Toxic Diaspora: Washington D.C. Ain’t Your Mama No More

By Zena Mewael (August 6, 2010)

The Ethiopian Diaspora have finally awakened from their catnap; thereby, declaring their overdue allegiance to the interest of their country of origin, Ethiopia. In doing so they are affirming unflinching solidarity with the Ethiopian people—by extension the government which is relentlessly working to make the proverbial poverty a thing of the past.

Of course, this author is talking about the recent peaceful demonstration that was staged in the U.S. capital, Washington D.C. Ethiopians and Americans of Ethiopian origin from all walks of life attended the rally. They reiterated their support for the Ethiopian government as it seeks a lasting solution to the Nile water sharing in a fair and equitable manner for all stakeholders. They also called upon the United States government to vigorously continue the mutual relationship with the Ethiopian government for it has a vested interest in seeing a peaceful Ethiopia in particular and a Horn of Africa in general.

In light of the recent terrorist attack in Uganda that claimed more than 70 innocent lives, the U.S. cannot sit idle until Al-Shabab inflicts more damage in that part of Africa. Therefore, it was appropriate for the demonstrators to alert the United States of America of the need to defeat Al-Shabab once and for all, and the U.S. is listening to the plight of the people in the Horn of Africa and beyond. Case in point; the U.S. is hunting this terrorist group and its enablers as evidenced in the recent indictment of several people in the U.S. This should serve as a reminder to those who support the terrorist groups such as Dr. Berhanu Nega’s Ginbot-7, and the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF).

This is welcome news to those who have held the notion that the majority in the Diaspora is a victim of a few ‘toxic elements’ in the Diaspora; that Ethiopia is making great strides in eradicating poverty; that the Ethiopian people don’t appreciate being told how to lead their lives, and how to cast their votes in an election; and that the Ethiopian people are able to distinguish a bogus concern for human rights and rule of law from a genuine one.

Washington D.C. saw the two sides of the Ethiopian Diaspora on Thursday, August 5, 2010, however. There were the peaceful demonstrators with genuine concern for their people, and then there were the violent ones with bogus claim for human rights. While the former group was peaceful and with useful purpose, the latter group was hastily organized to counter the effect of the peaceful demonstration on the majority of the Diaspora, and the United States government. Typical of their character, along their way to the Chinese Embassy, members of the ‘toxic’ Diaspora burned the Chinese flag, and denounced the Chinese government for working with the Ethiopian government in building important infrastructures such as bridges, roads, and irrigation dams throughout Ethiopia. There is nothing surprising here for these people have been lobbying against the interest of Ethiopia, including blocking any development aid, and the flow of investment money from foreign countries that are badly needed by the Ethiopian People.

In closing, the silent majority in the Diaspora has finally said enough is enough to the few “toxic” elements in the Diaspora. A new page has been turned and there is no U-turn to the old bandwagon where the few vocal Diaspora were allowed to hijack the will of the majority. The silent majority has spoken at last—firmly asserting its right to be heard, and determined to contribute its share in nation building in a way never before seen. After all, democracy works well when the majority rules, and not the other way.

For constructive comments or criticism, this author can be reached at emaa_go@yahoo.com