By Taddesse S. Solomon aka Dogo Aba Bora
Updated on May 19, 2024
Twenty-five years after the passing of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, a revered surgeon and advocate for the Amhara people, his warnings about an impending genocide have proven tragically accurate. He sacrificed his life thwarting Amhara genocide in places like Weter, Arba Gugu, Bedeno, and elsewhere. He urged the Amhara to organize and unify for their defense. Today, repression against Amhara intellectuals, professionals, and civilians continues unabated. Many Amhara politicians are detained and tortured, often aided by “Hodam Amharas” within their community, a reality Professor Asrat foresaw.
While we honor martyrs like Bishop Abune Petros through songs, poems, and plays, we often overlook the collaborating bishops and their cohorts who supported fascist Italy, leading to the ruin of countless patriots and their families. It is imperative that we confront this painful reality to ensure the sacrifices of our heroes are not tainted by past and present collaborators. Failing to address these issues has led to continuous wars, displacement, and starvation. My story aims to inspire others to confront the moral corruption in our society.
Contemporary politicians, both within Ethiopia and in the diaspora, persistently strive to extend the tenure of a brutal regime led by a genocidal leader. Efforts to support the system continue despite widespread condemnation and warnings of the regime’s genocidal actions from organizations like Amnesty International and the European Center for Law and Justice. Starvation and rape are tragically common in the Amhara region, techniques previously honed in Tigray.
In Ethiopia, they gather under the guise of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, while in the diaspora, individuals engage in attacking Eskinder Nega, a true torchbearer of Professor Asrat’s plea to organize as Amharas. Eskinder has spent over three decades tirelessly advocating for justice and freedom. I witnessed his dedication during two trips to the United Nations Genocide Prevention Office in 2019 and 2022, where he reported on the ongoing genocide
against the Amharas. His efforts to engage influential officeholders in the United States underscore his commitment.
In stark contrast, shameless detractors seek favor with Abiye Ahmed by attacking Eskinder. These groups, which emerged recently and maintain ties to the genocidal leader, aim to divide diaspora politics by falsely attacking Eskinder. Their actions sabotage the unselfish sacrifices of our gallant Fanos.
These detractors, driven by jealousy and their own shortcomings, mock Eskinder’s supporters and our Fanos as ignorant fools. Yet, their supposed erudition has garnered little genuine support. True support aligns with individuals of moral integrity and steadfast courage, qualities embodied by Eskinder.
Reflecting on history unveils the origins of contemporary moral decay and betrayal. In Ethiopia, we must candidly evaluate our treatment of both heroes and traitors. Traitors have often evaded consequences, perpetuating a cycle of impunity. Genuine healing demands an earnest examination of our past attitudes toward revered figures and those who betrayed their own. The leniency extended to traitors has shielded them and their descendants from confronting their atrocities, leading to the repetition of these shameful acts.
I’m not a significant figure within the All Amhara Support Committee in New York. As a volunteer, I, along with five others, tirelessly managed the New York City office around the clock., distributing faxes from the main office in Addis Ababa to other support offices. Some tried to question Professor Asrat; thankfully, there was no YouTube at the time, so all they did was murmur or feign ignorance about the atrocities committed against Amharas.
While I didn’t have direct contact with Professor Asrat, I collaborated with individuals who did. I first met him at a public gathering in New York City and then again in his office in Addis Ababa while delivering a message sent to him- this held significance for me. I also visited him at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, where he was on his deathbed. Tragically,
he had been unjustly imprisoned on fabricated charges, preventing him from accessing necessary treatment. He was eventually released, but it was too late to save his life.
An individual with questionable loyalties, closely associated with the TPLF/EPRDF regime, attempted to demonstrate allegiance by betraying my trust. When Professor Asrat was organizing, this person tried to align himself with the AAPO. His actions led to distrust about his true motivations, and he was not welcomed. He invited me to lunch and offered protection during my stay in Addis Ababa, claiming dedication to the Amhara movement. He proceeded to emphasize his dedication to the Amhara movement, detailing his involvement in clandestine operations including the use of Red Cross vehicles to smuggle weapons to fighters. He even mentioned a high school friend of mine as being part of these activities. To gain my trust, he even told me where his sister lived, supposedly near my location. I had never known or met his sister, nor had I heard of her before. It was simply a trap to deliver me as a gift to his friends in the dirty game of sacrificing an innocent man who was there just to visit his relative. I sensed something suspicious and, upon returning to my family’s residence, shared the offer with them. They adamantly warned against approaching him. The advice from my family was direct, laced with hurt and anger toward the proposition. They adamantly warned against approaching the individual offering the protection. Do not go to him to get whatever he is promising you , let him bring it to you and we will take it from there. If he insists you take it , tell him to shove it.
In both the past and present, innocent individuals have been falsely accused, tortured, and publicly humiliated on television, with their guilt predetermined. These accused individuals often confess under duress. I am relieved that his friends were more professional than the aspiring, gullible wannabe foot soldier.
It’s astonishing how swiftly individuals transition from supporters of TPLF/EPRDF to members of the Prosperity Party. This rapid change exemplifies the moral decay in present-day Ethiopia—evident in religious institutions, intellectual circles, and the arts.
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, selected by PM Abiy Ahmed and ten others, including the gentleman who tried to harm me, is made up of individuals with strong ties to the
TPLF/EPRDF regime. Many of them have actively participated in the system and have been involved in past and ongoing crimes against innocent civilians.
Regrettably, both Ethiopians and well-intentioned foreigners have been repeatedly deceived regarding the National Dialogue Commission’s potential to heal the nation’s wounds. This initiative is merely a facade orchestrated by PM Abiy, and these members are complicit in undermining the nation’s integrity.
Professor Merea Gudina of OFC sensed the futility and theatrics from the outset. He publicly called the commissioners actors in a drama scripted by Abiye to fool those willing to be fooled, including Western donor nations.
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, amidst the turmoil in the Amhara region, resembles more of a “drone” and “mortar” dialogue, claiming the lives of countless innocent Amhara civilians. The latest commission report has covered only a third of Oromia and Amhara, not a significant portion considering the regions’ size, and is awaiting invitation from the Tigray region. The commission deludes itself by orchestrating gatherings of government supporters to claim their daily allowances in a nation where most live hand to mouth.
If the National Dialogue aims to serve as a bridge towards a lasting solution for a fractured nation, certain prerequisites must be met. Ensuring security and stability is paramount. Sincere apologies should be extended to the Amhara, Tigray, Afar, Oromo, and the millions of displaced and starving Ethiopians. All stakeholders, including respected figures from religious institutions, academia, and civil society, should be involved. A transparent electoral process overseen by impartial observers is crucial. Acknowledging the plight of millions of displaced people living in squalid camps is imperative.
Redirecting the wasted millions on “national dialogue” initiatives towards feeding the millions of starving and displaced individuals living in overcrowded camps across the country is a moral imperative. Withholding resources that could provide sustenance to those facing famine in regions like Amhara, Tigray, and beyond is appalling and morally reprehensible. Spending
exorbitant amounts on theatrical displays perpetuates injustice. Persisting on this course risks divine retribution and demands accountability.
May the soul of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, along with the brave heroes who responded to his call, find eternal peace. May the Almighty protect those who continue to stand as true torchbearers in defending the Amharas and Ethiopia.
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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