by Amanuel Biedemariam

February 2, 2016

Watch this: ESAT Professor Berhanu Nega speech January 31 2016 Silver spring MD USA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6Jlpq_GjK0

I attended Dr. Berhanu Nega’s Arbegnoch Gnbot7 seminar. I have to say that the setting, the message and the delivery was very similar to how we conduct our meetings. I was pleasantly surprised by the message and how candid he was to the packed enthusiastic audience. The place was packed and they were actually rejecting people because it was over capacity.

Key:

• Confidence that change is imminent. Weyane is still in power not because of its powers but because of their weakness.
• Real struggle where people are being martyred and wounded is taking place.
• Time for talking is done. It is time to act. He actually said that Ethiopians outdo each other talking and that seems like it somehow makes them feel like they are contributing.
• Ethiopia is the country rejected by her intellectuals. He said time to act is now.
• That the struggle is for a united Ethiopia. When asked about the various coalitions including Demhit, he said that they are working together and will implement the agreements already signed and will bring more groups into the umbrella of the agreement.
• When asked about Ethiopians being divided by ethnicity, he said, whether you are called Abebe or jimmy if you know how this country works as you should, then, you mist know that you are all ‘niggars” in their eyes.
• Media is important. US media works with the direction of State Department. And one story by NY Times is more important than reaching out to legislators to create awareness and bring change. And we failed in that endeavor. But media is not going to solve our problem. Only the boots on the ground can solve our problem.
• We are not limited or gang-ho on shedding blood if peaceful means is available we will pursue it as 1st option to not spill blood.
• As far as US and the Obama administration they don’t care about us they have interest and all they want anyone that can entrust their interests. Mentioned how Susan mocked democracy.
• Eritrea: Allows us to work w/o interference.
• We would rather work with our Eritrean brothers more than Sudan, S Sudan, Kenya, etc… I have spent 7 months and I feel that I am home. The people don’t turn around and look at you when you speak Amharic. They are intelligent
• Eritrea wants a peaceful region and as long as there is cancer like weyane unless that is completely wiped out the region could not function in peace. Hence, our struggle is joined on the hip.

All in all, tremendous energy, enthusiasm and realistic approach. They are pleased with Eritrea and I got the sense that they feel they have a good organization set and that it is working well. Showed solidarity with the Oromo’s by holding their arms. Powerful.