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Ethiopia: TPLF Inc. as a "silent killer" By Aklog Birara, PhD
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Posted date: December 29, 2012 | No comment
Ethiopia: TPLF Inc. as a "silent killer" By Aklog Birara, PhD
*Aklog Birara, PhD*
*Have you ever wondered, as I have, why Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people
are caught in a vicious cycle of disillusionment, dispossession and
disempowerment? Have you pondered, as I have, the simple truth that the
vast majority of the Ethiopian people have less say and thus less power
over their political and economic affairs in their own country compared to
a few ethnic elites and foreign investors such as Saudi Star and Karuturi?
Have reflected on the implications for this and the coming generation of
the virtual control of the pillars of the Ethiopian economy by foreign
entities, and a few ethnic elites allied to TPLF Inc.? Have you taken one
second of your time to ponder the destruction of the environment by
unscrupulous investors and the regime that encourages them? Have you taken
a few minutes of your time to reflect why Ethiopian Christians working in
Saudi Arabia find themselves in a predicament for praying in a Muslim State
while Saudis are free to build mosques and to pray as they wish anywhere in
Ethiopia?*
*Anywhere one looks, Ethiopians within and outside the country cry for a
government leadership to protect theirs and their country’s national
interests. These and other core policy related questions on Ethiopia and
Ethiopians suggest an enormous gap in organization and leadership that is
purpose-driven. What we see in every global indicator is a country where
there is growth without improvement in wellbeing for the majority. In fact,
data shows that the poor are getting poorer; and the no of those in
absolute poverty is growing at or above the rate of economic growth that
benefits only a few. This is the reason why I suggest consistently that
Ethiopia and all Ethiopians are crying for a caring and inclusive
alternative in governance.*
*I would argue that the urgent gap in responsive governance is ethnicity,
religious and demography neutral. All Ethiopians feel it in some form or
another. So, division makes no sense. Only a strong and prosperous
multiethnic state that responds to all stakeholders can survive and thrive.
Accordingly, we need to recognize that all Ethiopians have a stake; and are
thus responsible in filling the vacuum. In light of this, it is time that
we expand and embrace the definition and action steps that will lead the
entire society to a better and more promising alternative than the current
one. We cannot do this as long as we are guided by the ethnic and divisive
script imposed on us by TPLF Inc. This system survives and gains from
growth that does not improve the lives of people.*
*We need to consider the higher moral ground that the same way “families
and friends need leaders who model purpose-driven lives,” Ethiopian society
and communities anywhere and everywhere should expect to defend their human
rights; improve their lot; and chart a more promising future for their
children. Can this really be done? Can Ethiopian political, civic and faith
leaders and intellectuals surmount their own narrow interests and
prejudices for the sake of the country and its diverse population? The
simple answer is that there is no other choice. If those who oppose the
current system are genuine, they must discard old animosities and forge
ahead with renewed optimism and cooperate with one another. Otherwise, we
should stop the entire business of protest politics and politics as a
business enterprise: the model TPLF Inc. has imposed on each of us.*
*I suggest in this piece that Ethiopians who wish to be treated with
respect and dignity anywhere in the world and who wish a better future for
this and the coming generation stop the none sense of ethnic and religious
or demographic divisions. What TPLF Inc. has and is doing is enough as it
is. They can start with baby steps: stop demeaning and undermining one
another. Stop the culture of revenge and innuendos. Reach-out to and talk
to one another as adults. Work with and collaborate with one another.
Campaign against all forms of injustice collaboratively. Treat individual
dissenters as Ethiopians and not as members of this or that tribe. Accept
our diversity as a source of strength and celebrate one another. Demand and
promote innovative, inclusive, smart and wiser alternative organization and
leadership–with demonstrated capability of grasping what is at stake (the
bigger picture of the country and its people; and committing self to set
aside minor differences; and practicing the discipline and consistency of
forging a unity of purpose among all ethnic, religious and demographic
groups. Here, it is commitment to the common good that matters most. If we
fail to do this fast, we have no one to blame but ourselves. These baby
steps will not be easy; but can be done.*
*In the Ethiopian context, a unity of purpose must affirm failures of the
past without being trapped in it. It must affirm commitment to justice, the
rule of law, passion for unfettered and equitable access to economic and
social opportunities, and representative governance based on free and fair
elections. A child in Gambella must believe that he/she is an Ethiopian and
deserves the same rights as a child in Tigray or Oromia or Addis Ababa and
so on. We must decide and work day and night to create favorable conditions
that embrace each child regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation. This
has the best chance of safeguarding past gains while advancing a more
promising future for the vast majority of Ethiopians that the current
system is unable to deliver. This will not happen unless adults show
commitment that transcends ethnicity and partisanship. This is not a world
for the weak, timid and partisan. A strong, just, inclusive, fair and
prosperous Ethiopia will be good for everyone. This is why I suggest that
it is not just the so-called “unity crowd” that will benefit from a just,
fair and inclusive system. It is all Ethiopians.*
*The acid test of alternative organization and leadership is readiness and
ability of political, civic, religious and other elites to mobilize the
country’s mosaic and establish a brighter and more inclusive alternative
that restores faith and confidence in the political process of the future.
This will not be as easy as it seems. If it were; it would have been
achieved by now. Take a look back at political history that is still fresh.
MEISONE and EPRPP decided to fight one another rather than to advance the
common goals of the Ethiopian people and the sacred interests of the
country. I do not have to tell you what happened and who paid a huge price.
Division for the sake of power and narrow ideology or ego or tribe is
disastrous. Hypocrisy is the mantra of those who are afraid to take a
principled stand for a bigger and larger cause.*
*How does one explain divisions among Ethiopian Orthodox Church leaders and
followers? I believe that, within the Ethiopian Orthodox faith, we need one
creed and leadership as we need one country. I reject factionalism and
tribalism within the Ethiopian Orthodox faith as much as I reject narrow
nationalism and big nation chauvinism in political doctrine. Divisions
reinforce hypocrisy and cynicism. I will give you a simple example on
hypocrisy of faith. A group of activists tried to mobilize the Ethiopian
Diaspora in the Washington Metropolitan Area for a protest against Saudi
Government mistreatment and human rights violations of Ethiopian
Christians. Religious leaders failed to participate and give moral support.
How do they explain this to their followers?*
*Given the formidable forces we face as people , any alternative
organization and leadership would have little chance of success unless and
until we unlearn the debilitating impacts of divisive ethnic politics: the
‘silent killer.’ How can we do this? Why not embrace and practice such
fundamental principles as integrity, purity of heart, spirit of cooperation
with one another, commitment to serve the entire population and the country
in our day to day lives? Why not show capacity to reject all forms of
ethnic, religious, gender and age based bigotry, prejudice, corruption,
nepotism and discrimination ourselves? Why not subordinate narrow, personal
and group agendas to the common good of saving the country and serving the
Ethiopian people as a whole? How difficult are these to do? How would we
triumph over TPLF Inc. without dramatic changes in our own mindset, values
and how we treat one another as Ethiopians? What form of coalition or
transition are we after if we do not answer these and other fundamental
questions? I suggest that discussing alternatives without demonstrating
real change in our own mindsets and in our dealings with one another will
not be credible in the eyes of the Ethiopian people or the global
community. The London Conference of 1991 took place without sober analysis
and discussion of similar questions. This is a real challenge for all
activists and opponents to TPLF Inc.*
*Seventy Five to Eighty percent reject TPLF Inc.*
*At the risk of repeating, those of us who wish to pursue a more promising
future for all Ethiopians must appreciate that our own bickering and
division are the most constraining contributors to the strength of TPLF
Inc. By all accounts, less than a quarter of Ethiopians accept the
legitimacy of the current governing party (Gallop). It is thus an
understatement to say that regardless of ethnic, religious or demographic
affiliation, close to 80 percent of the Ethiopian people reject TPLF Inc.
and want change. Western powers would want an alternative that would serve
their interests best as was the case in London in 1991. The root causes of
disillusionment, disempowerment, dispossession, abject poverty, hunger and
intellectual and financial capital flight out of Ethiopia is deliberate
ethnicization of politics and economics by TPLF Inc., a monopoly.*
*Almost everyone is reduced to subservient status. If you cannot count in
your own homeland; you cannot expect to count anywhere else in the world.
This is why nation states that are strong and defend your interests
overseas have a voice. Almost everyone anywhere in the world is forced to
fear the system that keeps them entrapped and powerless. People know this
but cannot contest that the primary motive of ethnicization is to run the
country purely as a business monopoly. The formation of political parties
on the basis of ethnic affiliation serves the ultimate purpose of command
and control over local, regional and national politics, resources and
markets. Your rights mean nothing at all. This is by no means to suggest
that there are no second class type beneficiaries. Some prefer second class
status because they have not experienced a better system; and are
suspicious of change. TPLF Inc. is smart enough to remind secondary
beneficiaries that they should guard against restoration of the old system.
The hidden message is specific to one so called dominant ethnic group. The
tragedy is not so much that this camouflage persists; but that the rest of
us fall into the trap. The result is a reinforcement of ethnic division and
disempowerment that serve TPLF Inc.*
*Duality of ‘silent violence or killing’*
*Ethnicization of politics and economics serves two strategic objectives:
divide and rule and extract as much rent as possible from the national
economy. Please note that division serves TPLF Inc. most. The greater the
division among Ethiopians; the larger is the opportunity to extract rents
in different forms; and to make people believe that they are beneficiaries.
Where have you seen growth that expands poverty? Extraction is hard to do
in a multiethnic society unless some of the benefits go to supporters and
ethnic elites who serve as intermediaries. If you want to justify a system,
hire small beneficiaries who believe that the sky is blue. Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) operates within this environment and serves TPLF Inc.
best. Whether we accept it or not, it is, largely intermediaries (middle
management) who facilitate the policy and decision-making authority of TPLF
Inc. When you are a subordinate, the likelihood of dissenting against the
dictates of the merged state is negligible. The Constitution, laws and
regulations are bendable and changeable in accordance with the demands of
TPLF Inc. Anyone who threatens TPLF Inc. risks the possibility of losing
his or her private property or citizenship at any time. There is nowhere to
hide except fleeing the country. More intellectual flight, especially those
who are national leaning means more domestic vacuum that can compete and
safeguard national resources and markets. Ethiopia is void of this asset.*
*What do regulations and laws do?*
*Under this system, regulations, laws, banks and other financial
intermediaries serve political purposes: the staying power of TPLF Inc.
They are therefore not value neutral. How else would you explain the
phenomenon that generals and high officers–paid modest salaries to defend
the country–are among the wealthiest and most powerful people in the
country? Their powerful and wealth status resembles corrupt governance in
Egypt and Pakistan than Ghana, Mauritius or Brazil. These generals and high
officials are coopted through financial and economic incentives the same
way as ethnic elites who belong to the EPRDF and who serve as
intermediaries (middle men). Both are among the lead proponents of TPLF
Inc. This phenomenon leads me to assert that the business of ethnic
politics in Ethiopia today is financial and economic reward. It is the
notion of “what is in it for me” that seems to prevail throughout the
entire system. Some in the Diaspora reflect the same values. This is why
the Diaspora’s role in prolonging the system that divides and disempowers
is coming under increasing scrutiny by activists. In any case, it is fair
to conclude that the system does not encourage commitment to and service to
ordinary citizens, communities and the country.*
*In this sense, the Ethiopian Prime Minister is absolutely right when he
said to business leaders last year that if people are not careful they will
more or less lose their country. Why did he say this? Increasingly, foreign
firms are assuming the pillars of the economy while Ethiopians with wealth
are either investing in consumption oriented ventures or taking their
monies out of the country at an alarming rate. They have no confidence in
the government or the future of the country. How sad? Contrast this with
Indonesian corruption that emphasized growing the economy and benefitting
Indonesians as a commitment.*
*The Prime Minister is right and wrong. The problem is that it is the
system he set up that created selfishness, greed, capital flight and
unbelievable income inequality. His extended family and ethnic elites are
the lead beneficiaries. This phenomenon does not surprise me a bit. It
takes an enabling social, economic and political environment to encourage
saving and investment in productive sectors that will change the system
radically. It takes national leadership to motivate the private sector to
do what is right for the country and its diverse population. Some of the
most corrupt nations in the world, Indonesia for one, were and are still
led by nationalist groups. At least, what is stolen is invested
domestically in factories that generate jobs; raise incomes; and expand the
middle class. This is not the case in Ethiopia. It seems that the system
has created a culture of greed, fear of the future and total disregard for
this and the coming generation and the overall development of the country.
The current motto is “What is in it for me?” and not “what am I doing for
the country and its people while enriching myself?” There is a huge
difference between the two.*
*In this reward and punishment type of arrangement that serves TPLF Inc.
society and the country are self-evident. They are everywhere for anyone
willing to see. Sad but true, some in the Diaspora who run back and forth
on a visit to the country as tourists or to manage their assets or to
access opportunities fail to reflect on how the vast majority of the
population lives. It is glitz of villas, apartments, eating places, hotels,
roads and other physical infrastructure– that needs to be maintained and
paid for—that catch their fancy and immediate attention. I often wonder
whether Diaspora tourists ask the prudent question of how road
infrastructure that lasts an average of five years will be maintained. Who
will pay the maintenance costs? Dig deep into the artificial economy; and
you will find that most Ethiopians are poorer today than they were 21 years
ago. They barely eat one meal a day.*
*A properly and well integrated and planned economy stimulates productivity
and raises individual incomes from large numbers of people. Investments in
industry, agro-industry, agriculture and so on trigger structural changes
in dramatic and sustainable ways. Infrastructure alone will not do that.
The Ethiopian economy is import dependent. Industry accounts for about 4
percent of exports. By structural changes I have in mind factories that
offer job opportunities to millions. Factories that produce fertilizers
that feed agriculture. I have in mind a smallholder farming revolution that
is supported by low cost inputs such as fertilizers, better seeds, access
to credits and markets and so on. A smallholder farming revolution would do
wonders for the country and the rural and urban population than land
giveaways to Saudi Star to feed rich consumers in the Gulf or to Karuturi
to supply cheap foods to Indian consumers. For citizens to benefit,
Ethiopian smallholders deserve tenure security and freedom to produce and
market and gain higher incomes so that they can send their children to
school and so on. In short, I suggest that glitz alone does not contribute
to sustainable and equitable growth and development regardless of the
number of high-rises, condominiums, hotels, eating places for the few
well-to-do, including Diaspora tourists, villas etc. Ask a simple question.
Who, among the Ethiopian poor or low level civil servants or soldiers or
factory workers or Saudi Star employee can afford to live in a condo in
Addis Ababa, Mekele or Gondar? Who can afford food that Diaspora visitors
or donors or high level government officials can afford? This is among the
reasons why the system is a ‘silent killer.”*
*Portrayal of ‘silent violence or killing’*
*The Socialist military dictatorship killed innocent people in public and
boasted about it. It triggered domestic and global outrage. In contrast,
TPLF Inc. learned from this mistake and ‘kills quietly or silently’ than
its predecessor. This makes it more dangerous and sinister. We see this
vividly in the brutal beating of Andualem Aragie in jail. Given this most
recent example, dissidents and reasonable people in the Diaspora cannot
afford to forget and neglect enormous losses for the society and the
country under TPLF Inc. Loses occur on a recurring basis. The concern I
have is that we seem to be in a mode of just accepting loses as normal; and
go on as if nothing has happened. Here are clear and harmful examples with
devastating impacts. Ethiopia lost its sea ports for which the society pays
billions of dollars for services. This loss took place without the consent
of the Ethiopian people. No voice.*
*In a secret deal with the now northern Sudanese government led by
President Bashir, Prime Minister Meles’ government granted substantial
pieces of Ethiopian territory to Bashir’s regime. During the initial period
if TPLF Inc. lands from Gondar, Wollo and other regions, were carved out
and reconfigured for the benefit of what is commonly known as “Greater
Tigray,” a condition that will not serve the greater good. This ethnic
based reconfiguration and incorporation will create animosity among the
population for generations to come. The regime will no doubt go; but the
animosity will persist for generations.*
*TPLF Inc. granted millions of ha of the most fertile farmlands and water
basins to businesses and individuals from 36 countries and to Tigrean
elites. Oakland Institute reported that 75 percent of domestic owners in
Gambella are Tigrean. This comes across as internal ‘land colonization.’
Tigreans should not blame other Ethiopians why they perceive that they are
part of the problem. The medicine is to contest this outright; and to join
others in rejecting TPLF Inc. Like the reset, they should accept the notion
that Ethiopians suffer silently from a double whammy: foreign large-scale
commercial farm colonization by invitation and real natural resource
transfers to ethnic allies. Karuturi, Saudi Star and other foreign owned
large-scale commercial farms are the new landlords in the country. These
new land lords gain profits by dispossessing Ethiopians. How would an Anuak
child feel about a condition that displaces and dispossess her/him? What
are the rest of us doing about it? Transparency International, Global
Financial Integrity and UNDP all confirm that billions of dollars of scarce
foreign exchange is stolen from Ethiopian society each year. Corruption is
a net cost to this and the coming generation in multiple ways. It is the
current and future generations who will pay a huge price for this.*
*Ironically, foreign owned large-scale commercial farms are protected by
branches of Ethiopia’s police, security and defense forces. In Central
America and Pakistan, Special Forces paid for by investors protected such
establishment against the population. Those who struggle for alternative
organization and leadership ought to ask, “Whose interests do police,
security and armed forces protect in Gambella or the Ogaden or anywhere?”
It certainly is not the interests of the people who are forced out of their
lands or the long-term interests of the country.*
*Opponents have a moral responsibility to educate ordinary soldiers, police
and others that their repressive roles on behalf of TPLF Inc. or foreign
investors will alienate them from their own extended families and
communities. We cannot do this in meaningful ways if we are detached from
the Ethiopian reality on the ground.*
*‘Silent violence or killing’ does not discriminate*
*Regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation, those who dissent against
the above and other social, political and economic injustices are subjected
to cruel and inhumane treatment without any let up. Andualem Aragie, an
individual who hails from Gondar, was beaten up in his cell by an inmate
because he stood for justice, democratic freedom and the rule of law. He
did not dare to challenge the system because of his ethnic affiliation. He
did this as an Ethiopian. His is a prime example of ‘silent killing’ by
TPLF Inc. I do not have any proof to suggest that the inmate who assaulted
him was planted by the governing party. However, I challenge the notion
that anyone imprisoned by the one party state cannot and should not expect
safety and security even in jail. It is a travesty that says more about the
cruel and unjust system than about the inmate. The system does not tolerate
dissent or symbols of dissent whether in jail, in the Diaspora or within
the country. It does its job silently and methodically.*
*This takes me back to the formation and acceptability of ethnic-based
political parties under TPLF Inc. I argue that this is part of the strategy
of divide and rule; and a clever mechanism to coopt and subordinate the
majority by using ethnic elite and other self-serving intermediaries. The
more division there is; the less challenge to and dissent against TPLF Inc.
Aspiring elites are recruited to the club on the basis of their submission,
commitment to defend and serve the system while advancing self-interest.
The business of ethnic politics is therefore to ensure that narrow band
of-largely ethnic elites- are well served. Those of us who want a better
future for all Ethiopians need to accept the truth that ethnic division and
narrow self-interest entail enormous costs for the majority of people; and
for the long-term viability and security of the country. The economic and
financial incentives that accrue from this system are so critical for the
beneficiaries that they become both pawns and the most avid supporters of
ethnicization of politics and economics. At one level, it is hard to blame
secondary beneficiaries. It is a matter of survival. What other option do
they have? Those of us who oppose the system do not show consistent
commitment to come to the aid of those who suffer within the country. We
just react or protest for a day and stop. Secondary beneficiaries who may
resent the system know our weakness, namely, our inability to mobilize
resources and aid those who advance justice and fair treatment. The
challenge for us is to make distinctions between the top leadership of TPLF
Inc. and the rest and determine to expose this cruel and repressive system
consistently. We can plant seeds of separation among constituent parts that
sustain TPLF Inc.*
*Focus on the system that sustains ‘silent violence and killing’*
*I suggest that our singular focus should be less on our division and more
on the system that sustains repression through division; and breeds social
and economic inequality. I further suggest that the real political and
social foundation of the struggle for a better and more inclusive society
is in Ethiopia and not overseas. TPLF Inc. created the EPRDF to mobilize
dissatisfied ethnic-based political elites in order to enlarge the party’s
narrow political power base. To some, this strategy gave ethnic politics a
democratic façade. This façade has no human face. However, it is,
ultimately, the Ethiopian people who should judge in a free and fair
election. The system now uses this ethnic architecture against those it
perceives inimical to its well-designed political, social, financial and
economic goals and interests. This is why Andualem and others are paying
with their lives. Like other patriotic and nationalist individuals who
stand for justice, the rule of law and political pluralism, he represents
the hopes and aspirations we all share. He is thus a symbol of a brighter
future for all Ethiopians and must be treated as such. TPLF Inc. applies
the same methodology of punishing him, his family and friends and his
community by making life totally intolerable. The intent is to make sure
that others fear the brutality of the regime. This happens to Anuak,
Somali, Amhara, Oromo, Gurage, and Tigray alike. Why can’t we recognize
this and collaborate?*
*Given this recurring history of gross human rights violations against the
innocent and the dispossession of the Ethiopian people as a whole, and
acknowledging those who stand firm for justice and freedom, I am saddened
to note that even Andualem’s dire and deplorable condition does not move
and revolt those of us in the Diaspora in meaningful and sustainable ways.
We seem to possess souls that do not move; hearts that do not empathize;
minds that do not distinguish; and actions that do not make a dent. These
are not Ethiopians values. I opine that we can no longer see people such as
Andualem or others like him just as another individual activist individual
in trouble. Rather, we must see him as a symbol of resistance and defiance
from a new generation of potential leaders who represent hope and promise:
“purpose-driven lives.”*
*It is time that we wake up and reject ‘silent violence and killing’
against any Ethiopian such as Andualem who stands for justice and freedom.*
*Source: Indepth africa*
Received on Sun Dec 30 2012 - 19:03:11 EST
