Preemptive
Measures Before the Disaster Begins
Editorial
Ethioobserver
Ethiopians managed for the first time in a
very transparent and competitive way to hold elections, which was
largely praised by observers and world media. A very disciplined
electorate, queuing with patience to pass unequivocally its
verdict on the parties to represent it, has given its final say. A
long-range credible observers from EU, which admitted that 88% of
the election was acceptable, Carter Center and AU have given their
accounts on the election process and their blessings by declaring
the EPRDF as a sole winner. The good news to the Ethiopian people
was also that the democratic elections went not through the
bullet, which often was the case, but by the ballot. The people
have also entirely embraced the results with high expectations and
vigor. Following these results, the EPRDF with the majority of the
votes is therefore positioned to take the responsibility of
forming a new government so that Ethiopia is put on the path of
development, poverty alleviation, disease prevention, fight
against HIV/Aids, stable and peaceful progress of the state and
regions, etc.
The encouraging results of the functions of
the state and the positive images of Ethiopia harnessed during the
years of the EPRDF take-over are there to observe for anyone
interested compared to the dark years of the military dictatorship
of the Derg regime. The demise of the military junta, which with
its worker’s party dominated all the spheres and was the cause
of death, exile or incarceration, inequality among nations and
nationalities, etc. was praised and heralded by the Ethiopian
people as a liberation and rebirth of a new Ethiopia. A
Constitution, which guarantees individual and group rights,
recognizes the rights of nations and nationalities, etc. has been
on place to transform Ethiopia into a modern state. All these
achievements didn’t come all of a sudden but was the result of
the sacrifices paid by the great sons and daughters either
mercilessly killed by the previous governments or fought
relentlessly and bravely to bring back human dignity and freedom.
The
present stubborn act of the so-called opposition groups in
Ethiopia not to accept the verdict of the May 15 election,
however, shows the perilous path these power-mongering individuals
chose for Ethiopia and its people. These people should understand
and accept that any competition entails a winner or a looser.
Losing this election does not mean the end of the world. There is
always a comeback, when reason instead of fight and love instead
of hatred prevails. Joining parliamentary elections and abandon
the people, who thought their voices would be heard and
represented in the Ethiopian Parliament, is both unwise and
suicidal. Opposition groups working against the interests of
Ethiopia are either frivolous or dangerous to the very existence
and well being of Ethiopia and the people. Who in his right mind
pleads to the West not to cancel debt or give aid money to
Ethiopia? Who, a normal thinking being could express his venom of
double-natured Ethiopians? Who, an aspiring statesman could strew
the seeds of tribalism and animosity among a country having more
than 80 different nations and nationalities? Who, a diplomat
residing in a city with the AU headquarters scoffs at the
respected men and women of Africa as a club of dictators? Who, an
old and wise man incriminates the Ambassadors’ Donor Group (ADG)
as a pro-EPRDF party, lacking perspectives? etc. These are the
rustic speeches and worst collections of an extremist group, who
dishonor themselves and the country, are bend on to play havoc
with the Sovereignty and Constitution of Ethiopia.
The so-called opposition has superciliously now and then come up with
wrangles, irrelevant issues and shameless proposals (transitional
or national unity government) as not to take part in any
constructive and important duty as opposition. It is obvious to
sensible persons that the intention of these high-ranking
ex-officials and malefactors is not and has not been the interest
of the people and country apart from power and revival of the old
mentality of an “elected people to rule Ethiopia”. The
Ethiopian people should no more be hold hostages, be in a quandary
or cornered by the blackmails of these old guards. Law and order
should be respected irrespective of the status of the person,
rich, politician, influential, official, etc. The Ethiopian
government has a major obligation to assure to its citizens that
peace; stability and security are upheld throughout. No more
prevarication from the side of the old guard and their roisterers
from abroad or more appeasements from the Ethiopian government
should be given to the split personalities of these black-shirted
and retrogressive forces. The main sources of disinformation and
hate propaganda with dire consequences by the so-called free press
journalists, remnants of the fascist Derg, who have made a rode
for their own comeback, has to be dealt with according to the laws
of the country. Vigilance and preemptive measures on Kebele squads
and clandestine groups with armed units and sabotage teams should
be in place before the disaster is in. Any revolt or violence,
defying the warnings of the law enforcing bodies, should be
regarded as an act of total destabilization of the country and
those behind such move should be held responsible.
Editorial Ethiobserver
October
1, 20005
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