Dec 28, 2006

Keep the Hope Alive!

2007 is just a few days away and the Ethiopian Millennium isn't that far either. Nevertheless that country that we dearly love still languishes in the hands of few who have despise its history and continually undermine its territorial integrity. Now as we approach the western world's new year our country is immersed in yet another unnecessary and non-sense war. Now more than ever our country is surrounded by hostile nations and elements who wish its disintegration. The root cause of all these problems is none other than the so called dictators in the heartland of our country. Instead of hopes and new practical resolutions that could strengthen the unity and prosperity of our people, the so called leaders are fermenting tensions and conflicts to continue their repression and grip on power.

However, it is up to the individual Ethiopian to keep its hope alive and fight 'till the end when we all achieve our freedom. We can not back down from now on. We have to make sure that the next generation do not carry our burden, our problems, and our failures. Our forefathers have sustained these country of ours for thousands of years it is up to us to continue these legacy.


I hope and which 2007 and the many more years to come be years of freedom, prosperity, peace, and unity. I wish all our people to breath freedom and democracy. I wish all the imprisoned CUD leaders, civic leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, and all freedom fighter to be free and our Ethiopia to march forward together.


So, wherever you are Happy New Year 2007!

Oct 16, 2006

A New Addition to the List of Pathological Hypocrites

We have a new addition to the already overcrowded list pathological liars (EPRP/MEISON (UEDF), TPLF/EPRDF, EPLF(PFDJ), OLF, Aigaforum.com, Walta). This time it is not a political organization or group but rather an individual who finds himself in contradictions and in bizarre situation. His name: "Artist" Solomon Tekalign.

On October 15, 2006, Solomon hosted a public meeting that was highly publicized by websites and political groups that find themselves out of the equation of Ethiopian politics and whose political ideologies is not different from that of the '60s and '70s imperial years of Ethiopia. They make their living out of defamation and fabrication of false accusations.

The entrance price for this 'show' was initially set at $40, however due to low audience turnout it was scaled back to $30. Even at this price the total turnout was estimated at about 150 to 200 fanatics who consistently aligned themselves with the above listed pathological liars. No surprise there.

The 'show' was intended to discredit the age old EPPF, and armed group that was initially formed by the gallant Ethiopians of Wolqait-Tegede under the name of Kefagn. Kefagn started out as a group of concerned Ethiopians for the Unity of Ethiopia and were engaged in fighting the EPLF/ELF fronts of Eritrea and later the TPLF (hence, the EPPF is older than TPLF).

However, the pre-scripted show changed its course and focused on accusations against the EPLF (Shaebia), TPLF and the OLF and how he was mistreated by cadres of the EPLF. It seems to me that our so called 'artist' or call him 'azmari' had had high anticipation of himself and that 'red carpet' would rolled for him upon his arrival in Asmara. As soon as he found this was the case, he (Solomon) came into confrontation with Journalist Demis Belete of Negat Radio and forcibly confiscated some electronic materials (videos and cameras). These are the videos that Solomon showed during the $30 show on October 15.

Here is EPPF's press statement that was released prior to this show making its case point by point against Solomon Tekalign.

So, what did the 'azmari' say? Here are few points that I was able to gather from his fabricated accusations.
1. "He EPPF leader Commander Meskerem Atalay can not speak English and hence should not lead the EPPF. "
  • I suggest Solomon Tekalign to be the leader since he is fluent in Amharic, English, Spanish, French, Oromigna, Tigirgna, Shabeiagna.....Moreover, he is talented to sing zeraf-zeraf and liberate our country without any bloodshed!

2. "EPPF does not Exist!"

  • He Claims that upon arrival in Eritrea he did not see thousands of people armed head to toe but few hundred unarmed people. If he had the balls he should have requested to be smuggled in deep into the frontlines inside Wolqait-Tegede and Armachiho, where brave Ethiopians are sacrificing their lives.

3. "Commander Meskerem Atalay stole EPPF's seal."

  • If "EPPF does not exist," what is to be stolen Mr. Solomon? Don't you think you are contradicting your own statement?

4. "Commander Meskerem Atalay sought asylum in Germany."

  • In contrary, the gallant Commander is in Germany not because what the shameful 'artist' is claiming but due to personal issues that I can not am not willing discuss at this moment.

5. "There is no EPPF liberated land."

  • Hello!! why do you think the EPPF is taking Eritrea as a safe heaven at least for a while? It is true that there are no fixed military camps of EPPF within the mentioned areas, however, this does not mean that the EPPF do not operate military activities. In fact, the armed Arbegnoch of EPPF freely move in the highlands of Wolqait-Tegede and have mass support of the Wolqait-Tegede and Armachiho people. Today, the are no organized militias of the TPLF that freely operate within the lands of Wolqait-Tegede and if there are any, they operate only at limited capacity or within the small towns such as Humera and Bahiker. In order to save the lives of the Tigrayan soldiers/militias, the TPLF has instead armed local residents of Wolqait-Tegede is by force or through treacherous bribes.

The 'azmari' has many more baseless and fabricated accusations that do not hold water. It is true that the EPPF operate having Eritrea as a base, which is not surprising. This is a strategic alliance, which the EPPF skillfully took to its advantage. Today, the EPLF and TPLF are sworn enemies and thus it is wise to use Eritrea as a base military safe heaven until some lands within Ethiopia are liberated. It is also true that the EPPF might give-in to some of EPLF's concessions in order to take the advantage of operating within Eritrea. There are no other options/countries, that can be used as military base. Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia are either directly or indirectly under the controls of the TPLF. Therefore, it is understandable to go with the only remaining option: Eritrea.

The fact is that the EPRP's attempt to operate inside Eritrea has miserably failed. Moreover, EPRP's effort to try to bring the EPPF under its direct organizational control has also failed. In my understanding, the EPPF is willing to work with any and all political groups that are concerned about Ethioipa and that wish to work the democratization of our country. EPPF do not have the interest to seize power but rather to defend the territorial integrity of Ethiopia and to transfer power to whom it belongs: to the PEOPLE of ETHIOPIA!

Dil le Ethiopia Hizb ke EPPF gar!

Oct 3, 2006

For those who are homesick

I came across these two pictures of the city Setit Humera, which is located in the northwestern most part of Ethiopia in the province of Wolqait. The city of Humera is widely known for its exceptionally fertile soil that produces numerous types of cash crops and many other agricultural products. It has boundaries with the Sudan and Eritrea.

The city of Humera and the Wolqait-Tegede region in general have been home to many Ethiopians who come from across all the country. During these times, people respected and appreciated the identity and the culture of the native people. However, today, the minority dictatorship from Tigary annexed these region and instead resettled hundreds of thousands of Tigrayan ethnic people by evicting hundreds of thousand native residents. Moreover, its ethnic based system of divide and rule has blockaded other Ethiopians from coming in to these areas and live as they once did.

Not only these, the large influx of Tigrayans (estimated up to 500,000) in the cover of resettlement and that was conducted without any consideration or will of the native residents has caused a adverse demographic, cultural, socio-political, and psychological changes. Approximately it is estimated that the total population of the local inhabitants is between 200,000 and 300,000 excluding those who have been forced flee for their lives and currently residing in Gondar, Armachiho, Abderafe, and the remaining who have migrated to other countries.

I will come back to that in other postings. Here are a couple of photos that I found to be really interesting.......

The first picture dates back to 1962 Ethiopian Calendar during the imperial period. I don't have much recollection of the place but I thought it might bring some old memories of some people. Even though the picture is badly damaged, one could see little huts and building scattered here and there.

Photo 1: Aerial view of city Setit Humera, Ethiopia in 1962 (Click on the pictures for a magnified view).

The second picture is in a much better condition and it was photographed in 1992 Ethiopian Calendar. This picture shows the newly renovated St. Marry's Church in Setit Humera. Much of the funding for the renovation was obtained (donated) from the Diaspora Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopians.

Looking at these photo I can almost feel the HOT weather of the city during the day and imagine people sitting under the shades of the large trees. If I am not mistaken the trees on this picure are locally known as "Nim" or "Mim." It is believed that sometimes the temperature could reach more than 45 degree celicius. Luckily, with the help of the trees and the breath coming from the nearby Tekeze river the city cools down a little bit.

Qegnim nefese gira, Ende Hager yemiYakil Yelem!! (East - West, Home is the Best) bilo yelem nechu sewuye.
Photo 2: St. Marry's Church, Setit Humera, Ethiopia in 1992 E.C. (Click on the pictures for a magnified view).

Aug 13, 2006

On Relations Of Wolqait, Gondar, & Hamasen (Cntn'd)

As I have said it in Part One, there is no evidence of Wolqait-Tegede having strong relations or ties with Tegray let alone to be ruled by Tegrayan governors. Even though I am not positively sure Dejazmach Nayzgi appears to be among the first if not the first rulers of the Wolqait-Tegede provinces. I will let Richard Pankhurst tell us the rest of the fascinating story.

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Iyasu I and Walatta Seyon

Emperor Iyasu I, the greatest of the Gondarine rulers, also had close associations with Hamasen, as is evident from his chronicle. In September 1683, a year after assuming the throne, he summoned the Patriarch, and asked him to marry him to Walatta Seyon, the daughter of Habta Iyasus of the Daq Asgade family from Baqla, a district of Hamasen. The bride was described as beautiful and gracious, but the monarch, it may be assumed, chose her at least partially because of the desirability of a political alliance with her strategically important province. The marriage was a long one, and came to an end only with Walatta Seyon's death in 1693. She was buried with much ceremony on the island of Mesraha in Lake Tana. Her brother Asma Giyorgis was (or became) a person of consequence: he was accorded the princely title of Abeto, and on his death, in 1700, his royal brother-in-law reportedly wept bitterly because he loved him much.

Oral Traditions of the Reign of Iyasu I: Gara Krestos

Relations with the Gondarine state during the reign of Iyasu I also figure in the Hamasen traditions. They state that Dejazmach Hab Sellus ordered his eldest son and heir, who held the title of Bahr Negash, to travel to Gondar to introduce himself to the Emperor, and present the customary tribute of the area, as he, Hab Sellus, had done before him. The young man, by name Iyasu, was, however, frightened of the journey. Pleading illness, he declined to travel. His younger brother, Gara Krestos, went in his stead. (He was probably the Gabra Krestos mentioned in the Chronicle whom the Emperor had addressed over the Murad affair). Speaking of his elder brother he said to himself, Since he has refused to go it is I who will become the chief.

On reaching the capital Gara Krestos, like his father a generation earlier, served for a long time as a palace guard. He thereby became well known to the Emperor, and was eventually given the title of Dajazmach. Iyasu, because of his regard for the young man's father Hab Sellus, subsequently gave him the hand of his daughter, Sabana Gargesh significantly enough the third reported marriage between the Hamasen and imperial ruling houses. On the occasion of the wedding the monarch promised his son-in-law that wherever Sabana Gargesh passed the night would be Gara Kresot's hereditary fief. At the same time he appointed the young man governor of Bambalo-Mellash, the position earlier held by Hab Sellus.

The appointment of Gara Krestos while his father was still alive caused considerable disquiet in Hamasen. The elders deliberated on the matter, but dispersed without coming to any decision. Their gathering was therefore likened to the croaking of frogs, and the place where it was held became known as May Mankae, i.e. the Water, or River, of Frogs.

News of all this duly reached Gara Krestos. Anxious to avoid any conflict, he sent messengers to his father and countrymen, telling them he had no intentions of opposing their wishes. He placed himself loyally under Hab Sellus, and seated himself at the latter's feet. On his father's death, however, he inherited the government, and ruled for thirty-eight years. He was by then a rich man, for as a result of the Emperor's decree he held many fiefs between Gondar and Hamasen, reportedly wherever his wife had spent the night. These estates were subsequently inherited by his children.

Tasfa Sen and Mammo

Gara Krestos, like his father, continued to pay taxes to Gondar. On one occasion he sent his son, Tasfa Sen to the capital, instructing him to bring the tribute, then leave. The young man, however, tarried instead at the palace, where, like his father and grandfather before him, he served as a guard, and won the Emperor's favor. Though his father was still alive, he persuaded the monarch to appoint him as governor. Observing, that Tasfa Sen was the son of his sister, Sabana Gargesh, the monarch nominated him to the rank of Dajazmach, and gave him Gara Krestos's fiefdom. Tasfa Sen thereupon returned to Saazzega, and elevated him to the rank of Dajazmach.

Mammo, a second son of Gara Krestos by Sabana Gargesh (and hence Emperor Iyasu's grandson), subsequently embarked, with imperial authorization, on a campaign to the south against the Oromos, probably in Wallo. He defeated them, baptized them as Christians, and himself their governor. The monarch rejoiced, gave him many decorations, and elevated him to the rank of Dajazmach.

Relations between Tasfa Sen and his deposed father had meanwhile deteriorated. The young man, so far from behaving in a filial manner, lorded it arrogantly over Gara Kresots. His father was so bitter that he rejoiced when his son fell ill, for he hoped that by the latter's death he would regain his title. When Tasfa Sen actually died, however, the old man was full of remorse. He passed away shortly afterwards, whereupon his son Mammo succeeded him as governor of Bambolo-Mellash.

Mammo subsequently fought once more against the Oromos, during which time his office was temporarily occupied by another brother, Reesa Haymanot. The latter obtained the Emperor's permission to wage war in Wajerat, far to the south in Tegray.

Dispute over the Tribute from Bambolo-Mellash and Walqayt

Mammo, according to the traditions, subsequently resumed his position as ruler of Bambolo-Mellash. He was involved in a long-remembered, and historically interesting, dispute with Dajazmach Nayzgi, the governor of Walqayt. It concerned the tribute they each paid to the Emperor. Nayzgi, it appears, had sneered at the taxes paid by Mammo, and in front of everyone at court declared by way of challenge, "Let us see who will pay the largest tribute, you or I!" Mammo replied, Alright, let us fix the day! Emperor Iyasu, who was no doubt well pleased with such competition between his liegemen, asked each how long they needed to collect their dues. Nayzgi disdainfully replied, "Six months," but Mammo, more cautiously, answered, "A year." They then left to collect their respective taxes, to be paid at the times proposed.

After six months Nayzgi arrived with his tribute. It consisted of cooking utensils (presumably made of pottery), cotton cloth, cloaks, guns, and silver coins (probably imported Austrian Thalers), three herds of cattle, white, black and brown, and a large number of cotton shammas, or togas. When Mammo saw these magnificent items he feared he might lose the contest, but gave orders that the most precious things, utensils and cattle, in his district be collected and brought to him.

The traditions, which thus far reflected the customary tribute obtained from the northern periphery, at this point begin to take on a fantastic character. They claim that Mammo was riding with some of his companions when his horse's hoof into the ground. Jumping off his steed he saw a small hole where his horse had placed its foot, and ordered his men to dig there. They soon came upon a magic house, where they discovered a gold mouse, a gold frog, a gold lizard, a gold snake, a gold royal coach, and many other objects of gold.

Mammo later set forth for Gondar taking with him all the taxes his people had collected. They consisted of ordinary tribute, as well as the fabulous gold objects he had discovered. His gifts all in all were so plentiful that while the first of his mules were being unloaded at May Saada the last was still at far-off Addi Baro.

On eventually reaching the Emperor's court at the appointed time he proudly displayed his presents. The first installment consisted of nothing but scarlet and striped cloth. Then came pieces of abugedid, or cotton cloth, carpets, jars, brelle, or glass bottles, lamps, cloaks and rifles. All this was followed by six herds of cattle, white, black, brown, brown speckled, black speckled and gray speckled, and a troop of monkeys. Finally came a herd of mules, carrying glass bowls, glass beads, precious stones, needles, tweezers for removing thorns from the feet, and solver coins, presumably imported.

Seeing all this wealth the monarch exclaimed to Mammo, "You have won!" and all his chiefs agreed. The victor, on hearing his triumph, then made a remarkable display of largesse, by offering gifts to all present. Addressing all the nobles he cried out, "Here is a meal for the chiefs!" after which he poured out of a bag some of the golden objects he had so miraculously found. A moment later, he shouted, "And there is a meal for the King's wife!" and proffered her a gold cat and cock. Then, proclaiming, "The meal of the King!" he produced a golden snake, its eyes glittering with fine pearls, and gave it to Iyasu himself. The monarch, we are told, was, not surprisingly, "much astonished" at this profusion of wealth.

Nayzgi, angered by his humiliating defeat, challenged Mammo to a duel. The two men fought, and Mammo was once more victorious, taking Nayzgi prisoner. The latter's domains thereupon passed to Mammo who in consequence assumed the government of Walqayt for seven years. Emperor Iyasu later interceded on the defeated chief's behalf. A pact was concluded, whereby Mammo gave his daughter in marriage to Nayzgi's son, while Nayzgi was allowed to resume his old government, albeit under Mammo's overall sovereignty.

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Aug 12, 2006

On Relations of Wolqait - Gondar - Hamasen (Eritrea)

The following article is taken from Richard Pankhurst's book, The Ethiopian Borderlands: Essays in Regional History from Ancient Times to the End of the 18th Century. In the introduction to this book, Pankhurst states that, "Historical studies of Ethiopia, like those of other countries, often tend to concentrate on events at or near the center of political power, and devote far too little attention to other areas." I aggree with Pankhurst's assertion as studies regarding the Wolqait-Tegede provinces are almost non-existent. It seems that the TPLF regime has taken this to its advantage by trying to fabricate fictitious history in order to legitimize its illegal incorporation of the Wolqait-Tegede provinces into the Tigray region. This is a clear evidence to those of us who are naive about our history and to those that have knowingly or unknowingly tried to redirect history.

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The Establishment of Gondar

Contacts between the country of the Bahr Nagash and the interior became closer after the establishment of Gondar as the imperial capital in 1636. The city rapidly emerged as a major political, commercial and religious center, and because of its location in the north-west of the empire, and difficulties of communication with the Sudan, had particularly close ties with the coast.

The metropolis was visited over the years by many personalities from the Land of Bahr Nagash, as well as by merchants and others who passed through the latter while traveling between the coast and the rich countries south of the Blue Nile. Gondar was at the same time heavily dependent on the trade route via Hamasen to the coast, and it was through it that most of the capital’s imports, including fire-arms, had to pass.

Hamasen Local Traditions: Fasiladas, Emmha and Hab Sellus

Evidence of contacts between the land of the Bahr Nagash and the Gondarine monarchy, that is to say between the northern periphery and the central state, is preserved in the oral traditions of Hamasen, recorded in the early twentieth century by the Swedish scholar Johannes Kolmodin. They represent an amalgam of fact and fantasy, but are nonetheless historically revealing. They show that the Gondar monarch’s sovereignty extended as far as Hamasen, whose local chiefs they appointed, and from whom they received tribute, as well as military, guard or other service. The traditions, though concerned primarily with Hamasen, are of much wider relevance. They illustrate the traditional manner in which local rulers and dynasties of the periphery were often in personal relationship with, as well as Emperors and their families. The story applies to the north, but, as notably in Adal, Hadeya, Enaraya, and on at least one well documented occasion among the Afars.

The earliest Hamasen traditions about Gondar deal with the time of the first of the city’s rulers, Emperor Fasiladas. They tell the story of Gara Krestos Samson, a Kantiba, or governor, of the town of Sa’azzaga, who sent his son Emmha to “the country of Amhara” to hand over his tribute. The young man traveled to Gondar, where he presented himself to the monarch, and was given the duty of guarding the royal gate and serving in various other ways, for which he was rewarded with the title of Kantiba. The appointment was unusual in that Emmha’s father was still alive, and held the same title. However, the young man, on returning home, dutifully declared that it was improper for him to assume the post during the lifetime of his sire, to whom he accordingly transferred the title.

On Gara Krestos’s death, however, the rank of Kantiba reverted to Emmha, who unfortunately proved an arrogant and harsh ruler. Soon after assuming his office he was visited by his cousin, Gara Sellase, and the latter’s son Hab Sellus, who came to bring him a gift of a fattened goat and some honey. The proud Emmha refused either to receive the visitors or to accept their presents. Father and son waited three days, after which they left in a dejected mood. On the journey home Hab Sellus declared that he would like to have a nagarit, or drum (a traditional symbol of authority), but his father replied that there was little hope of this since those who had the power to appoint him, i.e. Emmha and his clique, obviously hated their sight. Hab Sellus, who was latter to emerge as a Hamasen folk hero, relied that it was “better to perish” than remain with such people. He accordingly left for Gondar, and, to show that he was a knight, took with him a fine iron bridle.

On arriving at the capital he made his way to the place, where he reputedly lived a life of poverty and humiliation for seven full years. During this period he spent his days and nights where he could, and was often obliged to sleep in the stables. He was in consequence soon covered with scabs, and became known as Hab Sellus “the mangy.”

Emmha meanwhile, having learnt that Hab Sellus was living at the capital, and fearing that he might establish contact with the Emperor, made his way once more to Gondar. As Kantiba he had the freedom of the palace, while the unfortunate Hab Sellus was obliged to sleep outside, and eat only with servants.

Some time later, however, an incident occurred which brought the young man to the monarch’s attention. Fasiladas had fierce horse which none of his soldiers dared mount. One day, while talking with Emmha – and perhaps recalling that Hamasen was renowned source of horses, he asked him whether anyone among the Hamasen people was expert at horse-riding. The wily chief, hoping to bring about Hab Sellus’s death, or disgrace, replied that his young cousin could ride admirably. Fasiladas, who had no idea of the Kantiba’s real motive, asked Emmha to summon his relative without delay.

Hab Sellus, dressed in tatters, but carrying his fine bridle concealed under them, appeared before the monarch, who, seeing the young man’s rags and scabs, looked on him with contempt. Astonished that such creature had been brought to him, he asked, “Can you really tide a horse?” “Certainly, my lord,” Hab Sellus replied, “and since you have commanded me to do so I will try.” The steed was then saddled, and brought to the young man. He jumped on it, released the rope tying it, and immediately disappeared on it.

As soon as he was out of sight he dismounted, removed the horse’s bridle, and replaced it with the one he had brought from Hamasen. He then rode the animal all day until, its spirit broken, it trembled with sweat and fatigue, after which, having once more changed bridles, he reappeared at the palace on horseback. The courtiers had spent the day discussing where the young man would be hurled to the ground, and Emmha had observed, in a seemingly disheartened tone, that his cousin had “without doubt been killed.” It was then that Hab Sellus, to everyone’s amazement, arrived triumphantly at a gallop.

Emmha, we are told, soon afterwards had resort to a further trick against Hab Sellus. Another Hamasen nobleman, Zamat Kefla of Ad-Takkle-zan, whom Fasiladas had invested with the title of Kantiba, was due to return to his village, and the monarch enquired whether there was due to return to his village, and the monarch enquired whether there was anyone brave enough to accompany the chief home and then return back. Emmha ingeniously asked the Emperor whether anyone was more capable than Hab Sellus. Fasiladas had the young man once again summoned, and asked him whether he felt able to carry out the mission. Hab Sellus answered, more or less as before, “Yes, since Your Majesty commands me to do it.” The monarch then presented Zamat with a golden ring, and told him that after Hab Sellus had conducted him to his village he should hand it to the latter. “If he returns with the ring,” he declared, “I would know you have reached your village; but, if he comes without it, I will not receive him anymore.”

The crafty Emmha then sent a message to the people of Sa’azzaga ordering them to kill Hab Sellus. However, the young man, suspecting his cousin’s wickedness, avoided the usual route through Seraye and Akala Guzay where his enemies were lying in wait, and passed instead further south by way of Wolqait and the country of the Bareya. The two men therefore arrived safely at Ad-Takle-Zan. When the people who were to kill him learnt this they planned to catch him on his return journey. They waited for him in the dessert passes, but he made his way back by the coastal route, and Agame, and thus arrived at the court without incident.

On the young man’s return Fasiladas interrogated him closely, asking him if he had really conducted the Kantiba to his village. Hab Sellus replied, “Yes, Sire, I have done as you ordered me.” The monarch then inquired whether he had brought proof of this, to which the messenger responded, “I have none.” The king, irritated by this response, demanded whether Zamat had not given him anything. He answered, “Nothing, except this ring,” which then he handed to Fasiladas. The Emperor, on hearing this, was much impressed. He presented the young man with many decorations, including a ceremonial shirt, and later gave him his daughter’s hand in marriage, nominated him a governor, and gave him permission to return to his country.

Fasiladas subsequently elevated his son-in-law to the rank of Abeto, a status normally reserved for princes of royal blood, and gave him control of Bambolo-Mellash, a term which covered not only the country of the Bahr Nagash, but also a large stretch of Tegray up to the Bambolo river. On the journey home it transpired that Hab Sellus’s wife despised him, and refused to accept him as her husband. Deeply angered by this he abused her so violently that she died, after which he made his way back to Gondar. On arriving at the Palace he paid his respects to the Emperor, and holding in his hand a sword and a rope, two symbols of punishment, addressed him, saying, “Your Majesty, in your great magnanimity, gave me your daughter, and appointed me; but when I wished to approach my wife in accordance with nature and the law, saying, ‘She is my wife’, she rejected my approach; whereupon I, incited by Satan, raised my hand and struck her; and she died as a result of my blow. Because of this misfortune I stand here before Your Majesty.” So saying he threw his sword and the rope before him.

Fasiladas, having heard all this, questioned one of his daughter’s slaves, who spoke up for her late mistress’s husband, declaring, “Everything Hab Sellus says is true.” The monarch, who, we may assume, had no wish to alienate the people of Hamasen, thereupon asked the opinion of the theologians at his court, inquiring, “If I pardon him would I be guilty?” To this they replied in the negative. He accordingly forgave his son-in-law, saying “You did to her what she deserved,” after which he allowed Hab Sellus to leave. However, he deprived him of the government of Bambolo-Mellash, and left him only with that of Marab-Mellash, i.e. a smaller fiefdom covering only land north of the Marab river. Further, declaring that the title of Abeto was appropriate only to members of the royal house, he demoted him from that rank, but declared that he, and his descendants, should bear the rank of Dajazmach.

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Trivia Q: Who is Nayzgi? The answer coming up in part two of this article. Stay tuned!

Jul 24, 2006

Woldie Yenehun: The Hero

Woldie Yenehun was born in Kebtya, Wolqait in a small village of Ayessa Kidanemeheret. Woldie was a farmer and a business man and he was widely known for taking care and standing up for the cause of his family and community. He was a likeable individual and admired by many for his involvement in conflict resolution.

In early 1970s, when TPLF first entered Wolqait, Woldie was one of the first and few who embraced them as liberators from the Derg dictatorial regime. However, the murder of his nephew Asamerew Melese by TPLF cadres allegedly for hunting and killing a baboon broke his heart and could not continue to work for the TPLF. Later he was kept under strict surveillance by TPLF cadres that further forced him to rebel against the Woyane.

Eventually, Woldie organized the local use and started armed resistance against the Woyane, which became a catalyst for more uprisings throughout Wolqait-Tegede. The TPLF cadres were continually under attack and could not fully operate. Many TPLF soldiers were killed particularly near Kabtya, Woldie's hometown.

TPLF could not capture Woldie and often they were loosing every combat operation they conducted against Woldie's rebel forces. They even arrested and tortured his family members in order to force him to disarm. To the dismay of TPLF, this action energized his moral and motivation to fight the TPLF not just for avenging his brother or his family, but rather for the freedom of his community and Wolqait-Tegede at large.

In the later stages of the Ethiopian civil war, the TPLF strengthened its foothold in Wolqait-Tegede and there was no room for the rebel groups such as of that of Woldie Yenehun to operate in guerrilla warfare. Hence, Woldie and his compatriots fled to neighboring Eritrea and started to re-establish their life through trade with the Sudan. Meanwhile, the TPLF continued its search of Woldie and was able to conspire with corrupt Sudanese authorities who arrested Woldie and gave him up to Woyane.

In the process of transferring him to a prison facility, hundreds of residents were cheering Woldie for his bravery and his was emotionally carried away by the support he was receiving. Woldie was heard saying "Fukera" that he doesn't care if he dies and that he has done his fare share to the freedom of his land by killing many Woyane's in the valleys, jungles, and throughout Wolqait-Tegede. The TPLF cadres who were intimidated by this could not handle what he was saying that they brutally shot him right in front of the population. Furthermore, they dragged his body in the streets by a car without any respect to the dead or sense of humanity to further intimidate the local residents.

The death of Woldie may have had silenced the armed movements for a period as the TPLF wished however, hundreds and even thousands of brave young men and women have been born since then that many Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopians have joined the Ethiopian People's Patriotic front (EPPF) in the struggle to free, democratize and maintain Ethiopia's territorial integrity.

As indicated in the previous post titled "Be Ware of the 'Referendum on Wolqait-Tegede' Propaganda," it is this mass movement of the youth to armed groups and the support of the Diaspora that have forced the TPLF to begin a false propaganda of giving the Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopians a referendum on whether to achieve a self governing autonomous region or to join Gonder.

We should not fall for any of TPLF's deceptions and instead we should strengthen our unity and fight this dictatorial regime on all aspects and at all times until its demise. We should continue the fight and the spirit of our hero brother Woldie Yenehun until we achieve our freedom and the freedom our beloved country. Woldie has paved the way to our freedom through his life it is our responsibility that we make sure that all of the sacrifices made for the cause of our people and our land are realized.

***May Woldie Yenehun's Life and the Life of all Martyrs Rest in Peace***

Dil leEthiopia Hizb

Beware of the "Referendum on Wolqait-Tegede" Propaganda

There is a new propaganda circulating by few TPLF agents backed by the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. targeting diaspora Ethiopians of Wolqait-Tegede origin. Sources tell me that according to these agents the TPLF has a new memorandum on Wolqait-Tegede which promises the people of Wolqait-Tegede to conduct a referendum on whether to declare a self-governing autonomous region or reunite with its older province of Gondar.

These few TPLF agents are led by a diplomat who recently came to the United States from Germany under the cover of defection. He has been working on this memorandum for the past 2 to 3 months. This unidentified diplomat is currently residing in Columbus, OH where there is a large concentration of Ethiopians from Wolqait-Tegede.

This attempt of TPLF is most likely the beginning of its 52 page leaked document which aims to divide, harass and manipulate the diaspora Ethiopians. They have already began offering some incentives (such as agricultural land) for people who support them or break their opposition participation. Nevertheless, they haven't succeeded yet except for a few individuals or "hodams" who have no regard for hundreds and thousands of lives that have been lost because of the murderer regime.

The other probable reason for this move is in order to diffuse the armed struggle activities taking place by the gallant EPPF around Wolqait-Tegede. Many Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopians in the diaspora and at home strongly support the EPPF financially, organizationally and even with their life. The TPLF regime that has grown highly concerned about this development is attempting all corners that will help lengthen its dictatorial and repressing regime by offering false incentives and promises to the diaspora Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopian in order to discourage the support to the EPPF.

The Ethiopian people for the past 15 years and the Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopians for the past 30 years know the treacherous behavior of the TPLF and no one can fall for it again. The Ethiopian people including the Wolqait-Tegede people have out right rejected the Woyane regime on May 15, 2005.

I encourage all Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopians to stand tall and say NO to any TPLF agent and their treacherous propaganda and to continue their support to our hero EPPF fighters. Also, contact and alert all Wolqait-Tegede Ethiopians about this scam and prevent another deception of the TPLF regime.

More information about this issue and the people behind it would be posted on this blog as soon as they become available.

Dil leEthiopia Hizb.

Jul 19, 2006

We Need Justice Now!

In one of my previous posts I have published the names of some 27 people who were brutally murdered by the TPLF dictatorial regime. The TPLF has been killing innocent people and those that oppsed since it first set its foot in the lands of Wolqait-Tegede in the 1970. Since then hundreds up on hundreds of people have bean massacared. This ruthles regime has murdered young and old, men and women with out mercy. God know how many more have just banished and no one knows their whereabout until now. Thousands more are still languishing in secret underground prisons just for being Wolqaites and for opposing its dictatorial, ruthless regime.

A recent article headlined, "Can Meles Fight Corruption?" indicates that there are more than 40,000 people incarcerated in the Tigray region alone. It also states that the TPLF has built a prison that can hold upto 50,000 inmates in Shire, Western Tigary. Clearly, the reason for building such a prison in Shire is no other than to be close to Wolqait and to continue repressing the people.

Here is a list of 308 people that were murdered by TPLF that I manage to collect from various reliable sources. It is very sad these are only few of the hundreds if not thousands that were killed by TPLF.


First Name Middle Name

First Name Middle Name
1 Abate Eshetey
45 Asamerew Asrese
2 Abaw Tejineh
46 Asamerew Woldie
3 Abebe Yirga
47 Asefaw Mengiste
4 Abeje Kifle
48 Aseres Takele
5 Abera Haile
49 Asfaw Worku
6 Abera Alemayehu
50 Asgedom Tiruneh
7 Abera G/Meskel
51 Ashenafi Wondu
8 Abera Asires
52 Asimelash Yigzaw
9 Abera Hagos
53 Atalay Abera
10 Abreha Adane
54 Atalay Zenebe
11 Abreha Argu
55 Atalay Amare
12 Abreha Nega
56 Atinafey Alemayehu
13 Abreha Belay
57 Aweke Zewdu
14 Achamyeleh Shitaye
58 Ayahunegn Wondoshal
15 Achenafi Tsige
59 Ayalew Semu
16 Adane Derese
60 Ayana Gebre
17 Adanew Riste
61

18 Addis Abetelew
62 Ayenew Reste
19 Addisu Abebe
63 Ayenew Beyene
20 Adebe Alem
64 Azanaw Chere
21 Aderajew Gebre
65 Azanaw Yideg
22 Adisey Lijalem
66 Azanaw Tsige
23 Alachew Lijalem
67 Azeneh Lijalem
24 Alachew G/Medhin
68 Bahita Fantay
25 Alebachew Defersha
69 Bahita Mekuria
26 Alebel Yirga
70 Bahita Wondimagegn
27 Alehegn Mesfin
71 Bahita Reda
28 Alemaw Tareke
72 Bahita Ertib
29 Alemey Kassa
73 Bahita Mengistu
30 Alemu Getachew
74 Bayew Bahita
31 Alemu Fentay
75 Bayew Biyaregilign
32 Alemu Legesse
76 Bayew Lijalem
33 Alene Kindishih
77 BeEdu Wondimagegn
34 Amare Fante
78 Belay Mulu
35 Ambayehu Abetelew
79 Belay Tadesse
36 Andom Kassa
80 Belay Mekonen
37 Angereb Tesema
81 Belete Alem-Mebirat
38 Arefaynie Mekonen
82 Beletew Tesfay
39 Arefe Belete
83 Belte Wondimagegn
40 Arefe Gidey
84 Bera Yemane
41 Arega Woldie
85 Bera W/Selassie
42 Aregaw Ayenew
86 Berhe Hagos
43 Asamerew Gidey
87 Berihun Yirga
44 Asamerew Melese


















First Name Middle Name

First Name Middle Name
88 Berihun Yigzaw
131 G/Selassei Reda
89 Berihun Desta
132 Gebre Hagos
90 Beyene Firey
133 Gebrehiwot Hayile
91 Beyene Ayelign
134 Geremew Dagnew
92 Biadgilign Zewde
135 Gerima Tekhley
93 Bilata Abiraha
136 Getachew Tegegne
94 Birhane Mamo
137 Getachew Bizuneh
95 Birhanu Dagnachew
138 Getachew Abreha
96 Birhanu Shitaye
139 Getew Tamre
97 Chakile Gebeyehu
140 Getu Telelew
98 Chalachew Tadesse
141 Gidey Mamu
99 Chalachew Abere
142 Gidey Kassa
100 Chalachew Tadele
143 Gifachew Dagnew
101 Chalu Yezezew
144 Ginby Getahun
102 Chene Yirga
145 Woldie Yenehun
103 Dagnew Sisay
146 Girma Yideg
104 Debilil Zenebe
147 Girmay Tikus
105 Deblil T/Haimanot
148 Girmay Tike
106 Degefa Goitom
149 Goitom Mihret
107 Desalegn Warkaw
150 Goitom Hadgu
108 Desta Seretse
151 Gorfu Gebru
109 Dirar Gessessew
152 Goshu Assefa
110 Endalkachew Tejo
153 Goshu Tirfineh
111 Endeshaw Tafere
154 Guben Fiahatsen
112 Engtey Ayelegn
155 Guoy Mebirahtu
113 Ertbey Gebru
156 Guoy Adane
114 Eshete Ayalneh
157 Habtu Yirga
115 Eshetu Mesfin
158 Hafte Zenebe
116 Fantay Ayelegn
159 Hagos Gebrey
117 Fantu Sisay
160 Hagos Mengistu
118 Feleke Girmay
161 Hagos Yisfa
119 Ferede Zeray
162 Hailu Leyuneh
120 Ferede Filuy
163 Hayelom Yirga
121 Fetene Zenebe
164 Kahisu Nigus
122 Fetene Gebrey
165 Kahsu Getaw
123 Firey Twolde
166 Kasahun Sisay
124 Ftalew Tafere
167 Kassa Mebirat
125 G/Hiwot Bahita
168 Kassahun Sissay
126 G/Hiwot Gezahegn
169 Kassu Nigussie
127 G/Mariam Arefayine
170 Sisay Abera
128 G/Medhin Zerfu
171 Kesete Yirga
129 G/Medhin Yehuala
172 Kinfe Kebede
130 G/Meskel Tirfineh
173 Kinfe Nahu








First Name Middle Name

First Name Middle Name
174 Kinfe Kebede
217 Muluneh Demoze
175 Lema Tadesse
218 Nega Tebeje
176 Leul G/Meskel
219 Nega Aseres
177 Lijalem Taye
220 Nega Getahun
178 Lijalem Belay
221 Nega Mitiku
179 Lilay Hadgu
222 Nega Hagos
180 Lule Mesfin
223 Nega Bebel
181 Malefia Guoy
224 Nigshet Hadgu
182 Malle Zenebe
225 Nigussie Kelemework
183 Mamay Redate
226 Nigusu Abreha
184 Mamay Abirha
227 Pastor Belete Tesfay
185 Mamay Belay
228 Quwi Tezera
186 Mamay Ayelegn
229 Redai Lema
187 Mamay Mulu
230 Riskey Haile
188 Mamay Ferede
231 Riskey Mintesinot
189 Mamay Aleyu
232 Riskey Yilma
190 Mamay Belayneh
233 Riskey Melese
191 Mamo Desta
234 Roskey Manjos
192 Mamo Zewdie
235 Serebe Reda
193 Mamu Warkaw
236 Setegn Endalemaw
194 Mamu Chere
237 Setegn Shitaye
195 Mamu Tadesse
238 Shenqo Belete
196 Mamuneh Yideg
239 Shiferaw Wubeneh
197 Mebirahtu Yigzaw
240 Shiferaw Nigussie
198 Mebirahtu G/Ezgher
241 Shiferaw Tesfay
199 Mehari Adugna
242 Shihun Kidane
200 Mekonen Lewte
243 Shimuye Mamu
201 Mekonen Abere
244 Shimuye Alemey
202 Mekuanint Warkaw
245 Shimuye Demisew
203 Mekuria G/Mariam
246 Simachew Mamu
204 Mengesha Mulugeta
247 Simachew Alemu
205 Mered G/Mikael
248 Sissay Tesfahunegn
206 Mesafinte Dagnew
249 Tadele Abate
207 Mirach Tesema
250 Tadesse Keshi
208 Mola Telele
251 Tafere Lilay
209 Mrs. LiElti Wondimagegn
252 Tagel Tedla
210 Mukotey Tadesse
253 Talle Gebre
211 Mulalem Warkaw
254 Tasew Asefa
212 Mulaw Zofe
255 Tebeje Melese
213 Mulu Atalay
256 Tebeje Bekele
214 Mulu Amare
257 Tegegne Nega
215 Mulu Berhe
258 Tegegne Demis
216 Mulu G/Kidan
259 Tekalign Abebe















First Name Middle Name



260 Tekalign Mengistu



261 Tela Haile



262 Tesfa Tsegay



263 Tesfay Hailu



264 Tesfay Aberiha



265 Tesfay Mekonen



266 Tesfay Asfeha



267 Teshager G/Medhin



268 Teshome Ferede



269 Teshome Telele



270 Tessema Abkhelew



271 Tessema Fireye



272 Tigabu Mekuanint



273 Tilahun Tewolde



274 Tiruneh Tadesse



275 Tiruneh Mebratu



276 Toga Tegegne



277 Tsegay Abebe



278 Tsegay Yenehun



279 Tsegu Zenebe



280 Tsyitey Abirha



281 Wagnew Menberu



282 Wegahtay Bicha



283 Wereta Gebru



284 Woldie YeEbiyo



285 Woldie Yenehun*



286 Wondim Fisseha



287 Wondim Telele



288 Wondim Tega



289 Wondimhunegn Tareke



290 Workey G/Medhin



291 Workneh Atalay



292 Yehualashet Zeleke



293 Yeshalem Berihun



294 Yeshialem Tsige



295 Yeshineh Yideg



296 Yezezew G/Meskel



297 Yibeyin G/Ezgiher



298 Yideg Ayenew



299 Yideg Ayalew



300 Yilaq Tezera



301 Yirga Demisew



302 Yisfa Fantay



303 Zeleke Girmay



304 Zeray Mersha



305 Zeru Belay



306 Zeru Mersha



307 Zewdie Sisay



308 Zewdu Shibeshi