Alemayehu G. Mariam 7/2/2007
A Note of Full Disclosure to the Reader:
This analysis/commentary is written at the behest of numerous individuals and
organizations who wanted to hear my views on Zenawi’s recent speech presented in the
form of a “report” to his “House of People’s Representatives”1.
In the past, I have deferred to the commentary and scrutiny of independent local
media sources and opposition political groups for enlightenment on Zenawi’s
shenanigans. I reluctantly agreed to comment on this “report” now for two reasons. First,
since independent journalists and opposition leaders in Ethiopia -- that is, the voice of the
people -- remain muzzled in jails and prisons, I thought it my moral duty to “stand in” and
stand up for them, and let the world know that though they may be in the belly of Zenawi’s
dungeons, THEY ARE NEITHER ALONE NOR VOICELESS! WE ARE STANDING
BY THEM!
Second, I believe there will be wide-ranging conversation on freedom, democracy
and human rights within and without Ethiopia following the release of the prisoners of
conscience. I am acutely aware of the gamesmanship surrounding their release, and even if
they are not released, the GAME IS OVER for Zenawi. Beyond that, I believe it is
necessary to challenge Zenawi not only for his actions and omissions, but also for his ideas
and vision, if he indeed he has any, for Ethiopia. And so, here is my analysis and
commentary…
Zenawi’s Mantra: Peace, Development and Good Governance
The central themes in Zenawi’s report to the “House” consist of the trilogy of
clichés he has been tediously harping about for the last decade and half: peace,
development and good governance. The “report” is a self-graded, self-serving statement
intended to chronicle his achievements on these issues over the past year, and rationalize
the “government’s action plans” and “implementation of strategies for peace, development
and good governance.”
Let me say at the outset that this report-cum-speech is one of the most desultory and
confusing statements I have ever read by anyone purporting to be a political leader. The
“report” is full of platitudes about peace. It is unimaginative about development; and it
lacks fresh ideas about good governance.
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