Ethiopian Review Editorial
We were shocked to learn that a proposal that calls for power sharing with the EPRDF murderous regime has been released in the name of CUD and UEDF a few days ago (August 4, 2005). The proposal bears the signature of Dr Berhanu Nega of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), and Dr Beyene Petros of the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF). Later on, we learned from other CUD leaders that the proposal has not been authorized by the CUD leadership. Although it was a relief to hear that, there remains a troubling question as to why Dr Berhanu Nega, who’s the election campaign manager of CUD, has presented such a traitorous proposal in the name CUD. It is also troubling that CUD has yet to release any official statement denouncing or distancing itself from the proposal that has been released in its name.
For the past two months, CUD has been discussing with and lobbying the international community to help solve the election crisis in Ethiopia. While CUD has been pursuing solutions through foreign diplomats, it has completely ignored the people who voted for it. Last week, CUD has adjusted course and started to convene meetings with its members and the public. After two months of diplomatic efforts by Dr Berhanu Nega, running from one embassy to another and traveling to European capitals, there is no result to show for. The effort has been a disastrous failure. So much so that, last week, the head of the European Union delegation in Ethiopia, Ambassador Tim Clarke, openly began telling the opposition parties to give up, be satisfied with what they got and enter parliament, in total disregard for the choice the people made on May 15.
The chief architect and executioner of this failed strategy is Dr Berhanu Nega. As if his utter failure in the diplomatic field is not enough, now Dr Berhanu proposes a power sharing arrangement with the Meles regime — a brutal dictatorship that has just recently massacred over 40 unarmed civilians and severely tortured thousands of others, a regime that is trying to steal the people’s vote in a day light robbery. Instead of demanding Meles & Co. to resign, Dr Berhanu wants to share power with them. This is the most obscene opportunistic act by a political leader. This also demonstrates Dr Berhanu’s disdain for those Ethiopians who sacrificed their lives, those who have been tortured, and those who are languishing in disease infested jails for striving to bring about a genuine democratic governance in Ethiopia. Dr Berhanu’s proposal demonstrates his contempt for the 25 million Ethiopians who voted on May 25. By presenting such a proposal, without consulting his colleagues in the CUD leadership, Dr Berhanu demonstrates his lack of respect for his own party’s rules and procedures.
Because of these reasons, we don’t see how the CUD leadership can allow Dr Berhanu Nega to remain in the CUD executive committee. If Dr Berhanu is allowed to remain in the CUD leadership, it will be the end of CUD as a serious political entity that has the support of the people.
Taking all these into consideration, we trust the CUD leadership will take immediate corrective actions soon and show Dr Berhanu the door.