Ethnic conflicts erupt in Ethiopia

By Urael ( nazret.com blogger from Addis Ababa)
At the Alemaya University, situated between Dire Dawa and Harar , several students were killed and many injured because of fights between Oromo, Amhara and Tigray speaking students. Students went on each other with daggers and machetes. This is what was reported in the press in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The sources of these events lie in the ethnic policy of this government in Ethiopia. It would not surprise me if these unrests were provoked by cadres and will be used to support the sickly introduction of a Rwanda scenario that was first mentioned by Bereket ‘ Goebbels’ Simon, alias Baghdad Bob. Unfortunately every time a so called ethnic conflict erupts, when you look better, appears to be a political manipulation.And in this case young people who should have their lives ahead of them are the gruesome victims of it.

***editing was done for technical purpose - blogger

Labels: News

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Meles Zenawi visited Bereket Simon in Israel hospital

Meles Zenawi visited Bereket Simon in Israel yesterday and returned back to Ethiopia this afternoon. His advisor, Bereket Simon is still in a very critical condition, with serious speech impairment. Ethio-Zagol's sources said that Meles visit confirmed the fear in TPLF circles that Bereket may die sooner.
Bereket Simon's medical condition continues to be serious , Ethio-Zagol wrote on his blog this evening. Bereket Simon's brother flew to Israel yesterday to attend to the prime minister's advisor who is bed stricken, according Ethio-zagol's report.
According to Ethio-Zagol's sources, Bereket is still in critical condition. His wife who returned back from Israel on Wednesday was sobbing when she told friends about his condition.Bereket was rushed to hospital last week.

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Bereket Simon is still in critical condition

Bereket Simon's medical condition continues to be serious , Ethio-Zagol said in a statement this evening. Bereket Simon's brother flew to Israel today to attend to the prime minister's advisor who is bed stricken, according Ethio-zagol's report.
According to Ethio-Zagol's sources, Bereket is still in critical condition. His wife who returned back from Israel on Wednesday was sobbing when she told friends about his condition.
Bereket was rushed to hospital last week.

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11 Ethiopian Females detained in Garbo Town

Reports reaching our service desk from the town of Garbo confirm the arrest and detention of eleven civilians who are all young females. The detention of these females took place on August 28.
Local sources privy to the inner workings of the Ethiopian forces deployed in the town of Garbo reported that all eleven females are currently held within the military garrison. Relatives of the detained females are said to be wary of the possibility of their female relatives being raped by the Ethiopian militias.
Rape is becoming the most potent weapon used by the Ethiopian military against the Ogaden civilians. Civilians living closer to the military garrison where these innocent females are held report the screams of the females day and night as it appears they might be tortured.
So far our reporter in Garbo has not been able to confirm all the names of the detained individuals. Only one name has been confirmed so far. It is that of Fahima Sheikh Ali who was visiting Garbo from Jig Jiga.
In a related report, a sampling of the rapes that took place in areas bordering the place where the Quusiye battle took place, indicate that about fifty rapes have taken place. Most of the rape victims have been women many of whom ended up becoming pregnant as a result. It is not yet known whether the rape victims have completed these pregnancies to full term or not.

Source: Ogaden Online News

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EPPF Press Release

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H.R. 5680: the Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act

By Mesfin Mekonen
Washington DC We are now closing in on a critical stage of our efforts to bring democracy and prosperity to Ethiopia. Between now and the end of September H.R. 5680 will be brought to the floor of the house.
We are sharing our views on pending legislation, H.R. 5680, the Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act. The legislation has attracted bipartisan support in the International Relations Committee. Enactment of the legislation would pressure the Ethiopian government which has been condemned by the State Department and non-governmental organizations -- to respect human rights, release political prisoners, civic activist and journalists.
As you know this is Election time in the United states for its Congress and this is an especially good time to remind our elected officials of our interests in a favorable outcome for this legislation.
You all know the members of Congress need to hear from you. Please visit this Web site and get the contact information that you need. It is essential that all Ethiopians contact members of Congress to express their support for this legislation -ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVEN?T CO-SPONSORED HR 5680 -- and to ask that members of Congress co-sponsor and vote for it. Even if you have already contacted Congress, do it again. It is especially important to contact members of the U.S House of Representatives. You can find the contact information to Call and e-mail the Washington offices of your Senators and Representative. To contact your Representative, use: http://www.house.gov/writerep/ ; To contact your Senator, use: http://senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm .
Human Rights are a key objective for us. Human Rights groups like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Center for Press Journalists, and others are our natural allies in our work.
Newspapers, magazines, radio, and television are important but now we will have to compete for space, so if you have any such good contacts please reach out to them now.
In conclusion I should add that this year has been one of hope so far. Let's keep up the effort so that we can get H.R. 5680 accomplished this session.

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Human rights defender Prof. Mesfin : From hospital to prison

Amnesty International
Human rights defender Professor Mesfin Woldemariam has reportedly responded well to treatment for pneumonia in Addis Ababa's Police Hospital. However, he has now been returned to Kaliti Prison, where the harsh conditions of detention mean that his health is likely to deteriorate.
Professor Mesfin Woldemariam was hospitalized on 18 August after collapsing in his cell. According to reports, he consented to the decision by the authorities to return him to Kaliti Prison at the end of August, as he felt he should remain with the other opposition party leaders, journalists and human rights defenders standing trial with him in connection to the demonstrations against alleged fraud in the May 2005 elections in Ethiopia.
However, Amnesty International remains concerned that Professor Mesfin Woldemariam’s health may deteriorate again given the poor conditions in which he is held. In Kaliti prison, he has been held in a zinc-walled cell with other prisoners. In the current rainy season in Ethiopia, the cell is cold and damp. Hygiene, sanitary and toilet facilities are very poor. There are rats, cockroaches and fleas in the cell.
In addition to his recent bout of pneumonia, Professor Mesfin Woldemariam also suffered from back and leg pain, for which he has reportedly received no medical treatment at Kaliti Prison. He carried out two hunger strikes in December 2005 and January 2006 in protest at his detention and trial, and it is feared that he is still weak.
One of those on trial with Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, opposition party leader Dr Berhanu Negga, was returned from hospital to Kaliti Prison against doctors' advice in June (see UA 195/06, AFR 25/020/2006, 14 July 2006, and follow-ups). Following a High Court ruling on 19 July, he was moved to a less crowded and better ventilated cell in Kaliti Prison. It is hoped that this move will help to stabilize his health.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Retired geography professor Mesfin Woldemariam, Ethiopia’s most prominent human rights defender, has been detained since 1 November 2005, and is among 76 opposition party leaders, journalists and human rights defenders on trial on charges of “outrage against the Constitution”, “obstruction of the exercise of constitutional powers”, “inciting, organizing or leading armed rebellion” and “attempted genocide,” in connection to the demonstrations against alleged fraud in the May 2005 elections in Ethiopia (see UA 284/05, AFR 25/017/2005, 02 November 2005, and follow-ups).
Professor Mesfin Woldemariam founded the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), a non-governmental organization, in 1991. He was its chair until 2005 when he resigned and joined the election campaign as an advisor of the Rainbow Party which is part of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), the main opposition party. The government has been consistently hostile to the EHRCO, which is the only human rights group (eventually officially registered) investigating, documenting and reporting on human rights violations through its central and regional offices.
Several thousand suspected government opponents from the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) and other opposition parties were detained following demonstrations in June and November 2005 in Addis Ababa and other towns. They were protesting against alleged fraud in the parliamentary elections of 15 May 2005. During the demonstrations, the security forces shot dead at least 86 people and allegedly many more, wounded over 200 others, and seven police were killed by mobs. A parliamentary inquiry is currently investigating the killings at the demonstration. CUD leaders who were elected to parliament and the Addis Ababa City Council refused to take up their positions. In December 2005, they were charged with instigating the violence. All defendants except three civil society activists refused to defend themselves, on the grounds that they did not expect to receive a fair trial. In early August the trial was adjourned until 4 October due to the annual court recess. Until then, defendants will have no opportunity to bring complaints about their treatment before the court.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in English or your own language:

expressing concern for the health of Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, who has been returned to Kaliti Prison and is being held in harsh conditions;
expressing concern that his recent ill-health is likely to have been caused by the harsh conditions in which he has been held; calling on the authorities to either release Professor Mesfin Woldemariam on medical grounds, or ensure that his detention conditions are appropriate for his medical needs;
calling for guarantees that he will receive all necessary treatment for his medical complaints;
calling on the authorities to respect regional and international standards for the treatment of prisoners, such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

APPEALS TO:
Prime Minister His Excellency Meles Zenawi, Office of the Prime Minister, PO Box 1031, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaFax: + 251 11 1552020 / 1552030 (please keep trying) Salutation: Your Excellency
Minister of Justice Mr Assefa Kesito, Ministry of Justice, PO Box 1370, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fax: + 251 11 5517775 / 5520874 Email: ministry-justice@telecom.net.et Salutation: Dear Minister
COPIES TO:President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, Office of the President, PO Box 1031/ PO Box 23698, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fax: + 251 11 5518656 and to diplomatic representatives of Ethiopia accredited to your country. PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 13 October 2006.

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Ethiopian protesters lobby world church meeting in Geneva

Geneva, 30 August (ENI)--A meeting in Geneva of the main governing body of the World Council of Churches has opened with a demonstration outside its headquarters against one of the church grouping's eight presidents, Patriarch Abune Paulos of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
About 60 demonstrators gathered outside the WCC's Geneva offices on 30 August, waving Ethiopian flags and chanting "Paulos is not Ethiopia's spiritual leader," and, "He's not our patriarch." A handful of uniformed police watched them saying Paulos Leba! Paulos Leba! Paulos Woyane!(courtesy of Cyberethiopia).
Ethiopia has been engulfed in political tensions following national elections in 2005, when Meles Zenawi of the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) was re-elected prime minister. He imposed a crackdown on opposition organizations which challenged the election result. About 40 people were killed in violence that followed in the days after the poll.
Patriarch Paulos, who received an award from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2000, was elected in February as one of the WCC's eight presidents, representing Oriental Orthodox churches.
A banner held by demonstrators stated, "Patriarch Paulos represents EPRDF [the governing party] not Ethiopian Orthodox Church." An "open letter" distributed by some of the protesters said they were "concerned Ethiopians in Switzerland" .
The open letter accused the patriarch of remaining silent about the deaths of the killing of peaceful demonstrators, and the detention of opposition leaders, journalists and members of non-government organizations not aligned with the government.
The moderator of the WCC central committee (WCC Representative addressing the demonstrators courtesy of cyberethiopia), the Rev. Walter Altmann, told journalists that a senior WCC official was to meet a group of the protesters and listen to their concerns.
"In relation to Ethiopia, the WCC has expressed on various occasions the call that the government of Ethiopia ensure that security forces exercise maximum restraint in respect to demonstrations, " Altmann said. He recalled that in November 2005, WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia called on the Ethiopian government to "halt military action against the people and release the political prisoners".
The WCC moderator noted, "The patriarch himself has mentioned in June that Ethiopia is big enough for all to participate and to contribute to building a just, peaceful and participatory society where all citizens will experience life in dignity."

source ENI

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Student protests spreading in Ethiopia

Ethiotribune
Reliable sources from Hara Maya, Jimma and Adama Universities report that the teaching and learning process at these three universities have come to a halt. The immediate causes of the trouble are not known but tension has been building for weeks between supporters of the Ethiopian opposition and security forces loyal to the EPRDF regime.
Simmering discontent came to the boil about three weeks ago in Hara Maya University in the East side of Ethiopia. Complaining of the mysterious disappearance of some of their fellow classmates, students staged demonstrations through out the cities. Later, students at Jimma University in the West joined the protest in solidarity with their counterparts at Hara Maya University. According to some reports up to 50-100 students, mostly Oromo, from Jimma University are said to be fleeing to Sudan daily.
The latest disturbance is reported at Adama University where the learning and teaching process had to be interrupted yesterday at because of rising tension.
According to reports agent provocateurs have been seen donning t-shirts with inscriptions offensive in a bid to divide and weaken the growing Ethiopian opposition from students.

***some editing was done for technical purposes. - Blogger

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12 Ethiopian soldiers missing from Puntland base

At least 12 Ethiopian soldiers based in the Puntland city of Galkayo are missing from their base since Tuesday night, according to the Garowe Online reporter in the city.
The soldiers carried out their ordinary military duties during the day but failed to return to base, raising more concerns regarding the morale of the Ethiopian military.
The missing soldiers are said to be from Ethiopia's Oromo ethnic group, just like Brigadier General Kemal Gelchi, who defected to rival Eritrea on August 10.
Ethiopian troops have been inside Puntland regions with the blessing of Puntland President Mohamud "Adde" Muse, who said the Ethiopians are in Galkayo to help train Puntland's security forces.

Garowe Online News

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Ethiopian Refugees at Risk of being Repatriated unwillingly from Germany and other European Countries

Ethiopian Times
In tune with its broader scheme of trying to silence the vocal opposition from the diaspora, which have been getting a siginificant momentum for a while recently, the wayane government has concluded an agreement to repatriate Ethiopian refugees, against their will, from many countries in Europe. The deal was reached up on by some spy cadres of the (wayane) regime, dubbed diplomats and assigned in the various offices of the Embassies, and the relevant counterparts from the side of the host countries. In the case of Germany, from where the present report is being compiled, an active particpation of the personnel of the German Embassy in Finfinne (aka. Addis Ababa) and a spy cadre of the wayane called Tsehaye Woldegabriel, assigned to the Office of the General Consulate of Ethiopian Federal Democratic Republic in Frankfurt am Main, with the title of “Advisor” and with a full executive power of all the matters pertaining to the duties of the Embassy is well known. There is a credible information out of the Embassy indicating that the current deal was signed during an exclusive two person meeting between an official from the Ministry of foreign Affairs of Germany and the above mentioned spy cadre here in Germany.
After the deal was signed the necessary preparation to start with the actual repatriation of as many refugees as possible, who are then also dubbed “rejected asylem seekers”, is being carried out by a personnel of the German Embassy called Mrs. Andrea Arslan, whose official title is said to be “Legal Consular Deparment” (- Rechts und Konsularabteilung) there, very secretely behind a closed door. Also being involved in the current enterprise is some private individuals with the title of “Attorney” based in Finfinne, like Mr. Tibebu Gashu, who is dreaming of getting a millioner over night, with quite hefty bounty he recieves for his services to its Embassy in Finfinne from the government of Germany. It is also well known that the likes of Ato Tibebu Gashu are engaged in illegal activities of obtaining forged documents from concerned offices in Ethiopia, presumably on behaves of the refugees who are going to be victimized thereof, in an apparent attempt of “clarifying” the identities of the refugees, whom the Embassy here in Germany will then issue the necessary Laisser-Passer to get them be easily deported.
Accordingly the Ethiopian Embassy in Berlin has started issuing the necessary documet to the relevant German Authorities who will very soon start with the actual deportation of the victimized refugees. The next round of collective issuance of this document is also arranged for the 22nd of August, 2006 in the Embassy. Commonly an official from the German Authorities will travel to the Embassy and recieves the Laisser-Passer on behaves of the refugee(s) he/she accompanied there, after the former has signed for having receiving the document, to make it appear that it was done formally/legally. It is an advice, which shouldn't be skipped over, for any refugee, unwilling to go home now, not to travel in such way willingly, when he/she is ordered to do so. Because this in a clear violation of the non-refoulament refugee convention, to which both Germany and Ethiopia are parties.It has to be remembered that the wayane regime has issued through its newly created office of the Dirctorate of Diasporan Affairs a strategic plan targeting all of the citzens who are not organized according to its own way of Organisation (Ethiomedia.com, report from 13th of June, 2006). There are more than sufficient proofs that the said grand plan is being in its implementation phase in many countries in the West.
(For further information, contact this Author at: abbaamalkaa@yahoo.com)

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EPPF request all Ethiopians to stand alongside

EPPF Information Center

Artist Solomon Tekalign entertaining and giving moral support to the EPPF troops earlier this month.
Artist Solomon Tekalign and Negat Radio Reporter Demis Belete have successfully finished visiting the EPPF front and returned in the US. This historical journey made by this two patriotic Ethiopians has become a turning point for the support by the diaspora struggle for peace, unity and democracy in Ethiopia.
EPPF admires the dedication and courage of Artist Solomon Tekaligne and Reporter Demis Belete. Their visit has become a major moral boost for the entire EPPF Arbegnoch.
EPPF request all Ethiopians to stand alongside and support The EPPF Arbegnoch.

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EPPF PUBLIC MEETING for all Ethiopians in DC, MD & VA on Sunday 3rd September 2006.

EPPF Washington DC's Chapter has organised a public event, to present the facts of The Ethiopian People's Patriotic Fronts activities.On the day EPPF International and USA Chapter representatives will be attending as well as

Negat Radio's Reporter Demis Belete who has just returned from a vist to the EPPF front.

All ETHIOPIANS are invited to attend this event.

Date: Sunday September 3rd, 2006
Time: 2:30pm - 8:00pm

Place:
Hilton Alexandria Mark Centre
5000 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22311
Information: 703 593 4383

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Ethiopia: Detention without charge / fear of torture or ill-treatment

PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 25/025/2006
30 August 2006

UA 233/06 Detention without charge / fear of torture or
ill-treatment

ETHIOPIA Belama Nigga (m)
Chale Nigga (f)
Gaddise Dagafa (f)
Imabet Taressa (f) High School students
Tadalu Nigga (f)
Tafarra Galasaa (m)
Zannu Nigga (f)

Irena Iticha (m), Oromo National Congress member of parliament
Dejene Chimdi (m)
At least two people aged over 70
Other civilians from the Tukur Inchinni district, Oromia region

Over 250 civilians, including those named above, from the Tukur Inchinni district of the Oromia region, have apparently been arbitrarily arrested by the Ethiopian government in recent days. Among those arrested are several high school students and at least two elderly people over the age of 70, as well as Irena Iticha, a member of parliament for the opposition Oromo National Congress. They are at risk of torture or ill-treatment.
The detainees are being held at three locations: Sankele Police Training Centre, Ormat Military site and Ambo Police Station. To Amnesty International's knowledge, none of those arrested has been charged and most, particularly those held at Sankele and Ormat, have been denied access to relatives and legal assistance.
The arrests reportedly occurred after students and other civilians protested against the Ethiopian government’s programme of redistribution land to members of the Ethiopian ruling party, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). However, it is feared that the detainees are being targeted because they are members of the Oromo ethnic group. The group has suffered a pattern of human rights abuses at the hands of the authorities.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Ethiopian government has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and there have been several incidents in the Oromia region over the past two years which have led to arrests, detentions and sometimes killings and torture.
In January 2004, over 100 people were detained at a demonstration organized by the Mecha Tulema Association, a long-established Oromo welfare organization. Eight Oromo students at Addis Ababa University were also arrested for criticizing the Oromo regional government at a student cultural event on 18 January. Some 300 other students who demonstrated for their release were also arrested on campus. While in detention they were reportedly beaten and
subjected to other inhuman treatment. Most were released without charge after a few days. The university administration suspended most of the affected students and later expelled others.
In May 2004 police arrested three leading officials of the Mecha Tulema Association, including its president. They and 24others, including several university students arrested in January, were charged with armed conspiracy and membership of the OLF. The three were released on bail in November but were re-arrested in February and remained in prison throughout 2005.
In August 2004, more than 300 people were arrested in Agaro town in western Oromia. Most were released in October but some were charged. It was alleged that detainees were tortured and that some "disappeared." Some were believed to be held in secret detention centres.
In November and December 2005, following demonstrations which were largely peaceful, several thousand students and others were detained incommunicado without charge or trial. A few thousand are still believed to be held in different prisons and police stations, with only a few so far brought to court and charged. Several demonstrators were reportedly shot dead by the security forces, and many were allegedly tortured or ill-treated, particularly in Ambo
palace prison and Sankele police camp.
In January 2006, further anti-government protests led to the arrest of several thousands students. Several demonstrators were also reportedly shot dead and others wounded by the security forces. Many protesters were beaten by police. Some detainees were released, but the whereabouts of many of the others, some taken to remote rural prisons, are not known.

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Ethiopian government adviser and spokesman Bereket Simon rushed to a hospital in Israel

Ethio-Zagol
One of the architects of the November repression in Ethiopia and the stolen election prior to that, Bereket Simon, is in critical condition. He was rushed to a hospital in Israel last Wednesday evening accompanied by his wife, W/o Assefu.
On the morning of the same day, Bereket's aides were spotted taking hard currency from the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. Bereket's wife returned to Addis Ababa yesterday to attend her one-year old baby child after admitting Bereket Simon in a Hospital in Israel.
Sources said that she would be returning back to Israel soon to look after her husband. Her husband was said to have Hemiplegia (partial paralysis) in his left side.The Prime Minster's media advisor is one of the most detested EPRDF politicians in the country.

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AFD is a monumental achievement to all Ethiopians

By untouchable_9
Few scholars have contributed as much to our understanding of the formation of Alliance for Freedom and Democracy as have the rest even though I, personally, don't think that they are good enough to understand the meaning of "Alliance". Articles, by those against AFD, and arguments on the formation and status of the alliance is arguably unparalleled in conceptual clarity and theoretical richness to the struggle for Freedom of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
AFD is a monumental achievement to all Ethiopians that sets a new standard of struggle by which other political organizations, for instance UEDF, determination has been judged - is that surprising?...No no No.....
UEDF members say that AFD is directly contradicting the Manifesto of Kinijit and they do not understand why Kinijit accepted the Woyane constitution to be added in the document.

Let's see Kinijit's Manifesto 3.1 "Constitutional reform" :

"The existing constitution has not been formulated in such a way as to be the
frame-work in which the variety of interests, desires attitudes are accommodated. Rather, it is so shaped to reflect the ideology, belief and political program's of a single party. It would therefore, be necessary to reform amend it by freeing it from partisans and transforming it into a document of a long-term validity with which consecutive governments need not tamper."

Kinijit Manifesto 3.1 is neither directly nor indirectly contradicting with STATUTES OF THE: ALLIANCE FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY (AFD)Chapter XII - Functions of the Alliance Article 1 section 2. Kinijit Manifesto has its Alternative Solutions to Woyane's constitution that some anti_Kinijit groups(UEDF/EPRP) argue that Kinijit confirmed that it has accepted Woyane's "constitution" at the meeting in Holland for the formation of the AFD, but the Kinijit manifesto says that it would therefore, be necessary to reform amend it by freeing it from partisanship and transforming it into a document of a long-term validity with which consecutive governments need not tamper. It would be appropriate to ask where members of UEDF have found the contradiction of the AFD chapter with the Manifesto of Kinijit.
The Anti_AFD group, including TPLF, would struggle to gain dominance in order to get a larger share of political power at home and in Diaspora . Usually these kind of political struggles are accompanied by "accusations" designed to appeal to different elements (for instance, to attract political supporters) among Ethiopians, but so shameless were the so-called "Kinjit-supporters", who are also members of UEDF/EPRP, in analyzing the status of the AFD show that UEDF and its alike are into fighting for power but not for the freedom of Ethiopians. It is time to look at the direction to where the struggle is going instead of to be an obstacle to the struggle.
The Status of AFD is a brief overview of a rich and complex but crisply written document that should be required very deep reading for any serious Ethiopian who wants to see the defeat of Meles Regime.
AFD appears to have made the Ethiopian's already negative view of UEDF/EPRP so more which is hard to swallow for the members of UEDF/EPRP. It seems that members of UEDF/EPRP have hit upon a new way of discrediting the Alliance of TPLF opponents under AFD. It is an easy maneuver for these members, who extremely have their own practical issues, to write articles that have nothing to solve but "splitting hair" and misusing the name "Kinijit" as a supporter. Those antagonists who are against Kinijit intends to call themselves supporters of Kinijit .
As far as Votes in AFD are concerned, All the members have the right to make their voice heard on issues that are important to Ethiopians. Voting is perhaps the most important right all AFD political parties have as members.
Alliance is not about creating a government. Through the real meaning of an Alliance, under AFD's direct action, the people of Ethiopia create their own struggle against TPLF, and it is Ethiopians who have the right to conduct, organize, and manage the struggle to defeat the tyranny Meles regime. Kinjit has enough intellectuals to look at the voting binomial within AFD and I don't think that the delegates of AFD were asking UEDF/EPRP and its affiliates to bring their calculator to crunch the numbers so they can do their calculation. Kinijit is not fighting for power or any election ballots but, currently, it is more accustomed to managing the struggle affairs, creating alternative, libertarian, and unity which can become a force to resist the ethnocenterism. AFD became the political framework of Kinjit - That is the only reason.
The mentality of accusing members of AFD as Asmara-based groups is becoming a way of showing the dangerous mix of frustration, and an unconscious vanguardist sense that the UEDF/EPRP alone is the one which will make the "difference" to the people of Ethiopia. All Ethiopians are very much interested to know the strategies of UEDF/EPRP for the struggle to remove the Meles regime - Prepare the strategies and solutions instead of having a group of crying babies who don't even know how to wipe away their tears. Ethiopians have already realized that Meles's agents are using UEDF/EPRP to keep on crying but, at the same time, from our own experience, Meles's agents joned them for crying.
If there is anyone who has any problem with the people of Ethiopia, here is the reality, and it is the people of Ethiopia who have already voted CUDP to lead the country but Meles and his gangs refused to transfer the power and prisoned the leaders of Kinijit.
Let us make things easier to those who are against AFD, No more accusation and AFD is already created, hmmm....you can not brake it, so What is the solution, then?

Del Le Ethiopia Hezb!!!

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Ethiopian protesters force cancellation of Atlanta meeting

By Organizing Commttee in Atlanta
ATLANTA, Georgia - A meeting called by Adissu Legesse, the surrogate deputy prime minister of the EPRDF regime for this afternoon Tuesday 29 August 29 2006 at Clairmont Marriotte Hotel was cancelled due to the overwhelming presence of angry protestors.
There were also a large number of police officers who at about 5:00PM told the gathering to leave the hotel because the meeting was "cancelled." The protestors exchanged cogratulatory messages and showed two thumbs up and left the place peacefully.
One of the members of the rally organizing committee talked to Mr. Michael Cannizzaro, Chief Security Officer at Marriotte and asked him why the meeting was cancelled. Mr. Cannizzaro replied that the meeting was called off by "him," referring to Addissu.
All said, genuine Ethiopians have once again demonstrated that Atlanta won't be a safe heaven for neo-fascists who are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent Ethiopians and thousands of others languishing in Woyane's prisons.
Humiliated in Seattle, San Jose, Boston and today in Atlanta, Addisu Legesse may wrapp up his "Tour of Bankruptcy" by visiting Washington, DC, a city famous for its warm reception, or fly back to Addis Ababa.

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30 years of alternating Washington policy blunders

The country is on the brink of becoming the fourth front in the U.S. war on terror.
By Mike Clough, MIKE CLOUGH was director of the Africa program at the Council on Foreign Relations from 1987 until 1996 and, most recently, Africa advocacy director for Human Rights Watch.

THE LAST TIME Somalia got Americans' attention was in October 1993, when U.S. Delta Force commandos and Army Rangers were dropped into its capital city, Mogadishu, to capture two aides of a Somali warlord. The mission was successful, but two Black Hawk helicopters were downed by Somali militia, and in the ensuing firefight, 18 Americans died. Images of an Army Ranger's body being dragged through the streets horrified U.S. households. Soon after, President Clinton abandoned the country, and Somalia was largely forgotten until the 2001 movie "Black Hawk Down" retold the tragic story.
Now, Somalia is on the brink of becoming the fourth front in the U.S. war on terror. As in Afghanistan, Iraq and in Lebanon, the U.S. is allied in some way against radical Islamic fundamentalists.
The Islamic Courts Union, a growing alliance of Islamic militants, recently routed U.S.-backed warlords and took over Mogadishu. It seeks to oust a transitional federal government, which is supported by the African Union but controls only the town of Baidoa. On the sidelines is the U.S.-backed regime in Ethiopia that is eager to lead the battle against the Islamists, who may have ties to Al Qaeda. A war could quickly spread throughout the Horn of Africa and be as costly in human lives as the IsraeliHezbollah conflict.
In many ways, this latest front in the war on terror is the culmination of nearly 30 years of alternating Washington policy blunders and neglect in the Horn of Africa. That history has left the U.S. with few good options in a worsening situation.
U.S. missteps in the region date to 1977, when policymakers tacitly — and foolishly — encouraged Somalia to take advantage of political instability in the Ethiopian capital and grab control of Ethiopia's Somali-inhabited Ogaden region.
The move backfired when Soviet and Cuban troops rushed in to defend the Marxist regime in Addis Ababa, turning Ethiopia into Moscow's staunchest ally in Africa. In response, Washington armed Mohamed Siad Barre's thugocracy in Somalia.
When the Cold War ended, U.S. policy toward Somalia swung from intense engagement to indifference. Aid was cut off, Barre was overthrown and the country began its descent into anarchy.
But in 1992, the New York Times published photographs of starving children in Baidoa, and President George H.W. Bush sent U.S. troops into Mogadishu under U.N. auspices to distribute food. It was a noble humanitarian gesture but ultimately misguided.
Most experts opposed American intervention in Somalia because they believed that the famine was nearing an end and that the presence of U.S. soldiers would only exacerbate the conflicts among rival clan warlords that stymied relief efforts.
They were right.
As fighting among Somalia's warlords intensified, the Clinton administration and the United Nations started to talk about nation-building. It was never clear which was prepared to restore order, but the mere possibility that the U.S. or the U.N. might try made them targets.
The Black Hawk incident abruptly ended talk of nation-building as a goal, and Somalia was forgotten again.
Meanwhile, Clinton had embraced the Ethiopian government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi as the region's cop. Meles was seen as a tough-minded reformer who, along with other "new African leaders," would provide much-needed role models for a troubled continent. He also pledged to assist covert efforts to track down Al Qaeda cells operating in the region, which was especially important to Washington in the wake of the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.
Thus were sown the seeds of the current conflict unfolding in the Horn of Africa. The chaos in Somalia, the result of years of on-again, off-again U.S. policy, allowed the Islamic militants to gain sway in a country where religion has traditionally been far less important than kinship. Clinton's embrace of Meles — and President George W. Bush's strengthening of ties with Ethiopia after 9/11 — encouraged the Ethiopian prime minister to believe that he could dictate Somalia's political future.
If Ethiopia, which has a large, moderate Islamic population, were a stable democracy committed to nurturing a democratic Somalia, the Clinton-Bush strategy would make sense. But it is not. As Human Rights Watch reported on the eve of parliamentary elections last year, the Meles regime crushed dissent in Oromia, a region overwhelmingly hostile to it, in order to maintain power. Since the election, many of the opposition leaders who won seats in Parliament are now in jail.
With a growing likelihood of war in the Horn of Africa, Bush has little maneuvering room. He could accept the emergence of an anti-American Islamist Somalia. He could back Ethiopian intervention on the side of the transition government in Baidoa, which would lead to a bloody war. Or he could try to persuade another African government to militarily support the transitional government.
None of these are particularly appealing, even when practical. This time, Somalia doesn't seem to be going away.

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Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse kicked out from Atlanta

Source: EMF
Ethiopians in Atlanta made history today. Nearly 100 police and security forces were in the area. The security was tight, and police was searching each people. It was like USA is on high alert…
Addisu Legesse was scared to step down from Police car and face Ethiopians protesters. Artist Solomon Tekalign was one of the protesters on the front line. Addisu begged Security guards to protect him from Solomon Tekalign and others. Addisu Legesse refused to step down from Police car unless Solomon Tekalign left the place. Security guards did force Artist Solomon to leave the place as requested. However, hundreds of others were ready to confront the killer, Addisu Legesse.
Most Ethiopians dressed “Kinijit’s Atlanta T-shirt”... Hundreds of Ethiopians were inside the hall. The situation was so uncontrollable… Addisu Legesse and his friends scared to show up. Police was ready to bring him at the back door but he scard to death.
At last, the security forces approached Ato Cheru Terefe, Kinijit’s representative in Atlanta. Ato Cheru Terefe who dressed the green, yellow, red flag with Kinijit’s logo headed to auditorium and showed his two fingers, “V”… Kinijit’s sign. Ethiopians in the hall, showed victory sign and cheered.
Ato Cheru grabbed the microphone and said, “Victory for the Ethiopian people!” The hall was stormed… he continued, “Addisu Legesse’s meeting is cancelled!” people were clapping… and start chanting, “Addisu Leba! Addisu Killer!”. Ato Cheru Asked everyone to respect the law of the land and leave the hall. Ethiopians were singing and cheering when they left the hall.

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Ethiopian army in turmoil

Source : Ethio-Zagol
TPLF has started an intesive "gimigema" in Ethiopian army. Yesterday and today, in the army camps all over Ethiopia, officers have been exposed to a thorough investigation of their political positions and their relationship with other officers who defected the army. This is, army sources say, part of the new strategy to deter army officers form taking measures of protest. "The army is in turmoil throughout Ethiopia. It is nearly out of control and there is no way for Meles to get its control back,"one army officer told this blogger.
After General Kemal Gelchi's sudden defection, tens of junior and senor officers followed suit. Although most of the defections are made by army officers of Oromo origin, others from different ethnic groups are joining in. Attempts by TPLF to control that hasn't been successful. Army informants say that a debate about the army's role in the change in the country's political sytem is raging throughout the army. Secrete meeting are being held. The TPLF army security is getting it difficult to identify the leaders of the democracy movement in the army. "If a civilian protest happens this time and there are killings by the army, it will have serious consequences within the Ethiopian force," the officer said.

***Some editing is done for technical purposes

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New circular from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

It is harvesting time for TPLF spy "diplomats"
By Workie Briye
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the TPLF Government has recently distributed a circular for its Embassies and Consular Affairs throughout the world. The circular, which is a follow-up of a previous “Strategic Plan” which was sent to Embassies earlier this year, orders all Embassies to prepare a comprehensive report on the implementation of the “Strategic Plan” that was targeted against opposition leaders, popular Ethiopians, former diplomats and all Ethiopians in the Diaspora who are active in the struggle against the regime.
The latest circular reiterates the goals and objectives of the previous plan: that of identifying opposition leaders and other individuals who coordinate the struggle, with a view to bringing charges of genocide and embezzlement against them. The circular urges its embassies to finalize the preparation of a comprehensive list of opposition leaders, politically active individuals, and diplomats who left the regime at various times. According to the circular, the report had to be finalized before the end of August (Ethiopian calendar) so that the planned charges would be instituted against the targeted Ethiopians.
Unlike the original plan that was distributed in January this year, this circular is signed by a TPLF member called Fesseha Tesfu. (Fesseha Tesfu is known by the staff of the Ministry for his incompetence, phony commitment to TPLF, and shallow personality. Former employees of the Ministry say that Fesseha has an open access to the “court” of Seyoum and is a confidant to the vice-Minister, merely as a result of his exceptional qualities of tale-tale behavior and toadying manner towards his bosses.)
The Ministry’s circular reveals that the TPLF regime has continued in the execution of the 52-page “Strategic Plan” of the regime aimed at taking revenge against opposition supporters and activists in the Diaspora, through some of its diplomats and a number of other TPLF spy agents who are sent in disguise to infiltrate political activities within the Ethiopian community in many foreign countries, mainly in the United States and Europe.
In a related development, several Ethiopian diplomats who refused to implement the so-called “Strategic Plan” (diplomats call it a “Vendetta Plan”), outlined by the TPLF regime have been dismissed from their posts while many of their colleagues ranging from Ambassadors to attaché decided to leave their job and seek asylum in various countries in Europe and North America. It has been confirmed that so far more than fifty diplomats and other staff members from several Embassies have recently left the regime refusing to serve what many of them call “a criminal regime”.
Since the crisis that followed the 15 may 2005 national and regional election, in which TPLF suffered a humiliating defeat, a significant number of diplomats and other professional experts left their country as a result of the witch-hunt and McCarthyism unleashed by the TPLF security machine. It has been reported that in the past week alone, more than twenty medical experts and researchers who represented the Ethiopian delegation at an International HIV/Aids Conference held in Toronto (Canada), have decided not to go back to their country due to political problem persecution and have requested the Canadian government to grant them political asylum.
The recent circular from the TPLF Ministry of Foreign Affairs is self evident that the regime has now embarked upon a desperate attempt to blackmail opposition leaders, supporters and coordinators by pressing flimsy criminal charges against them. This is in deed a clear sign that TPLF has reached a brink of total insanity. Observers say that it is also emblematic of the TPLF infantile behavior to continue its futile campaign to apply its so-called “Strategic Plan” against former diplomats who left the regime refusing, inter alias, to execute the very same plan against their own compatriots. Former diplomats also observe that, although TPLF diplomacy has never been anything better, the squandering of its staff and the country’s meager resources on this kind of puerile activity shows that the TPLF diplomatic activity is yet in a state of deeper confusion.
According to the recent circular, the reports from the Embassies would have to be finalized so that the next phase of the drama, which is the court-led drama of “genocide and embezzlement”, charges, could begin in earnest. It is known that TPLF cadres have never been bright and creative in coming up with new intimidating tactics. TPLF geniuses believe that these charges of “genocide...” do the whole trick in stifling the struggle of millions of Ethiopians, as they did incarcerate the democratically elected leaders of the people.
Many Ethiopians know that these chip tactics of intimidation by TPLF cadres only reinforce the resolve of many Ethiopians to see their country free from tyranny and murder. However, all Ethiopians in the Diaspora are advised to caution their family members, relatives and friends who live back home, to protect themselves from all kinds of vengeful attacks, as the regime attempts to take such convulsive measures in its desperate attempt to smother the democratic struggle going on both abroad and at home.

Enclosures: Copy of the circular sent from the Ministry to its Embassies. List of diplomats who left the regime in the past few months.

Source: Ethiomedia

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Ethiopian diplomats and staff members defected

By Ethioforum
These diplomats and staff members from various Ethiopian Embassies and Consular
Offices left their job over the last three months. Some of these diplomats were
dismissed from their posts accused of being members and/or supporters of opposition
forces. Some others were ordered to report to the Head Office against a background
of security reports collected on them by TPLF agents at the Embassies. All of them
are awaiting charges of “genocide, desertion…” and other fictitious crimes. The total
number of diplomats who left the regime after the May 2005 election is more than
twice than the number in this list, which is believed to constitute nearly 75 % of the
diplomatic staff.

NO# Name - Position - Embassy
1. Yohanes Genda - Ambassador - Abuja
2. Fleshes Adugna Wordofa - Ambassador - London
3. Seifesillassie Lemma Kidane - Minister - New York
4. Dr. Waktasu Negere Yadeta - Minster Counselor - Moscow
5. Altaye Alaro Alambo - Counselor - Vienna
6. Mesfin Endrias H/Gebriel - Counselor - Washington
7. Berhane G/Hiwot Genber - Counselor - Brussels
8. Teshome Fiseha Gutema - Counselor -Tokyo
9. Tesfaye Dessalegn Abebe - 1st Secretary - Dubai
10. Endalkachew Liben Made - 1st Secretary - Beijing
11. Mesfin Yimam Kinfu - 1st Secretary - Cairo
12. Tsegaye Demeke Abebe - 1st Secretary - The Hague
13. Binyam Kedir Abdu - 1st Secretary - Kuwait
14. Tsegaye Bekele Kato - 1st Secretary - London
15. Birhanemeskel Abebe Segni - 1st Secretary - New York
16. Wegene Assefa Tessema - 1st Secretary - new York
17. Berhanu Beyene Hagos - 1st Secretary - Sana’a
18. Tilahun W/Simon - 1st Secretary - Washington
19. Rahel Kumala Geragn - 2nd Secretary - New York
20. Genet Abebe Sesie - 2nd Secretary - The Hague
21. Kifle Getachew Adela - 2nd Secretary - Vienna
22. Gultie Berhanu Nigatu - 2nd Secretary - Stockholm
23. Tsegaye Edao Gelgalo - 3d Secretary - Washington
24. Aster Solomon Gesesse - 3d Secretary - Abuja
25. Zelalem Dawit Erene - 3d Secretary - Beirut
26. Fetene Tefera Mamo - 3d Secretary - Djibouti
27. Wagaye Berhanu Engdashet - 3rd Secretary - London
28. Appolo Guale - Attaché - Abidjan
29. Tamirat Damte Mekuria - Attaché - Beirut
30. Fetene - Attaché - Djibouti
31. Mettaalem Sinishaw Bitew - Attaché - Dakar
32. Getachew Mekonnen Agonafir - Attaché - Jeddah
33. Biruk Ketema Yadetie - Attaché - Hargessa
34. Dejene Chiko - Attaché - Washington
35. Firehiwot Belachew - Attaché - New York
36. Henock Megistu - Attaché - Head Office
37. Girma Belayneh G/Michael - Attaché - Head Office
38. Minyahil n/a n/a
39. Tizita Kassa - Attaché - Jeddah
40. Tamirat Alawi Abdella - Attaché - New York
41. Tirsit Tekka Anchebi - Attaché - Brussels
42. Solomon Assefa Bogale - Attaché - Pretoria
43. Berhanu Gizachew - Attaché - Nairobi
44. Mohamed Mustafa Yassin - Translator - Kuwait
45. Hana Kassa - Secretary - Washington
46. Meseret Aklilu - Secretary - Washington
47. Hana Hailu - Secretary - New York
48. Tigist Lemecha - Secretary - New York
49. Saba Mulugeta - Secretary - Vienna
50. Lubaba Idris - Secretary - The Hague
51. Azeb Sileshi - secretary - The Hague
52. Liyouwork Debebe - Secretary - Kuwait
53. Teklekiros Tefera - Driver - New York
54. Wosen - Driver - New York
55. Fikru Getachew - Driver - The Hague
56. Mohammed Seid - Driver - The Hague
57. Jameo Mehammed - Guard - Kuwait
58. Wondwosen T/Mariam - Cock - Kuwait
59. Tarikua - Cleaner - Kuwait

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Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse gets Nine out of 180 secretly invited Ethiopians in Atlanta City

By Ethiomedia
ATLANTA - Nine out of 180 secretly invited Ethiopians in Atlanta City met with Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse at the Four Seasons Hotel on Monday, a source said. The nine were in addition to the usual entourage of TPLF cadres and few officials making up the Addisu delegation.
Earlier on Sunday, there was quite a turnout of Ethiopians from the Boston area at the Knights of Columbus Hall, an obscure location never used by meetings of Ethiopians in the area.
Remarkably, the area was barricaded with a metal fence with no access to the place until police with a "jaws of life"-like instrument broke the gate open to let the TPLF loyals in. The colorful and noisy crowd organized by the support groups of CUDP and UEDF together, then followed them in to the hall and the noise continued. Addisu Legesse and the others stood on the stage behind the Secret Service officers, the Massachusetts State Officers and the Boston Police with a smile on their face. The noise continued (Also watch the Video here).
With the apparent deadlock making any conversation impossible, the TPLF representative took to the mic and began to say something to the effect that on behalf of the Police, and if in fact Ethiopians in the hall were seeking to exercise their democratic rights, they had to take their seats and be silent. Nothing worked. In fact, an Ethiopian walked up to the stage and was given the mike. In Amharic, he announced that all were here on behalf of Ethiopians and that Kinijit is the winner!!
The faces of the party loyals, and the other delegates visibly changed, and they spoke hurriedly to the officers before the Ethiopian gave back the microphone. Then, they had everyone take their seats, but the noise continued. The delegation was visibly agitated. Police officers began to ask people to take down the signs that they were carrying, but people refused. One of those was Professor Mesfin Wolde Mariam's daughter, who happened to be holding up her father's photograph. When asked, she refused to remove her father's picture, saying that this was her father, a 76 year old prisoner of conscience, and that she had a right to carry his picture.
Eventually, it was decided that the meeting would be closed and that everyone had to leave the hall. Ethiopians who had stormed the hall made sure that they were not singled out to leave the room while others stayed. So, they left the hall and continued to hold vigil outside at the entrance, until the Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse and others had no choice, but to leave through a back door into their vehicles in a tight security, through a back alley and into the street.
An interesting feature of Sunday's interaction was the profuse usage of profanity and obscene gestures by the TPLF local operatives and the officials, which gave the public reason to cover their mouths in mock surprise, and shout, "balege!, balege!".
Not only was this event successful in demonstrating to the EPRDF officials that any meaningful dialog they wanted had to take place with the public in Ethiopia and their leaders first, but it also followed a similar success on Saturday August 26, 2006 where the delegation had invited business owners to a closed meeting. That meeting was attended by only four invitees of whom two were Somali nationals. Many who showed up returned.
As was previously reported, the function room reserved for the closed meeting on Saturday had been set up for 100. In a last minute attempt to avoid the appearance of empty seats in the room, the set-up had been modified to accommodate only 35. Yet, they only had 4 guests!
It is our hope that they get the message that any dialog will demand accountability and justice as well as begin at home and not in the Diaspora, while all those who perished have not been accounted for.

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Boston sends Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse through the backdoor

Ethiomedia
BOSTON – Ethiopian Americans protesting against the visit by Deputy Prime Minister Addisu Legesse to Boston stormed the meeting hall at Hyatt Regency in Cambridge and chanted slogans condemning the Addis Ababa regime for a lengthy period of time until the Boston Police asked the human rights activists to leave (Also watch the Video).
Holding the photos of jailed opposition leaders and those who were murdered by the Addisu Legesse regime, Ethiopian protesters remained inside, with Dr. Mekdes Mesfin, daughter of jailed human rights activist Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam, refusing a police request to stop displaying a photo.
Dr Meqdes told the police she was holding a picture of her jailed father. She told the police officer she had every right to display the photo of her her 76-year-old father and other elected leaders who were seen as a threat by the Addisu Legesse regime and put behind bars.
TPLF cadres at the service of the tyrannical regime in Addis were once again keeping company of Addisu Legesse at a meeting shamelessly called for members of the "Amhara ethnic group."
“Addisu and his cadres did not want to have their pictures taken along with empty seats. So they were asking the protesters to remove the pictures they were holding. Through the Boston Police, they managed to force some activists to leave the hall. All this happened in a tiny 35-seat hall rented after a 100-seat capacity hall they rented earlier was dropped because it would show off empty seats,” a source said.
Most activists left the hall, and continued to chant slogans denouncing the the brutal anti-Ethiopian regime headed by Addisu Legesse, who was forced to leave the hall through the backdoor.
Prior to their disgraceful exit, Addisu was left with only four individuals.
Since his official appearance in U.S. cities. Addisu’s meetings were largely boycotted. His visit to Seattle was accompanied by the presence of a huge Seattle Police force as was his visit to San Jose. The segregationist may continue to travel to Columbus (Ohio) or Atlanta (Georgia) where he is expected to face stiff opposition from Ethiopian communities.
Defeated at the 2005 polls, the Meles Zenawi regime is largely seen as an organized crime syndicate that has jailed the entire Kinijit opposition leadership, the entire independent press journalists as well as human rights activists.
Five concentration camps had each kept an estimated 50,000 political prisoners, thus making Ethiopia the largest prison nation in Africa, if not the world. In the face of a regime that has threatened Ethiopia to tear it apart with a Rwanda-type genocide, Ethiopians around the world have no choice but to stand united, and fight against the regime.