refusal to post comment that disagrees with him. At least more than anyone he should have applied fair journalism. If he doesn’t want to be criticized, then he should remove the forum section and block the public from commenting all together.
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July 10th, 2008 at 10:37 PM
What I don’t understand is this: Why not everyone fight the blood sucker woyane in his/her own way? Let Ginbot 7 fight the armed struggle if they can get followers, and let UJD (Andenet party) fight in its own way. Why should we fight eachother? It has no logic. Please Elias stop creating more division among Ethiopians. We had enough and it is eating us like a cancer.
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July 11th, 2008 at 12:41 AM
First of all ER editor have a very right to criticize any human being (Including professor Mesfin). I was really mad when I read ER article about UDJP and W/r Birtukan because the editor used harsh words but when it comes professor Mesfin ER is criticizing in a good manner which is great now I know ER editor listen his readers. I have some thing to share about our respected professor don’t hang your self guys am going to tell you some truth… Weak up and stand for Ethiopian Sovereignty if we listen professor our country will be out of the world map.
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July 11th, 2008 at 6:12 AM
Elias,
I couldn’t understand your motives. What we want is liberation from woyannee at any cost. Some are working in peaceful way and the others using different tactics. So why do you bother about tactics. Don’t discourage people saying peaceful way is over. Pls listen to people’s advise…
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July 11th, 2008 at 8:45 AM
selam #93
says:
“liqe liqawent elias.
why didn’t let the proffessor know that he is not a politicianbefore 2005, while he was in jail…so and so on..
as usual, i will quote the phrase that you used to describe this man , you said” THE MASTER TACTITIAN OF KINIJIT” . This was what you said while he was visiting the US during summer 2005(i.e immediately after the election).then the MASTER TACTITIAN and now the DANGEROUS MAN….. What miracle happened btween then and now” You wrote
Elias answers for himself but the answer to your question is already in your statement itself, except that you are not ABLE TO SEE IT.
Yes, Elias or any one else including myself were correct in chracterizing professor Mesfin as ” THE MASTER TACTICIAN OF KINIJIT” back in 2005.
That is correct because we all honestly thought that this respected father figure, Mesfin man, could play a positive and uniting role in the camp of the opposition struggling for democracy, pluralism, sustainable and egalitarian society and nation building inorder to free the divided and dehumanized 80 million Ethiopians from a desperate genocidal minority unrepresentative tyranical manipulative dictatorship.
Remember, now the fact that the ball was placed in professor Mesfin’s own field, that is to say, we did put our full trust in him to work for the Ethiopian people who emotionally, finacially, socially, etc, nurtured, supported, respected and maintained him up to this very point in his life as a part and parcel of the Ethiopian society.
What did professor Mesfin do with our particular trust respectfully placed on him?
In 2005 he was visintg the US inorder to promote and defend kinjit’s political gains, promote unity among Ethiopians and oppose Wayane’s dictatorial robbery, violence and intimidations.
In 2008 he is visiting the US to promote and defend Wayane’s rights to dictatorship, imprisonments, killings, its legitimacy of assault and robbery of Ethiopian people’s votes, etc. UN TRUST WORTHY TURN COAT!
He came out to defend the minority dictatorship who commited and are still commiting large scale genocides and systematically leading the 80 million Ethiopians down the drain through endless starvations, endless wars and scarce resource squanderings, etc.
He also came out to condemn oppositin parties working for justice for all Ethiopians, democracy, pluralism, sustainable development and a bright future for Ethiopia the beautiful.
Just like a cunning fox, he first gained our full trust and then went ahead to use it agaisnt the general interests of the Ethiopian people.
This is a clear case of a man described positively as “THE MASTER TACTICIAN” turned “A MASTER TRAITOR.” The professor changed around 365 degrees from Kinijit opposition activist to anti kinijit ruling minority dictatorship propagandist and supporter.
In such circumstances of abuse and misuse of trust the professor deserves to be strongly opposed even more than or equal to the minority dictator because he is even MORE DANGEROUS than the visible and known criminal Wayane human butchers. The professor works in the shadow of our trust, standing among the opposition, dividing and destroying, while working for Wayane among the unaware and trusting opposion supporters.
In short or in long, these are SOME of the few miracles that have happened beween then and now, in my personal opinion.
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July 11th, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Elias you have a good point there but isn’t mesfin intitled to his belief and non violence strategy. I appreciate your stand the majority of the time but you need also to sometimes ready to face the music.
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July 11th, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Ato Elias,
The fact that you post views, including unfriendly to you
in person and against your mission, is a positive development.
On the other point, with all due respect to you and your
supporters, instead of attacking personalities and create
divisive grounds among Ethiopians, it would be more productive to focus on issues that would broaden and unite
forces for genuine freedom, equality, human rights, justice
and peace under the Ethiopian umbrella. A never ending
insult and name calling, for or against, won’t serve the purpose! Respect! Dialogue!
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July 11th, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Response to critic towards Prof. Mesfin
I don’t know why we Ethiopians limit our selves and be prisoners of the “Either….. Or” thinking. It is not healthy and wise to limit our choice. Why don’t we take the wisest answer Jesus Christ used to neutralize the venomous question from the Pharisees? Pay the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor and pay God what belongs to God. Let Prof. Mesfin be consistent to his struggle and stop demonizing him, after all he himself was a victim for peaceful struggle. Let Ginbot 7 fight its battle if Dr. Berhanu believes in it. These days politics have become intellectuals polemic instead of practical solution oriented activity.
Wake up Ethiopians, don’t forget the Ginbot 7 strategy is not absolutely correct too. We shouldn’t expect Prof. Mesfin to say go ahead draw your sward while there is no preparation for such struggle. A lot has to be done before we choose between self-defense or peaceful struggle.
We have seen repeatedly that ideas and ambitions alone can’t bear fruit; it must be coupled with courage and action. The TPLF members and the majority Tigrean supporters learned to stick to each other no matter Meles or the TPLF central committee is doing. That determination and sticking to each other has helped them to control and humiliate 77 million people. But look, we are fast to attack and criticize those who have paid a sacrifice.
Remember when the CUD leaders were in jail, the Ethiopian people stopped the struggle at home. We haven’t seen adequate reaction from the people like that of Kenyans or other African countries. Killing thousands of people shouldn’t deter the people to sit idly but for two years we have seen nothing. Even not one TPLF official was challenged in one or the other way when they spilled young children’s blood. The people were not ready to sacrifice like Kenyans or people in Zimbabwe. It happened from June to November 2005 and the collective struggle stopped. When leaders are arrested, people are expected to resist no matter what but it didn’t happen. Please instead of wasting time on such irrelevant issues, let’s prepare the people psychologically to pay a sacrifice for freedom and say no to oppression. Intellectual’s polemic won’t give freedom. Let’s learn about paying sacrifice, lets learn to build thrust since many Ethiopians have lost thrust in opposition politicians who couldn’t unite themselves but preach about national unity. This is shame! Let’s change this shameful attitude and bad habit first.
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July 11th, 2008 at 3:14 PM
How petatic that professor Mesfin got to pray on stage. In the past he was telling us that we are too fatalist to leave everyting to God. Don’t get me wrong, I am not against praying but i never expected professor Mesfin to do the same thing that millions of Ethiopians have been doing for long time, which he has been so critical off.
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July 11th, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Brothers and sisters, Elias, didn’t insult prof. Mesfin at all. Read the message again and don’t thing in Amharic, but in English when you read it. Where have you read an insult on the above articl? Will you point out or tell me the insult that you are talking about?
Elias, keep teaching the trues man!
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July 11th, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Loosers,Woyanne starts another 17 years term rule to stay on power.
It is aready started.you keboardist guys most of you Ertreans are just idiots leaving crying your life abroad.But one thing for sure you see your masters falling down in the future.
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July 11th, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Elias u have a right to express your views,fuck the cowerds who are talking about futile peaceful resestance. Tej beberele neger bemesale gezayachen yena new zewer bel shemagele Mesfin manew ande shemagele new.Do not get me wrong my ppl,i hate Shabia as an Ethiopian,but sometimes stratagic allance helps a lot if we are serious about a regime change in our country.
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July 11th, 2008 at 10:53 PM
dear mimi i read your reply… i believe you have a huge misunderstanding… if you carefully observed prof as far as the ethiopian politics is concerned he is firm on the basic principles ..before 2005 he tried to uncover all the woyane evil deeds against humanity through the EHRC ,then he he played a vital role in forming KINIJIT and preached peaceful resistance and struggle along all his colligeus(including birhanu and andargachew)..and still he is telling us we shouldn’t giveup on the peaceful struggle IDONT SEE any TRAIT or BETREYAL …the point is there is no MIRACLE on the Proff MESFINS’ side ..rather the miracle happened among elias and his website … it didnt even took a minute for elias to turn around against those people whom he praised..” ye zemenachin tayitu”, “ye kinijitu abat”,”jegnochachin”..bla..bla…Im not saying tht elias can not differ in his opinions yes! he can! but its immoral to degrade people we chose their own means of fulfilling the common goal…by the way i 200% sure this will happen to DR BIRHANU and ANDARGACHEW too….when they deny to sign the contract that you proposed with OLF IN ASMARA(AS YOU ADVISED) GOOD LUCK BIRHANU AND ANDARGACHEW ( KE ELIAS MILAS MALETE NAW)
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July 12th, 2008 at 2:59 AM
profeser mesfen,do you know the word tureta you are an old fox who is not better than hailu shawel.tureta yewtu bekawot .you already serve hailselase,derge, and now weyane.we are tired of being always cheated by you.you have been there when derge kill 60 haileslase officials,you are now with weyane compaining for them.we do not need your fake politics while ethiopians are dying by weyane.
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July 12th, 2008 at 3:09 AM
We are talking about 80 million plus people of Ethiopia. One professor is is just a needle in a hay stack. And every professor is not a smart politician. I have no disrespect for him, but certainly put him in question mark.
I can’t trust someone who can’t make make peace within an organization could bring peace to million people. As a father figure and respected intellectual, he should have been intervened to resolve conflict within CUD at this time of need. Instead, he was the one who engaged in instigation and pulled the crack apart. If he had been acted, because of his stature, the warring parties may have been listened to him and CUD would have been averted the crisis.
Personally, I have no opposition in his view of peaceful struggle, but it is just a simple wish than concrete plan to how to achieve The People’s government.
In my view, Ethiopians ability to bring TPLF to the negotiating table is already at dead end because of the fracture within the opposition in which Professor Mesfin is one of the contributors.
One can’t reach his or her destination if there are two steps backward for every step forward. As a brain surgeon have no idea how to milk the cow, politics is not an academic endeavor, but a cummulative effect of experience, persistence, prediction, defense, conviction, bravery, justice, faith and wisdom. And when it comes to Africa, it is spiced with mercy of muscle.
Given to his age, elite background, previous record of abstainance from the struggle, and his handling of the Kinijit crisis, simply tell as professor Mesfin is on the wrong place. I wish he simply do his human rights business. He already has been in the worst days of our nation and never participated in any political activities until 1995. Then, what did he wanted now? If Birtukan control Arat killo to replace Major Girma? I love his geography but not politics.
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July 12th, 2008 at 9:29 AM
selam #106,
I have no problem with Mesfin using his self serving methods of so called struggle, if only he did not start spreading his anti oppostion pro Wayane propaganda.
After all even many of his types are peacefully sitting in Wayane parliament for the last 18 years and conducting the so called “peaceful struggle”
At least even those in Wayane’s parliament are much more better than professor Mesfin himself because they are not barking against the other opposition groups and their methods of struggle since they do understand as to how fake that regime is.
The professor sems to join them inorder to get his salary and spend his old age chating about his past.
All those so called principles of opposition and human rights activities of professor Mesfin seems to be for ATTRACTING AND GETTING ATTENTION from the Wayane dictators and securing status and high level employments for his individual petty feudal self by swearing in the name of the people just like he has been doing under absolute king Haile Selassie and dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam.
Now, he may keep directly and indirectly singing for the Wayane dictatorship just like the old and big music box, singing old melodies every time the minority dictators drop few coins through the coin hole.
Otherwise he must prove me wrong by his practical actions but not only through empty talks. I have no problem changing my opinion then! Flexibilty is my virtue!
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July 12th, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Professor Mesfin W.Mariam is a very distinguished scholar with a profound potential to become a leader for million of Ethiopians and a visionary person with lucid and crisp thinking, an intelligent and Ethiopian with distinct and consistent character.
When Professor Mesfin speaks, he speaks of problems, he then suggests or comes up with the likely solutions. When he speaks, he speaks of reality and delivers the realistic story with truth, professor Mesfin has the capability to deliver messages clearly or subtly so that he creates the opportunity to pose then think right and do the right thing, as well.
To prepare for the 2010 election is the right thing to do and it is that we should do it right.
Professor Mesfin reminds us of woyanaetplf and Fascist Italians murdered thousands and hundreds of Ethiopians. Italians were punished and kicked out of Ethiopia and were sent back to where they dare come from. In 2005, Professor Mesfin and his colleagues and millions of Ethiopians shared a common vision for Ethiopia and came out and stood on a podium victorious over tplfwoyaeeprdf regime.
Professor Mesfin will never ever disappoint us or neither fails Ethiopians nor betrays Ethiopia in the struggle against eprdfwoyanaetplf regime.
Professor Mesfin reminds us of leadership: Leaders must be accountable and responsible for carrying out their leadership duty to put public’s interest above anything else.
Professor Mesfin reminds us and speaks of being on constant alert and guarding our being Ethiopians in every directions and corners.
Meles Zinawi, aggressive and reckless has no sense of belonging to Ethiopia. He came to power by the barrel of the gun and shot many bullets and killed Ethiopians.
“Ethiopia is beautiful.” Says, professor Mesfin. He taught in the university and produced many qualified Ethiopians, he fought for the right and freedom of Ethiopians and actively participated in the election and brought us more victory. Look, now he is with the rest of Ethiopians fighting against the repressive regime.
Ethiopians, who do you think is a good leader: Professor Mesfin or Meles Zinawi?
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July 13th, 2008 at 7:07 PM
mimi#109,
First of all i would like to appreciate the way way you forwarded your argument genuinely with out barking on any body(unlike the owner of this web site).
I completely agrre that the proff. shouldn’t have started attacking others who believe that woyane can be over thrown through other meanses too. I believe that he should respect the right of others to choose every possible meanse that they think is effective to throw the woyanne regime.Muluneh Eyoel set a good example by respecting UDJ’S”the right to choose the meanse”during his speech at the DC meeting.Ihope proff Mesfin WILL(AND MUST)follow Muluneh by doing so.
I really don’t buy what you said about the parliament and salary thing, cause if he was really intersted , he could have done that 15 or 16 years ago (like proff andreas)by applauding when woyanne gave away eritrea to shabia
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July 14th, 2008 at 1:13 AM
when a car is running idle, it will do nothing but making a noise and polluting the environment aroung it. Likewise, sitting in a Kangaroo parliament owned and run by Meles Naziawi,the crimeboss, telling others what to do and conducting only a one-way communication, alas, who a man in his right mind wants to do nothing but sit like a dummy with nothing to stimulate the brain that is supposed to function properly?
Prfessor Benyene Petros has been complaining for too long that he spends hours yawning and sneezing, sometimes laughing over and about nothing chiefly because there has been nothing he could do; he was simply collecting about 3000 birr/month for just doing mouth fitness, yet doing nothing for the people he represents.
others, members of the Kangaroo parliament also spend their time doing nothing but counting hours, days,months, and years just like a bay playfully uses his finger to learn conting.
Yes, individuals, groups, and/or organizations with identical shared vision can use different meanses to bring democracy and freedom to Ethiopia for Ethiopians. Therefore, we must have choices and options jsut in case one fails or brings parital or no result.
We have to develop a culture of exchanging 360 degree feedback so that we will or shall improve our weakness whille builing more on our strengths.
Like any genunie Ethiopians has no interest in serving Meles Naziawi in the fake parliament that he has been running for more than 17 years, so Professor Mesfin deoes have no interest in being the servant of the crimeboss.
Yes, it is a well known fact that Shabya, its followers, and supporters don’t like Ethiopia and professor Mesfin W/Mariam and will continue to sabotage Ethiopians pretending to be one of us, Ethiopians. Ethiopians, stay on maximum alert to protect our leaders,the motherland, and our people. Amen and thanks.
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July 14th, 2008 at 3:00 PM