ethiopianreview.com
June 20, 2005

In the past few days, we heard from many American experts on Ethiopia expressing their views on the current crisis. When these experts are asked about the opposition parties, the recurring theme in their answers is that: 1) the opposition is not ready to form a government, and 2) the leaders of the opposition parties do not have governmental experience. Similar views are held by officials in the State Department and the White House. This explains the reason why the U.S. Government is too hesitant to strongly condemn the Meles regime's recent massacre of unarmed civilians. It's apparent that the U.S Government fears the Meles regime would collapse under international pressure and that there will be a power vacuum in the Horn of African region. If the U.S. withdraws its support to the Meles regime, it would fracture and collapse in a matter of days.

The argument that the opposition leaders do not have government experience is baseless. Some of the recently elected members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), and the United Ethiopian Democratic Front (UEDF), for example, are former ministers, finance experts, highly regarded lawyers and prominent economists who have worked for the U.N. and other international organizations. The leader of CUD, Ato Hailu Shawel, had worked as general manager of the Ethiopian Highway Authority, chief engineer for the Shell Oil Company, and Minister of State Farms. Currently he owns and operates a highly successful engineering and management consulting firm.

The second argument that the opposition is not ready to form a government is not expressed by foreign experts and officials alone. Many Ethiopians who support the opposition parties express a similar concern.

How do the opposition parties dispel these misconceptions and prove that they are ready and capable? Ethiopian Review's recommendation is for the CUD and UEDF to form a joint shadow cabinet.

In a parliamentary system of government, such as the one that exists in Ethiopia, for opposition parties to form shadow cabinets is a standard practice.

There are many benefits for creating a shadow cabinet:

1. By announcing to the public what their cabinet would look like, CUD/UEDF would have the people's confidence that they are ready to form a government. There would be no doubt in the mind of the people whether the opposition is ready to govern.

2. The international community, particularly the United States, would also have confidence in the opposition, and be more easily persuaded to withdraw support from the Meles regime. No matter how much we protest, lobby and appeal, unless U.S. officials are convinced that the alternative to the Meles regime is a power vacuum in the Horn of Africa region, they will not withdraw their political and material support. The ball is now in the opposition's hand. They need to step up and show the world that they are a viable alternative. The Meles regime is so dependent on the U.S. Government that the day President Bush comes out and makes a public denouncement, that will be the end of the Meles era.

3. With the existence of an opposition shadow cabinet, a power vacuum would not occur between the EPRDF's exit and the formation of a new government. A power vacuum could expose the country to grave dangers, such as a military dictatorship. This alone should be a reason to create a shadow cabinet as soon as possible.

4. The new government would not waste a lot of time filling cabinet and department posts. The adjustment will be minimal.

5. There would be a division of labor, reducing the bottleneck in the current decision-making process. The leadership as a group does not have to meet for every decision making. For example, on national security matters, the person designated to be a shadow minister of defense would communicate with the current minister and the military commanders about the opposition's defense policy, as well as reminding them that their loyalty should be to the nation, and not to a single party or individual.

6. Having a shadow defense minister who is consistently reminding the military rank and file about their constitutional responsibilities would play a critical role in preventing the Meles regime from unleashing the military's fire power on the people.

7. By becoming shadow cabinet ministers, the opposition leaders would receive international protection against government attacks. The Meles regime would not arrest the opposition's shadow ministers without drawing massive protests and condemnations from world leaders. We have seen what kind of international reaction the house arrest of Ato Hailu Shawel and Ato Lidetu Ayalew created. It prompted the U.N. Secretary General and U.S. Secretary of State to call Meles and demand their release. For Ato Hailu and Ato Lidetu, their international exposure was their only protection. On the other hand, look at the hundreds of other CUD and UEDF officials and staff members, including their office manager, Wzr. Azeb Amare, who are still under arrest. Azeb is being tortured by being denied medicine for a severe stomach ache. The fact that they are not internationally known is working against them. Creating a shadow cabinet would help protect many important opposition leaders and potential minister from such a government abuse.

Shadow cabinet is not a new concept. In the U.K., for example, the opposition Conservative Party has a well-publicized shadow cabinet. In preparing for elections, the party in opposition announces its shadow cabinet before the election campaign begins. The U.K. Parliament incorporates in its official registry the opposition parties' shadow cabinet as a legally recognized structure.

There is no reason for the opposition parties in Ethiopia--where the parliamentary system of government allows a shadow cabinet--to be hesitant of taking this crucial step. Once the shadow cabinet has been formed, the designated cabinet members would start communicating with the current cabinet members. Since the system of government in Ethiopia is that of parliamentary, there is no legal reason for the current government ministers to resist talking with the ministers-in-waiting.

Both CUD and UEDF have several highly competent people who have just been elected to the parliament. These people have vast experiences, as well as already established extensive local and international contacts. Put these people to work right now. Let the Ethiopian people and the international community hear from them.

We hope that CUD and UEDF leaders will accept this recommendation and appoint a joint commission that will facilitate the process of creating a shadow cabinet as soon as possible. While the commission works out the details and vets nominees, the other leaders can focus on other matters.

To nudge opposition parties into accepting this recommendation, Ethiopian Review is taking the initiative of introducing potential cabinet ministers. We will develop biographical data for each MPs-elect, among whom cabinet ministers are selected. We urge readers to participate in this initiative by providing any relevant information about the oppositions' MPs-elect.

Dear Editor,
I read your article with interest.However, I am appalled by the hypocrisy of the west who did not ask the TPLF/Woyane the same question when they let Ethiopia to be under their sole dictatorial rule 14 years back.Remember the Woyane leadership was a bunch of incompetent Marxist Guarillas who get western praise and endorsement.I think any new government would do better than these ethnocentric bigots,afterall the Ethiopian people have spoken at the ballot box and it is high time for the west to respect that and stop backtracking the democratic process
Thank You!

Email: mesfin777@hotmail.com

City: san jose

Please put the sggestions coming from different people and get an indication. The opposition, specially CUD, during the election campaign declared that it was making the neccessary preparation to take the power. That itself played a significant role and if they a shadow cabinet right now the people will have full confidence in the opposition.


I Suggest the following:

Potential Nominee for the position of:

PM:- Engineer Hailu Shawel
Deputy PM: DR. Merara Gudina
Minister for Foreign Affairs: Dr. Yaekob H/mariam
Miniter for Capacity Building:-Dr Beyene Petros
Miniter For Education:- W/Ro Almaz Seifu
Miniter for information and propaganda:- Ato Ledetu Ayalew
etc...

Email: shipo@wes.be

City: brussels

Dear Editor,
It is a good sugestion and the opposition parties CUD/UEDF should take it seriuosly and react as soon as possible.The members in these parties can do better than the EPRDF ministers! I have no doubt!!!

City: Addis Ababa

Dear sir, it is just ridiculous for anyone to question the capability of the MP-elects from the non-EPRDF coalition to form a government. A number of these MP-elects are among the cream of African intellectuals. Dr. Befekadu is just one example. He will make a great economic develeopment minister or finance minister for Africa. Dr Merara will make a great minister of foreign affairs. For god's sake, look at the ministers that we have today. they are a bunch of jokes. These MP-elects are heroes, more than any thing. They are paying with their blood in standing up for the Ethiopian people. They have respect for the people and the people have tremendous respect for them. They love their country but our current leaders (specially PM Meles) have time and again shown their contempt to the Ethiopian people.

Finally, I think it will be more appropriate for the non-EPRDF coalition to wait for the final results before they take the "opposition" tag becauseit would mean accepting defeat at this point.

Email: samuel_van@hotmail.com

City: Vancouver, Canada

The cabinet ought to reflect the proportion of the ethiopian people in all aspects as much as possible to be accepted and stable. It is well practiced in all over the world that Ministerial position is not as such a technocrat or nerd post. It is more of power grip control where detail and real dirt job of the respective sector is accomplished by actual experts regardless of their ethinic, religion or whatelse background they may have. Thus, (if deputy position does not require elective rank...)

I Suggest the following:

Potential Nominee for the position of:

Prime Minister: Dr Merar Gudina.
Deputy Prime Minister: Engineer Hailu Shawl.
Minister for Foreign Affairs: Dr. Berhanu Nega.
(Deputy Goshu Wolde)
Minister of Industries: Dr Hailu Araya.
Minister of Justice: Dr Negasso Gidada
Minister for Defense: Ato Mohammad Omer
Miniter for Capacity Building:-Dr Beyene Petros
Miniter For Education: Dr. Yacob H/mariam
(Deputy Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam)
Minister of Social Affairs: Prof Tomas Tholcha
Minister for Finance: Ato Bedru Adem.
Minister for Health: W/ro Almaz.
Miniter for information : Ato Ledetu Ayalew.

Email: Nsemay@yahoo.com

City: Houston, TX

Without a doubt, the opposition can lead and is ready.
They should take the opportunity of the current tide and form a shadow cabinet. This will help the west to
to press for A DEMOCRATIC CHANGE IN Ethiopia.

A very timely contribution by the Ethiopian Review Editor!! Thank You

Email: keya_akuna@yahoo.com

City: los Angeles

Yes,to the best of my knowledge,the opposition is ready to lead Ethiopia in the right direction for the first time in its history.The opposition is full of best sons with best minds of Ethiopia.The opposition is full of political,social,economic,language & cultural professionals.This means that if the opposition holds political power of Ethiopia,the country will have the best governance for the first time.And to this effect,my best choice to PM post is Dr.Merera Gudina!Other ministers,in addition to those mentioned by mitie:I suggest to enclude Dr.Admasu Gebeyehu, Dr.Hailu Araya,Professor Mesfin W/mariam,
Dr. Negede Gobesie, Dr.Berhanu Nega,Asefa Chamo,
Dr.Negaso Gidada, Col.Goshu Woldie & Aregawi Berhe.

Email: mehariabera@yahoo.com

City: Denver

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know why these educated people specially living outside always against the interest of the people. They always forget Ethiopians when they are out somewhere and educated. Why not they try themselves to participate in the polotical wave rather than forwarding unecessary comments If they can see to the back history of Ethiopia,was the DERG supposed to take the lead and even WOYANE was able to be a government? Those were all are nothing to form a government and beaing a leader. Why not now? Now is even better than the previous. Most polotical leaders are educated and proffessional and they better in every respect.THEY CAN MANAGE LEADING ETHIOPIANS. JUST GIVE THE PEOPLE HIS RIGHTS AND YOU WILL SEE.!!!!!!!!!!

Email: solomontsegaye@hotmail.com

City: Addis

Let alone the mix of great intellectuals in the opposition groups (CUD/UEDF), TPLF had formed a government coming out of jungles. Those in doubt should refer what experience TPLF possessed at that time and the mechanistic ruling of the existing cabinet of Meles Zenawi.

I would like to convey my deepest appreciation to the editor for bringing this and other timely and important issues to close any gaps occurred.

Email: thewodrosdires@yahoo.com

City: Addis Ababa

Although there is no a single doubt among the majority of the Ethiopian people about the oppositions’ ability to lead Ethiopia for the better, they have to show their readiness to the world. We are living in a global economy. Terrorism and extremism are affecting the world. These two evil human activities are affecting especially the US, GB and other western countries. As the result, the US and other leaders are looking a friendly government to them rather than to the people that elect the leaders the first place. If they have got a friendly govt such as in Iraq and Afghanistan from the beginning, the material and financial lost they have been through would not be happened. As Ethiopia is the second populated land in Africa and have the potential to play major roles in the region with any activity America and its allies are playing in Africa, they prefers always to have a friendly government first to them then the Ethiopian people. This way of dealing with their situation is effective to them in financial, human and psychological protection. They lost thousands lives and billions of dollars to the war in Iraq. They are giving billions of dollars to the present afghan govt in the form of help for major projects. They are giving also to little meles only few millions of dollar in the form of food aid. They are feeding him to keep him alive for their benefit. His relationship with them is like a beggar to the public.
For sure the US and other western govt are looking changes in Ethiopia. But this must come first from the Ethiopians. Something is better than nothing to them. Meles is good to them with the exchange of money he is using in Tigry or sharing it with his criminal friends at the expense of the Ethiopian people. America prefers a strong, courageous and admired leader in Ethiopia. As long as there is nobody, they will stay with little meles for their benefit. If the Ethiopian don’t know to benefit themselves, they don’t care. We have to stand for ourselves and soon rather than later to remove the gorilla leader, little meles. Now is the time. If we loose this chance now, most of us will not get another chance. We have to scarify until our life. We have to use any means necessary against the enemy of the Ethiopian people, little meles, and propaganda bereket. Especially the youth must act as young and energetic. Wake up, stand up, and intensify the fight. Don’t sit and die emotionally and finally physically. Identify your real enemy. Don’t die without inflecting the damage to your enemy. They are few if you determine targeting them using every opportunity you get, they will disappear to nowhere as they came from nowhere. Don’t afraid them. Don’t believe them. They will play games for their benefit. The Ethiopian people without the Tigrians, Amharas, Oromos, Gurages, Sidamas, kembatas, Hadias, Affars, Omos, --- is not existed and will not exist in the future. As we did during the past, we all have to act as brothers and sisters. We all have to understand and respect each other. Hate has always negative effect on all sides. Only the enemy of the people will benefit from it for the time being. So, all ethnic and religion groups must come together to show the world that we all are the citizens of Ethiopia. Especially brothers and sisters with Tigry origin in the country as well as in abroad must show themselves to the Ethiopian people and to the world that they are not with little meles and his criminal associates but with the Ethiopian people. They must come out and join with the rest of the Ethiopian people to any activity against little melese who is using them as cover for his main goal, to destroy Ethiopia in order to benefit Eritrea, as he feels his country is.

The opposition must lead the people starting from now. We all are after them. If they don’t show us their determination and willingness to work as much as they could for the sake of the Ethiopian people, slowly we lose our interest to them. Their journey to the parliament going to be not an easy one. They must unite, be one force, receive responsibility and take accountability with anything you are doing. You must be clean and clear to us and to each other in order we become able to identify and attack our common enemy. So, a shadow cabinet is very essential in Ethiopia. Most elected opposition members are highly educated. It is the first time in Ethiopian history; the educated and visionary representatives are elected by the people. So, there is a big potential to lead the country and to persuade the international community especially US, GB, EU---that the elected opposition leaders are those who have grown up in schools and with their community rather than little meles and his criminal friends who came from desert and mountains. I’m sure if the shadow cabinet is formed by the oppositions with clear agenda, the US, GB and others will take the oppositions side as soon as it happened. The oppositions also must work hard as they already knew from the beginning that they are fighting a group of wild animals that are thirty from human blood and hungry from flesh as little meles and his criminal friends are. Be unite. Form a shadow cabinet. Use every possibility to persuade the west that you are on their side in the fight against terrorism.

You are the true leaders to the Ethiopian people. So, lead us. Be peaceful, determine, smart, hard working. Every simple and single weak activity inside the oppositions going to be the best scoring point to meles. If any one is really working for the poor people, he or she mustn’t care about individual benefit but the people. Without taking time you have to agree on important matters and tell us about the list to know our next leaders. Be careful, little meles and his propaganda minister monster bereket will play anything bad to divide you in the power sharing process. First you have to unite to get the power not fighting for something which is not there as long as little meles is there.
Hirut.

Email: HI@hotmail.com

City: A.A

Just only a year ago, I believed there was no other power available to replace EPRDF if this country should live intact as a country. The establishment of CUD with prominent leaders has totally changed me and am now looking forward to a country led by a group of persons who are well experienced, educated, national-oriented and well mixed at all measures (ethnicity, gender, qualification, age, etc.). If one assesses the supporters of CUD, it is possible to find almost all spheres of society: farmers, soldiers, intellectuals, house-wives, civil servants, informal workers, taxi-drivers, investors, etc. In this case, who else could ever be ready to lead Ethiopia??? One thing I differ about from other opinions is that I believe there are a couple of guys from EPRDF who deserve a place should CUD have a chance to establish a gov. I just wonder if there is anyone who has given it a thought!!
Anyway - big thanks to the Editor for the idea!!
Tila Mengist

City: Addis Ababa

I believe the concern whether the opposition is ready to take over is not a major issue in the West. Particularly the US government knows some of the leaders of the opposition are US and west educated managers, lawyers and financiers. The US develops and studies biographies of opposition elements way before any election. This is a normal practice that they undertake in all countries, whether it is China, France, Nigeria or Ethiopia. They know in terms of education and experience, the opposition has a much more solid group than the government. They also know the ethnic mix of the people who won the election.

The concern they primarily have is would the opposition introduce instability by starting war with Eritrea and by radically revising the current constitution. The US cares primarily about stability and Meles has given them stability in the horn over the past decade, compared to Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia.

I do not think Meles would tell the US government that Hailu is inexperienced or Beyene and Yacob lack education. He would tell te west that they will start war with Eritrea to grab Assab, a rhetoric that is often heard from some opposition elements. I must say, with all due respect that the effort to educate the west and particularly the US about the educational and professiona background of members of the opposition party is ill informed.

Mamo Qilo

I believe the CUD/UEDF should form the minister of cabinet. To get USA support the parties should be abele to file their experience so far gained & Ethiopian consultants they would assign.

As to me, the federal system should base the ethnicity to get the confidence of the people concerned because we have the bad image of EPRDF’s 14 years dictatorship.


The whole party members should not concentrate on the fraud and related issues of election. By forming some committees they can work out in advance what they can do if they form a government, at least administer Addis Ababa. And they should disclose to the public and the rest of the world.

The parties should set their programs in detail and when to bring it in to effect. They should also provide sample amendments of constitution or proclamation they could make eg Press law, private electronics media, Investment laws/policy, Education policy etc WHEN IS MY BIG QUESTION specially private Electronics media permission. I am not Investor.


By the way PM Meles Zenawy was a rebel leader without having experience to administer other than guerrilla fighters. How come CUD/UEDF are said unable to govern a country.

Email: henokabe@yahoo.com

City: Nazret

The idea of forming shadow cabinet is noble, nonetheless I have my own doubt of the timing, as this might suggest and easily interpreted as the opposition are already accepting defeat and ready to be in the new parliament for the coming five years as an opposition party. In all fairness, if all the alleged rigged 299 or so are investigated the oppositions have equal chance of forming the new government, thus the timing of this proposition is not right for the reason stated. Having said this, had this had been done by the oppositions parties in the running of the election all the positive effect that have been mentioned by Ethiopianreview would be advantageous at such trying time.

Email: hassabu@hotmail.com

City: lon, uk

You should stick to your line of profession which is Journalism. Haven't you done enough damage. Ethiopian Review single handedly created more violence in Ethiopia than any organization I know of. If anybody should be charged for inciting violence, it should be the Ethiopian Review.

Now you are trying to encourage the opposition party to establish a puppet-government which will be readily available if the violence strengthens and the government is overthrown. I am sick and tired of people like you who do not contribute anything to the lives of the people except violence.

Why don't you use your forum to lobby for more financial support for Aids victims. How about mobilise the Ethiopians in the Diaspora to help the people who are dying of hunger.

As the Ethiopians say, "Ene Yemimot Zare Mata, Lame Yemtwolde Befilseta". Don't underestimate the power of influence you have. Use it for the right reason. Think of the consequences of your action. Always think of Ethiopian people FIRST. Not CUD, Not UEDF and Not EPRDF.

May God help Ethiopia !!!

City: USA

I support some of what Ato Mamo is saying. It is important for the opposition parties to assure both the international and national community that it would not take any controversial or destabilizing actions.

Ato He, is right that the focus should be on the Press law, liberalization of the economy, including privatization of land, privatization of telecommunication, etc. These are all popular and would get strong support both from the national and international community. These are actions that would help fight poverty and the support from the international community would be substantial. In this regard, the opposition should have a press release on what it intends to do and what it would not do in the next five years. It should avoid any controversial moves, including the Assab and Badme issues, etc. Let us fight poverty and find a way to work together. The press release should be well balanced both in tone and in substance.

When the international communities say CUD is an Amhara, it is more to suggest that it would promote what is perceived to be an Amhara agenda, including the issue of Eritrea/Assab and article 39 of the constitution. It is not necessarily to suggest
that CUD is represented by people from the Amhara ethnic group. This is a point that Ato Mamo seems to miss.

I think our focus should be less political and more economic centered on fighting poverty and AIDS. The opposition needs to assure both Ethiopians and the donnor community that this is its target and focus.

with best regards, Tariku Tessema

Email: ttessema34@yahoo.com

City: Wahington DC

I feel that it is very simple to compare and contrast the level of education and experience between the EPRDF posted members and the leaders in the opposition parties. Can anyone tell me what background did all the ministers and politicians of the EPRDF have the moment they controlled power to lead the country? If I am not mistaken it is incomparable with the status of the opposition members.

I share the idea suggested by Mamo Qilo that the doubt from all directions is that there will be a new war-era against Shabia to get control over the port. However the opposition parties declared that the question on Eritrea will be dealt with diplomacy. I also insist that the first target should be to stabilize the political situations and sustainable food security.

GeraGeru

Email: g_tariku@yahoo.com

City: Addis

I read the article with great interest and I can only say that, by now, we should all know better that the people of the opposition party are very matured,have great experiences and they are upto the job too. I have no doubt that they are prepared and will know what to do. But another thing that we all should understand is when we suggest some ideas, we should ask HOW these opposition party members could possibly communicate with the outside world when MELESE owns the media to the fullest. All we should do at this pointing time is to continue our struggle wherever we are and our hope is with you guys out of Etiopia. We should be able to have the world denocuce what MELESE is doing, just recently after he killed our sisters and brothers, he made the family members to sign a letter indicating that their child was killed when robbing a bank and even made them pay for the bullet found in the dead body of their loved ones. SO MAKE SURE THAT THE WHOLE WORLD KNOW ABOUT THIS EVIL's JOB.

Email: rahel1@yahoo.com

City: Addis Ababa

Well, well, well....

The idea is very great and timely one. But wouldn't be great if we leave the nomination thing for the CUD/UEDF? Let us only push them to announce the shadow cabinet as soon as possible. Let us give them a deadline if you like. Let us talk to the CUD/UEDF people first and know their idea on this. I hope Ethiopian Review could take this assignment. We trusted the CUD/UEDF people so we did vote them. As they have been working together very closely for long, they knew each other very well better than any one of us can say on them. So, let them form up themselves and get back to us. They can take ideas from prominent scholars if they like. I suggest if we can view the subject this way.

God bless Ethiopia,
Babu

To Fregenet,

I was to write a summary of your kind. But then, as I went through all the replies before me, I found it out that you did brief it superbly!

Email: mile5_002@yahoo.com

City: GV

A Ministry we don't need, and hopfully forever is Minitry of Information(it really is disinformation). An oversight commission modeled after FCC is more than enough...

City: Minneapolis

Hi,

I agree with the idea of 'nominating'. How do I do it, since I do not have biography of the candidates?

Sincerely,

Email: millab_@hotmail.com

City: canada

Fregenet,

although I share your thought regarding the readiness of CUD leaders to lead the country, I disagree with you about Mengistu and Meles having done it. I believe our new intellectual leaders are ready to do what our former "Leaders" were not able to do - Unit the Country and let democracy ring for the people of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is done with so-called leaders that lead the country to hell - "begimit".

Cheers!

I can not understand why the OPPOSITITION IS SHYING AWAY FROM FORMING A CABINET IN WAITING. oR AT LEAST THEY HAVE TO COME OUT AND TELL us what their views are on the issue. They are the legitimate representatives of the Ethiopian people. the people have voted for the opposition and want the leaders of the opposition to lead them from the front. The wOYANE FASCIST REGIME HAS been deafeted by an overwhelming majority:

THAT IS WHY it stopped vote results from being announced when it knew that it was loosing the election,
that is why it declared a state of emergency,
That is why it has banned public meetings,and freedom of speech
that is why it has continued to arrest the leaders of the opposition,
that is why it has massacred innocent Ethiopian youngsters in cold blood,
that is why it has continued to murder,,to kidnap, and torture the Ethiopian people,
that is why it is continuing to put thousands of PEOPLE IN PRISON,
that is why it has turned to murder and violence to maintain the power that It has lost in the ballot box.

Nk,

The struggle for democracy and against the fascist government is being led by the people, not by the political leaders. The so-called leaders are just following the people. They may be good technocrats and decent people, but they are not political leaders, with the conditional exception to Lidetu Ayalew.

nk-
Do you think the opposition party are shying away?

Last I heard, the opposition party leaders residence have been surrounded by police 24/7.
Their computers have been taken and I am sure their telephone conversation is being monitored or taken away. Then, how can they communicate to each other or to other Ethiopians about their plans?

I don't think they are and will ever be ready to handle the power in Ethiopia. Here is my reason.

If you remember few days a ago, UCD officials blatantly deny their organization was not behind the uprising in the last couple of weeks. Why would this organization did that if it thinks demonstration was acceptable? Or is the organiztion plaid a game on the people?

It is up to every Ethiopian to bring this question to the organization to get answer.

Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Email: GZemariame@aol.com

Guys, guys, guys,

The US government knows who is who on the opposition side. Why before the election the US knows who the key opposition figures are, what their level of education is, what their habits are in terms of drink and women, etc. This is a common practice. Leave alone open opposition leaders, with open CV and open life, they develop and keep the profiles of gorilla leaders who live under the guise of forests.

In addition to that they do what they call psychological profiling. Profile psychologists analyze the personalities of the key players in any movement. This is done through direct or indirect interviews, videos, and even studying body languages. You guys are trying to develop what the US is more than likely to have in much more details than you can possibly manage to compile. You do not need to tell or convince the US that Hailu, Merara Gudina, Berhanu etc are more experienced and educated than the current occupants of the state machinery in Ethiopia. They know that. After all te key leaders are educated in the US.

On forming the shadow government, I do not think at this stage we should do it. The opposition could be blamed for violating the spirit and the letter of the agreement it signed with EPRDF. Remember it was this Mamo Qilo who first recommended forming a government (May 28). Under the title "Pop Up the Volume," I suggested to forming a new government, including naming its cabinet members. The objective then was to keep the news in the international media. Remember the government's strategy at the time was to let the international news on Ethiopia die. Ours was to keep it alive and to pop up the volume. Now the situation is different in that the eyes of the world are focused on Ethiopia. I must say that I am not sure what the purpose of forming a shadow government would be. The disadvantage, as I noted above is that the opposition could be blamed for violating the spirit of the agreement. It would have detrimental consequence in terms of the opposition’s image at the international forum.

Some of you may say that it could be a confidence building measure to show the world what kind of leaders we can assemble. The confidence building measure is sorely missing, but the focus should be somewhere else. What the international community (read US, UK, EU) is worried is NOT the lack of experience of education of the opposition. What they are worried is about that the opposition may end up destabilizing the horn of Africa. That is what the opposition needs to come out and address.

Mamo Qilo aka
Bula Geberdin

Well, there is another fear CUD is only belong to one group Amahara and the U.S. does knows very well too. Another fear also if Melees loose at this time he can take his forces out, leave chaos who ever coming to the power I bet any one of you wants swallow this, since all of in kind climax. Ladies and gentle man if U.S. want to get ride off Melees just very simple but none of you still get key questin dummies. Oh another problem all of them are educated in U.S. yes might be when Tigrians wage war against Dereg they were chilling in WASHINGTON, guess what it’s your turn to lead us to Democracy from now, means liberty can’t justified without sacrifice!

The idea of a shadow cabinet is timely and deserves a serious consideration. I also believe that even if it is not officially announced, the shadow cabinet has been in the making. This is becoming clear from the nature of and programs of the coalition and the UEDF. Except those who are blinded by their contempt, it is crystal clear that the new team is capable and ready to carry out the leadership responsibility.

It puzzles me how some individuals suggest that a terrorist turned dictator (highschool graduate!!!) such as Meles and his woyane network is even comparable to those who proved themselves as leaders in various fields of expertise.

My observation and admiration of the opposition groups is their capacity to attract so many capable and respectable members. I would say with a grain of confidence that you can toss a coin and pick anybody in the MP elects of the opposition and he/she can prove to be a more capable leader than any Woyane cadres and its shadows. If a shadow cabinet is formed, it gives impetus to the fact that no minister can look eye-to-eye to such respected individuals both on argument and policy discourse and mostly they will hide behind the veils of cover ups. And yet it is time that the opposition group show to the world what it is made of.

Having said this, the top leadership positions need careful assessment of capabilities of the potential leaders who can deliever on the policies and programs of the parties and the expectations of the Ethiopian people. Besides the nominations and secondments, the potential candidates should express their strategies for their propsective positions to the members and the public in due course of time. When power is fairly distributed and decisions are guided by careful policy analysis, then there will be no need to concentrate decision making as is the case today and allow the cultivation of democratic decision making process.

Gojjamew,

You come across as fuming mad? Your masters expect you to keep your cool. Do not show your fear and anxiety. Remember that you are our termostat we use to measure the heat in which your masters are sizzeling.

Mamo Qilo

I think as Selam Yihun puts it Fregenet did brief it superbly!
I want to add one point here:

It is not that US is afraid of violence in Ethiopia or stability in the region etc.
It is not because US view is that the opposition is not ready to form a government!
Or the leaders of the opposition parties do not have governmental experience!
It is because US is looking for a yes man in Ethiopia!
If the US government is not confidence that the leaders of the opposition group will take order from Washington, then there will be no support from the US government!
US policy is primarily in the interest of US in the region. Period.
Meles got into power by kissing up to US.
Those who of as have seen Meles kissing up before he got the blessing orchestrated by Mr. Cohen.
He was portrayed as the mellowed Marxist on New York Times!
They did support a Marxist because they had a confirmation that he will take order with out hesitation!
US decision is based on US interest. Period.
Now, what should the opposition do?
That is a whole different question!
Arat-kilo

mamo qilo

do you really believe what you wrote? or are you just trying to provoke chichiq?

Arat Kilo,

Seriously, this is the most sensible message you have posted since I have started reading you. Beleive me I read most every thing that you worte and at times I enjoyed sparring with you. But this time I take your posting serious.

I will leave the form of your expression aside and adress the substance of your message, which is pretty much the same in substance to what I have been saying.
Who would have thought you and I would agree on substance?

First let me highlight where we disagrre in from than in substance.

You said: "It is not that US is afraid of violence in Ethiopia or stability in the region etc...." Stability is in the best interest of the US. It is concerned if not afraid of the oppositions policy on instability of the horn.

You said: "It is not because US view is that the opposition is not ready to form a government!
Or the leaders of the opposition parties do not have governmental experience!" We are 100% in agreement.

You further said: "It is because US is looking for a yes man in Ethiopia!" Sure. The US is the sole super power and would like to influence if not control different parts of the world. Particularly, in its fight against terrorism, the horn is a potential hotbed for terrorists. Ethiopia plays a stabilizing role in a region that is unstable considering the weak states in Eritrea and collapsed sate in Somalia.
In Eritrea the US knows that the government is tittering at the brink of collapse. Any puh from Ethiopia can leave Eritrea in a state of Somlia, collapsed and fragmented, a hotbed for terrorists, given its proximity with Sudan and Djibouty.
So it's understandable if the US desires or even makes sure to have a reliable partner in the horn. This is a politically correct way of saying a "Yes man"

You wrote: "If the US government is not confident that the leaders of the opposition group will take order from Washington, then there will be no support from the US government! US policy is primarily in the interest of US in the region. Period." You got this right.

You concluded by posing a question: "Now, what should the opposition do? That is a whole different question!"

This is indeed the question. The opposition needs to understand that getting rid of Meles requires understanding world politics and accepting the cruel reality that what the US says mostly happens. It is knowing this and playing it samrt that the opposition needs to do. There is no point in denying this almost universal truth.

Mamo Qilo

Tatari,

Why do not you try to show me the whole in my logic. My messages are inherently consistent both within themselves and with the world reality. They are logically constructed. Take a challenge and show me where you think it is wrong. Live up to your name and try to prove me wrong.

Mamo Qilo

Thank you tatari!
He is patronizing almost everyone in the forum!
He didn't spare his own left hand Jadu from it!
He should be exposed!

Now, he wants US to join the republican party!
He goes to say his wife is also a republican party!
Whats up with that Mamo?
Are you trying to say you and your family are better?
Or are you trying to say you have connection in high places?
We can tell from your messages that you have connections in Ethiopia with government officials, what is up with the US part of it?
Or are you trying to say your wife can write?
Well, good for you!
Let your wife right to the republican party, just do not include us!
Arat-kilo
!

Gojjamew

What type of sacrification the meleses had. Just give our port, negotiate with our land, create ethnic division and willing to give up any ethiopian interest as far as it helps to stay in power. If you don't question about your country interest as a leader but serve only others, I don't think it is surprising to get a name "progressive leader". DORON SYATALELAT BEMECHAGNA ...

Email: abera@hotmail.com

City: DC

ABSOLUTELY!! NO QUESTION about it.
They are more than ready.

can't you see even, THE ONE FROM CHAKA still act like in chaka and sat on the shoulder of Ethiopians. How can we ask such question? It should not be a question. Ofcourse, we have to be in their side in so many ways. But as those other dictators they didn't come with guns and bullets.

Dr. Yacob Hailemichael should be the Deputy minister.

ethiopia will rise, soon.
taye ariaya

Email: tariaya@hotmail.com

The opposition is ready to serve
with respect all Ethiopians who have
been denied their rights for the past
14 years.

Email: lakechsy@cox.net

City: Fairfax

Mamo, what is the spirit and the letter of the agrement b/n the EPRDF and the opposition? After you answer this question, I'll tell you where the whole in your logic is.

Tatari,

I suggest you read the letter of agreement.

Mamo Qilo

Email: mamoqilo@yahoo.com

I do not think that this bunch of people are ready to rule at this particular time. They may be immpressive as individuals, but they don't have the cohesiveness one sees in a well organised party. Their electoral success was a dissatisfaction with EPRDF. They have given mixed messages at their intention as to what they will do about various issues that confront the country, such as changing the constitution, taking over Assab port etc.
If any group that comes to power changes constitution, them we are going to have many changes and I think the end product of this will be that the country's survival will be in danger.
I think their chances are better in 2010, provided they stay together and transform themselves into a well operating party.
.

Email: Belew@email.com

Yes they can!!!!!!!!!!!
The opposition party memebers as we well know them, they are capable & willing to do. Because:-
1. They have full support from the people
2.They are from different disciplines.
3.They have come from urbun not form forest.

What I am tellinmg to my fellow Ethiopians is that, there are a lot of memebers who are not here, I mean people in dispora are also to be included here. So the opposition parties are not in shortage of manpower.
ast but not least, what is expected from the people of Ethiopia is to support them with financial, material & psychological.

Email: gone_p97@yahoo.com

City: Addis Ababa

Meles's regime has been paralized long time a ago & can't lead the country any more. Our people are fed-up to be ruled by dictcators. Both opposition parties have to form a shadow cabinet as soon as possible.
We will do our best & fasilate the tranition with our allies USA, Great Bratin, Germany, & All African
countries who are waiting to hear the good news from their "MAMA", the origin of all human races.
Ethiopia & her best friends have higly educated, & respeced visionioners all over the world, to promote democacy to the land of first humans origins.

Thank you,


Ethiopia loves you forever!!!






0UR GOD IS WATCHING EVERYDAY.



Thank you,


GOd bless you!!

Email: ebezuneh@sbcglobal.net

City: Chicago

One amendement on the shadow cabinet posting. It is Wzo Genet Zewdie the Minister for Education. She is not a doctor. Don't give her what she doesn't deserve.
Thanks.

Email: alemtat@yahoo.com

City: Addis Ababa

I don't know why you are questioning about the opposition forces. Was the Meles regime capable of leading the country? If so, you wouldn't have seen all the problems for the past 14 years. Was the Derge capable of leading our country? This is all the fact that you all know for clear. But now, we beleive that a better day will come because most of the CUD and UEDF members are edcuated and professional Ethiopians. Even from the many discussion that they hold on before the election Ethiopians got a better understand of who is who. Let us give them the chance and we will see what will be coming. The only thing that is expected from all of us is to advocate for the respect of the people's voice, not more than that. We are also pledging the international community to help us in this by pressing the ruling government. If the people's voice is respected, EPRDF is out of the game.

We know that God will hear the prayers and agonies of our people and there will come an end to this massacre and 'yabede' government.

Email: tez@hotmail.com

City: Addis Ababa

It amazes me! No it bamboozles me! No, No, No I hhould say it flabbergasts me to see people showing their excellent command of the obvious by stressing that the opposition is educationally and professionally more endowed than EPRDF.

With the exception of TPLF footsoldiers on this forum, we all agree that the opposition's credentials intellectually, educationally, professionally are an assailable. Anyone who has seen the tapes of the debate between EPRDF operatives and the opposition before the election, including EPRDF members, would know about the educational and professional fitness of the leaders of the opposition. EPRDF has one leader that is Meles. Everybody else is picked for his position based on his propensity to say yes before Meles finishes his order. US government without a doubt knows that the opposition is fit educationally and professionally. After all, many of the opposition leaders did their postgraduate studies in America. As I noted in an earlier message the US has dossier on each and every key political figure, including their psychological profile and preference for alcohol and women or men.

No one other than TPLF stooges question the readiness of the opposition to take over. Please do not spend your valuable time trying to convince them.

The issue we need to focus on is the policies that the opposition plans to institutionalize. Let us not waste our energy trying to convince the international public about what is too obvious. The issue is policy. Let the opposition inform and assure the international community that it would be a stabilizing force. To do this there is no better way than to let the international public now that (a) it would liberalize the economy and focus on fighting poverty. This is one area that both the national and the international public has been criticizing EPRDF. Second, inform and assure both the national and the international community that it would not take any controversial or destabilizing actions. Say it in black and white without any ambiguity.

Remember there are as many people within the country that are concerned/afaraid that the opposition may start to take things apart. This is particularly true about the Tigrayan community. Our policy should be to alienate Meles from them. That would be equivalent to sucking the oxygen from his lungs. So it makes sense both from national and international poits of view for the opposition to make a statement addressing well established and well articulated concerns.

Mamo Qilo

Dear Ethiopian,
We, Ethiopian Somali in North America, have met with many Senator and Congress Men and Women to explain that CUD only represent one and only one ethnic group Amahra and they do not have a good program to lead the country let alone to rule their region. On the other hand, they blamed other ethiopian to cover with ehtnicity while they do not even allow to power the ones who try to work with them. For example, they did not like to see in the power seat Beyene Betros and Merrara Gudina who are forced to set up their own party. OLF and ONLF have been painted to be terrosist in the eyes of Western World.
Moreover, the majority of Ethiopian support Meles Zenawi since they do not have other choice. That is to say, CUD was made of four parties who are working hard to bring the world of yesterday. That is why we are opposing their motif and they are hidding behind the name of Ethiopian and their principle is based upon Negede Gobeze who is thinking to plunge Ethiopian into violence, choas and misery.
CUd is not the right party until it included all Ethiopian in their organization.
Long Live EPRP and the only organization that brought jsutice to all Ethiopian

Email: shirdons@yahoo.com

City: Washington DC

Your intention is to make EPRP the center of discussion. It was too obvious and it will be ignored.

Mamo Qilo

I don't really know where this illusion of removing EPRDF takes us. What did we see in CUD's and others' election manifesto? What was their agenda in their election discourses? These questions would suffice to percieve the direction. CUD and the opposition were only reacting to EPRDF's failures. They never told us in black and white as to what their programs for the nation is. They basically dwelt on the premises of avoiding EPRDF. Yes, EPRDF has terribly failed and was not moving on the right direction. However, it has at least raised the level of consciousness among the traditional "under-dogs" in the Ethiopian politics -- the non-northerners especially.

No party, believe it or not, that fails to address the nations and nationalities issue (CUD) will ever assume internal legitimacy in Ethiopia. Poeople in the so-called diaspora may continue to day dream, but those of us who face everything firsthand can tell you from experience that the time for ignoring people's identity and only GLORIFYING THE OLD ETHIOPIA has elapsed never to return. Those who try to heap the past on Ethiopians, especially on CUD's platform, will only push the country into a bottomless pit.

Email: Jirru@yahoo.com

City: Finfinnee

Mamo Qilo,

It seems for me that you are one of the few persons in this forum who makes sense and produce graceful ideas. Please make sure your suggestions and strategies mentioned in this forum reach CUD/UEDF leaders. Why don't you write directly to them. OR are you already around them? I wish you are.

Babu from Addis.

I recommend the following persons to the following posts:
Dr.Negasso Gidada-Deputy PM
Dr.Yaekob H/Mariam-Minister of Justice
Paster Thehay Taddese-Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dr.Merera Gudina-Minister of Education
Dr.Hailu Araya-Min.of Capacity Building
Eng.Gizachew Shiferraw-Min.of Inf. Dev't.
Ato Bulcha Demekissa-Min.of Finance & Eco.Dev't.
Dr.Mulualem Tarekegn-Min.of Agriculture
Dr.Beyene Petros-Min.of Federal Affairs
Ato Bedru Adem-Min. of Labour & soc.Affairs
Ato Lidetu Ayalew-Min.of Information.

Email: mirkanataye@yahoo.com

City: Addis

if melese and his band of robbers, who had no experince in the working of government nor had any interaction with the regular folks but were given the logistic and financial support by the west to run the country by first destroying the military, the civil servant institution that took years to build, the economic and social fabrics of the country, is considered as a government, let a lone the opposition parties whose memebers are mature and highly educated with experince, a simple peasant has more sense and respect to govern the country than melese and his gangesters.

City: silver spring

Did Dr. Yaekob Hailemariam run for Parliament? If so, which constituency?

I think the discussion of whether or not the opposition is ready to govern is not an issue that will and should be decided by forums. The great thing about democracy is that each indivisual casts one vote and it is the sum of these votes (atleast in a proportional representation scheme) that will give legislators to form government.

There is a lot of confusion around the issue of ethnically well represented government. It is highly inlikely for any party (including EPRDF) to get a tigrean candidate elected in an oromo riding (constituency). The same holds true in any constituency except the major cities like addis ababa. Whether a party is ethnic based like EPRDF or otherwise, it will eventually represent all nationalities of Ethiopia. If there are x number of constituencies in oromia, I would think a huge majority of the electorates will be native to orormia. The same with the other regions. The question is: once a government is sworn in, how balanced the cabinet and other positions are in ethnic representation. As one indiviadual put it previously, cabinet positions are not necessarily filled by technocrats. It is the deputy position that normally requires knowledge and experience in the department.

I agree with some of the comments advising the opposition not to engane in drastic changes of the constitution. It is very unlikely for any elected government to go to war with its neighbours. Wars are generally used to divert attention by illegitimate governments at the expense of valuable human, financial and physical resources.

I will translate what Mr Meles Zenawi told reporters a few years ago when asked why he appointed Mr Ali Abdo to key position knowing that he lacked the smarts. He said: “We don’t care about the ability of the individual to perform in that capacity as long as he is loyal to EPRDF”.

Email: samuel_van@hotmail.com

City: Vancouver, canada

The question, Is the opposition ready? is wrong-headed. Such questions, at best, only cast doubts and generate reactions, as can be seen in the list of suggested candidates.

I am afraid we've been had by a more shrewd opponent.

Sustained proactive stance is what the moment demands. And in this regard, time is of the essence. Now that we have witnessed a sense of soidarity in city after city, what do we do next? Unless we manage to stay a step ahead of the game, our efforts may be doomed. We must remember the incumbents are calling the shots, setting the tempo, if you will. For example, the date for publishing election results has been pushed back, members of the opposition harassed and detained, demonstrations banned, etc.

I am hoping the opposition is not simply waiting for the date to transpire. After all, there is no reason or guarantee that it will not be extended once again.

The government's delaying tactics may be the greater threat to what has been achieved through the ballot box.

One way to allay the fears of the U.S. government is for the opposition at home and abroad to articulate their agenda in a concerted and civil manner. Fears on the part of the U.S. are real in that there is danger in a power vacuum, as was attested immediately following the disbandment of the governments of Emperor Haile Selassie and the Derg.

In other words, a bad government is better than no government.

In the end, experience in government has not been the sole determinant of assuming power in our part of the world. The test now is if the opposition can withstand pressures coming from within its ranks, between itself and the incumbent government, if it can garner support and understanding from the public at home and abroad, and if it can make compromises in the shortterm to advance a greater good in the longterm.

In image-conscious world, relevance depends on capturing the imagination of the public. The incumbents understand this so well that that they have mounted an effective public relations campaign. The opposition could not afford to do any thing less.

Email: mitiku_adisu@hotmail.com

Meles security haunts Lidetu Ayalew

Even woyane won't denay that the oppostion is full of well qualified people capable to lead the country to the right direction. But there are other things we need to address to the international media or to the concerned bodies.According to the Ethimedia.com, Meles security haunts Lidetu Ayalew. Engineer Hailue Shawl is followed by Melese forces, with plain clothes.

Email: abera@hotmail.com

City: DC

I am replying/commenting especially to mamo qilo's comments:

I am absolutly convinced by what that guy stated.

Guys, I have some four points to be discussed in this forum.

1 Today, the western countries, especially the US is running behind its own interests. We know that all the opposition committee members are highly qualified and well experienced. However, the big question comes whether these people really qualified to sustainably keep the US interests as the meles regiom does. I am not saying that these people are foolish of the western characteristcs'. What i am saying is having their deep intimacy and passion to their native country, they might go against the interests of the US and UK.

2. Although i agree with the creation of the so called shadow cabinet in ethiopia, it would be totally worst implication for the forth coming election investigation. In case they come up with such kind of low profile cabinet systems, the narrow minded regime would use this opportunity to fool the Ethiopian people as if the opposition were defeated/surrendered.

3. As we know, there is a basic difference between the opposition and the regime concerning the existing constitution. Therefore, if victory comes to opposition party, the amendment of the existing constitution is inevitable. And hence, the current parliamentary structure might also be changed to the easy and fruad free presidential system.

4.Moreover, as to my knowledge, the opposition parties have got their own thaught on this matter, and I think we better leave this issue to them at this stage. In general, our primary objective at this time is securing a fruad free election results

thanks,

W.T mekonnen

Email: wondu45@yahoo.com

Believe me no one is crying for EPDRF, but they are a known quantity and no one can predict what they will do for the enxt five years. Given the result of the recent election, I think they will work to improve conditions in the South and oromo regions. Thus they will maintain their electoral advantages.
CUD wants to change article 39, which is a very important article to non-Amhara peoples of Ethiopia.
Not only that this CUD does not have a clear policy that shows what they will do and how they will address the issues contained in above article.
In the long term all of us have to be able to accomodate each other, in a way that is legal, democratic and peaceful.
The driving motivation of some supporters of CUD is revenge and more or less nostalgia about the past.
I thisk those days are gone forever. Any attempt to bring them back will only facilitate the re-Abbysinianisation of Ethiopia.
If CUD to have wider acceptance they should build bridges to all opposition parties inside the country as well as outside the country; while at the same time keeping EPRDF's feet to the fire.
In the long term what is important is people living in this country feel owner of their country and feel have the power to make decisions that affect their lives. Any other thing that does not do this is going to to dissappoint the rulers themselves.
By the way Mamo Qilu has a good understanding of the situation and seems to have rational argument.

Email: Belew@email.com

Dear Ethiopians:
Where are the right of Muslim people in Ethiopia? You are only thinking in the mindset of North. do you have any leader from the 5 millions Somali Ethiopian ?
The answer is No. CUD does not represent us; therefore, we support Meles who put our right at the paper level and ask the people who are majority namely Somalis, Oromos, Afar and Gambelas to fight for it.
Lon Live EPRP

Email: shirdons@yahoo.com

City: Washington DC

Belew and Wendu Mekonen,

Thank you for introducing rational discussion into what otherwise appears to be an exercise in pure futility. Some of the analysis that we see on this forum seems to be no better than what comes out of TPLF’s militia intelligentsia. It is high in political rhetoric and emotion, and abysmally low in substance and rational analysis.

A I have noted before, the idea of forming an opposition shadow government including naming cabinet members came from me (May 28, Pop Up the Volume). It was a week later that that ER picked up on it. At the time it was a good idea to keep the news alive to counter the government’s strategy to let the news out of the international limelight by delaying the announcement of the results. Today it makes absolutely no sense and would even be counter productive, in light of the letter of agreement that the opposition has signed with the government. And forming shadow government is the purview of the leaders of the opposition, not the business of comical internet characters, going by the names of Arat Kilo and Mamo Qilo.

The opposition needs to use the down time until July 8 to build confidence both at home and abroad. Meanwhile I thing prudence suggests that this cabinet nomination exercise should stop.

Mamo Qilo

Ibrahim,

You ask where are Somalis among you? Did you try to join CUD? Did they refuse to accept you? You said Meles put your rights at the paper level. Do you think Meles would allow you to succeed, despite Article 39?

You come across as a very intillegent person who seems to be at a loss, who would color a whale green.

Mamo Qilo

Mamo, that's a good response to Ibrahim

The major problem that I have in this forum is the number of civilized posts that are being removed by the moderator, if they are found not to be in line with the views of the opposition, or if they question the opposition's integrity, or this website's integrity. And to be perfectly honest, if this site portrays the views and policies of the opposition (ie censorship et al), then I wish for nothing but for the existing government to remain in power as I cannot even imagine what could come with the opposition.

Dear editor and participants,

I think the discussion brought interesting and helpful ideas. Now I would like to suggest similar opinion sharing by gearing our simulation to ‘what if all possible diplomatic and so called ‘peaceful’ struggles fail mainly due to Western pressure?’

Then a kind of well thought and systematic move…say ‘everybody to clean its surrounding from Woyane so as to clean Ethiopia…or???...and how can this be done without direct involvement of CUD/UEDF?

Mammo Killo, please your valuable comments?

Email: thewodrosdires@yahoo.com

City: Addis Ababa

Good to see the comments from all of you. Many interesting ideas are raised. Thanks Mamo Qilo for your idea, concern and thoughts and also for responding to Ibrahim.

Something came across my mind, what if EPRDF is also included in forming the coalition government for the transition period and if the cabinet can be formed from members of CUD, UEDF, EPRDF and other winners. I think this will lead us to another venture. But we will face a difficulty when putting members EPRDF to the shadow cabinet and it will be 'ke zenjero konjo mem yemerartu'.

My suggestion for the cabinet:

Dr. Merara Gudina - Prime Minister
Enginer Hailu Shawel - Dputy PM
Dr.Yaekob H/Mariam - Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dr.Befekadu Degefe - Minister of Education
Dr.Hailu Araya - Min.of Capacity Building
Ato Birhane Mewa - Minister of Trade and Industry
Engineer Gizachew Shiferaw - Minister of Infrastructure
Dr Negaso Gidada - Ministry of Justice
Dr.Mulualem Tarekegn - Minister of Agriculture
Dr.Beyene Petros - Minister of Federal Affairs
Ato Bedru Adem -Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
Dr Tadeous - Minister of Health
Pastor Tsehay - Minister of Revenue
Ato Lidetu Ayalew - Minister.of Information.
Ato Debebe Eshetu - Deputy to Min. of Information
Addis Ababa City Mayor - Dr Berhanu Nega

What do you think?

Email: tez@hotmail.com

City: Addis Ababa

"despite its repugnant features, the Marcos regime benifitted from staunch U.S. support virtually until its final days when, in 1986, it was thrown out on a POWERFUL WAVE OF POPULAR OPPOSITION." and what did U.S said to Marcos? "we stand with the Philippine".For havens sake dont under estimate our people power. It is the most effective wapen to bring change.No need to travel to brussel and d.c. for appeasment!

Silly Recommendation

When you recommend a shadow cabinet so that the oppositions could get ready to avoid power vacuum between EPRDF’s exit and the formation of a new government, you have missed one basic factor. Time! You should have indicated the time when a new government could be formed.

If the time you might have in mind is right now, the oppositions have not won the confidence of the majority. If you are thinking of the forth election, even then they have to get a majority vote. Therefore formation of a new government by the oppositions is not an urgent issue. They are already preoccupied with the issue of violence. Therefore wouldn’t it be wish to you to arrange some sort of appointment with the oppositions leaders so that you can have access to advice them on how to avoid violence. Fell free to tell them this. They won’t benefit from violence as the defence forces are not in a position to give chance for any sort to violence.

Last but not the least, you garbages who second the forum’s recommendation, don’t you have any other profession than exchanging sheer nonsense which has no connection with the reality inside Ethiopia?!

Dear Ibrahim Shirdon,

If I am not wrong you are the guy who emailed then called VOA. From your message to VOA I understood that you have not a clear idea about who is who and totally confused about the situation in Ethiopia. I heard you complaining all the time that CUD doesn't have Ethio-Somali members in his party and so on. But for your information in August, 2005 one of the opposition party that participates in the election in Somali region is CUD. Actually there are only 2 opposition parties that will be participated in your region and one of them is CUD. Don't you think this is a plus from their side?

Not only this. There are so many issues that you raised and show that you are biased by some EPRDF(EPRP) messengers in your area. Try to read more about all parties. Different news and Ethiopian politics related sites. The place where you currently live gives you better access to all sorts of information; of course, if you have interest to know. Please, don't go only for gossips and tale-tales. Communicate with different ethiopian ethnic groups, discuss your doubts, try to listen different opinions and analize, read each parties programs, visit websites of people with different political affiliation, go to forums and see the majority peoples view, and best of all be positive; and open yourself to welcome changes. Sometimes it's fear of losing what we currently have (whether it is bad or good) that pulls us back and prevents us see the beter. We have to learn to see outside the box.

By the way, Mr. Meles that you cherish very much and defend about his ethnic sensitivity once in a meeting said the following "Ene yeselchegn yeamara teretina yesumale kilil budget new"; that is "I am tired of Amhara's proverb and Somali region's budget". This is the man you praise almost as saint. So don't deceive by his empty talk and constitution. Even the best constitution needs real applicators, otherwise it's nothing. I live in Ethiopia and I tell you that what EPRP/EPRDF does and says are never the same.

By the way, the majority never voted for EPRDF/EPRP. Even in Tigray where the counting showed 100%, they were never favourable by all the people. If they were allowed other parties to participate there, we would have seen a complete different story.

Best wishes

Pls include others from EPRDF like Girma Beru and others from abroad like Aregawy Berhe. in short let me tell U there are many briliant people. even you can think of OLF members from outside.
Potential Nominee for the position of listed below or above by other messangers are well seen.

Prime Minister: Dr Merar Gudina.
Deputy Prime Minister: Engineer Hailu Shawl.
Minister for Foreign Affairs: Dr. Berhanu Nega.
(Deputy Goshu Wolde)
Minister of Industries: Dr Hailu Araya.
Minister of Justice: Dr Negasso Gidada
Minister for Defense: Ato Mohammad Omer
Miniter for Capacity Building:-Dr Beyene Petros
Miniter For Education: Dr. Yacob H/mariam
(Deputy Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam)
Minister of Social Affairs: Prof Tomas Tholcha
Minister for Finance: Ato Bedru Adem.
Minister for Health: W/ro Almaz.

Email: agegnehub@yahoo.com

City: A.A

Hi LeDenbarawoch,

Are you trying to tell us that you guys got the majority? We know this story of yours from your bosses, so no need to repeat it. I think the loosers are the one that use military forces on civilians because they know that it is very hard to win the people with your kind of trushy politics. So you continued your arrest, harrassement, false propaganda and so on. If you are sure that you won, why do you have to do all these nonsenses that give you more hatred from people?

Hey guys, if you think that you are smart and you win by the meanses I mentioned above, you are wrong. The people are smarter than you think and they know who is violent and who is not. BINGO!!!!

What granttes that all known cabinet are not prosecutted?
how are you going to select those nomines when most of MPs-electors are in prison, escaped, and killed?

Do you thing Ethiopian People will acept the Meles Regime even for one day when offically declared that EPRP is winner? i think no.

Do you think in the presence of Meles is possibile? others Ok.

Why did not Ask such questions USA by the time when TPLF went in.?

What the USA and other world fear is about Al kaida or terrorisim in East Africa and The War Against Eritira on the Assab issue. But I am sure all Ethiopian PEople will Assure them no War with Eritira and No Terrirosm. it is only Meles who is creating under ground this matters. I am sure the world will sorrow if Meles starts interhamye. take the students in prison they are making call to all world people.

Email: agegnehub@yahoo.com

City: A.A

It is obivious that democracy is meaningless in the eyes of the ruling party unless it is their victory!!!

We Ethiopians must apply to the ALMIGHTY GOD of Abraham, Isaak, and Jakob!!! God is the right judge over all human beings.Only God can remove Meles Zenawi or any unwanted leader.We ethiopians must know that God loves us equal to the Israelis!!!
'ARE YOU NOT LIKE THE ETHIOPIAN TO ME,O PEOPLE OF ISREAL.' (Amos 9:7)

Email: israelwa@walla.co.il

beza berza, you said it sister! we must stop looking up to brussels and washington for help. it will never come. the only one who can liberate ethiopia are ethiopians at home. let's support those individuals and groups who are willing to lead the people to victory.

I am with ouy tatari!
Arat-kilo

Those who question the ability of the opposition to lead the next government don't know the meaning and processs of democratic election and the due process of establisshing a democratic government. Neither Derg or EPRDF were having the ability to effectively run a new government if the meaning of readiness is to mean effective and efficient ability to lead a government. Efficiency comes in due time experience of acquiring good governance and transparency? For this it is a universal truth that a democratically elected government has good governance with utmost transparency that a tyrant government led by a brutal and dictator leader like Meles Zenawi and his accomplis Bereket Simon.
After allwho are the present EPRDF Politburo men who are ruling Ethiopia In the Council of Ministers lead by Meless Zenawi the Prime Minister?
Bereket Simon Minister of Information - a high school student, Adiisu Legesse - an elementary school teacher in Gondar, or Teffera Walwa, Elementary teacher through the 'Digoma' program? Who is that outsanding elite who claims himself or herself in Meles cabinet dynamic enough to run the government efficiently? No one. All are ignorants who led the nation for 14 years by the fact that they controlled the nation through armed struggle and not by popular mandate or their readiness to run a government with efficiency and transparency. We know it, they know it and the whole world is the witness. You can counter check my saying with the comments given by the World Bank, IMF, EU and other International organizations, bilateral institutions on yealy performance of Meles Government on loans and grants utilization as well as government performance efficiency.
I assure any body who question the readiness of the opposition to lead the next government. As the opposition is elected by the majority popular vote, it has the whole potential of recruting and appointing effective goverment service men and women in less than a month. It would be unwise to appoint a shadow cabinet from now. I would rather due it after the opposition secures the majority vote it acquired through the popular vote legally. The question of cabinet formation would be done through a debate and open exercise of nomination, merit and demerit debate made by the people and the new parlament in a transparent process.
Dear Ethiopians, people and governments of the world the problem we are facing in Ethiopia is not the readiness of the opposition to form a shadow government, but DEMOCRACY, JUSTICE and FREEDOM in Ethiopia. If all work towards insuring these three in Ethiopia we have a peaceful, democratic nation that adds to the democratic and freedom loving nations of the world. The shadow government quetion doesn't change the dilema we are facing right now.

City: DENVER

Those who question the ability of the opposition to lead the next government don't know the meaning and processs of democratic election and the due process of establisshing a democratic government. Neither Derg or EPRDF were having the ability to effectively run a new government, if the meaning of readiness is to mean effective and efficient ability to lead a new government. Efficiency comes in due time experience of acquiring good governance and transparency. For this it is a universal truth that a democratically elected government has good governance with utmost transparency than a tyrant government led by a brutal and dictator leader like Meles Zenawi and his accomplise Bereket Simon.
After all who are the present EPRDF Politburo men who are ruling Ethiopia in the Council of Ministers lead by Meless Zenawi, the Prime Minister? Check them out:
1. Meles Zenawi, President and later P.M, a second year medical student at the time of power taking. Off course, he acquired his MBA through correspondence school lately.
1. Bereket Simon, Minister of Information - a high school student,
2. Adiisu Legesse, Deputy Prime Minister - an elementary school teacher in Gondar,
3. Teffera Walwa, Minister of capacity Building - an elementary school teacher through the 'Digoma' program.
Who is that outsanding elite who claims himself or herself in Meles cabinet dynamic enough to run the government efficiently? No one. All are ignorants who led the nation for 14 years by the fact that they controlled the nation through armed struggle and not by popular mandate or their readiness to run a government with efficiency and transparency. We know it, they know it and the whole world is the witness. You can counter check my saying with the comments, on reports given by the World Bank, IMF, EU and other International organizations, bilateral institutions on yealy performance of Meles Government on loans and grants utilization as well as government performance efficiency, good governance and transparency.
I assure any body who question the readiness of the opposition to lead the next government that the opposition is in deed ready to lead the next government better than EPRDF. As the opposition is elected by the majority popular vote, it has the whole potential of recruting and appointing effective goverment service men and women in less than a month. It would be unwise to appoint a shadow cabinet from now. I would rather do it after the opposition secures the majority vote it acquired through the popular vote legally. The question of cabinet formation would be done through a debate and open exercise of nomination, merit and demerit debate made by the people and the new parlament in a transparent process.
Dear Ethiopians, people and governments of the world the problem we are facing in Ethiopia is not the readiness of the opposition to form a shadow government, but DEMOCRACY, JUSTICE and FREEDOM. If all work towards insuring these three in Ethiopia we have a peaceful, democratic nation that adds to the democratic and freedom loving nations of the world which strengthens the anti-terrorist camp of the world. The shadow government quetion doesn't change the dilema we are facing right now.

City: DENVER

amhara keep dreaming of assab u will never see it,while u dream , oromo, ogaden,siddama will all be free.

Email: mahari5@aol .com

City: london

Mahari-
Don't start pancking yet. Your time will come.
One thing at a time.

Why are you wasting your time here? Why don't you go and fight for your own people to have freedom. I've heard your people are miserable, living under Meles' cousin leadership.

To our tigrian brothers and sisters,
Please do not be a tool for weyanes sinister agenda to destroy ethiopia. you will be served a lot more respectfully along other ethiopians with weyane gone to the dust bin. weyane is not doing you any good except causing you to have major frictions with other ethnic groups. As of right now, ethiopians hate weyane not tigrians. but if things start getting uglier you will be victims of gross hate because you didn't do anything when ethiopia needed your help.

Email: ****

City: ******

Dear Mahari

You forgot one sole people from the list of the liberations you mentioned. The liberation of Afar and its people from ER. Then we shall see who will be land locked. Don't forget Afar starts from Dahilak all the way down the Red sea coast up to Dijibuty. Make a big note that Massawa and Assab both belong to Afar and its people and not to the 'Kebessa' People.

May Alah bless Afar and Ethiopian people!

City: DENVER

Yes! The opposition are ready to lead the country to a better future. Unlike the leaders in office today, which lacks enlightenment, and vision and wishes to serve the people as patronage not as part of the political process. In the contrary most of the opposition leaders are capable and with a proven capacity at different levels (as an academician, as leader at national and international capacity) who wants to bring a difference into the Ethiopian political, economic and social environment with the support from the people of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

Email: t.dessie@cgiar.org

City: Addis Ababa

Yes they can do that!!!!!!! oh yea !!!! these bunch of dergue left overs who had been killing and ruling the ethiopian public with mengistu and his acomplices.
PM enginner hailu shawl
deputy colenel mengistu hailemariam
foreign minister GOshu wolde
propaganda yayeh yirad kitaw

Email: shalmel@freemail.et

City: Addisaba

Yes I agree with you there are some leftovers which I prefer to call them early dropouts but I am convinced that they learn from their past experiences and mistakes. In the mean time we have to be practical and positive that there are new bloods in Ethiopian politics including Birhanu, Yakob, Lidetu etc. As to working with Derge there are even people working in both Derge and EPRDF and I have no problem if they work even with the opposition given they are important in the country politics. For that matter there are also some leaders that Ethiopia and Ethiopians need from EPRDF.

Selam walu

City: Addis Ababa

If this a suggestion for CUD+UEDF TO form gornment?

In this case it's applauded and EPRDF is going to be a minority and oppositon.

Can someone clear it to me??