Oct 2, 2005
Ethiopian Review
Yesterday, a number of foreign ambassadors called CUD and UEDF to relay a message that the Meles regime is ready to negotiate. Armed with that message, the UEDF Chairman, Dr. Beyene Petros, rushed to announce on the Ethiopian TV that the planned three-day strike, which was scheduled to start on October 3, has been suspend indefinitely. The statement made by Dr. Beyene is uncalled for and unwarranted. It is a public knowledge that UEDF planned the postponed demonstration as well as the strike some time ago. A lot of time and efforts went into the planning. It took a great deal of persuasion to get CUD to fully endorse the plan. With the coming of CUD, the preparation was in full swing. Threatened by a show of force, in the last few days, the Meles regime arrested a number of CUD and UEDF active members. Many citizens have had to sacrifice a great deal to mobilize the public.
After all this, it is some what awkward that an informal meeting called by foreign ambassadors would sway the opposition groups to call off the three-day strike without ever soliciting consent from the general public. There is no justification for this yet another hasty move on the part of the opposition groups to undermine the interests of the public.
It is beyond any shadow of doubt that the Meles regime is suffering from a nationwide rejection at the polls and an increased isolation, which is generating fear of national uprising. The prevailing reality is forcing EPRDF to seemingly appear conciliatory. As a rule, since the opposition groups’ number one priority is to seek a peaceful resolution to the current political stalemate, they should welcome TPLF’s conciliatory approach at all times. However, if the past experiences can be of any guide, the opposition groups must exercise extreme caution in dealing with TPLF and without compromising their position.
As stated above, without being authorized by the public, the opposition groups should not have attempted to call off the planned three-day strike for a number of reasons. First, it has put their credibility in question. Second, it is not for certain whether TPLF will honor its promise or not. Third, even if TPLF agrees to enter into a dialogue, an ongoing strike would only enhance their bargaining power at the negotiating table. After all, they are dealing with an armed and dangerous group, and the only way they can exert pressure upon such a force is by allowing the strike to go on.
The latest call by the opposition to call off the three-day strike is suicidal and the public must disregard the call. It shows lack of clarity and prudence. Thus, we call upon the citizens of Ethiopians to go on and carry out the three-day strike as planned. We must intensify the pressure on TPLF until the rights of Ethiopian people are respected.
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