nazret.com Merkato Blog

Ethiopia - Washington Update January 28th, 2010

By Mesfin Mekonen

Ethiopia is preparing for elections in mid-May. The regime is doing its utmost to restrict the activities of the opposition particularly those of the All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP). The media, both print and electronic is directly controlled by the regime. We in the Ethiopian Diaspora must continue to contact our legislators in Washington, DC to urge them to enact legislation demanding free and fair elections in Ethiopia. To have free and fair elections it is necessary to have freedom of the press and expression. Right now all of the opposition to the regime are denied access to radio, television, and newspapers. Without that the ‘election’ could be a fraud.

Here amongst the Diaspora we should take advantage of our freedom of the press and contact media outlets directly. Letters to the Editor are a good way to do this. Call in shows like the morning one on CSPAN are another or local ones in your area.

These elections may be different. The European Union will be sending official observers to see if the election will be fair. The United States and other organizations like international NGOs must be also invited and allowed to observe. Let’s hope that they are not kicked out on some false excuse.

The big news of the past ten days is about the speech by engineer Hailu Shawel, President of the All Ethiopia Unity Party (AEUP) in Addis Ababa on January 24th in which he outlined his ideas for a new government of Ethiopia. This new government would reverse the failed policies of the present regime and restore faith in an Ethiopian government by the Ethiopian people.

In the speech Hailu Shawel detailed his peaceful program of change in Ethiopia. In a very coherent and detailed way Hailu Shawel placed his program before his fellow Ethiopians. The whole speech can be found at:

http://wwwaeup.com

He wants to revive the agricultural sector by allowing farmers to own their own land and not be political pawns for the regime. Much of Ethiopia’s land is presently owned by the government and this should not be allowed to continue. He also touched on the shameful lack of employment opportunities for recent graduates. Today the job picture is bleak even for highly educated people. Political connections trump real talent in Ethiopia.

It’s essential to use our resources to get Congress to work for Human Rights in Ethiopia now, prior to the mid-May elections. Ethiopians in Ethiopia are taking great risks to work for democracy in the country. We need to help by providing financial support to them. The AEUP needs you help. This may be a great opportunity for Ethiopia! Let’s not waste it!

As we all know Ethiopian Airlines has had an exemplary record for many decades. Even with all the problems of the Dergue, the Meles. Regime, etc. the company was recognized as one of the best. It is with sadness that we remember the recent crash of one of its airliners off Beirut last week. We pray for the victims.

Mesfin Mekonen