Mar 20, 2006
Responsibility!
First, I apologize for not keeping my blog current and post the names of those that have been victimized by TPLF as I promised. I have been informed that there are hundreds more and I am in the process of compiling all the names. I will publish them as soon as possible.
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"Former residents of Wolqait, Humera, Tegede, Tselemt, all regions of Gondar were displaced and Tigrey Ethiopians were settled as Mr. Zenawi annexed that part of Gondar to Tigrey. He has done similar annexation of parts of Welo to Tigrey."
The above quote was taken from the Editorial Board of Kinijit (CUD) North American Support Branch titled "Who tries to rob Irob of her Ethiopian identity?" that was released on March 18, 2006. To read the full pres release please click here.
Now that Kinijit has began to share its views on the case of Wolqait, Tegede and the environs, it is important for the residents of these regions to intensify their struggle, particularly the information campaign. It is also important for pro-Ethiopia political parties not to ignore this part of the region and help expose the hidden atrocities committed by TPLF.
Responsibility...
TPLF's atrocities committed on Wolqait-Tegede people dates back since it gained control of the lands from the Derg in the late seventies. Thus, it is important to differentiate it from the post-election nationwide oppression; even though the TPLF regime has intensified its human rights abuses post May15, 2005 election. Moreover, the movement of some freedom fighters have contributed to further complicate and worsen the situations.
Even though Ethiopians in general and the Wolqait-Tegede people in particular are tolerant people. Political parties should refrain from thinking that the people don't know what is right for them. Our people have suffered enough, and what they deserve is someone who listens to them rather than dictate them.
My message to freedom fighters such as the Ethiopian Patriotic front (EPF) and others that operate around those areas is that, first, they need to win the hearts and minds of every citizen. They should make sure that the support they receive does not stem just from opposition to TPLF but also from the trust the people have on them to bring peace, justice and leadership towards a democratic transition. Moreover, it is important that military operations should be carefully be planned in order to minimize civilian casualties. Even though it is true that even the world's super power is not cable of eliminating such disastrous, the EPF should be responsible for its activities around civilian habitations that might cause human loses, economic or social deprivation. While it is true that the TPLF would not restrain from putting the people in harms way, the EPF should be one step ahead from TPLF and avoid such situations. In the case of unintended casualties on civilian population on the part of EPF, the EPF should come forward and provide a transparent explanation rather than engaging in a blame game with the TPLF.
Even one single life is so precious to Ethiopians as it is to Americans. Political parties and freedom fighters that operate around these provinces need to promise that they would not use the case of Wolqait-Tegede just for their political advantages.
Thus, responsibility, responsibility, responsibility is needed from all parties at all times!
Feb 14, 2006
Remembering the Victims of TPLF Genocide (I)

1. Girazmach Woldie Yenehun (an 84 years old elder, former Left Wing Brigadier-General)
2. Kegnazimach Sisay Abera (Former Right Wing Brigadier-General) and his son
3. Mr. Woldie Yenehun (dragged by car and killed)
4. Mr. Mamo Desta (savagely beaten to death)
5. Mr. Lijalem Taye and his son Adissey
6. Mr. Alene Kindishih
7. Mr. Ayalew Semu
8. Mr. Mered G/Mikael
9. Mr. Mulu Atalay
10. Mr. Endishaw Tafere
11. Mr. Mamo Zewdie
12. Mr. Getew Tamre
13. Mr. Fetene Gebrey
14. Mr. BeIdu Wondemagegnehu
15. Mr. Asamerew Melese
16. Mr. Abebe Yirga
17. Mr. Alebel Yirga
18. Mr. Guoy Mebirahtu
19. Mr. Nega Tebeje
20. Mr. Nega Aseres
21. Mr. Hagos Gebrey
22. Mr. Nigusu Abirha
23. Mr. Abeje Kifley
24. Mr. Gifachew Dagnew
25. Mr. Malefia Guoy
26. Mr. Tesfay Hailu
27. Mr. Kinfe Kebede
Sad but more to come.
Feb 9, 2006
The Case of Wolqait, Tegede and Tselemt (Part II)
...The annexed regions produce such crops as cotton, oil seeds, pulses, sesame, corn, millet, and sorghum valued in millions of dollars, and provided employment opportunities for millions of Ethiopians. If we take Humera, for example, it contains one of the best alluvial soils in the whole of Ethiopia. In the 1960s and 1970s, Humera became the second largest cotton producing region in Ethiopia next to the Awash Valley, and banks pumped millions of dollars in loans. Semi-mechanized, some 1,000 tractors were also deployed. Agricultural production was successful that for each dollar invested, the value of increase in crop production was $5.00. The labor force also increased from 13,000 in 1964, to 300,000 in 1972. Workers came from all over Ethiopia including Gondar, Eritrea, Shoa, Gojjam, and Tigrai.
Ever since Humera, Wolqait, Tegede and Tselemt were forcefully incorporated to Tigrai, what was built over the years has been destroyed. An extensive ethnic cleansing** has also been going on. The native inhabitants have been subjected to excruciating experiences, ranging from arbitrary arrests to summary executions, and mass eviction from their ancestral lands, for the sole purpose of exploiting the resources of the region for the benefit of the supporters and hirelings of the regime, and for settling Tigrean soldiers and peasants on the land. Those who resisted have been killed in hundreds. Many have been tortured, maimed, and crippled. Others still languish in noxious and abominable caves turned into prisons. Some have gone into armed struggle. Others roam the streets of such towns as Gondar, Dessie, Bahir Dar, and Addis Ababa as beggars, and many have either became refugees oversees, or have temporarily settled down elsewhere marking their time. The language of instruction in schools have also changed from Amharic to Tigrigna. All this is being done in order to change the demographic composition of these provinces and to Tigrianize them.
Equally disturbing is that, in a country where millions are still starving, the proceeds generated from the farms of the annexed areas are partly hoarded in foreign private bank accounts, and partly disbursed to finance the lavish and exorbitantly luxurious life of the ruling oligarchy, which among other things, includes the latest Land Cruiser per oligarchy member, exclusive private schools and kindergartens for their children chauffeured fighter-turned-private drivers, classy private clinics and the best referral hospital in the country catering for the medial needs for themselves, their wives, and their concubines, as well as fashionable villas of high standard with modern gadgets never seen at all anywhere in the country. Yet, it is the same "revolutionary Marxist" leaders who are doing all this, and who were swearing by dialectical materialism and Albanian socialism until a couple of years ago.
An organization which call itself the Ethiopian patriotic Front (Kefagn) is still fighting for the liberation of Humera, Wolqait, Tegede and Tselemt. This front may be either beefed up, or others may be organized. It is also possible that the people of Wollo and Gondar may carry out joint military operations against the TPLF, in order to liberate the forcefully incorporated provinces. There is no doubt that the people of the annexed provinces are determined to regain their lands as well as their local autonomy. It is most unfortunate that the innocent people of Tigrai are being blamed for the avarice and cupidity of the leadership. But if a bloody confrontation is to be averted, one hopes that the people of Tigrai do not share the insanity and psychosis of the TPLF leaders.
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**Coming soon: the names of the victims of Woyane genocide
Feb 5, 2006
The Case of Wolqait, Tegede and Tselemt (Part I)
In part I of this article we will see what the author has to tell us about the historic background about the Wolqait, Tegede and Tselemt Provinces. In part II we will continue with the most current facts and happenings. Enjoy the reading!
Expansionist TPLF:
According to Alan Rake, the TPLF which is a mirror image of the EPLF, is busy building a Tigrean Empire at the expense of the neighboring provinces, imposing Meles Zenawi's will on everybody (190).
Having used the land and the people of Tigrai as geographic and human shields of Eritrea for nearly two decades, in November 1977 the TPLF leadership agreed to relinquish to the EPLF Tigrean lands, including Agela, Ahsee Bizet, Rama, Adi Arbate, Chila, Simena, Lower Adiabo, and Higher Adiabo, including Badime. Then to compensate themselves, in December 1977, the TPLF leaders forcefully and illegally anexed Humera, Wolqait, Tsegede, and Tselemt from Gonder, and Raya Azebo, Alamata, and Ofla from Wollo. Subsequently, the size of Tigrai increased from 65,000 sq. Kms. to 102,000 sq. Kms. In doing so, they were making a mockery of their own constitution, and paying the customary lip-service to the principle of self-determination which they claimed as their guiding philosophy.
For lack of time and space, if we restrict the discussion to Gonder Province alone, we should note that the annexed provinces have never been part of Tigrai. Nor do the people identify themselves with Tigrai. The popular songs that the common people of Gonder sing are about the ethos, beauty, culture, and bravery of the people of Wolqait, Tesegede and Tselemt, with whom they identify very strongly, and with whom they lived together for centuries. Indeed, when Gonder became the political and administrative center of Ethiopia (1569 - 1868), it naturally expanded, and among other regions, it brought under its administrative control arraying, Wolqait, Humera, Tegede, Tselemt, Begemidir, Chilga, Dembia, Semien, and Wogera. During the reign of Emperor Fasiledes (1632 - 1667), it was decreed that the Tekezie River serve as the boundary between Gondar and Tigray.
In view of this, what Manifested Parkyins wrote in 1856 is quite relevant. "Gondar extends from the Tekeze River to the border of Senar in the Sudan, and that the principal divisions of Tigrai consisted of Hamassien, Seraiew, Akele Guzaie, Shire, Adi Abo, Tembien, Enderta, Wojirta, and Shilawa" (191). Similarly, writing in 1868, T.C. Plowden observed that the principal sub-divisions of Tigrai consisted of Hamassien, Seraie, Akele Guzaie, Agame, Shire, Adi Abo, Tembien, Enderta, Waggirat, and Shilawa (192). No where do these authors observe that the territories that the TPLF leadership forcefully snatched from Gondar and incorporated to Tigrai have been part of that province. Indeed, as one of the noted authorities on Ethiopian studies, Christopher Clapham notes, the TPLF has claimed part of Northern Gondar, asserting entirely on ficticious grounds that for a couple of years in the early 1940s, the area was administered as part of Tigrai.
The truth is, since patriotic resistance to the Italians was gaining momentum in Gondar, thanks to the leadership of such celebrated guerilla fighters as Amoraw Woubneh (the eagle) and Adane Mekonnen, by a temporary decree of March 1938 and February 1939, Wolqait and Tsegede were temporarily transfered to Eritrean administration. This was done, in the Italian view, in order to crush the Ethiopian resistance. Tigrai too was amalgamated with Eritrea. However, the temporary two years arrangement made by the Italians, could not make these provinces part of today's Eritrea, and still less of Tigrai, even if in the unlikely event that the TPLF leaders profess that Tigrai has become the successor state to mussolini's Italy. But their crimes do not stop here. Among other things, they even dismantled a generator which used to supply the city of Gondar with electricity and installed it in Mekele. Such pettiness in leadership is unheard of. Ethiopia deserves something better.
The late Dagnew Wolde Selassie, great grandson of Ras Woube Haile Mariam (1800 - 1866), former Ambassador to Yemen, and later Governor of Gondar Province, and a lawyer named Fetaye Assegu, among others, had written to Meles Zenawi hoping to reason with him so that sanity could prevail, but in vain.
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Part II coming soon.
Feb 3, 2006
The Duality of TPLF (One but Two, Two but One)!
Let me start by quoting Sudan Tribune's January 31, 2006 article.
As far as my mini-tiny political understanding and how relations between two sovereign countries is conducted, the federal government has the authority to conduct bilateral agreements, negotiations that are of interest and concern of the whole nation.
In fact here are some examples how the TPLF manufactured constitution draws the "powers and functions of the States (and the Federal Government):
Article 51
1. It shall protect and defend the Constitution (up to and including murdering innocent citizens and those who oppose the almighty dictator).
2. It shall formulate and implement the country'’s policies, strategies and plans in respect of overall economic (indulging the country into aid dependent economy), social (while millions are getting infected with HIV/AIDS, millions have died with no sign of relief) and development matters (what can I say...down the hill every single day).
4. It shall formulate and execute the country'’s financial, monetary and foreign investment policies and strategies. (Do you see where I am heading?...hold on your breath here comes more...).
8. It shall formulate and implement foreign policy; it shall negotiate and ratify international agreements.
12. It shall regulate inter-State and foreign commerce.
Wheeeeeew...I will leave the rest of the reading for you. Article 52 by itselflf has 21 sub-articles. Now let's make a U-turn (it is not legal in my state, hopefully it is legal in yours...but who cares...) and see what the same constitution has to say about the "powers and functions of the states"
1. All powers not given expressly to the Federal Government alone, or concurrently to the Federal Government and the States are reserved to the States.
2. Consistent with sub-Article 1 of this Article, States shall have the following powers and functions:
- To establish a State administration that best advances self-government, a democratic order based on the rule of law; to protect and defend the Federal Constitution;
- To enact and execute the state constitution and other laws;
- To formulate and execute economic, social and development policies, strategies and plans of the State;
- To administer land and other natural resources in accordance with Federal laws;
- To levy and collect taxes and duties on revenue sources reserved to the States and to draw up and administer the State budget;
- To enact and enforce laws on the State civil service and their condition of work; in the implementation of this responsibility it shall ensure that educational; training and experience requirements for any job, title or position approximate national standards;
- To establish and administer a state police force, and to maintain public order and peace within the State;
I wonder if this dictatorial regime is still under confusion as it was 30 years ago or if they are addicted to living in contradiction.
There are some rumors circulating saying that the TPLF is ready to declare Tigray's independce anytime now if situations in Addis Ababa and the whole country in general do not cool down as they wish. Thus, this recent love affair with the Sudan could be the first step in the process of their wishful dream of dismantling Ethiopia.
As I have said it in my previous posts, the people of Wolqait Tegede can not and will not be used to fulfill the failing evil intentions dictatorial regime and we would stand firm with the rest of our Ethiopian brothers and sisters for a united and democratic Ethiopia.
The TPLF is acting as two governments by cloning itself into one that operates through the front door and the other through the back door in order to implement its hidden agenda. As my country men Ethiopians beautifully said it "hulet eGir alegn tebilo : hulet zaf ayiwotam." It is not new for TPLF to blindly engage itself into a failure. It won't be long before their evil doings flush them through the drain once and for good (I can wait to see this happening to them).
Jan 22, 2006
Wolqait - Tegede: The Ticking Bomb

It seems that the Woyane/TPLF, has totally forgotten that it is harboring a time bomb under its belt that will explode anytime soon if not later. They thought that by spraying their poison here and there through their cadres and those few that are related to his wife Azeb Golla (Mesfin) and some members of her close family and friends to radically change the cultural and social identity of the Wolqait Tegede people. But instead what they have been doing all along is fermenting pain and grudge amongst those true Ethiopian citizens.
As it is the case in almost all through out Ethiopia, all institutions from top to bottom are under the direct control of TPLF cadres of Tigraian origin. In fact the Tigrians have been heard saying that, " the land and the women" are what they want from Wolqait Tegede. This would also apply to the rest of the lands such as Telemt and Raya. I am not making up a local rumor but rather what my own uncle has witnessed during his recent visit to the area. This by itself is one component of that time ticking bomb. Moreover, this tells us that a silent genocide is taking place as we speak as people especially young men of this area are continuously being harassed and intimidated leading them to a forced displacement. Many people of this region nowadays have called the historic city of Gonder their home. On the other hand, thousands after thousands of Tigrayans are moving in from central Tigray to "Western Tigray" which mainly is the fertile land of Wolqait Tegede. Refer to the map for area of detail where the so called "resettlement" has taken place.
This tells us that the people have clearly rejected the woyane invasion and they are not willing to integrate with the rest of Tigray. In recent times news regarding the situation about this people is rarely hear as it is subdued by the hegemony of one party dictatorial regime. In the aftermath of the May 15 parliamentary elections most of the local and international news has focused mainly on the violence in Addis Ababa and the brutal murder of hundreds of Ethiopians.
With it comes the resentment by certain groups about the Tigraian people. Here, first I would like to remind my readers to disengage themselves from ethnic hatred at all times as it has done nothing to Burundi, Somalia or any other country that has experienced ethnic hatred. Second, do not include the Wolqait Tegede people under the assumption that they are under the fabricated Tigrayan map and they have not voiced their support for the democratic cause and against Woyane.
I assure you that the people of Wolqait Tegede people fully support the struggle for democracy and national unity. Moreover, they firmly oppose the illegal and mercenary woyane regime. It is their belief that one day Ethiopia will set itself from the hands of Woyane, Shabia and the western world and all Ethiopians would once again proudly and fearlessly identify themselves as PROUD ETHIOPIANS!
Jan 13, 2006
We Lost a Great Scientist!
Dr. Ejigu was not only a scientist but also an individual who was passionate about his motherland Ethiopia that he helped found the Ethiopian National United Front (ENUF) in order to contribute his share towards building democracy and democratic institutions in Ethiopia. He is also credited in helping Ethiopian students who fled in fear of the brutal Woyane regime atrocities.
It is sad that our Ethiopia could not take advantage of such great intellectual for the betterment of the society. It is unknown how many scholars are currently residing abroad and investing their brain power in a foreign nation but I would guess that it is more than the ones living in the country.
Let me take this opportunity to wish that one day all diaspora intellectuals would return back home and contribute in reviving that countries economy and provide solutions to most if not all of its social, and political problems. I also hope that God will Bless us with a government that strives to improve our social well-being and one that will protect national identity, pride and integrity.
Let us pray that our wishes will come true.
Jan 8, 2006
Woyane's New Year Gift to the Sudan...
Well, enough about my complaints about what the western hemisphere is doing to me, since we have our dictatorial regime in Ethiopia teaching us a new culture of gift giving. In his recent visit to the Sudan, the Meles has generously signed an agreement to demarcate the border with the Sudan and in the process handing over some of the precious lands to the Sudan.
The Sudanese who felt encouraged by this news formed a new organization called the Fashaqah Lands Liberation Organization (FLO) and began demanding even more lands deep inside Ethiopia. If you ask where these lands are, where else but the Wolqait Tegede region that is under the invasion of the Woyane.
What the Sudanese call Al-Fashaqah lands are the fertile lands of Ethiopia known as Mechach and Lugdi. In fact Ethiopian farmers such as Getachew Yirga, Fitawrari Serebe Lemma are among the many who own and farm these lands.
Previously the Sudanese border was limited to the west of the river Angereb but eventually they began to cross to the east. Despite the local cry of the local Ethiopians the Haileselassie regime turned a blind eye and deaf ears. Refer to the following map to witness the geographic location of what I am talking about.
So, Why is the Woyane giving up these lands to the Sudan? Well, as you might know the Sudan is a hostile nation to Ethiopia as it frequently has interfered in the internal affairs of Ethiopian politics. Therefore, the Woyane regime which is at its peak of collapse has to make some concessions with these nations in order to at least prolong its disastrous political existence. So, why not just give few lands to the neighboring dictator in order to protect the Sudanese government from harboring Ethiopian opposition groups and militants. After all it is not Tigray's land, it stole it from the provinces of Gonder.
So, I wonder what the problem is with every so called Ethiopian governments? Why are they always turning their backs on us? Why? They would come to us whenever they need to overthrow a government, but they are never to be found when we look for them to help us at our dire needs.
Dec 31, 2005
The Agony of Wolqait Tegede People
I started this blog as I can not bear the pain of my people caused by the dictatorial Woyane regime. The Wolqait Tegede, Tselemt and Armachiho people have specially been victims of carefully strategized plan to eradicate them from their native land. Woyane's strategy dates more than two and three decades ago but the brave people of this region have defended their land and kept the proud Ethiopian identity for a long time.
Since the Woyane regime climbed to power the atrocities committed against these people have been going on in the open air and their scrimmage for help has been silenced by Woyane and its band-wagon or 'achebchabiwoch'.
My dear readers, this is my first blog work. I will continue to expose the atrocities of the Woyane regime against the Wolqait Tegede people. I will continue to provide factual information and evidences to what is happening to the people of concern.
I would like to remind my readers that I believe the concerns and thirst for unity, democracy, and peace of Wolqait Tegede would be answered as the general concerns of the Ethiopian people are fulfilled. My intention in focusing in this particular region is in order to show the rest of the world and especially my Ethiopian brothers and sisters of what is going one in the other corner of Ethiopia.
Your comments are more than welcome and please let me know if you have any information regarding what these are going through.