From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Tue Nov 03 2009 - 12:42:24 EST
Selam Dehaiers,
Today it was reported that a group of International researchers that
includes experts from Eritrea and Ethiopia confirmed that the African
continent has infact had started the process of breaking appart (
http://www.dehai.org/archives/dehai_news_archive/0297.html) .
An article posted on a UK news website says, "It seems, according to the
scientists, that there's no imminent need for Africans to clear out of the
area or decide which side of the incoming sea they want to live on"
I could not help but revisit an article I wrote taking a humorous stab at
the whole “breaking appart” situation. I in fact thought of giving the
article a title saying “Cracks appearing on the relationship between Eritrea
and Ethiopia” but as it happens that was a forgone conclusion and I had to
settle for “Ocean Birth to Resolve Border Conflict”
Here it is, article edited with minor changes …
Biniam
http://www.ephrem.org/dehai_archive/2005/nov-dec05/0419.html
*From:* Biniam Tekle
(*biniamt@dehai.org*<biniamt@dehai.org?Subject=Re:%20[DEHAI]%20Ocean%20Birth%20to%20Resolve%20Border%20Conflict&In-Reply-To=<003d01c5fea5$a237c4f0$2e01a8c0@BiniamHome1>>
)
*Date:* Sun Dec 11 2005 - 17:52:58 EST
FEATURE: Ocean Birth to Resolve Border Conflict
By Accidental Reporter
This week it was reported (see AP report below) that Western researchers
have observed a land fracture in the Afar region close to the border between
Eritrea and Ethiopia. The researchers who studied the phenomenon said the
fracture is the first stage in the formation on an ocean.
One of the scientists, Joe Mixerupper, noted "what makes this event
interesting is the fact that the crack seem to be taking place parallel to
the entire border line between the two countries". He adds, "we believe this
will have a far reaching implications". Asked to elaborate Mixerupper was
quick to pint out that he was a scientist not a politician.
Through out my travel to both countries I have observed that people have
greeted this news with a bit of mixed emotions. The Afar people dismissed
the scientists claim as being "baloney" and insist the hole on the ground is
the work of the Issa tribe in which they hid stolen camels and contraband
merchandise smuggled from Djibouti in route to Ethiopia.
In Eritrea people seem to have taken the news in stride. An elderly woman
says, "Its is no secret that we have been praying hard for some kind of
Devine intervention and we knew our prayers were going to be heard, but
frankly we didn't think it was going to be answered so quickly". A man
sipping a cappuccino at one of the road side cafés however cautions, "The UN
security council will soon come up with a resolution to "reverse" the land
movement, I tell you those good-for-nothings will always side with
Ethiopia.". The man goes on to say, "I wonder who they are going to sanction
this time?" and with a quizzical look across his face he points his index
finger up towards the sky.
Dr. Ghidewon A. Asmerom who was in Eritrea on vacation from his teaching job
in the US says, "This occurrence gives the word "demarcation" a whole new
meaning". He unfolds a map and running his fingers across it he comments,
"There will be no need for pillars in this area, the Ethiopians would be
better off thinking about building levies, to protect Mekele or what will be
left of it".
Emanuel Tekle who is also from the US says "I will consult with Dr. Gordon
Satto to learn the techniques of harvesting mangroves". He said he sees a
business opportunity and will embark on what he called "Belesgrove" farming
along the new coast line.
The famous author, Alemseghed Tesfai, who is best known for his mammoth
historical book Aynifelale says, "This is a historical event of biblical
proportions and we need to document it. In fact my next book will be based
on this event". When asked what the title of his book would be he says,
"Nifelale".
In Addis Abeba however a sense of trepidation and anxiety had spread
throughout the city. It appears the news had dealt a blow to many people who
resisted the separation of Eritrea from Ethiopia. One university professor
observes this event has unnerved the elements who are at the forefront of
the campaign to reclaim Eritrea. He also says TPLF's dream of "abay Tigray"
may be "dead on the water . literally!".
One street vendor who is clearly troubled by the whole situation says, "A
land can't be broken like a loaf of bread, I say the government should fill
the opening with dirt and rocks quickly". On the other side of town a highly
placed Woyane official is quoted as saying, "I see Shaebia's hand all over
this".
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi who was hounded by reporters over the matter has
said he is studying the issue and in "principle" he rejects the idea of
Eritrea physically shifting away from Ethiopia. When asked if he was
concerned over the separation of villages and families as a result of the
land movement, PM Meles retorts back, "We will cross that bridge when we get
there!"
The reporter follows up with another question, "How is that possible sir, it
will take a million years before the ocean forms"
Meles replies, "Time flies, my friend, time flies!"
Back in the scientist's lab when Joe Mixerupper was pressed to elaborate on
his "far reaching implications" comment, he relents and says, "Let me put it
this way, in the future the only violence you will see in the border area
would be fish eating fish".
***********************************************
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/12/10/tech/main1115779.shtml
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) -Ethiopian, American and European researchers
have observed a fissure in a desert in the remote northeast that could be
the "birth of a new ocean basin,'' scientists said Friday.