Comments on: Do Ethiopia’s politicians mean it on democracy?

By: germa

germa — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:10:30 +0000

I hope that Bahatawi is wrong for the simple fact that criminals should pay their due where they committed their crime. Zenawi leaving the country and have a peaceful life somewhere in the world is a mockery of justice.The man has committed heinous crime against the country and its people and should receive the appropriate punishment rite where he committed it.

By: Adey

Adey — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:15:18 +0000

Bahatawi Shimeles, are you joking? I hope you are because you sound so ridiculous. First of all, are you tenquay? you speak as if you know the future. Second, Meles wanted to resign a long time ago, but his party refused. Third, even if the opposition was to win, why do you think he has to leave his country? That is the number one issue the opposition has to agree and guarantee his safety and his family's safety (that is if they were elected popularly). To reside in his country is his birth right, even if you despise him. Fourth, it is not that his party can't find another leader, they just want this specific leader. Fifth, even if he resigned as PM, which is possible, he can still serve his party and his country in all other capacity, including as President, so long as his party chooses. Look at Russia for example. It is a working democracy.

By: Shimeles

Shimeles — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:44:13 +0000

I was imprisoned and tortured during Mengistu. So I have never really been against the current government and I still am not. But I just have this instinct that 2010 would be a water shade moment in Ethiopia. Something will break. I don’t think both the Govt and the opposition even know it, with the exception of few wise men and women in both sides. The eagle (if you know what I mean) believes the government will declare false victory. From there on, however, it will be a quick and dramatic downward spiral for the authorities in charge. Read my lips and remember my words. There will be a domino effect across the country and the authorities will lose control of most of the country very quickly and unexpectedly. Unless something is done in the next few months, from mid 2010 – 2012 will be enormously tough period for all of Ethiopia, as no one will really knows who is truly in charge of different parts of the country. Eritrea, Somalia and others will openly meddle inside Ethiopia. Once things are sorted out though after about two years, with new leadership, Ethiopia will be on the rise again – justice, peace and economic prosperity – will be Ethiopia’s trademark for the next 100 or so years before trouble returns. If I was to advise Meles, I would sincerely tell him to plan his peaceful exit now. Take your wife and child somewhere else and live the remaining time of your life with peace as a respected former African statesman who left power willingly. You will be a respected and well paid lecturer and author. After a decade or so, Ethiopians of all stripes will begin to look up to you in admiration, not because of what you have done in the past 20 years, but rather for your courageous act of resigning on time. Don’t make the mistakes of your predecessors like Mengistu and Haile sellassie. Let your party find another leader. Insisting to hang on to power at this moment is not worth it and it is not very wise. You will be doing the biggest favor for your party, your country and your family – much bigger than you can ever imagine. However, once you pass the 2010 mark though, it will be too late as you would have entered the imminent point of no return from unceremonious removal. History teaches us that no one is indispensable. Even Haile Selassie was removed. In politics, timing is always important and it is time for rational thinking and prayer in the palace in Addis. Nothing is forever and at the end of the day, family is more important.

By: germa

germa — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:40:35 +0000

You are expecting better this time? Is there anything you know that we dont.The political repression is worst than ever before,with the new anti-democratic laws in place it sure is much better for govt and its supporters.

By: Rahel

Rahel — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:56:44 +0000

Good read. I’m actually writing a research paper right now about “peaceful transition of political power.” I’m very interested to see how the 2010 elections will go. I’m expecting better from our country this time! A more fair,free, and nonviolent election. Maybe too much to ask? LoL.