Unity for Human Rights and Democracy (UHRD)
                    National Reconciliation and Reclaiming Ethiopia: Obang Metho's Way  

We dare to say that Obang Metho's idea of National Reconciliation is fundamental in the current fight against tyranny in Ethiopia. Without it, although we may have the chance to climb up the political ladder, we will never bring definite stability. The history of the ruling political party in Ethiopia, Tigray Peoples Liberation Front a.k.a., Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), is a testimony.

The TPLF/EPRDF succeeded in toppling the military regime. However, it replaced it with a cruel and strong autocratic regime that only represents minority ethnic group.     As an activist for change in Ethiopian politics, Mr. Obang has repeatedly and consistently hammered this message of reconciliation to his audiences. His foresight, patience and faith in non-violent struggle are amazing and make his style an exception among the political breeds.

According to Mr. Obang, who made an appearance at a public meeting in Toronto, on the eve of the 2017 New Year, the best course of action would be to go for a national Reconciliation among politicians and activists. In the absence of a roadmap that defines the future of the nation any radical change may bring unwanted desires.

The 1974 Ethiopian revolution and subsequent episode of bloodshed during the red terror is a major example that tells us to put a caveat for our engagement.    In his recent address to the Ethiopian community gathered at Hirut Restaurant, in Toronto, Canada on December 31st, 2016, Mr. Obang added that reclaiming Ethiopia requires adamant opposition to any kind of ethnic politics that divides the nation. He stressed to his audience that any change without the full participation of all Ethiopians would result in a repetition of the same mistake as the current ruling party is doing.    The current predicament, as per Mr. Obang, is partly attributed to the failure of the TPLF/EPRDF to heed popular discontent. He expressed his concern about the tacit inclination of some political parties to addressing the national problem in the same way as the EPRDF did, i.e. by approaching the political problem along ethnic lines. He strongly believes that is wrong. Ethiopians should reclaim Ethiopiawinet (being Ethiopian first) rather than remaining divided along ethnic lines.  

Most opposition political parties are very vocal in terms of criticizing the current constitutional arrangement as divisive because it is established along ethnic lines. Criticizing alone does not bring about any change. Lasting peace needs more civic engagement and the need to respect human rights regardless to race and ethnicity. Accordingly, Obang called all Ethiopians to be very

critical about any political ideology that promotes division and instability. As Ethiopians, we share both the good and the bad historical past.    The important thing is to build on our present shared values and "forgive and forget" the past. That is only possible through National Reconciliation and reclaiming Ethiopia as our own nation. The ethnocentric approach to governance concentrates power in Ethiopia to certain ethnic groups. Some national opposition parties seem to have admitted to this fact.    Obang further said the values we share as Ethiopians by far transcends from the one that separate us. Therefore, it is only political willingness and good faith that are needed to have a forum for Reconciliation to bring lasting peace in Ethiopia. Of course, we should also not compromise on our Ethiopiawinet. We should not give up our Ethiopiawinet for the sake of appeasing ethnocentric groups.

A principled approach is what is needed. Reclaim an Ethiopian identity and die with it. Changing the principles of Ethiopian identity for the sake of political expediency will only destroy our Ethiopian identity.  Hence, stick to Ethiopia and reclaim Ethiopiawinet while being open for reconciliation.    

Obang also addressed the gathering on the current political situation in Ethiopia, the state of emergency and how the international community reacted to the political crisis. He answered questions on the issues raised by the participants and his presentation was short and fascinating. He recently refocused his organizational activities in line with the new reality and accordingly has unveiled his new budget demands.

The meeting Mr. Obang held in Toronto successfully went per initial plans of having a fund-raising event which turned out to be also a forum for getting volunteers. Mr. Obang's calm and reassuring manner were visible throughout the discussion. It earned him a respect even from most detractors and ethnic nationalists. Obang's theory of National reconciliation and peaceful resistance may redeem the lost confidence that all Ethiopians dream to see it in our leaders.  

Unity for Human Rights and Democracy, January, 2017