ETHIOPIA: Government urged to pledge more food
November 27,2002
His Excellency George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C 20500
Dear Mr. President;
The Oromo Community of Minnesota has learned about the upcoming invitation of the Ethiopian prime Minister to the White House with great disappointment. The Oromo people had been languishing for more than a decade since the coming to power of Meles Zenawi and still suffering under the brutal rule of the same despot. We, Oromos residing in the Greater State of Minnesota, have admiration and respect for the hospitality of the American people and its government. Yet it is in our fresh memory that we have escaped Meles Zenawi's murderous security apparatus and sought refuge in the United States. Mr. Zenawi, a tyrant himself who is terrorizing the Oromo people with all the resources at his disposal, is now trying to ride on America's anti-terrorism bandwagon hoping to buy time for his troubled regime at home.
We are certain that America's safety is our safety. America's prosperity is our prosperity. Hence, terrorism is a menace that needed to be fought and we commend your administration for its steadfastness in doing so. For this war to gain support of all people in the world it has to also encompass fighting against tyrants like Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, who use the state apparatus to terrorize the very people they purport to govern. Human rights abuse, state violence against citizens, mal-administration, arrogance and instability are very much the characteristic features of Zenawi's regime. But to our dismay, this same tyrant is being afforded such a remarkable diplomatic legitimacy of "anti-terrorist" championship. The US strategic goal of ridding the Horn of terrorism and bringing comprehensive peace, freedom and stability will be better served not by propping up a tyrant, but by working with genuine opposition forces such as the Oromo Liberation Front and others who enjoy the support of the majority of their people.
The timing of the visit, when 15 million people in Ethiopia are being ravaged by the scourge of famine exacerbated by the wrong policies and neglect of Mr. Zenawi, other than entirely of natural cause, saddens us deeply. The regime's economic program exploits and impoverishes farmers. Up to four million people are also infected with HIV virus. Yet the regime's response did not go beyond paying lip service. While the country was suffering from unprecedented crisis, TPLF squandered $2.9 billion in its senseless war with Eritrea, and spends millions in supporting violent factions in Somalia. Rather than seeking peaceful political solutions to the problems facing the Ethiopian state, Meles is wasting millions daily for his ill-advised and futile military adventures to suppress the popular desire of citizens for political freedom by force. This money, along with the loans and aid from IMF/World Bank, could have been wisely utilized to avert the famine, fight HIV/AIDS and reduce endemic poverty. As a matter of fact, this tyrant does not deserve a diplomatic reward from such a great nation whose very foundations are FREEDOM and LIBERTY of mankind. What this unpopular minority regime can contribute to regional stability and international peace has always been controversial from the very outset. The US is making a grave strategic mistake for dubious short-term gain by deciding to ally itself with Meles' group in its campaign against terrorism in the Horn. Mentoring Meles Zenawi in the horn of Africa without examining the existing realities on the ground, will only contribute to the mushrooming of more violent groups in the region.
Therefore, the Oromo Community of Minnesota urges the government of the United States to thoroughly consider the diplomatic invitation extended to Meles Zenawi vis-�-vis the agony of the Oromo people in particular and the very interest it may serve in the region in general. Last but not least, we are always grateful for the opportunity given to those of us, who flee the persecution of Meles Zenawi's brutal regime and enjoy a wonderful hospitality in the free world.
God Bless America!
Sincerely,
Nuro B Dedefo
Board Chairman,
Oromo Community of Minnesota