Further communication with Gurummessa Gurum

Dear Gurummesa Gurum

21/11/2009

Thank you for your prompt magisterial response.  It is heartening to learn that from time to time people, like your good-self, who stand in the ‘holy of holies’ of EPDRF, take time out and communicate directly with a ‘nihilarian supporter’ like myself.

I have never claimed to be on the same page with EPDRF; my ‘status’ – unlike yours – does not allow me to be in the epicentre of decision making of Ethiopia’s ruling party.  Like hundreds of EPDRF supporters in Great Britain I, however, have been trying hard to keep abreast of political developments via various media.  I have come to sense that you and I have a convergent view on MEDREK: that it is a nugatory force which has not got the internal stability or the élan to pose a threat to EPDRF at the next National Elections.  Where a gulf seems to yawn is on what I mean by “Ethiopians demand that EPDRF sticks to its guns,” as well as on what you mean by “a willingness of the EPDRF to a separate meeting (with MEDREK) will send positive message about EPDRF.”

It is an unfortunate state of affairs, is it not, that EPDRF is - in addition to its dual responsibilities of leading the nation and managing itself – made to shoulder the nursing of  premature opposition parties.  In doing so, it had made sure that it had been acting within the purview of the Constitution.  It realises that the consequence of relenting to political expediency would inevitably lead to the chipping away of the Constitution.  And this would mean that EPDRF has reneged on its promise of building democratic institutions and upholding the constitutional order.

Ceding to MEDREK’s demand is not wrong it is a mistake.  Do not lose sight of the fact that the Government had promptly responded to MEDREK’s demand by citing that it is not the norm for parties in government to indulge in a dialogue with an opposition party on a one-to-one basis where the subject matter is of interest to all stake-holders of an election.  Nor should you forget that most of the concerns that MEDREK insists on raising with only EPDRF, are already being discussed post the signing of the Code of Conduct amongst the 65 political parties.   The only difference is that at the first opportunity of a tète a tète with EPDRF, MEDREK will be laying on the negotiating table its demand for the unconditional release of Birtukan Medekssa or a binding commitment to form a government of national unity irrespective of the election results.  By raising a strictly judicial matter for EPDRF (which is barred by the constitution from interfering with the prerogative of the judiciary) MEDREK is positioning itself to check-mate EPDRF.

It is precisely because of this unsavoury situation that I opined emphatically a “stick to your guns” policy for EPDRF.  In its matter of fact term, it is intended to mean nothing more than apply one’s commonsense; in its allegorical sense it means – yes, you have got it right – EPDRF must “be meek like a dove and wise like a snake.”

Where I beg to differ is on your belief that EPDRF’s willingness to MEDREK will send a positive message about EPDRF.  Send positive message to whom: To the opposition at-large?  To the fractious parties who make up MEDREK? To the choleric Diaspora supporters of MEDREK?  To the Ethiopian public that has lost faith in MEDREK’S ability to make a difference in Ethiopian politics by being a pro-active member of the All Party Talks?

Here, I would like, if I may, draw your attention to a recent Prime Ministerial Question Time during which The Rt.Hon. Lidetu Ayalew MP asked Prime Minister Meles Zenawi whether the Government was willing to raise the salaries of public sector workers now the economy was showing real signs of recovery and the elections were around the corner.  The Prime Minister responded in a manner commensurate with the answer of a responsible leader, who put the national interest above that of the Party interest: “It would be adding fuel to the fire, even if it meant winning votes.”

In Meles’ answer lies the true character of EPDRF a character which became a magnet that attracted millions into its fold especially since the 2005.  Many of us are proud supporters because we know that when push comes to shove, EPDRF is so good at striking while the iron is hot.  Mawkishness has never been an attribute of EPDRF.  The going, I admit, is getting tough, but my friend, you may rest assured that it has always been the case that when the going gets tough it is EPDRF that keeps on going while the likes of MEDREK commit a political kamikaze.

Cheers!

Dilwenberu Nega