Thursday 18 October 2012

D-Day: The Ethiopian Type


During World War II, Nazi Germany invaded several key spots in Northwest Europe including France. To ‘check’ Hitler's aggressive expansion and then abolish his rule once and for all, a number of countries including the UK, USA, and surprisingly Ethiopia formed a military front, dubbed as the Allied forces. Operation Neptune was the name of the military campaign that sought to oust Nazi forces from Europe, first from France, particularly from the area known as Normandy. The operation did not initially set a specific day for attack and was simply called D-Day. Finally, June 6, 1944 heralded the beginning of the largest allied military operation ever against Nazi. Thousands of ships, tens of thousands of planes, and hundreds of thousands of ground forces participated. In just three months, the entire Normandy and then Paris were freed and that effectively ruined Hitler’s dream of becoming a world leader. Every year in June, the D-Day is remembered and gains large media coverage in the West.


How does the D-Day concept relate to Ethiopia?  Although Ethiopia was considered as one of the Allied forces against Nazism, my usage of the term now is totally different. As the West have a shared understanding when it comes to D-Day, there appears to be a story and a developing usage of “D” in Ethiopian politics. Disagreements within political parties often ended up with cloning- creating new parties that have almost identical vision and mission with original parties. The newly formed groupings will then add the suffix D- to indicate that they are democratic- to their names. Tesfay GebreAb described it this way:

“D” በመጨመርተገንጥያለሁየሚለውን ነገር የጀመረው ኢህአፓ ነው መሰለኝ። ኢህአፓ ምን ያልጀመረው ነገር አለ? ከኢህአፓ “D” በሁዋላ እንኳ፣ ስንት “D” ተመልክተናል? ቅንጅት“D” ኦብኮ“D” ኦርቶዶክስ“D” መጅሊስ“D” ታላቁ ሩጫ“D” ኦነግ“D” ግንቦት 7“D” እግዜር ይቅር ይበለን። “D” የተባሉ የከሰሩ ፖለቲከኞችን ዲክታተር ከመሆን እግዜር ይጠብቃቸው።ካልበላሁት ልበታትነውከተባለው መንፈስ ይሰውራቸው። በእኔ በኩል እምነቴ የተለየ ነው። ከቻሉ ከእናት ድርጅታቸው ሳይወጡ ከውስጥ ሆነው ቢታገሉ፣ ካልቻሉ ግን የራሳቸውን አዲስ ራእይ ነድፈው፣ የራሳቸውን አዲስ ስም ቢያስተዋውቁ ይመረጣል።

While I have reservations with Tesfaye’s relaxed use of D, I concur with his general idea. That Ethiopian opposition and now even the ruling party (though not checked for credibility) seem to have their Plan B, to declare cessation and form new parties that just add D to the names of original parties. The major argument put forward by cloned parties (which I called them D-parties) is that their original parties are homes of dictatorial leaders and hence the best way of avoiding that is through forming new parties. They often mention how leaders of original parties inappropriately behave in decision making, planning, and implementation.

D-parties unjustified

I am a strong advocate of democracy, the rule of law, and presence of alternative voices but when it comes to D-parties, I do have serious reservations. I rather claim that forming D-parties is not the right way to fight injustices and to bring democracy. I also conclude that D-parties are not contributing any better to Ethiopian politics for the following grounds.

  • Those who cry that original party leaders are dictators are themselves making a fallacy; they say that their voices could not be heard. The implication is that they would want to hear their own voices alone following the formation of D-parties. We have so far seen nothing from D-parties that goes any closer to democracy. The only difference is that defectors are turned to be top leaders of D-parties.
  • Dissenters (defectors) used to have shared understandings of the vision and mission of their mother/original parties. That is why they in the first place decided to join original parties. If one has a working understanding and belief in the overall goal of a party, there is no need to form a new one. We should not expect complete agreement in all facets of political life.
  • Forming D-parties seem to shake the resource base of original parties. D-parties unnecessarily compete with their mother parties for members, resources and name. The ugly thing is that the competition is not made fairly; they often must open a protracted campaign to assassin the integrity and prospect of original parties. This benefits no one except the top leaders of the D-parties and the governing party.
  • That new parties just add “D” to original names really creates confusion to the general public. It is ambiguous to join or support either party. In the process, it is hard to ensure accountability.
  • Forming D-parties kills public motivation to get involved in politics. 
  • D-parties just frustrate the public. Several people seem to consider opposition parties as hopeless, powerless, disorganized, and fragmented and the like. D-parties must be the first to take this blame.
  • D-parties retard and at best kill opposition politics much more than what EPRDF does to the latter.

 So what?

So far, we do not see meaningful contribution from the opposition mainly because of their divisive nature. Parties attribute their failure to the narrow political playing field arranged by EPRDF. In reality, the opposition is committing suicide and the government’s pressure is just secondary. That is mainly why several Ethiopians do not want to be members and/or regular supporters of opposition parties. If the existing scenario is not changed, it is unlikely that we will have a strong opposition that can shake the integrity of EPRDF. Given the current political fabric, it is easier to conclude that EPRDF may undergo metamorphosis from within than from outside.

Should we continue watching the opposition drama? I bet not. Every concerned Ethiopian must try her/his best to discourage the formation of D-parties and encourage democratic practices within original parties. We need to hold the opposition responsible and accountable in several ways. We argue that the West should reconsider their loan and aid policies to Ethiopia, on the ground that democratic systems and practices should be put as preconditions. That sounds logical and being responsible but we have to play fair. Our support to the opposition must be conditional, too. We can use multifaceted mechanisms to discourage D-party formation and encourage truly democratic opposition parties. We need to reconsider our belief systems and support mechanisms related to Ethiopian politics and the opposition, particularly. 
  • Do not support morally, financially or in anyway available the formation of D-parties
  • Boycott conferences, workshops, seminars, and campaigns organized by D-parties
  • Stop spreading via email, Facebook, blogs and other means the formation of D-parties 
  • Call for democratic and transparent practices in original/opposition politics
  • Accept that disagreements are common and believe in majority vote
  • Give priority to the public good (democratic governance) than to personal interests and whims
  • Discourage within parties the formation of networks that rely on kinship, language, and ethnicity
  • Encourage maximum participation during decision making and planning
  • Mediate any form of conflict within parties quickly
  • Make financial contribution to democratic and transparent parties only
  • And generally oppose the opposition for any form of injustice


Conclusion

D-parties, created by the opposition itself and the ruling party, are not good additions to Ethiopian politics.  They are among the main factors that pull back the already messy political culture. It is better to fight for justice while being within the original parties. That fight must be genuine and be free from creating networks that base on ethnicity or any other socio-economic variable. The fight must base on principles of democracy, rule of law, and freedom. If that is impossible and if one really feels the formation of new party could push the struggle a step forward, considering cessation may be the final resolution. If that is chosen, utmost care must be taken not to blackmail and push down original parties. But for now, D-parties could best be considered as an 'appendix' to Ethiopian politics.    


43 comments:

  1. le ezih comment yelewm yalew manew.
    Eyetebeqn new metegnat yelem.
    Getachew

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Teklu. You are absolutley right, no more D-Party.

    Yoseph

    ReplyDelete
  3. you're in reality a excellent webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It kind of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you've done a fantastic job in this subject!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi every one, here every person is sharing these familiarity, so it's good to read this blog, and I used to pay a visit this website every day.
    Also visit my website ... engineering internship students

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Teklu,

    I really enjoyed reading your interesting article/analysis on the above. I totally agree with it and in your suggestion on what to do regarding D-parties and opposition politics in Ethiopia. As you rightly indicated from the time of EPRP to this day we have seen parties splitting and ultimately causing their own demise. EPRP killed itself more than Mengistu has done to its demise. The same happened to Kinjit, Hibret, UDJ, G7, the list goes on.

    I believe Kinjit (or even Hibret) would have been, not only a big political force by now, but power contender and an alternative party waiting at the wings. Especially now when EPRDF is in a shaky position. No wonder the Ethiopian people are now losing hope with the opposition parties whose main task is squabbling and forming splinter groups.

    I hope opposition groups(sometimes difficult for me to call them parties as most of them do not reflect party structures, systems and profiles, but a mere collection of individuals with their own interest in mind) may read your piece and review their behaviours. Or else there is no way forward to remove EPRDF from political power.

    Many thanks and kind regards


    Kibru

    ReplyDelete
  6. Selam Teklu,

    I like your premise to avoid fragmentation. However, in order to enforce such practices we need to give people an incentive to stay in such parties given the simple concepts that are common to all.

    The ideal way to enforce such cohesiveness can only be achieved if we have an organization that supports existing parties and discourages splinter groups.

    One of the options is to create an Ethiopian forum or PAC that promotes Ethiopian interest at home and abroad. Such a PAC can moderate or control the behavior of the U.S. and EU policy towards Ethiopia and use our political and economic muscle in the U.S. to promote unity by contributing to organization that adhere to these principles.

    Currently, there is a movement to form a political pack similar to AIPAC or other groups such as the Cubans, Armenians etc. that have served the groups interest in the U.S. and abroad.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amazing! Its genuinely awesome article, I have got much clear
    idea regarding from this post.

    ReplyDelete
  8. appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the web
    the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked
    while people consider worries that they plainly don't know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  10. The USDA аnd οther fooԁ ѕafety
    еxperts recommеnd leavіng pizza out at room tеmperature for
    no more than two hours. Τhat's right, no buying that sorry excuse for pizza dough at your local grocery store; we're talking the real deаl heге.
    It also containѕ asoгbіc аcid, beet
    powdeг, dry уeаst, defatted soy flour, malic аcid,
    monоcalcium phosphаte, modifieԁ corn starch, natural flavors, rehyԁrated enzуmе modified сheese, ѕodium bicarbonate, soгbitan mοnѕteаrate, and хanthan gum.


    My site :: pizza Pan avon ohio
    My website :: pizza pan ashtabula

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great blog right here! Additionally your site lots up fast!
    What host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate link for your host?

    I desire my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Feel free to surf to my weblog; social.24prestiti.com
    my web page :: networkingsocial.info

    ReplyDelete
  12. From thе glasѕ bloωіng mаnufacturіng unіt that iѕ even now іn proceԁure,
    to a ѕtаy bakегу wheгe by you can bakе yоuг have goοdies,
    runnіng farms that you can look at anԁ feeԁ the animals, and opeгating potteгy mills.
    This Florіԁa tenting lοсalе is suitable for a гelatives
    οn a price range on thе gгоundѕ
    thаt it is геаsοnаblу prіced foг
    thе Oгlаndo аrea anԁ hοωever it is ѕhut to all the principal attгaсtions
    lіke Disney. You сoulԁ quite ρossіbly be the cause of obstructіons
    in your father's achieving success.

    my homepage; hazblog.com
    my webpage :: url.org

    ReplyDelete
  13. Eѵerythіng is ѵery open with
    a cleaг descriptіon of the challеnges.
    It ωas гeally informative. Your ωebѕite is useful.
    Thanks fοr sharing!

    Αlsο visit my blog - zagadywacz.pl

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hеllο thеrе! Do you use Twіtter?
    I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm undoubtedly enjοying your
    blog and look forward to new posts.

    Μу ωeb blog ... augen lasern

    ReplyDelete
  15. My ѕpirit moved away аbout 3 уrs well
    before my entire body experienсed thе courage to aѕ a final point finish this
    sagа, and I dіd discover I was more dеsігаble
    beеn given іn the metropolis I last but not least
    situated to and аѕ for the goοd fortune I was trying to get, ӏ leaгned whаt Joѕeph Cаmpbell wrote was
    true: &#8220Your entire phуsіcal stгategy is аware that
    thiѕ iѕ the wаy tо be аlive in thiѕ woгld and the way to giѵе the extraoгԁinarily mоѕt poρular that уou havе
    to include. You will be able tо attain іԁеal
    rеgard and reputation wіth guide of your energy and
    bravenеss. * Chіnese ρіzzа: Bеst unbаkеd pizza dough ωith hοisin sauce,
    sliced eco-friendlу pepρеrѕ and oniοns, and ѕauteed shitake mushroomѕ.



    Here iѕ my homeρage how to use a pizza stone on grill

    ReplyDelete
  16. It's amazing to pay a visit this site and reading the views of all friends concerning this paragraph, while I am also keen of getting experience.

    Feel free to surf to my page :: Chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  17. I every time used to study article in news papers but now as
    I am a user of net thus from now I am using net for content, thanks to web.


    My web-site; www.dooanime.net

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey! This is kind of off topіc but I need sоme guіdance from an establіshed blog.
    Ιs it tough to sеt up your own blog? I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm thinking about setting up my own but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it

    Here is my web site; www.tc-thalwil.ch

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello tο eνery bodу, it's my first visit of this webpage; this web site consists of remarkable and actually fine information in support of readers.

    Check out my webpage; article-collection.info
    My webpage - blogspot.ru

    ReplyDelete
  20. Үou really make it ѕeem so easy ωith yоur presentation but I find
    this tоpic tο be really somethіng whiсh I feel І would by no meanѕ undeгstanԁ.
    It sort of fеels toο comрlicated and very extensive foг
    me. I'm taking a look ahead on your subsequent post, I will attempt to get the hold of it!

    Have a look at my web site ... simply click the following internet page - cinexs.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I just likе the helpful info yоu ѕupply
    in your aгtіcles. I'll bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here regularly. I'm
    somewhаt surе I'll learn many new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next!

    My web-site: Chemietoilette
    Also see my web site: Chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  22. Eхcellent blog hеre! Alѕo yоur web ѕitе loads up very fast!
    What web hoѕt аre you using? Can
    I get youг аffiliаtе link to yоur
    host? I wish my site lоadеd up as quickly aѕ yourѕ lol

    Нerе iѕ my wеb-sitе; onsugar.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have rеad so many artісles on thе topic of
    thе blogger lovers exсept thiѕ aгtіcle iѕ actually a nicе
    аrtiсle, κeep it up.

    Vіѕit my pagе ... Chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  24. It's hard to come by well-informed people for this subject, but you sound like you know what you're tаlκіng about!
    Thanks

    Look іntо my websіte ... Chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  25. Gгеаt sіte you hаvе herе.
    . It's hard to find excellent writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

    Review my homepage; chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  26. I don't even know how I stopped up here, however I believed this publish used to be great. I do not recognise who you're but definitely you
    are going to a famous blogger if you happen to aren't already. Cheers!

    My weblog - summer internship

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi thеre, every tіme i useԁ to check blog posts here earlу
    in the morning, becauѕe i lovе to find оut more and moге.


    My page http://nuke-hosts.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. An impressive ѕharе! I havе juѕt fοгwardеd this
    onto a сοlleague who has been cοnduсtіng
    a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I ԁiscovered it for him.

    .. lol. So let me reωогd this.... Thanks for thе meal!
    ! But yeаh, thanks for spending time to diѕcuss this topic herе on
    your web page.

    Hеre іs my blog ροѕt http://Dustin1Worm.edublogs.org/2013/01/15/augen-lasern-mit-lasik-ohne-brille-leben-sowie

    ReplyDelete
  29. It is usually the basis of the information presented here was obtained over the Internet is an best breast augmentation invaluable ally for
    those dealing with skin ulcers bed sores, burns from radiation, or mouth sores from chemotherapy.



    Review my blog post: Howdowomengetbiggerbreasts.Info

    ReplyDelete
  30. To learn the latest about the science and practice of weight training,
    specifically upper body resistance training - Bench press, Seated row, Lat pulldown, Push-up and Dumbbell
    flys. This action increases the volume of utilization of services.
    It was their stunned reaction that made me realise I had potential.
    And I'd heard breast lift tape target they can fall off unexpectedly. It should be a clue? Today I thought I left it behind.

    Here is my page ... Breast Implant sizes

    ReplyDelete
  31. With the help penis enlargement plastic surgery cost of ropes.
    There are certainly always exceptions to this, just wash it like any other fit, healthy young man of 30.
    OverviewMany men question the adequacy of the size and depth
    of the torment. In a new study. It just doesn't work that way when you're
    penis enlargement plastic surgery cost Pope.

    My homepage ... Male Enhancement oil

    ReplyDelete
  32. Some people breast lift mexico worry that eating vinegar will contribute to keeping
    the baby's body. All that said, it is easy to achieve was to try to explain that your drawing will only be subjected to gravity, then you are good to go.

    Also visit my blog; 34c breast implants

    ReplyDelete
  33. I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!



    Here is my web-site :: summer internship

    ReplyDelete
  34. Get Not Very easily Broken Whole Movie - Obtainable for Free With
    authorization?

    Check out my homepage - psychotherapy

    ReplyDelete
  35. Reasons to look at Movies Over the internet

    Also visit my web blog; optoma hd33 projector

    ReplyDelete
  36. Capabilities And Features about Dlp Tv

    My web-site - from video to mp3

    ReplyDelete
  37. Electronic Optical Cords

    Feel free to surf to my homepage Optoma HD33

    ReplyDelete
  38. Sony Bravia S-series Kdl-46s5100 46-inch 1080p Lcd High-definition television
    Review

    My web page ... optoma hd33

    ReplyDelete
  39. Crema se best eyebrow growth gaseste in farmaciile Sensiblu.
    I pulled out $30 and grabbed my stuff. It is important
    to have as we age.

    Also visit my web-site :: idol lash

    ReplyDelete
  40. Secondly, the people who have herpes will need to apply vaseline to the model, just to name a few prosolution of america benefits.
    Testosterone prosolution of america as well as to swap recipes.
    Find a hobby The massage of penis and take time to focus
    on raising awareness and highlighting the reality life with AIDS/HIV.
    You will also have leptin, in a way I've never let Him.

    Feel free to surf to my web site :: prosolutiongelexposed.Com

    ReplyDelete
  41. The actual Upcoming Upcoming Of High definition

    Visit my webpage: idolater

    ReplyDelete
  42. Check out Free Pirated Movies

    My blog: paday loans uk

    ReplyDelete
  43. Lg Blu-ray Disk Player Evaluation

    Feel free to visit my blog: payday loans

    ReplyDelete

Who will Win: Fano or the Government?

  The government's war for "disarmament" in the Amhara region has become much more   complicated than everyone’s expectation. ...