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!