EPRDF in its short life as a government has achieved many magnificent victories. For a starter it has managed to transform the people’s mindset to believe in that there is no other better enemy than poverty. It has expanded elementary education to a universal coverage level and it has changed the country’s image from that of poor and famine stricken in to a country where its economic growth is measured and compared with other developing countries. Ethiopia today is in a much better position than it was 20 years ago! That is what we think but what do you think is the main significant achivement of EPRDF to-date?
What is your understanding about the Great Hedase Dam at Blue Nile River? Is it a watershed event for its economic and political implication? Can opposition political organizations that are against the project survive and become relevant in Ethiopian politics? Have Your Say!
It’s true that EPRDF had achieved many victories by fighting agiainst poverity in two decades. But this is not the end of the beginning to change the negative image of our country. The people of Ethiopia should keep pressing forward to tackle poverity images from our country once and for all. I believe that it is now the right time to use our God given natural water resources properly. Neverthless, we..Ethiopians should introduce to our farmers a new culture how to produce our crop productions using a modern irrigation systems. The solution how to defeat our poverity striken image is right at every Ethiopian hand. We should mobilize our agricultural infrastructures such as agricultural institutions, irrigation techniques, modern farming using basic trackters etc… at every corner of our country. keep in mind, the harder we work the sooner we will win. There would be no doubt, poverity will remain as a legend behind the history of Ethiopia for many generations ahead. Let’s all of us struggle in unity to defeat poverity. We will see our dream come true.
Dear Aiga,
The importance of the “Hidase Grand Dam” is gigiantic both politically and economically for the Nile countries, particularly Ethiopia. This project has brough down the centuries long held taboo by the Egyptians and Sudanese governments and their fanatic die-hard experts. It’s been a music to our ears to hear these governments and people, especially Egyptians finally woke up from their deep sleep and talk sanely. This is definitely a watershed in our history; there will not be any return backwards other than using our water resurces for the development of the nation. Regardless of what most of our cursed diaspora opposition members say and do to undo the efforts of the current government in building our beloved country, this project will materialize as all Ethiopians have stood hand in hand to make another noble history. These toxic so-called opposition, who opposes everything EPRDF must come up with either a tangible and practical alternative or shut their filthy mouthes up and live their mentally challenged lives. It is time either to board the fast moving development train or board the slowly but surely sinking boat. Let us give credit where it is due. This government has done a mountain of job in its 20 years in power and has changed the face of the country for good and for ever. It doesn’t mean that the government has no weaknesses but it’s smart enough to learn from its failure and do better in the future. That is what it makes it different from all previous governments and current opposition groups.
Therefore, we should support the efforts of the government and be active in participating in any development programs to liberate our people from the darkness of poverty.
May God bless Ethiopia and its people.
It is an open secret that the the battle for the red sea was lost because of the Nile politics and it is the previous governments not EPRDF to blame for it. Having said that while the socio-economic development is appreciated we can not afford to lose the battle for the Nile but given EPRDF’s softly softly approach towards an entity that was created for the mare purpose of executing the total disintegration of Ethiopia, i can’t help but worry about the future of ethiopia….It is good that Eritrea has been ignored and we have focused on development but I am just not convinced we are vigilant enough in the face of their desire and determination to distract Ethiopia…for example, we are talking about exploiting our gas resource in south east, but how can we be sure desperate shabia will not send butchers to slaughter our and foreign workers?..
20 years is short time as a government !???Really ??
Building school is the job of the government.Melese got paid to build schools and other infrastructurs.We can not say building school is an extra ordinary achievement.Not at all.
In the last 20 years TPLF is known for the deceit,the lies,the killing and for it’s gross human right violations.This is an extra ordinary failure of TPLF.
Once again answer me the following question.
Today,Ethiopians are unable to buy and eat oil,meat,coffee and sugar.Is this b/c of your extra ordinary achievement ? Today the price of a litter of food oil is 80 birr ,how much it was 20 years ago ? If things are getting better,why should we still have more than 4million hungry citizens who are waiting their daily food from international donors ? why are all the people I know complaining about life ? why is that 80% of the population wanted to migrate to other country ?
Can you tell us about the stolen 8.4 billion dollar reported by UNDP ? Who stole that money ? TPLF is the most corrupted organization in the history of Ethiopia,and I do not trust this group any more.I am tired of the contineoues lies of this group.
My conclusion :
The liers and thieves do not build this sophisticated dam.The issue of Abay is beyond the capacity of TPLF.Simply TPLF has no national feeling to build Abbay.
I never heard any political party opposing building Abbay dam.No one.They are saying ethnocentric regime who is in power without the consent of the citizens has no moral and legal legitimacy to get into such big and risk full project.
Before TPLF regime get into such risky project,it should work hard to bring national consensus and get the approval of the entire nation.As long as the fact in the ground is concerned, this regime has no citizen approval.Simply TPLF is not trusted by Ethiopians.
This regime took us into war with Eritrea and told us false story claiming Badime is given to us.Now,where is Badime ? Generally,I do not trust the regime in ADDIS.
ye hizib bisot yeweledew jeginaw ye ehadeg serawit derg sitekemibet yenberewin radio tabia lehizib tikim tekotatrotal.
Gibot 20 1983.
It was a big war victory and now a victory of development is achieved.
Proud to be Ethiopian! Viva EPRDF!
I wholeheartedly agree that EPRDF has contributed immensely to the transformation of the Ethiopia as we know it now. Denying the undeniable facts on the ground that is manifested in all aspects of the country’s growth, can only emanate from pure hypocrisy, not from a reality. While I can not say that the Government has fully defeated poverty, I can confidently say that the Government is in the right path. Job well down!!!!!!!
“EPRDF in its short life as a government has achieved many magnificent victories”
It is amazing to hear that 20 years was a short life for EPRDF to stay on power. How long you wish EPRDF to stay on power to do some thing? 100/120/ 130 years like a tortoise? Similarly, are you sure that EPRDF has achieved many magnificent victories compared to the two-decades life span as well as the hundred’s of billions foreign aid poured in Ethiopia? Please don’t fool your selves!! It is simple just to look countries like Vietnam which was very poor like Ethiopia two decades ago. But, Vietnam managed to join the middle income countries club within 12 years after it launched its overall national development plan. On the other hand, EPRDF woke up from its deep sleep and suddenly started to talk about economic transformation 20 years after it has become government. So, what are talking about? To me, the topic of discussion right now should be “who got the lion share from Ethiopia’s stolen $8.4 billion for the last 20 years?” Many Ethiopians know the correct answer, but I would like to hear from you cadres as well.
Dear Aiga,
Aiga you like to sing and to listen to your own song? Is it not? First , you do not evaluate yourself? do you know that ? in a civilized society, you do not evaluate yourself. Your work and performance must be evaluated by non-actors who can evalaute your work objectively.
Can a student test her sellf or himself or evaluate herself or himself? No, there is no such thing. You have to be evaluated externally and objectively and you have to sit in an examination hall. What you are doing is that you are testing yourself and giving yourself A+? It is not like that Aiga.
At least we should hear that from the Ethiopian people, not from you. From myside, I gave you a failing grade, D-. You will sooner or later see where D- will take you. But you can still cheat yourself and pat your own back and give even A+? It means you will never consider the cry of Ethiopians to any level? I am very sad you have been singing the sames song in the past 20 years. But nothing has changed. Mekele is now the capital of prostitution. Girls as young as 9 years old engage in prostitution and I think that is part of GTP? Anyway, Niskatkum Tsemamat ekum, the only hope is you will go away one day like derg. We are fed up of your lies and your songs of 20 years. If God does not invervene and save the country, you have determined to destroy the country. Why you ended up like that? It is beyond our comprehension. But you can keep on singing AIGA. but you must know, your song has become so boring and dull, the same song year after year. You have no any new things except sticking to your dedebit mentality. The Ethiopians are crying for freedom, food, equality, justice,… but that is not your business? your business is selling land to whomer who can pay money? The Ethiopian story is a very bad story.
Two different types of Ethiopian governments had believed and allocate imense amount of resources to fend off external enemies prior to EPRDF’s arrival in to the scene. I can’t minimize that Ethiopia indeed have external obstacles brought un to her, but the internal problem far out weigh the external. And this is the genius of EPRDF. It focuses on internal problems and allocate immense amount of resource and energy. As to the external problem I seem to realize that EPRDF does use more bold deplomacy to mend relationships. Many people have written at different times pointing at different accomplishments, but I say this particular quality of the EPRDF must be one of the few tops.
Dearest Aiga:
Many thanks to you for creating the opportunity to share our genuine reflections on the new Hedasse Dam project on our Abay.
As an Ethiopian national who longs for the development of our country, I was immensely ecstatic to know Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has now started to use ABAY for its national development. Within Ethiopia, the “Abay” name has long been synonymous to countless ironic aphorisms and satirical adages to reflect the long existed mix of omens and blessings, betrayals and prides. Abay originates from Ethiopia and drift in grace across the gorge rippling any thing it found in its way to Sudan and Egypt, we have not able to use it for various reasons until recently. At the other ends, how ever, Abay becomes “Nile” and rightfully so venerated and divined by millions for bringing lives and civilizations. This has been true since ancient civilization. In fact, one can question the existence of civilization if not for Abay.
While Abay has used to shimmer modern cities, irrigate large plantations, dammed to harness much needed clean energy and used as convenient and means of transportation by our neighboring countries, it has been a liability for us, often with morbid outcomes including in human lives and property damage.
EPRDF’s decision to erect a huge hydroelectric dam on Abay is a living testimony to its true vision, and the calumniating point of our collective stance in reclaiming our long lost right. By observing the completed Tekeze, Belesa multi purpose, Gigle Gibe 1, 2 and the huge one still under construction, I believe EPRDF says what it really means. Understandably there are known/unknown obstacles to overcome, quagmires to pass through, and propagandas to defeat. But, under current national, regional and international circumstances, we are the ones that play the detrimental role. As the greatness of people is measured by its ability to bring about the need outcome under challenging environments, all patriotic Ethiopians – regardless of political views should be part of the history making. With collective eyes on the just cause, none of the factors are capable enough to tie our hands from utilizing our natural resource.
Using our natural resources in fairer way to extricate ourselves from poverty is moral, just and legal. The Great Abay Millennium project brings to an end the long lived spurious pride and heralds the new “YICHALA” (can be done) mentality. Hence, let us talk less and act more.
Abel
If 20 years is short for TPLF (and are satisfied with what they have accomplished in those years), I wonder how an American president would feel to do anything in 4 years (if lucky in 8 years)?
Governments come; Governments go. Whatever the motive of the government is it is building a major dam; even if it goes, it does not take the dam with it; therefore, we should all be supportive of this major dam. It is time to change our approach towards each other in general and our politics in particular. We have to stop blaming the other group/party for all of our misery and as the source of our countless problems while presenting ourselves as the ‘good guy’. We have to stop such approach to our problems. I suggest we recognize that we, as a generation, are at fault, and are to be blamed, especially in seeking a solution by adopting foreign approach. We have to be confidence on ourselves and believe that our people and our country is capable of producing a solution within based on history, culture and objective realities. The only way out of our current unpleasant situation is by working together and not fighting with each other. We have to stop adversarial approach towards our problems and each other. While I suggest the government to be more transparent and get the people involved in this project, I full-heartedly support the dam.
to the sceptics ask yourself – what have I done to my country than what my country can do for me !
Way forward to Ethiopians and the government of Ethiopia we are heading to the right directions
why you braginig since you have been doing nothing. don’t cheat as again. we were cheated that Badme was Etiopia and made us to go to war, and we paid thousands innocent Etiopians. so, do you think that we can trust you again. there is a saying that you can cheat one time , two time, but you can’t cheat third times.
Aiming to eradicate poverty is importnat and good, I think. But at the end of the day what matters is freedom. The example of former USSR showed that the basis for transformation should be individual freedom which also gurantees group freedom, not vice versa. What EPRDF did so far is good but has no solid foundation. Ethnic based politics or ethnic freedom doesn’t constitute the whole packages of freedom. Hence if EPRDF politicians want a real transformation they should couple their anti-poverty campaign with the focus on individual or citizenship-based freedom. That means EPRDF should focus in addition on accountability, freedom of expression, freedom of non-racial organisation in addition to economic development .
Nothing has aroused the patriotic feeling of the Ethiopian people, save those die hard Nay sayers in the Diaspora, like this monumental project. This alone will qualify this project as a major moral booster and will go a long way in our struggle to rid ourselves from abject poverty. I think the govt should captialize on the momentum and introduce an’ irrigation bond’ to make our country independent of the erratic rainfall which is only a year or two away due to El Nina or whatever Nature has for us ………….Another important campaign which will surely win the hearts and minds of every ethiopian will have to be ‘ afforestation’ ……………so let the government issue bonds targeted to make our Nation greener………I have proudly decided to acquire these bonds and have made them part of my vocabulary and I will sure buy bonds, meant to buy drip irrigation systems for our farmers or those trying to reverse the massive deforestation of our beloved country.
Last but not least, I wonder why the govt restricts the buying of the Dam Bonds to those of Ethiopian origin………..I will think allowing all Africans and those of African decent to buy these bonds should be encouraged. After all, Ethiopia is the Capital of Africa. At minimum Ras Teferians should be allowed to acquire the bond for their allegation to the Flag of Ethiopia and Our Nation is beyond doubt. Provided we dont let the ‘ money changers’ who speculate in the major Bond markets, there are millions of World citizens who have shown their true color by siding with Ethiopia in its fight against Italian and Askari invasion from Mexico to Moscow, when it wasn’t fashionable, by any standard. and wont mind at all buying the bonds to make a point. True, it will take a visionary campaign.
The dogs of AIGA,
What you and your master is saying is “aynachinhun chefinuna lamognachihu”. You want us believe that EPRDF did great job. Ethiopians totally reject this claim. You have been a disgrace to your motherland. You belttled her histroy as that of just barely 100 years. You allowed Eritrea to cede. You called our flag just a piece of cloth, imagine thousands have sacrificed their lives in the name of te beloved falag. Now, all of a sudden, you want us to believe that you are patriotic ethiopians claiming “kegna wodya lasar”. Yeleba aynederek yibal yele?. We know that you have amassed wealth. You have looted the treasures of the country with impunity. Your endowment (EFFORT) has controlled the economic life of the entire country. Now you want more money and have come up with a grand project like this dam. Noone believs you. You are racists with deep hatred to the Ethiopian soul. You have no future with the people. Sooner or later the people will communicate with you with no uncertain terms.
True EPRDF has done some good things. But, if you want to be honest 20 years is not a short life for one government.
Ethiopia in its 20 years of history towards democracy, economic development and good govenance led by EPRDF Govenment has shown spectacular achievment. This is a public secret that cannot be denied. We cannot deny this fact unless we are motivated by anti EPRDF prejudice bigotry.
EPRDF has played its Ethiopian obligation in the last twenty years and will contnue to play its role as long as Ethiopia remains democratic. However, this fact cannot swallow jingoists, dogmas and xenophobic elements.
Ethiopia in the last twenty years has shown unprecedented economic growth never seen in its entire modern history. The same is true in education, health, women’s empowerment and in different infrasstructures. Hence, it is in the verge of fulfilling The MDG.
Ethioppia’s achievement in different secors of the econmy and in changing the wrong mind set of the people is really the blue print of the EPRDF Government. TO those who are far from this reality please accept the truth and have the courage to swallow the pill and be part of the package.
May God bless the soul of our martyrs who dedicated their lives to the spectacuar achievement of the 20th annversary of GINBOT 20.
Dear all, dear EPRDF,
Well done! But not enough! We talk about image problem, it is true and is a very humiliating thing. In my opinion, EPRDF could have been able to assure three meals per day in twenty years with the abbondunt resources the country has for agriculture! Believe me that it is not possible to have our glorious immage back as long as millions of our people are hungry and the government is always ready tor cry hunger. All the immage we build in two or three years of good harvest is destroyed by one day cry of hunger! It is shame upon us! No matter what kind of projects you may propose, as far as this humiliating fact is there, we will not attract toursits that could give us in a year or so what we spent in agriculture to feed our population! No one wants to go and see dying people. Holidays are to relax and to rest not to see dying people. Please put everything in agriculture so that once and for all we may reclaim our dignity of a nation! Said this, Bravo EPRDF in all other fields! Keep up!
It is important and magnificent stride towards development. Thanks to the Golden Generation who had started the fight against the derg fascist and put back Ethiopia to the right track.
Dear Aiga thank you for the opportunities to let us dialogue on the great hidassie dam. In my opinion, all Ethiopians behind the great hidassie dam, I can not imagine any Ethiopian oppose this great idea, but we have to vigilant the current government to use the great dam to silence the opposition parties.because you mention Siye any body have a right to express his/her idea freely, free speech accompany by free opinion we all get our share of it.
The confused ,Schizophrenic,Paranoic Few Diaspora
History has it that Ethiopia and Ethiopians are a by-word of Heroism. National security and sovereignty is deep in their DNA. The fact being this ,we are observing some confused , Schizophrenic , Paranoiac minority Diasporas abroad ,and some licensed opposition groups in Ethiopia masterminding ,planning, organizing groups and praying for bloodshed and chaos. They have clear reason to do this. They were monsters, man-eaters, and criminals during the past regimes. They made Ethiopian people to engage in horrible atrocities and wage war against each other. Through the use of their lies and propaganda, they were able to bend the will of ordinary people into submission and create an tribal dominance to carry out their orders, no matter how absurd they might be. The revolution of the Ethiopian people before 20 years spawned changed the ETHIOIPIAN political and economic landscape forever .
But have you ever wondered how they did it?.
Their dirty magic formula for oppression of the Ethiopian people was very simple
The slogan of “Ehtiopia Tikdem Bedem =Blood”and they are repeating the same magic formula for additional massacre.
They are using this flag
to win the hearts of Ethiopians to wrongly obey them-because they know Ethiopians give their life for their country.
But whose Bood?
Bood for what?
Bood for whom?
Whose Son?
Whose Daughter?
For these confused few Diaspora, they do not care for most poor Ethiopians trying day in day out to eradicate poverty in Ethiopia. Because their sons and daughters are learning abroad in a very comfortable live. From Brooklyn university to Harvard . Donot ask why. this money is the money of the poor Ethiopians during ነፍጠኝነት.
It is the money of Ethiopian farmers. Now they are dreaming day dreams and yearning that to come .
For them Ethiopia’s poverty is business where as its development is threat – shame on them!
And let me say something about their propaganda machines and their source of living capital.
1. They have to obey what some Ethiopian enemies are telling them to do .
The media channels and campaigns against Ethiopia are financed by some companies in the name of NGOs and some Arab countries like Egypt. NCOs support groups who say there is no democracy; there is poverty because that is the source of their salary. The media channels are meant:
1. Speak to people’s emotions and stir them constantly until chaos is created.
2. Use lots of repetition; repeat your points over and over again so that until they seem reality
3. Forget literary beauty, scientific reasoning, balance, or novelty.
4. Focus solely on convincing people and creating zealots.
5. Find slogans which can be used to drive the movement forward.
The Ethiopian people are now cognizant about such remnants and has no place in Ethiopia!!!!
These stupid few Diaspora have Genes and Memes of bloodshed happiness.
Hailay Kidanu, USA Princeton
Aiga,
Again you are talking that 20 years is short life for governments? what is your standard of comparison? am sure it is hailesilasie coz u r good at comparing ur self with the past not with the present.
Anyways,
Did EPRDF build new schools,roads and few dams in the last 20 years? yes
Did EPRDF receive Billions of dollars Aid in the last 20 years? yes of course
Was it enough for EPRDF to do only those in 20 years? No never. not even 20% of what a genuine and accountable government could have done considering the ever worsening situation of our poverty. Go to Tigray my friend and u will see how miserable life people are pushing. Should we praise EPRDF because it received money from NGO and and build clinic and primary school? is that all? it takes a lot more to say a government is successful.
Generally, the force behind the few developmental progresses was aid. It is not because EPRDF mobilized the people in unison or produced skilled and productive graduates or produced positive and educated enterpreneurs which will derive the country out of poverty.
Ethiopia is a country where a government person is feared like anything.
In the abscence of accountable government and presence of public repression, no sustainable development is possible.
The majority of Ethiopians are pining for change as soon as possible. But one thing is very clear, EPRDFites will never give up until the last minute. Even if we citizens are tired, fed up, do not want even to hear or smell EPRDF? They are trying to tell us everyone is with them?
Hiistroy is repeating itself, the dergist never believed their day will come to an end until Mengistu fled the country. Even after they left Ethiopia became refugees, they still believed Mengistu will go back. And this has become a predictable of behavior of Ethipians.
Everyone who is an enemy? as if they were not eating, dining, drinking,… now they have made even 360 degree revolution to call people Shabia? This make me laugh so much.
1. The people who were conscripting teenage Tigreans to liberate Eritrea by taking to Nakfa, Sahl, and to landlock Ethiopia are Ethiopian? Those who beleive in the real Ethiopia are called antiEthiopia? Zemenia grnbit mae neakeb yebehal. Tegelabtosh, zinab shiqb sizenb beasgerami zemen? I cannot stop laughing when other Ethiopians are called extremists, confused, delusional, … because their only crime is they think better than EPRDF.
Aiga, trust me or not, Ethiopia and Ethiopians are capable of building dams without EPRDF or TPLF. What we wish now is EPRDF to disapear from the scene of Ethiopia. I know you do not beleive and will not accept it until the last minute, but I must tell you, we are tired of EPRDF. Our country is on sale. I think you believe that because you have the gun, and you can still keep on bullying the people forever?
Gun can only serve you for a limited period. Whether you like it or not, it is comng soon. I am not even interested to hear what you say since we know that you are born to lie. You will keep on deceiving.
The campaign funding raising for the dam is a covert plan to camofloage the simmering disconent within the country. Chidren raising money, …. etc. This is propaganda. We see many building in every country, we do not see government using it for political propaganda? Why do you bother the people to come out and to parade showing their support to the dam? why do u have to do that? you are doing what exactly was doing? Derg used to force us from our schools and give us placards which says Woyane, Shabia yewdemu. The whole nation was coming out from thier kebeles by order and strict instruction. You are doing the same thing now.
Dear Aiga, we are tired. We will not allow our country to be occupied by Arab, Indians. We will not allow this. It is a matter of time. I know you think your are right. I must tell you have no the moral ground to lead Ethiopia. Reason: you just check your track record what you have done to the country so far. I know the wrongs things you have done are praised as the right things. But we can cover our eyes forever.
The Ethiopian people has given you 20 years to show yourself. All the merits you have is one betrayal after another. ho is going to trust you guys? We have begged your for the past 20 years. You have refused 100%. You do not even allow people to have different idea from you guys.
If there are men in Ethiopia, you ougtht to be removed now than later before you bring more destruction and humiliation.
The bottomline here is: everything that the EPRDF is building is a manument for this generation! Especially, the Train track , the Hedassie Dam… Which are on the process are a trailing historical events to Axum,Lasta Lalibella,Fasiledes… These remnant extremist diaspora politicians might deny the facts on the ground! The next generation that will see these monuments will appreciate the EPRDF for starting Democracy,good governance,building infrastructures,elections… This is just the beginning! We can compare our mentality growing & the kids talking about the new development in Ethiopia ! Isn’t Ethiopia changing? For me yes ! But for the extremists, no! You know why? Their God given natural senses don’t work properly! They can’t see,hear,understand anything but only themselves! Ethiopia could have changed more had they borrow their hands to the developments going on in Ethiopia & had they not testified in the senate floor to stop aid, had they not cooperated with Ethiopia’s cronic enemies! We know what ‘you (diaspora extremists) tried to do in the GTP conferences in North America! Don’t you think your identity have become anti unity,development… May be you don’t know! Because you can only see,hear,understand… Yourself! I can see your smelly traces here too! You have a chance to post your comment here, but we don’t have the same chance on your terrorist web sights!
We don’t say Ethiopia is ” Alga be Alga” but this gov’t is doing very good!
I think 20 years is not enough to extract Ethiopia from everything She has been soaked in , but She is on the right track though! If EPRDF is given a chance the next 20 yrs, they will change Ethiopia for good! China,Japan… Took more than half a century to reach where they are now Led by one party!
As fine leaders in the west continue to serve their country in every aspects,the Aging EPRDFites must be prized the highest prize possible & must continue to serve their contry so to continue to defend Ethiopia from the greedy extremists in the diaspora!
The Millenium Dam is the Monument of this generation!
Dear Aiga, first and foremost I would like to thank you for keeping us revealing important, independent, reliable, constructive, and on the ground information. Not only this, I would like to thank you for enabling us to discuss on issues related to our country no matter the physical distance we are far from our beloved country. I am very hopeful you will keep on doing this. The liars will no doubt are going to be ceased through time!
When I come to the crucial point you brought into discussion, I fully agree with you but what you tried to mention and what I could are only very limited of the ample and multifaceted changes came to Ethiopia within the last 20 years. First, Ethiopia has been on the eve of disintegration phase – phase where Ethiopia could not stand as a country. Second, may be one of the reasons that have been escalating the disintegration, the economy has been moving down to the worst level – education, health service, infrastructure, agriculture, industry, service, and like of the components of the economy have been in the very devastating and non-existence stage and unequally distributed where any. Third, the political situation and the system in general was engaged in killing educated and productive individuals, no freedom of nationalities – forcing people for the sake of their political interest to speak one language, believe in one religion, have one culture, and so on – were leading ethnicities towards conflicts. Fourth, the people of Ethiopia have never had the freedom to innovate, participate, speak, demand, but simply accept whatever its leaders may say and this is huge psychological damage to be engaged in developmental activities. Fifth, there was no property right and people had no interest to save, work, think for the long run, and so on – other prolonged psychological damage. These are some of the conditions we had before 20 years and EPRDF starts from below the scratch!
If it were not for EPRDF with strong leadership and deep rooted and committed effort to lift Ethiopia, it would be normal to take not less than 10 years to only restructure the messed system and economy for 100 of years! EPRDF has changed the mentality of the people with unbelievable speed and way. The people have been told “Semay ayitares nigus ayikeses” and was behaving accordingly. This has immediately changed in unbelievable pace and we know this looks simple change but it is the core of changes. Electricity coverage, education – elementary to universities, roads, airports, health centres, pure water supply, agricultural output, irrigation, democracy, good governance, foreign direct investment, export-import or trade, diplomacy, and so on, starting from nothing and chaos, are now in a very good level. Now it is becoming normal to hear and read Ethiopia to be mentioned as one of the fastest growing, one of the most stable and peaceful country in the hostile region, the role model in using aid for development especially in road, and so on positive prospective. It is very easy to mention the numbers but as it is comment, I do not want to take much time.
…….. cont
…… cont
Hudase Dam and the like, anything that can benefit to Ethiopians, and progresses registered so far are always facing negative response from the opposition parties – very difficult to say they are parties but let’s call them as they call themselves ‘party’ – and this will definitely lead them to their ruin. They are trying to tell the people “you know nothing, you cannot believe your eye, you cannot think, you know nothing, you cannot believe your any sense organ etc but only we can” and this is insulting the people knows well. For this reason, no one, now a days, believe one who is PhD or professor holder is the best for merely having that degree. They are more concerned who he/she is to them and to the country – unbelievable but true radical paradigm shift we are enjoying thanks to EPRDF! It is really funny these ‘opposition parties’ to oppose Hidase Dam while Egyptians support it. They will definitely dead soon. We now need new and real opposition political parties who are constructive to either correct the ruling party, whenever it is wrong, or come with better policies to lead the country. If not EPRDF will be in power for unlimited time as it outshines them enormously in many ways! New mentality is needed to get the right and matured opposition political parties; however, any political party which has any of the current individuals and their mentality could never survive. We were saying the government of Egypt is the main obstacle to use our Nile water but now they are our best friend. The ‘opposition parties’ are one of the very dangerous enemies Ethiopians have – just like Husni Mubarak and his regime!
We are in deep poverty, lack of democracy and good governance after 20 years of EPRDF leadership. The major sucess of this party is in making a lot of talkative cadres. Every body talks about dev’t but what we see is high inflation, shortage of food, sugar, oil, electricity, trasport, etc. If you ask the govt it says you without shame, it is becasue of the double digit growth. I never seen a liar gov’t like this one.
No ethiopian will opose the Abay dam. However, the EPRDF is trying to use it for its own poletical consumption. If they are really worry for the devt of the country, they should stop this and make all opostion party and the diaspora on board. Otherwise, it will not pass from being a propoganda. It is not also fair to loot every bodies one year salary by indirect force. The ppl has a lot of miseries. EPRDF should not add another misery. Rather they should try to ease the misery if not solve.
Dear Aiga,
Politically,toxic diasporas cut their back deeply and badly. Westerns Shake their bodybecuase Change has come to Ethiopia.Toxic diasporas are crying day and night.Ginbot 7,got shortage of oxygen.ANDINET and MEDREK have sunk down to the sea. Too late to act and Abay is just a dream for them. Members of these constitutional violated and crime comitted parties are buying Abay dam bond in their families and children name at night for further evidence to say I was sharing my part when the tough judgment day comes. Gebru Asrat and Seye refuse to support Abay dam project becasue the dam kills innocent birds and delivers surpluse power to their lexury office in Addis. Excess power is not good for Ethiopia becuase she is poor based on their mentality.Beyene and Merara are really smart politicians you know why? good, When first lady Wro Azeb told reporter not very far ago said my husband’s mind is marketable and Merara and Beyene said how about ours? it is pumpkin?
Dear Aiga,
Abay is our back bone.We need to contribute our maximum effort. The Ethiopian govrenment has no time to listen junky stuffs.
I would like to thank The Ethiopian Democratic Party leader Mushe Semu and Its members for their dedication to support the Abay dam project.
God bless EPRDF AND Ethiopian democratic party.
My comment on the Hidase Dam is as follows.
To begin with, I am not opposed to it being built. If built, I am sure it will provide some economic benefits. However, I am opposed to the way it is being promoted –as if it is the cure-all of Ethiopian ills. Even after the dam is built, Ethiopia will still be one of the poorest countries in the world. So, whipping up unrealistic frenzy among the populance is irresponsible whatever the motive.
Secondly, I strongly oppose the mechanism in which it is being financed. I see the ‘claim’ that people are giving up their one-month salary for the construction of the dam. Why? Aren’t these the same people who hardly make it to the end of the month with full salary paid? I am sure they are being prompted by the regime cadres and the truth of how people feel about losing their income is no where what is being claimed.
I am also amused at people buying bond interest free. It is a finacial fraud. Even the 5 to 6% interest promised for those buying with interest does not make any financial sense in a country with 30% inflation. If the project can stand on its merit, fine go ahead and build it. Otherwise, it is just a political excercise that I do not care for. As a member of the diaspora, I could contribute to reasonable projects the would benefit ME while benefiting the country, but not this charade.
Thanks,
This is such a remarkable “Hedase Dam” for Ethiopian people history to come. Those people who oppose this kind of magnificent dam ever built in Ethiopia are the people who dead alive. They can’t think beyond than their noses. For example, why such a people like Gezae who never write good things about anything in Ethiopia allowed to comments on Aiga form?
Thanks to the Tigadelity Tigray whom sacrifices their precious life to bring us this type of freedom in our country. Thanks to the freedom fighter of Ethiopians who brought to us the independence from such a butcher dictators Fascism government.
God bless Ethiopia. Fissaha
Developing the Abay river had always been the dream of all Ethiopian leaders be it Haileselassie or Derg. In fact, with better patriotic heart than that of EPRDF. Capacity was the only problem hindering its realization. Thanks to the effort of THE ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE, the long dream is on the way to come true. EPRDF CANNOT take the credit for it but the PEOPLE. If it had not been EPRDF, any government at this point of time in history could have done it; and relating the construction of the Dam with Ginbot 20 will be a total embarrassment to the writer and an insult to the Ethiopian people. After all, the Government is borrowing money from its people and asking for money for the construction. That is the truth! So, please stop writing nonsense and dare to think outside your very small EPRDF world…
As some of you are bragging here, they are saying that the Ethiopian people can’t make their own decision! The toxic diaspora are the only rightful individuals(groups) who can decide the fate of the Ethiopian people!
Do not make mistakes after mistakes to just fail again & again! We know that you have an education that could work in a ready made country like in the west but yuo have nothing that can facilitate the years of mishaps in our country!the EPRDF is doing everything in its power to transform a good Ethiopia to the next generation, & are supporting its plans , the people are paying everything they can to fullfill the five-year plan from the bottom of their heart! We can see & hear them on ETV live! What the People of Ethiopia led by the EPRDF will be decumented in history ! Their deed will be physically seen in the next generation ! No one can deny what is visible to one’s necked eyes! The hateful toxic individual diaspora can say whatever , just to no avail! Their acceptance is diminishing in the last six year eversince! Their business have become simply opposing anything!
The only thing the EPRDF needs is: another twenty years so they can complete what they put in plan!
In the mean time, we have the EPD /Ethiopia democratic party / led by H.E Mushe Semu emerging are a choice party to EPRDF ! But the rest are just a power hungry individuals!
Finally, the millenium Dam is very important to the growth of Ethiopia as electricity is the base of development! To create huge factories & industries which in turn could create a vast employment opportunities, electricity very important! Surplus electric voltage can also sold as a source of of hard currency for Ethiopia! But some of here are just opposing the success of the EPRDF jealously ,because you simply hate the EPRDF!
China,Japan,S.Korea, Singapore… Was transformed to develop thus far led by one party! Therefore, in my opinion, the Millenum Dam,train track.. Are a spring board for the EPRDF to fullfill its plans, & hence everyone who feels responsible about Ethiopia his country must support the EPRDF!
Aiga,
You are a bunch of cowards. Why did you remove my comment? Did I say anything worse than what Gezaee said? Go ahead and stick your heads into the sand like an ostrich. It will not save you from the inevitable. But
then again what you did will not surprise me as you are part and parcel of
the people who created so much hatred among the diaspora. The Belays and the Tsehai Debalkews, the Selam radio Nazi propagandists. Let me remind you the song you sang when a few determined Ethiopians came out protesting against your master in DC in the early 90s.
“Guro weshebayae guro wesheba Guro weshebayae guro wesheba
guro weshebayae guro wesheba endae endae sil new gedayae
golwal golwal kerchatu golwal, golwal golwal kerchatu golwal…”
Remember that one, ante zeregna, that donkey that you were dehumanizing and insulting marched from Maychew to Adwa to keep
your ancestors free of colonialism. You have no clue how deep is your
ass in creating and formenting this hatred. Go ahead talk about some
“lemat” but you will find out the hard way that is not what’s on the minds
of the Ethiopian people. Rather having their freedom back, their destiny
back into their hands. I can guarantee you, they will not end up as slaves to your lust for power and control for eternity. Feri wusha.
In this day and age 20 years is not a short term for ANY government!I understand the country had to come out of the dark days of the derg regime at that time,but still that’s no excuse,yes the government has done a lot,I mean a lot!!..all you have to do is just open your eyes,but on the other hand we’ve never seen inflation like this in our life times!life has become unbearable for most citizens,in terms of the cost of living and price hike on almost all comodities!…The dam is of course a good thing,definitley.But I think most people are thinking about the price of oil,fuel,sugar..etc at this moment.The other thing is that if the government was doing great the US state department wouldn’t have released it’s 2011 annual report on Ethiopia the way it did.Have you read it I wonder.I used to be a hardcore EPRDF supporter but when one sees faults and poor economic managment affecting people one has to start to become objective,after all we are not robots,we can think for ourselves without the cadres screaming in our ears.Too bad most of these same cadres don’t know anything about EPRDF,and the sacrifies made back in the days!!So before we start patting ourselves in the back for a job well done,lets think of where we should have been after 20 years.Peace!
We can say ,there is a big change with EPRDF this 20 Years.WE can see every change day by day in every direction i.e agriculture,Hydro electric & other means of energy,infrastructure,human development,good Governmental leadership, industry,—-etc. But some are not given credit for this effort. As an individual I can say it is good but not enough. At this time the Gov’t transformation plan is a key for Ethiopian to transform from LDC to DC. One of this is the ABAY DAM.We can do by ourselves. No one stop us to complete the DAM.
Dear Aiga Forum
why would Ethiopian government should answer to so called opposition group accusations as long as they are doing what they are doing is right for the country for example with regard to Abay Dam isn’t the timing is perfect now to have a new negotiation with Egypt discarding the colonial treaty the answer is yes and for this reason only the ball in in our court and it is up to us to score period.
forget the dam but accepting our right to our own water by international community is the agenda and ride on Melese we will support you forget the opposition group who can talk but don’t walk the walk. i am really tied of woyanee led by X-EPRP members who play a double stance in US.
Yeah! The struggle that started in northern Ethiopia by resourceless few individuals armed with a hope to liberate themselves from savage leadership,poeverty, backwardness & injustice have reached here building a huge infrastructures to transfer a hopeful Ethiopia to the next generation!
It is so sad that some individuals, some defeated 33 yrs ago ,some a remnant of the brutal Derg are blinded & their business has happen to oppose everything! They have lost control of themselves & they deny everything that they see with their necked eyes!
Yeah! Now, there is no Tifram Gondere,Qimalam Tigre,Gimatam Gala,Shirtam Somale…! All Ethiopians pure Ethiopian born in the blessed & beautiful land of Ethiopia! The land without the people is nothing,as nobody calls the Sahara desert a home ,because nobody inhibits there! Therefore, Ethiopia belongs to every Ethiopian who dwells in it! That’s why every Ethiopian is paying everything one can to build the Millenium Dam! These toxic & disgrantled extremist diaspora can’t believe the contribution of money to build the Millenium Dam while they can see with their necked eyes too!
God have given Ethiopia PM Meles Zenawi to defeat incopetent leaders , he did with his leadership,& still trying to be an obstacle to his leadership works , but they don’t the nature to do anything except being an obstacle even for the development that will serve Ethiopia for decades to come!
We can read your stinky comments here too! Can’t they have a commen sense so to support what is good & oppose what’s not? Ohhhhhhhhh no! I forgot that the extrenist diaspora have lost they five natural senses that God have give them! They can’t hear,see,understand/comprehend anything but only theselves & turned themselves into a bad human beings that denied the process of nature!
Andiye aferuna memelesha atu!
As you said eprdf now wants us to believe that “there is no better enemy than poverty”. For me this represents the most serious ideological crisis for eprdf. It is surprising that the regime has completely given up on the freedom cause as if they fought for 30 years to end poverty. For me poverty reduction does not sound like a cause justifying to armed struggle. The anomaly is that they are not doing a good job even in managing the economy.
I thinK this topic is about nonsense marriage the three nonsences! If we think about their useless marriage, it just doesn’t give any sense!
Dear Aigas:
I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE EPRDF & THE PEOPLE OF ETHIOPIA FOR THE 20 TH YEARS ANNIVERSARY. GINBOT 20 IS THE DAY THAT WILL STAY IN HISTORY RECORDS FOREVER AND WE ETHIOPIANS WILL CELLEBRATE IT YEAR COMES IN AND YEAR COMES OUT.
THERE IS NO WAY TO THINK ETHIOPIA’S POLITICAL AND ECONOMICAL RESURRECTION WITHOUT REMEMBERING GINBOT 20. ETHIOPIA HAS BEEN BETTER OFF SINCE THEN. AND THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE ON. SO KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT UNTIL POVERTY BECOMES JUST A HISTORY. GOD BLESS ETHIOPIA / ALL ETHIOPIANS/ AND EPRDF!