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What is the mission behind the article “Dam figures to
revolutionize Ethiopia”? The opinion written by Tom Campbell and posted on The
Orange County REGISTER under the title “Dam figures to revolutionize Ethiopia”,
I believe has a wrong message than the writer wanted to express. Mr. Campbell as a member of Congress served on the
Africa Subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee. This
committee is influential to congress who do not have time to read detail to
find facts. They depend on people like Tom Campbell. Therefore I would like to
challenge some of his opinion for the record. It is to true, The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, on
the Blue Nile, is “the greatest public works project in Africa.” I would say an
eye opening for the rest of Africa. It sends a message, if the leadership comes
up with a great idea, the public are more than happy to unite for a good cause.
It is true first Sudan then recently Egypt is
supporting the plan while discussing on minor misunderstanding for the good
cause. It is true my beloved country, America does stand
against The World Bank loan aligning with Egypt’s concern. I hope this time,
the author will not witness the fall of Ethiopia under Communist Ideology for
lack of financial and material aid. (Google why the Derg (Military Government)
went to East side?) However, I found some of the information are either
consciously or unconsciously misguiding the readers. Does Mr. Campbell have
fact for what he is writing or misguided by people who have narrow history
about Ethiopia? 1. Your
word: “Britain had liberated Ethiopia from Mussolini’s Italy in World War II,
and stayed in administrative control of major parts of the Ethiopian government
for ten years thereafter.” Where do you get this history? What I know and
how we learned in history class is that A. Italy tried to colonize Ethiopia
without success B. Ethiopia never
administered by either British or any western country. Please read this “The
wresting of Ethiopia from the occupying Italian forces involved British
personnel, composed largely of South African and African colonial troops
penetrating from the south, west, and north, supported by Ethiopian guerrillas. It was the task of an Anglo-Ethiopian
mission, eventually commanded by Colonel Orde Wingate, to coordinate the activities of the Ethiopian forces in support of the
campaign. The emperor arrived in Gojam on January 20, 1941, and immediately undertook the task of
bringing the various local resistance groups under his control.” And so on.
Source: U.S. Library of Congress. 2. Your
word: “So, Egypt’s resistance to the dam is a mirror to Ethiopia’s enthusiasm
for the dam. Egypt’s position reminds Ethiopians of Britain’s colonial disdain.
Tensions are made even higher by a worrisome rise in religious tension. Egypt,
especially under the short-lived rule of Mohamed Morsi, emphasized that 2/3 of
Ethiopians are Christian, in contrast with Muslim Egypt.” I would not say Egypt’s resistance, this is
not resistance. Asking clarification is not resistance. The Ethiopian people
believes the Egyptian people are in support of this dam as the Sudanese did.
You also quoted according to Mohammed Morsi (short time leader) 2/3 of
Ethiopians are Christian. I could not get any proof for saying this. I do not
believe he would say this as he and all the world know, Ethiopia is a nation of
Christian and Muslim lived and treated equally. Please Google “The Grand Imam
speaking to the German Parliament, the Bundestag reiterated if it wasn't for
Emperor Armaha of Axum Islam as a religion would have been destroyed by the
rulers of Mecca at that time. " Axumite Kingdom
is the original place of the present day Ethiopia. 3. Your
word: “To avoid an international crisis, Egypt also must be brought around.” Are you sure, this will bring an
international crisis? I hope you are not thinking like the Base Ball game where
Canada’s and USA’s match is considered World Series. I believe most of us who followed the news
are aware of the Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan signed agreement on Nile waters. I am afraid none of us have to worry about
the dam as a cause of crisis. In fact it would be a means of strengthening the
relationship. Who hate a mutual benefit? Perhaps who does not wish Africa
united for common goal? Here, my message to
readers is: Please get the fact before sharing this kinds of loaded articles.
It is misguiding rather than teaching. I would also like to advice Aiga administrators to check the facts of the articles
before posting on your web. Distorting history in the name of opinion is unprofessional. K. Eyob. March 28, 2016 |