Part-I

Most of the world knows Ethiopia for starvation & malnutrition. Most Ethiopians know the feeling of having a motherland that is and will forever be linked to the horrifying memory of the famine of the mid T70s & T80s. In fact, this topic is brought up so often by almost every American that Ethiopians encounter in their day-to-day life, some even go to the extent of identifying themselves by made-up nationality to avoid bringing up the topic of starvation and death. Though the ill informed nature of a significant majority of Westerners is unfortunate, it is, nevertheless, a fact that repeated mass starvations do occur in Ethiopia. This is reflective of the failure of the system in totality. The people that are faced with starvation and malnutrition are the last to be criticized. Often they are farmers and people that live off their gardens and street side vending. They should and have the right to rely on their government to support and promote their development to more lucrative and sustainable segment of the economy that would provide better security and independence. The average city dweller or urbanite is not to be blamed either for the starvation and malnutrition of farmers in the north. The city dweller is struggling to make ends meet. Urban dwellers can hardly keep up with the sky rocketing rent and food prices (inflation) that is never ever accompanied by a comparable cost of living adjustment. This concept is not even in the air let alone in the pay stub. It is most likely not the fault of the next of kin either as third world countries are very well known for having strong family ties that contribute to sharing of resources among family members. People in the developing world help, not only their immediate family, but also their extended family. These helpless citizens that wilt and die in successive famines tend not to have family members that are economically any better than they are and that is why they face starvation to begin with. So then who really is to blame?

The Government It is taken for granted that the entire existence of a government is to provide for the benefit, prosperity, safety, security, and health of the society it governs. This includes, among many other things, developing efficient high ways, residential quarters, educational opportunities, high value jobs, etc.. But first, a government that has kept its priorities straight will focus on ensuring that its people are provided with the most basic of lifeUs necessities - food and shelter. These basic needs ensure the physical and emotional survival of its citizens. Everything else is and should be secondary to these basic needs for sustaining life. For reasons no one can explain, Ethiopia seems entirely incapable of providing these basic needs to its people. Of all African countries, Ethiopia should have been ahead of the curve and be a role model for the rest of African nations. Ethiopia boasts as being one that was never colonized. This is not a correct statement. However, it is correct that Ethiopia suffered the least in the hands of Europeans since its colonization by Italy was cut short when the British army (made up of primarily Indian nationals) marched in forcing the Italians out of Ethiopia after only five years in the Capital. Where as the rest of the continent and its people (including Eritreans) were exploited to the Nth degree, EthiopiaUs low trauma from colonization, coupled with its internationally renowned ex-Emperor Haileselassie, should have given the country a quantum advantage compared to the rest of the countries in the continent. However, what is being observed is diametrically the opposite. In fact, not only is Ethiopia one of the poorest in the world, it is the definite last in Africa. What happened ?

The Conjecture The presumption is that this is the complete failure of leaderships that have forever played the Tmusical chair" every decade or two in running the country. But what exactly about the leadership failed? Here are some points to consider :

The People
For many decades, there have been at least two major ethnic groups that seemed to not want to remain within the confines of the Ethiopian empire. Eritreans got their independence after 30 years of armed struggle after illegally being annexed. The much larger Oromo people have, since the beginning of this century, carried the torch for their independence from what they consider to be a colonial power. Since the annexation of Eritrea by Haileselassie and much earlier for the Oromo people, Ethiopia has been wasting its material resources on frivolous wars and its most precious resources, its people, have been forced to fight a war for the most paltry of all causes. This land has been involved in some kind of a war every year for at least the last 150 years, mostly internal wars. The State vs. The People - a very eerie but normal phenomenon to this State.

The State going actively & maniacally after its people Political singularity has always been the law of the land. As a result, creativity is stunted and debate on critical matter of importance is always muffled. Anyone that expresses departure from official positions is labeled a traitor and is either captured to an unfortunate end, or chased out of the country. This happened during Haileselassie fueling the start of the Eritrean struggle for independence (granted the illegal annexation). During Dergue, the country saw the largest exodus of its citizens, including the elite that could have supported a rapid and continued development the country badly needs. For example, graduates of its medical school and other professional schools end up coming to the West in search of, primarily safety and security, but also better economic rewards. Other ordinary citizens that are denied exit visas or donUt have the means to travel via normal transportation means end up having to travel on foot through the wilderness at huge risk to their lives. Many are arrested or shot dead trying to flee, sad to say, but from their own country. On their way out, many die due to exhaustion and medical conditions. Still some are a windfall for the wild beasts of Africa on their way to Djibouti, Kenya, the Sudan, or Somalia. This happened to all ethnic groups within the old or current day Ethiopia. Instead of being a sanctuary to its people, Ethiopia has consistently, now for at least the last 25 years, been hellish to its own. Ethiopian youth should be encouraged to spend more time in school and help the community rather than forced to run away leaving family and country behind. This happens to way too many innocent citizens. The never-ending recruitment and draft of young Ethiopians into the militia is a routine that every citizen of this country wants to run away from. As a result, the meager investment it makes on educating its people is, for all intents and purposes, lost. For those that still choose to remain behind, creativity is still never promoted. The Mengistu era was supposed to have seen the most insecurity in terms of accumulating and safeguarding wealth, a reward for creativity and hard work. Well obviously, the Woyane regime has beaten Dergue cold. As the whole world knows, Woyane has confiscated assets and deported people, some of whom are Ethiopian citizens with Eritrean back ground, out of their own country. Even thought the documented value of the deporteeUs asset is to the tune of $800 Million USD, the nation had to have experienced capital flight as other Ethiopians diversify their assets out of the country. Those with fully paid mortgages are probably taking equity out of their real estates and businesses to maintain a kitty outside the country in case they too are caught "snoozing." Members of the press are always harassed, surgeons that served their country well for decades are imprisoned with deteriorating health for advocating a cause they believe in, Oromos are re-cycled from one prison to another. There is something wrong with this picture.

A history of fighting - true victory for Ethiopia is when there is bread on the table. The war with Eritrean freedom fighters coupled with the Ogaden war may have resulted in the drafting of a million or more men into the militia and the employment of heavy weaponry on account from the old USSR and other ex-East Bloc countries. The failure to acknowledge that Eritrea was illegally annexed and that corrective actions needed to be made is the most stunning. If Haileselassie erred, why didnUt Mengistu see through this scenario and come to immediate and peaceful resolution? Between the two regimes, they must have wasted enormous amount of capital and human resources, not figuring in the opportunity cost. And now, Woyane is at it again knowing full well the cost of war but it is fixated and obsessed on decimating Eritrea and its people, so much so it is willing to blow up unarmed Ethiopian citizens as human mine sweepers, shooting them from behind if they try to run away, and still horrifying is that it has tried to wedge a very venomous and divisive ethnic polarity among citizens. It is hoped that this abomination would not materialize.

A culture of religiously misleading citizens Of course, weak leaders are predictively characterized by how poorly and inaccurately they inform their people. Providing raw data and information is of no value unless the receiver is trained to analyze it and interpret it. So it really begins with the training of the mind to process and retain relevant information and data points. So, a wise government would want to let the mind of its citizen's roam where it may and decide for itself how and where to search for valid and reliable information. This starts with the government actively policing itself and the approach it takes to various issues. Instead, quite the contrary happens in Ethiopia. For years, Haileselassie and Dergue characterized the Eritrean independence fighters as a group of "Sheftas" - hooligans, desperadoes, or thugs. (Ironically, this label was also used to describe Tigrayan freedom fighters that are now at the helm of the despotic Ethiopian leadership). During the T80s, the communist DergueUs broadcast used to put down "imperialist America" by reporting "the U.S. governmentUs attempt to promote drug use and prostitution of young American women." Who would believe this? Only the ignorant would. Only those that were kept in the dark and never allowed to think critically would believe this. Today, it's the WoyaneUs turn of exploiting the full experience and culture of the predecessor governments to try to put down Eritrea, or anyone that demands it (Ethiopia) sign the peace proposal. It works !!! It works well in Ethiopia. Regardless of what the world thinks, the only ones that matter are the people of Ethiopia who will have to be targeted and drafted to "serve their country" to "defend their land that was defended against the colonial invaders by their heroic fathers as in Adwa." These kinds of shallow messages that play into the emotions have no rationality, practicality, or realism. For example, an Ethiopian diplomat by the name of Wondimu still stationed in Asmara speaking of the "alleged homeless Ethiopians suffering in Asmara" was quoted by AFP (October 16, 1999) as saying "What else can I do? I can not give them aid. You need a permit for that in this country," By this he is implying that (a) he (the diplomat) does not hold a permit to provide charitable assistance and that because he is law abiding, he does not want to break the law and (b) he makes his story believable because Eritrea is known for being tough and for keeping a "short rope" on NGOs. Eritrea does not have a law that says one cannot help a fellow citizen in need. The diplomatUs only purpose was to tarnish Eritrea and make the story believable to Ethiopians. It is laughable, at the same time dangerous. It is astonishing to notice the precision of the lies purpetuated by Ethiopia - the rigor and the habit is dazzling. It has become second nature to them (Woyane) and history tells us that this works well in a community that is not "politically" perceptive. During the 8th anniversary of Eritrean independence, a message from the Government of Eritrea was sent to attendees of the ceremony in the U.S.. The tag line was a simple message to the effect "EritreaUs wealth is the consciousness of its citizens." This is true not only in Eritrea, but also all over the world. The wealth of a nation is the consciousness of its people.

Integrity, Value, and the Judicial System Integrity starts young and at home. There is an American expression that says "Everything I know I learned in grammar school." Thus, integrity of a nation starts at the Prime MinisterUs office. One canUt be selectively mischievous. There is no mental switch that controls the pattern and timing of an individualUs level of integrity. Level of integrity, over time, remains the same unless corrected by some severe penalty. Ethiopian governments have always been involved in illegal acts and have always violated the human rights of their people, and now citizens of their neighboring countries. Corruption has always been rampant, in fact gets worse by the week. So then, when 10,000+ people were killed at Tsorona and the Woyane regime denies dignity, recognition, and respect to its fallen citizens, no one would dare say they are not suffocating and shooting people away from the battle front.

When they bomb civilian quarters and falsely claim they took out military targets, no one would dare say they donUt pocket some of the assets they have confiscated from Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin.

When Woyane has falsely and deliberately accused Eritrea of bombing AdiGrat, no one would dare say they did not start the war at Tsorona causing 10,000+ innocent Ethiopian soldiers to die in only four days of fightings.

When Woyane has attempted to move border markers to confuse official colonial boundaries, no one would dare say they did not have mendacious and contemptuous aim in "agreeing" to OAU peace proposals but refusing to sign the final key document.

When Woyane has shot down a corporate jet that it had approved to cross through its territory out of a blue sky causing the death of two European civilians, no one would dare say they are not trigger-happy and did not start the war by shooting and killing Eritrean soldiers in May 1998.

There is a government, Woyane, that selectively executes laws on its books. After having deported 70,000 people and killing or causing the death of too many, it has now required all Eritreans (including Ethiopians of Eritrean origin) to register for residence permit "under a 1962 statute." By pointing to this law, it justifies and validates its actions. Can this same government also point us to the decree that gave it the power "to deport the nations citizens and confiscate their assets." By the way, these citizens labeled "Eritreans" voted in the "election" that brought Woyane to power. However, Woyane is deporting Ethiopians without nullifying its own existence as a ruling group. This stray and desultory legal system is no legal system, it is an organized crime under the cover of a nation and taking advantage of the weakness of its history.

With such leadership in power, how can a civilized, reliable, and secured national culture be nurtured among the 60 Million people of Ethiopia? How can one have a civilized and modern "culture" when a patriarch (more like a strongman) like Woyane embodies vice, depravity, and immorality. If one can not higher an advocate to speak on her or his behalf, stand in front of a judge to demand review and timely and proper adjudication, no surprise that criminality will fester the society and rule of law is severely compromised. If there was any meaningful legal system in Ethiopia today, even in the most liberal definition, how is it possible to deport not one hundred, not one thousand, not ten thousand, but close to seventy thousand people, some out of their own country and in the most abusive, cruel, and disgusting manners, without being held in contempt of humanity? Would someone please explain how it is possible to deport anyone and confiscate his or her property without a court judgment? Would someone please elaborate how it is possible, in a nation of law, ethics, and human right, to detain 1,500 (now 2,000) people without charge and cause the death of close to 100 detainees. How is it possible to be a leader of 60 million people and not be held accountable for exposing selected segments of the countryUs citizens to certain death as was the case in Tsorona, Badme, and alike? If genocide is defined as "the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial or cultural group .... ," how can Woyane be allowed to roam around after causing so much havoc among the most innocent civilian citizens in its population? IsnUt this characteristic of a genocidal act? Or, does genocide really need to involve a concentration camp? A government or ruling class that is fully permeated with all these kinds of shady values, legal problems, inconsistent and unclear mission, wicked governing practices, and baneful human right records is totally and completely devoid of good moral and active conscious to deserve the responsibility and trust of the people. These kinds of governments can never be serious about governing and are unworthy of the trust of the people. Woyane is pretending and trying very hard to be important. The effort and persistence is very much admired, but thank you it is better directed to the betterment of the people, not the battlefront. )

Part-III

National Debt: Welfare for the State The world's biggest lending nations and organizations are entertaining the idea of forgiving debt to the most indebted countries of the world, mostly in Africa. Though the idea is holy, it is doubtful that a blanket forgiveness of debt will elicit the best behavior out of the people that are running these bankrupt countries. Humanitarian causes should never be scaled down. However, other assistance and loans to countries led by people who have poor human rights records, involved in a war and unwilling to settle it in a peaceful manner, and is for the most part corrupt should be scaled back, may be even entirely halted. One gage or data point can be the popularity of the government among its citizens. The more popular the government, the more it gets in terms of loans and assistance. A very simplistic approach, but how many can disagree. In the end, someone has to be held accountable to the debt. If the leaders are never accountable by the virtue of their behavior, then who would? The people should be the last ones to be stuck with it. As for humanitarian aid, it has been evidenced that the people that the aid is intended to help never see a portion of the shipment. It ends up in the market place. In Ethiopia, it is common to find donated commodities like cooking oil & flour marked "NOT FOR SALE" & stamped with the U.S. flag, in the market exactly in the wrong hands. Why wouldn't the Prime Minister's office be held accountable for this? If aid to the starving is not making it through the system, where does one think the financial donations and loans go? So why all the suffering and starvation in Ethiopia we said? Once we understand the cumulative impact of all of the issues stated above (which are just scratching the surface of the problem), then we know after 100 years of the same thing, the people of Ethiopia can not seem to get out of the gutter of starvation and severe poverty. Now you know why. Ethiopia's booming Capital City of four Million residents piled one on top of the other gives the impression of a colossal market place. This is not true. The fact is the remaining 56 million still live outside the capital and like the residents of the capital city, 90% of them are still struggling. Now once again, the country is in the verge of yet another starvation of biblical proportions affecting a staggering seven million people of Ethiopia. Simultaneously, the government is also getting prepared to launch yet another attack on its northern neighbor, Eritrea. Predictively once more, Woyane is accusing Eritrea of preparing to attack. However, it is written in stone that Woyane gives the world a heads-up on the pending preparations on its part when it starts accusing Eritrea of an attack. The world is talking about e-commerce, globalization, sophisticated computers µprocessors, and cell phones, while Ethiopia is still in the battlefront burning the expensive midnight oil. So far in 1999 alone, Ethiopia is supposed to have lost over 50,000 people in heavy fighting it launched against its neighbor in the north, with 10,000 lost in just four days of fighting. As if this was not enough, it will soon be at it again. In the mean time, an overwhelming majority of Ethiopians are still concentrating on eating, breathing, and standing strong. Someone needs to clean house and start afresh for the suffering to subside. The people of Ethiopia, like any other people, will benefit from cessation of hostilities and will appreciate the appropriation of funds for long term and productive solutions. Ethiopians had to be tired of fighting and starving. Although key indicators like per capita GNP places it better than Ethiopia, Eritrea still has a very long way to bring down poverty to its knees. Meanwhile, Eritrea can certainly look at Ethiopia to explain why Eritreans and their country are where they are today. And that same story continues as we speak. When will Ethiopia be a sanctuary to its people, or given the scenario and the dynamics in place, will it ever be?

Let every Ethiopian ask this simple question of himself or herself : Why did I run away from my country ?

In the answer, economic opportunity will be in the top three reasons. But by far the number one reason is safety and security. As was the case in the last 30 years, the same is true today. The solution is simple: STOP THE FIGHTING, STOP THE VIOLENCE !!!

To address the most urgent issue at hand at this moment, the devastating situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Ethiopian government must cease the foolish game it is involved in. It must stop playing the game "heads I win, tails you loose." That will be a commendable start towards peace and eradication of famine in the region at large!