Families urge unwavering support for Kinijit international leadership

EthioMedia

May 22, 2006

"In a situation where those in power are using all public institutions to their own short term advantage, it is difficult to expect those who hold different views to act more responsibly. Because of the stifling conditions and the very oppressive nature of the rule, those who are determined to make a point will resort to violence. This only means that both are wrong and both are taking their own respective particular interests more seriously than the general interest of the people." - Mesfin Wolde Mariam; The Horn of Africa, Conflict and Poverty, Addis Ababa, 1999 For further details, you may also visit the following websites: Mesfin Woldemariam and Free Our Leaders

In a statement released to the media, the signatories to the document said the CUDP leadership in prison used its mandate and appointed a six-member international leadership that would carry out the goals of those founding members of the democratic movement now languishing in prison.

The "CUDP leadership, currently in prison in Ethiopia has, during this period when it is unable to discharge the duties entrusted by the Ethiopian people, utilized its mandate to therefore appoint six individuals as members of the International Leadership Committee," the statement said.

Ethiopians have expressed their support for the democratic movement, and have done so "even in the most adverse of circumstances," the statement said.

Touted as the real winners of the May 2005 elections, Kinijit leaders were rounded up and charged with fabricated charges of treason and genocide in a nationwide government crackdown which drew widespread international condemnations. The government has been working hard to wipe out Kinijit, and the family members of the jailed leaders called on fellow Ethiopians to resist and oppose "any attempt to mobilize against the decision of our leaders" that has formed the international leadership to help carry on the democratic movement to the end.

Following is the full text released:

WHEREAS, each individual signing off on this document has a loved one languishing in TPLF prisons simply for having successfully mobilized society’s determined call for a democratic and peaceful transition in Ethiopia;

WHEREAS, our loved ones, the founders and leaders of this movement, are facing hardship, medically, physically, financially, legally and otherwise;

WHEREAS, these prisoners are facing fabricated, but extremely serious charges in a judiciary that has so far displayed no independence;

WHEREAS, this politically motivated legal battle drags on, apparently prolonging the suspension of their ability to continue to lead effectively this social movement for democratic governance;

WHEREAS, we continue to worry about our country and people in general, and our loved ones’ wellness and well-being in particular;

WHEREAS, we remain appalled at the absolute lack of political will to offer a third-party-facilitated, politically negotiated solution;

Whereas, our anxiety and concern over the fact that the current structure of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP) overseas existence had so far only allowed for the functioning of Support Committees and not for any type of concerted, International Leadership, thereby creating a vacuum during our loved ones’ prolonged incarceration;

WHEREAS, the CUDP leadership, currently languishing in prison has also expressed a concern as stated here, “In spite of the imprisonment of most of the top leadership of the CUDP in early November 2005 and subsequent massive repression throughout the country by the EPRDF, the Ethiopian people's struggle for freedom and self government has continued. But this struggle will lose its life if the present state of leadership vacuum is not addressed.”;

WHEREAS, the CUDP leadership, currently in prison in Ethiopia has, during this period when it is unable to discharge the duties entrusted by the Ethiopian people, utilized its mandate to therefore appoint six individuals as members of the International Leadership Committee, who have also been given the mandate to add three more individuals to work with them;

WHEREAS, in the announcement of this decision, it has been stated, “For the effective discharge of the enormous responsibilities given to KINIJIT International Leadership Committee, we ask all Ethiopians, Chapters and Support Groups to cooperate with the Committee and abide by its decisions”;

THEREFORE:

We state that though most of us do not have any relationship, working or otherwise with the named individuals, we fully stand behind their appointment, and wish them success in this phenomenal challenge. We also understand that their success will reflect on the strength of movement, its leaders, and supporters. It goes without saying that the majority of Ethiopians fully support this movement and have stood behind it even in the most adverse of circumstances. We understand the decision made by our leaders was in a very difficult environment. However, they managed to do so for the benefit of the movement, the party and the Ethiopian people.

We feel obliged as all Ethiopians do to do our utmost towards the fulfillment of the wish of our leaders during this difficult time. Therefore, any attempt to mobilize against the decision of our leaders will be unethical, immoral and a breach of loyalty to the very movement they have successfully organized around.

We call on all our fellow Ethiopians, members and non-members of the CUDP, and its various Support Groups, and members and supporters of other political parties to acknowledge and receive this group, along with its full mandate. The challenge before us is immense and together, if we stay focused, we can meet it.

Finally, we ask that all Ethiopians, and indeed, all people keep these prisoners of conscience and political prisoners facing such difficulty, and in fact all of the victims of the systematic and widespread human rights abuses in mind at all times. Theirs is a purpose and a cause that is noble and worthwhile.

Our task is to provide any and all support as we can.

1. Hiwot Nega - Berhanu Nega - Sister
2. Elizabeth Nega - Berhanu Nega - Sister
3. Messeret Nega - Berhanu Nega - Sister
4. Yalem Nega - Berhanu Nega - Sister
5. Teghegne Mesfin - Mesfin Wolde Mariam - Son
6. Meqdes Mesfin - Mesfin Wolde Mariam - Daughter
7. Tigist Kitaw - Befekadu Degefe - Sister
8. Solomon Ayele - Gizachew Shiferaw - Brother
9. Fikrealem Mulatu - Yeneneh Mulatu - Brother
10. Meron Bruck - Bruck Kebede - Daughter

-------
It is acknowledged that this is not a comprehensive list of individuals potentially endorsing this document. We welcome any input, particularly from the CUDP North America Office regarding the information of several other family members of the incarcerated leaders, officials and founders of the CUDP. The lack of inclusion of other names is a result of limited access to information.