FEBRUARY 2, 2016
On January 31, the Washington DC Chapter of the Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 (AG7) Democratic Movement sponsored a seminar in Silver Spring, MD, with the Chairman of Ginbot7, Prof. Berhanu Nega, as a keynote speaker and who updated Ethiopians about the current state of affairs in Ethiopia. The seminar was very successful.
By Amanuel Biedemariam,
I attended Dr. Berhanu Nega’s January 31st public seminar in Silver Spring, MD, Washington DC. I have to say that the setting, the message, and the delivery was very similar to how we usually conduct our meetings.
I was pleasantly surprised by the message and how candid he was to the packed, enthusiastic audience. The place was full, and they rejected people because it was over capacity.
Key Notes:
Confidence that change is imminent. Weyane is still in power not because of its capabilities but because of our weakness, meaning the weakness of Ethiopians.
Struggle where people are being martyred and wounded occurs as we speak.
The time for talking is over. It is time to act. Prof. Berhanu said that Ethiopians outdo each other talking, and that seems like it somehow makes them feel like they are contributing.
Ethiopia is a country rejected by her intellectuals. He criticized Ethiopian scholars who are silent. He said the time to act is now.
The various factions fighting against the TPLF and the struggle is for a united Ethiopia. When asked about the multiple coalitions, including Demhit, he said they are working together and will implement the agreements already signed and bring more groups into the umbrella of the deal.
When asked about Ethiopian ethnic division in the Diaspora, he said, whether you are called Abebe or Jimmy, you must know that you are all ‘niggars” in their eyes if you know how this country works as you should.
Media is important. When he highlighted the importance of the media, he said the media in the US works in the direction of the State Department. And he noted that one story by the New York Times is more important to create awareness and bring change than reaching out to legislators.
He said we failed in that endeavor. However, he added, the media will not solve our problem. Only the boots on the ground can solve our problem.
He elaborated further and said, we are not gung-ho on shedding blood if peaceful means are available. We would prefer that as our 1st option because we do not spill blood.
As far as the US and the Obama administration, they don’t care about us. They have interests, and they want anyone who can entrust their interests and mentioned how Susan Rice mocked democracy in Ethiopia.
