Tadias Magazine
Editorial
Updated: Friday, July 27, 2012
New York (TADIAS) – The official secrecy shrouding the state of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s health, and whether or not he is able to resume work, is contributing to the frenzy of speculation not only about his medical condition, but also about the future direction of the country.
The endless stream of unconfirmed reports are the result of a failure by the office of the spokesperson of the Ethiopian government and lack of free press in the country. So far, the public has been vaguely informed that the Prime Minister is taking “sick leave” but will remain in power while he deals with an unspecified illness.
The question, however, is no longer about one person. It’s rather about the seat of power that he occupies. It is still not clear why it took Ethiopian authorities five days to hold a press conference on the PM’s unexplained absence, and that international news agencies broke the news before any official statements were made. Even after the press conference, the Ethiopian public learned very little about the actual cause of Meles’ disappearance nor how long he is to be away from office.
Where is PM Meles Zenawi? What is the nature of his illness? Who are his doctors? How long will he remain on sick leave? How do we know he is even alive?
In these uncertain times, the continuing dearth of accurate information is dangerous. Ethiopians can not afford to gamble the future of the country with rumors and counter rumors. It is high time for the ruling party to level with the Ethiopian people and be forthcoming about the exact status of the country’s leader.
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Related:
What Happens If Meles Zenawi Can No Longer Govern? (VOA)
Mystery of the sick and missing PM (AFP)
Ethiopian weekly blocked for reporting on Meles’ health (CPJ)
Ethiopian leader Meles Zenawi ‘in hospital’ (BBC)
Fears are Growing for the Health of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (The Telegraph)
Ethiopia’s Deputy PM Says Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Is Ill (VOA News)
Ethiopia Says Meles Is Ill Amid African Union Summit Absence (Bloomberg)
Ethiopia Leader’s Absence Raises Health Questions (ABC News)
where and how they can hide the secreat of meles in this information era?
A lot of rumOrs abut Meles even that he died but i would like to tell you that he is alive
I wish our pm melese health recover and come back to Ethiopia.
my GOD help you! I pray.
you mind blocked living in fantasy….you will see him back and you will feel ashamed as usual
Ethiopia shall stretch her hands onto God again!
Ghanaian President John Atta Mills whom we saw and heard on May 18, 2012 G8 gathering at Regan Building in Washington, DC is very well known in the Ethiopian Diaspora and watched for the last 3 months sat together with Meles Zenawi who was humiliated infront of him by Abebe Gellaw Ethiopian journalist/advocate for freedom and justice.
It is sad he died for not sharing that experience with us. Had I met him I would have asked him what advice he gave Meles Zenawi. Professor Mills an experienced man who won the presidency in democratic election in 2008 is the opposite of Meles Zenawi. Meles Zenawi campaigned worldwide to be known as a man full of wisdom some even in foreign media dubbed him as “intellectual” leader rehearsing for his obituary, has been on God Hand for almost three months.
The death of John Atta Mills is a big loss for Ghana but Ghana has an institution like any other democratic country. In Ethiopia the secret power struggle is underway while preparing the public for the death of Meles Zenawi. Ghanaian will show their grief for John Atta Mills in the coming days while Ethiopians will be ordered to “cry” for Meles Zenawi like the people of North Korea.
President Obama sent his condolence to the family and the people of Ghana appropriately yesterday and high delegates will represent USA on burial ceremony. I will not be surprised if Obama himself attained the ceremony. One thing Obama will not do is to show up on Meles Zenawi’s funeral. My condolence to the people of Ghana.
Sadly,
Tedla Asfaw
Hello my fello Ethiopians
What r we learning from Ghana
The president was sick and died the
Vice president took power ‘beaka’
Do u think is that happen in Ethiopia
No we don’t know what happen we don’t know
Who will b our Prime minster next we don’t
Know any thing about the future so I said
To my self really Ethiopian leader is a dictator ?
99 percent of the people are elected him how
Could it b? Any human is subject to b sick and passed this is
Nature so if he is sick tell us about
His nature of disease we will pray for him
Please if they tell as really what happen I don’t have to right
This with my broken English enough is enough tell as
What really going on and let’s do what we have to do
What do u think?
explain me something? I know its dictatorial and all that, but what is the difference b/n TPLF and EPRDF? i am thinking if Meles Dies, who selects the leader? TPLF? OR EPRDF? under normal circumstances the parliment has to approve, no? Now, if EPRDF the entire EPRDF does not go along, Can parliament legally force early election? Or is it expected the entire eprdf will march to the music?
I don’t understand the secrecy. Also, on the opposite side I don’t understand the Dankira against a man who obviously is not in a position to defend himself either. Is that “Jegninet?” Even our forefathers at Adwa had mercy on the Italians who survived. All of us know, both friends and enemies, if Meles is around today he will defend himself…at least we can all agree that he was talkative! He liked to hug all the microphones available 🙂 He relished pissing off his agitators. He was good with words. Sometimes he was communist, when he wants he can be capitalist, other times “arada,” and often “ye wushet” intellectual, etc. That’s a gift.
Deeds and Misdeeds of Meles Zenawi
Meles and his party TPLF/EPRDF have done uncountable damages to Ethiopia. He denied us access to the sea both politically and legally, damaging all future generations. He immersed us in bloodshed with our Eritrean brothers and sisters with a meaningless war. He sowed a toxic political system based upon ethnicity; despised our tri-clour flag as a mere garment. He dismantled the Ethiopian army that fought for national integrity and forced the soldiers into beggars. He intentionally damaged the Amhara people saying Neftegna, Chauvinist and enemy of other nationalities; subjugated Oromos saying Tebab and terrorist; Created enemies to the Tigray People (far and near). He brought forward ethnic animosity. He harboured extreme corruption with his entire political entourage especially with Al Amoudi. Hatred has been the rule of the day. He instituted a trash education system to the public and he sends his children to China & America. He made us pay One Billion USD per annum in port fees at Djibouti. He created over 1,000km land border from within us (by dismembering Eritrea) entirely guarded with hundreds of thousands of soldiers costing us billions of USD each year. As a result, cost of living has soared beyond control & people languished of hunger, poverty & mistreatment. Justice and rule of law have long sublimed. After 21 years in power, he still begs food for his people. He relinquished the whole of Eritrea and Assab more willingly than the Eritreans themselves and fought for Bademe village! How rubbish! He is a coward and vindictive who considers every one outside his circle as his enemy ………. (Uh the list is too much).
Of late (in the 11th hour), in what seems a redress to his misdeeds, he has embarked upon the construction of big public projects which will benefit Ethiopians sooner or later. He organized some corporate companies useful for the nation. He has somehow manipulated the international community and gained some respect for himself and Ethiopia. He gained trust from both Sudans. Though superficial, he attempted to shape the image of Ethiopia. Above all, I thank Meles for not being too much worse than he used to be.
I feel sorry for him as he is leaving suffering from remorse of his misdeeds against his very country, Ethiopia and its dignified people. I also suspect he had not lived a humble family life. What a pity! What a great loser! Is that life after all?
Now he is either dead or bed-ridden. Despite of his atrocities, I wish him good rest. We all need to be magnanimous to wish him peaceful rest. After all he is a product of our society. We have to forgive and look forward in a true Ethiopian way (against which he has been perpetrating for over 40 years). The rest is history. I wish the demise of all crooked thinking and the associated systems created by his party. I feel so sorry for Meles for leaving suddenly without forgiving his perceived enemies and forgiven by Ethiopians in return. He could have peace of mind. Good bye Meles! Have a nice rest in serenity! Without you, our future is bright. Long live Ethiopia!
In the last 20 years, since Meles came to power, The United States has had four different Presidents: Gerorge Bush, Sr., Bill Clinton, George Bush, Jr., and Barack Obama. On the other hand, in the last 80 years, Ethiopia has had three very-long-serving strong men (Not physically, except Mengistu): Haile Selassie, Mengistu Haile Mariam, and Meles Zenawi. I hope and pray that we become more wise and democratic after this. Is Meles really the worst of the three? I personally, disagree! I think the brutal, psycho Mengistu is the worst. In My opinion, the dankira beaters are just that “Dankira beaters” and pontificators and hypocritical. They like listening to themselves, so let them continue to do that. But we must also be vigilant and aggressive in seeking peace and third way. Time for silence no MORE. Ethiopia belongs to all of us!!!
Why the silence from the govrnment? Do they know it looks very bizarre. They need to speak out sooner or later. Based on my readings around the internet, yes, the so called oppostion activist, pen men seems just as confused and still full of hate. NOT ALL, but the usual suspects.
Ethiopian people should not worry about the non existent (strength) of an individual, ruler we should worry about institutions! without any doubt EPDRF is organized enough to lead the country weather meles is alive or not!!
The chickens have come home to roost. If EPRDF is so organized, then why are they embarrassing our country, as mentioned already, by making it look like the guy has been kidnapped? And then, they try to BS their way out by saying secrecy is Ethiopian culture. Really? Since when? Menelik? Please. Are they saying they are royalty and they want to keep things in the family? Araddoch. Neither EPRDF nor TPLF is a royal family. They are political organizations with their own agenda. So please stop the BS and open up and answer the people’s questions. You are probably dividing the loot in the dark, behind closed doors as we speak. The media is asking legitimate questions for once. Where is meles? Please do not stop until you get the answer.
Even tho they stumbled on this one, there is no doubt that EPRDF is capable of continuing to ran the country and they will. But the question is what kind of reforms are they willing to commit to as a sign of good gesture.
1. Free political prisoners (Opposition leaders, journalists, bloggers and religious leaders)
2. Call for an independence National Council for Reconciliation (Ye eirk gubaye)- including everyone both home and Diaspora.
3…..
4….
5..Correct Meles’ bad legacy through deeds
Fill in the blank.
God forbid, if Meles leaves us, can his wife Azeb stay in the palace as first lady when the first man is gone? Interesting question, ha? In most countries, the family has to move out immediately.
her enemies have already placed her in the well-worn Ethiopian framework: the conniving vixen whose greed and closenes to power made her the nasty behind the scence ruler of Ethiopia. Sounds familiar? They also said the same thing bout Etge Taitu. The burden of being a woman in power.
Apparently Ambassador Girma says PM Meles in good health, will be back to work soon. The same old stuff, different person. Guess what? sounds like North Korean propaganda. The good leader was deeply sick from hard work and exhaustion. The Special Envoy to the United States actually said in an exclusive interview with Selam radio that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had encountered a health problem that was largely due to exhaustion. (Hard work AND exhaustion my foot). How about the hard working 80 million Ethiopians whose tax money and foreign aid on their name takes care of Mr. Zenawi and his foots men lavish lifestyle? (How about that Mr. Ambassador?) But that’s besides the point. What everybody seems to know is that where is he? What exactly is wrong with him? Who will take over if he can’t make it and under what mechanism? Why play hide seek game like cat and mouse with the people? It’s getting to be very immature. Don’t you think?.
Legitimate questions! Give the poeple what they want!
They might as well say Meles is on vacation. he will be back whenever after he takes his chill-break and that’s none of the Ethiopian people’s buiness. Woy-good zendro! From what I hear wherever Abeshas gather (from bete-christian to meskid, buna-bet to megib-bet, from areqe-bet to ager-bet, and from tej-bet to hulu-bet) the talk of the town is Meles and the strange behavior at zee palace.
Ethipiawian hoy, zim belu, eyu goodwun, good new zendro!
Woy-good.
I read a lot of garbage comments on some other sites that poo poo progressive ideas for Ethiopia and its unity they brand as “amhara dominated part” even though you are gurage, oromo, walita, they say that you like to call people Abyssinia, as if Abbysian is an insult. what pee brains. They say you like Haile Selassie and Menelik, as if that’s not history. They want to revise Ethiopian history and say the word begun in 1991 with Meles. Woy good, indeed. they think that Ethiopians are as stupid as they are. There has to be a better way. There was Ethiopia before Meles, there will be Ethiopia after Meles. Shame on those who promote ignorance intentionally to keep Ethiopia down dividing us as Amara, Oromo, Abyssinia, Walaita, Islam, Gurage, kinjit, Tigre, Dorze. Ethiopia is a Mosaic of many people and long history and Meles, Haile Selassie, Menelik are all part of it. Don’t let no one tell you other wise.
Shame on them ..poo pooo pooo, Naz…
Yes, Give the people what they want – thanks Truth.
Here is what totally shocked me. Why is meles getting treatment abroad with frerenj doctors? Even Menelik was in Ethiopia receiving treatment at home before he dies. He did not go to no foreign land.
Maybe that’s why they don’t want to tell the people the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Shame that there is no hospital and doctors good enough for the leader in Ethiopia.
hmmmmmmm?
I pray that he will get better ,you think he is our PM but do not forget he is a father, a husband , a child … he was given his power from God because God is the leader of the universe , so if you have any issue regarding his rule pray to almighty God to give you another leader , …I wish some day we Ethiopians learn to love our leaders not because of there ethinic group is like ours but because they are leaders given to us by God …. remember Meles was his mothers little child who happens to be so brave … if you wishes death for his you are not different at all ..if you get a chance that all you are gonna do .. so please just pray for him .. as most of the Ethiopian’s say you are real christians …did i say wrong? .. so Jesus died for the sinner and forgive all of the sin .. why don,t you try it for once atleast … le fasika bicha eyehedu 40 ena 80 mesiged ayidelem kiristina be elet kelt ken lay metegiber new .. degimo enidekalu ” HATIAT YELELEBT ERSU YIFREDIBET ” hulachinim hatatega nen be ewunet banigedil behasabachin si sew chefichifenal…… be logical PM MELES GET BETTER MAY THE HANDS OF GOD TECHES YOU MAY HIS MARCY BE UPON YOU AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish him all the best.
I agree with the proposition that meles may return or may not return. Or he may return and resign. At the end of the day the fact still remains the people got shortchanged. The question is what’s the future. EPRDF has failed miserably. They need to bring meles even in wheel chair, without him their true incompetence and paralyzed ministers are exposed. What a shame, all that sophistry has gone down the toilet.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Pm Meles zenawi is in an excellent condition to lead our mother land!!congratulations again!!!
Meles, Is getting better and have almost recovered from his exhaustion and have got adequate therapy and now is on sick-leave soon will resume his work!
BELIEVE ME
I admire, love, and respect Meles for my own reasons. But at the same time, I am aware of all the corruption that has been going on with middle mangers in the country. I pray for his health, but I also believe time for change has arrived. I am at peace with it because I love my country way more than one leader!
Long live Ethiopia!
Ethiopia is more than one man. We will be fine.
Time to unite!
My prayers for our country, for peace, stability, continuity, and to rid of ignorance and hate from our being.
What EPRDF still fails to understand is that even if Meles returns, they still need to explain the cause of his illness because how do Ethiopians know the guy does not have brain problem? And how can you trust a crazy prime minister (Meles is already a little crazy) but if he has brain tumor, then it could be a serious matter. How about if he Wakes-up one morning acting like he his Sadamm Husen and he wants to go to war with the UN?
Just thinking out loud about the possibilities of his illness?
Meles must be receiving “tebel” treatment, localized medicine because I guess the European medical treatment situation did not help to make his health situation better it is now 50 days.
Meles was a complex leader. I will forgive him of his sins and respect him if he resigns when he returns, that is if does return.