A new CUDP (Kinijit) is in the process of being formed. Those leading this effort are individuals who have now joined parliament against their party’s original decision to boycott. Their meeting took place just two days after the U.S. Charge d’Affairs to Ethiopia gave a peculiar press conference where she praised the Meles government for its “decision to accept the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy as a legal party” and at the same time called on the government and the opposition (mainly the CUD, whose entire leadership is in prison) to commit to the political process. Since Ms. Huddleston is fully aware of the political space that is available for the imprisoned leaders, we can only assume that she is referring to a newly constituted CUDP that excludes the imprisoned leaders.
Meles’ motive in this regard is clear; with the entire leadership of the CUDP in prison, a new Party made of people that have acquiesced to his demands to join parliament would be more manageable and can go a long way to restore his “democratic” credentials. It is no coincidence that the bearer of this “good news” is the Charge d’Affairs who has been working tirelessly to ensure a “vibrant” but hollow parliament. Cushioned in appeasing words for supporters of the real CUDP, her statement was read as a change of heart in the U.S. administration’s position. But in reality when the EPRDF or Ms. Huddleston said CUDP will be recognized, neither meant the original party but rather a new fabrication that includes some members of the original.
It is no wonder then that as part of her speech, the Charge d’Affairs instead of calling for the release of the prisoners merely expressed a wish that they would be released, and called for the continuation of the pseudo-legal theatrics that Meles is orchestrating. Surely Ms. Huddleston is aware that wishes alone will not pressure Meles into releasing anyone. By going on the record to state that the courts should decide the issue [quickly or not], she is saying that the U.S. administration washes its hands off the same individuals that Amnesty International calls prisoners of conscious. It can not be lost on her or the State Department that such a move will only give Meles a free hand to keep the true leaders of CUDP languishing in prison and out of the picture. In the mean time, those whom Meles believes can be kept in check are allowed to hijack the party that had gained so much popular support.
We think that the move by the Ethiopian government and the speech by the Ambassador are precipitated by the need to release some of the pressure building up against Meles in the U.S. Congress due to HR 4423. That the speech by Huddleston was made just a few days after Yamamoto testified at the subcommittee hearing is further evidence that this is an out strategy for Meles. The State department and Congress are on two opposing paths in regards to Ethiopia. If HR 4423 was to pass as law, it would seriously diminish what the administration can do for Meles. Aware of this dilemma the path chosen by the State Department is to encourage Meles to solve the problem but in a way that suits him. The EPRDF is skilled at creating Political Parties that hijack the will of the people and are totally under its influence. It is sad that the State Department and the U.S. embassy would find a move which effectively allows Meles to choose who can be an opposition worthy of praise. Neither the speech by Huddleston in regards to the court process nor allowing an EPRDF made CUDP to operate will solve the current impasse. We have to wonder, what is the State Department thinking?
Meles’ motive in this regard is clear; with the entire leadership of the CUDP in prison, a new Party made of people that have acquiesced to his demands to join parliament would be more manageable and can go a long way to restore his “democratic” credentials. It is no coincidence that the bearer of this “good news” is the Charge d’Affairs who has been working tirelessly to ensure a “vibrant” but hollow parliament. Cushioned in appeasing words for supporters of the real CUDP, her statement was read as a change of heart in the U.S. administration’s position. But in reality when the EPRDF or Ms. Huddleston said CUDP will be recognized, neither meant the original party but rather a new fabrication that includes some members of the original.
It is no wonder then that as part of her speech, the Charge d’Affairs instead of calling for the release of the prisoners merely expressed a wish that they would be released, and called for the continuation of the pseudo-legal theatrics that Meles is orchestrating. Surely Ms. Huddleston is aware that wishes alone will not pressure Meles into releasing anyone. By going on the record to state that the courts should decide the issue [quickly or not], she is saying that the U.S. administration washes its hands off the same individuals that Amnesty International calls prisoners of conscious. It can not be lost on her or the State Department that such a move will only give Meles a free hand to keep the true leaders of CUDP languishing in prison and out of the picture. In the mean time, those whom Meles believes can be kept in check are allowed to hijack the party that had gained so much popular support.
We think that the move by the Ethiopian government and the speech by the Ambassador are precipitated by the need to release some of the pressure building up against Meles in the U.S. Congress due to HR 4423. That the speech by Huddleston was made just a few days after Yamamoto testified at the subcommittee hearing is further evidence that this is an out strategy for Meles. The State department and Congress are on two opposing paths in regards to Ethiopia. If HR 4423 was to pass as law, it would seriously diminish what the administration can do for Meles. Aware of this dilemma the path chosen by the State Department is to encourage Meles to solve the problem but in a way that suits him. The EPRDF is skilled at creating Political Parties that hijack the will of the people and are totally under its influence. It is sad that the State Department and the U.S. embassy would find a move which effectively allows Meles to choose who can be an opposition worthy of praise. Neither the speech by Huddleston in regards to the court process nor allowing an EPRDF made CUDP to operate will solve the current impasse. We have to wonder, what is the State Department thinking?
3 comments:
The best the new CUD can achieve is what Merara and Beyene achived; be easily forgotten by the people, and help legitimize meles internationally.
Americans, specally the one in state department, see Meles a man in charge who can force his will in the region. So with out wasting their dear tax many he present him self the best alternative. Sure Meles is doing what he is doing be simple brute force. But if Ethiopan people could get a sharpend knife let alone a gun they will chase this deformed in human skin Meles hang him down line Mussolini. The only worry is that he will make mess for many of his followers but they will not last.
Meles Zenawi is just a tool used by the west to kill inocent Muslims in the Ogaden and Oromia. It is also carrying out Genocides accros the globe.Over 1.5 million Ogadens have been killed throught starvation and mass killings.Unless we stop these criminals nations like United Kingdom and United States Africa will always be in turmiol Blair.Africans need to understand that taking money from the west to kill other African is not in their best intrest. Ugandha needs to get rid of its dictator Mugabe.
Post a Comment