Hailemariam Dessalgne becomes EPRDF's Chair; Demeke Deputy

By De Brihan Media 
September 15, 2012

Hailemariam Dessalgne has become the Chairman of the Ethiopian ruling party, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in a meeting that the Front's Council held today, according to De Birhan sources. The Chairperson is "highly likely" to become the Prime Minister of the Country once sworn in parliament. Hailemaraim was the Front's Deputy until the death of the Chairperson, the late Meles Zenawi. Hailemariam was born in 1965 in the Boloso Sore district of the Wolayita Zone in southern Ethiopia. He was President of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNPR) from November 2001 to March 2006 and was promoted as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in October 2010. 

While Demeke Mekonen of Amhara National Democratic Movement  (ANDM) has been elected as the Deputy Chairman of EPRDF, according to De Birhan's inside sources. The head of ANDM, Demeke Mekonen, is also the Minister of Education. According to De Birhan sources Demeke comes from a Amhara family from Wollo and grew up as an orphan in Chagni, Gojjam, Ethiopia  with foster parents. He comes from a teaching background. 

Demeke Mekonen

EPRDF's 180 member Council had commenced its regular meeting on 14 Sep. 2012, and continued today to elect its Chairperson and Deputy. 

The Front in its statement yesterday had said that the council had already discussed and approved the draft agenda.  The Council had deliberated on a document entitled” building the leadership and the stride of the renaissance” that focuses on the procedural, organizational and outlook. 

In addition to the four major member parties of the EPRDF, the Front said "Chairpersons of the parties allied to the EPRDF of Somali, Afar, Harari, Benshangul-Gumuz, and Gambella as well as Presidents of Regional States" were invited as guests. 

We have learnt that the Government Communication Minister, Bereket Simon and EPRDF's Public Mobilization Head, Redwan Hussien will soon give a press conference to journalists at the Hilton Hotel, Addis Abeba. 

Update: In the press conference, Bereket reportedly said that the Front had agreed that the three candidates(sources say the third was Kuma Demeksa from OPDO) should not be from those who took part in the armed struggle but new members. 

Court appoints Ethiopian Muslim activists and journalists to October 11

Updates 14 September 2012

The Federal First Instance Court, Arada District First Criminal Bench has appointed the members of the 17 Muslim Arbitration Committee, activists and journalists to Tekemet 1 (October 11) 2012.  All the accused were in the room in  a proceeding held amid tight security.

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By De Birhan Media
13 September 2012

Members of the 17 Muslim Arbitration Committee, activists and journalists who have been imprisoned since last month did not appear as per their appointment in court for unknown reasons; they were appointed for today September 13, 2012. 

The inside and outside of the Federal First Instance Court, Arada District First Criminal Bench premises  was crowded by large number of supporters and families waiting to see the prisoners. The crowd also conducted their prayer around the court and inside the premises while waiting for the prisoners arrival.

Although they were reportedly said to be appearing in the morning , none came.  No charges have been filed against them so far; Police had requested 28 days of investigation time. 

Accoring to our source, the prisoners will appear in court tomorrow according to the orders of their imprisonment. Most members of the Committee including the Chairman, Abubeker Ahmed are expected to appear in court tomorrow September 14. A recent update instead indicated that the judge adjourned it to Monday 16 September  2012.

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Elders Group under the leadership of  Prof.Ephraim Isaac, a world renowned Ethiopian scholar has reportedly started a mediation process between the arrested activists and the regime. According to De Birhan sources, although the Elders Group was expected to hold sessions and meetings these few days, it has been postponed for next Saturday for unexplained reasons.  

In  another development, while the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is set to choose its Chair and Deputy on meetings 14-15 September, 2012, other member parties of the ruling EPRDF namely Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and Oromo Peoples' Democratic Organization (OPDO) have chosen their Chairs. The late Meles Zenawi's Deputy Chair of TPLF, Abay Woldu has been elected as the Acting Chairman of the Front while Kuma Demeksa was elected Acting Chairman of OPDO in place of Alemayehu Atomsa who is battling with a serious disease in hospital. They will be Acting Chairs for six months until another election is conducted. 

Can Hailemariam Dessalgne be Ethiopia's General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar?

By T, Staffer of De Birhan Media

September 12, 2012

Ethiopia is Primeministerless!  Since the date of sickness of the late Ethiopian Prime Minister i.e. mid of June up to this day, September 13, 2012, the country doesn’t have any sworn in Prime Minister. Although the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hailemraim Dessalgne, has “reportedly been agreed to be the Acting Prime Minister by the Council of Ministers”,  he has been addressed by State Media and officials as with his previous portfolio since. In the back door, 37 new military officers have been upped as Brigadier and Major Generals. All from one ethnic group (Tigre) but just less than 12 of them from other regions and ethnic groups. Article 71 of the current Ethiopian constitution says,

He (The President) shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister and in accordance with law, grant high military titles.

However, in the absence of any sworn in Prime Minister, State media had reported that President Girma Woldegiorgis “granted high military titles according to the Constitution”. While  De Birhan  had few days presented a comprehensive paper urging that Ethiopia needs an immediate Security Sector Reform, the regime continued with business as usual the following day. The ruling party Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is set to meet this week and elect its Chairperson and his deputy and nominate the Prime Minister too before parliamentary approval. What reports and scenarios suggest is that Hailemariam Dessalgne is likely to become (aside rumors of power struggle) the next Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

Hailemariam is wholly different from the old guard EPRDFs except one thing i.e. he is one EPRDF himself. He comes from the academia not the bush; he is so mannered and highly cultivated. He brings a new breed of technocrats with little politico-ethnic dilute. He is stands alone in an ethnically netted regime. There are many who hope and expect changes from him; there are also many who say he is just a “Medvedv among many Putins”.

But Can Hailemariam Dessalgne be our General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar?

General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar

General Sani Abacha was the president of Nigeria from November 17, 1993  to June 1998. He recorded some economic gains and was denounced for “human rights violations”. Abacha suddenly died in June 1998 at his presidential villa in Abuja, some say he was “poisoned”. He was succeeded by Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Nigeria's defense chief of staff, who was sworn in as the country's Head of State. Many feared that this new President is the same military Joe and is going to continue the junta. However, the next day, June 9, 1998, he promised the following:

1. Called for a national reconciliation and peace
2. A new constitution will be adopted
3. All inclusive, free and fair elections will be held in one year time
4. All political prisoners will be released including Moshood Abiola, who by most accounts was the winner of Nigeria's last presidential election in 1993.
5. Solemnly invited all Nigerian opposition in the Diaspora/exiled
6. Changes in economy- freeing up markets
7. Establish an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

To the disbelief of his own military, cynics and his family, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar kept his word, fulfilled all his promises and transferred power to president-elect Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.  He just led one transitionary year and he did reconcile and pacify Nigeria, adopted a new constitution, held an all inclusive multi party election, freed all political prisoners, allowed back banned Diaspora, freed up the economy and put the nation under a civilian rule. Abubakar received multiple honors, including the Rainbow/Push Coalition Peace Prize, the Economic Community of West African States International Gold Medal, and the Star Award of Ghana and also played role in African peace processes.

Hailemariam’s disadvantages

Hailemariam is capable of doing what his Nigerian nick had done but perhaps two reasons:

Military: Hailemariam did not come from the military and had no direct control and experience of military administration. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar was at an advantage because he has been Chief of Staff for long and had direct relationship and control over the military for a long time. Importantly too, Ethiopian Security sector is dominated by a one ethnic army making Hailemariam an elephant in the middle of lions. These two points put Hailemariam at a disadvantage. However, once he is sworn in as Prime Minister, he will be the Commander In Chief of the armed forces giving him full leverage and power over the military.

Assertiveness: for all his positive CV of humbleness, religious devotion, hard ‘workingness’, educational excellence, wisdom and leadership skills with a positive track record, he is also critiqued for being so sensitive and less assertive. He is feared to be a “yes sir” guy for a bunch of old guards who would advise and cajole him saying “no you are young, this is the way it is done kid” and so on. In fact, assertiveness and resolve evolve through time. The corruption, pressure and repression that he sees, may fuel him to be courageous and a change maker. We have not observed Hailemariam enjoying full authority so far, we may have to wait a bit in deed.

Hailemariam’s opportunities

Constitution: Despite all the disadvantages we mentioned above, Hailemariam is protected and legally empowered by the Constitution. An Ethiopian Prime Minister is like a “Supreme leader” according to the current Ethiopian constitution. Let us read what the Constitution says regarding the “powers and functions of the Prime Minister”,

Article 74

Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister

1. The Prime Minister is the Chief Executive, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and the Commander-in-Chief of the national armed forces.

2. The Prime Minister shall submit for approval to the House of Peoples’ Representatives nominees for ministerial posts from among members of the two Houses or from among persons who are not members of either House and possess the required qualifications.

3. He shall follow up and ensure the implementation of laws, policies, directives and other decisions adopted by the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

4. He leads the Council of Ministers, coordinates its activities and acts as its representative.

5. He exercises overall supervision over the implementation of policies, regulations, directives and decisions adopted by the Council of Ministers.

6. He exercises overall supervision over the implementation of the country’s foreign policy.

7. He selects and submits for approval to the House of Peoples’ Representatives nominations for posts of Commissioners, the President and Vice-President of the Federal Supreme Court and the Auditor General.

8. He supervises the conduct and efficiency of the Federal administration and takes such corrective measures as are necessary.

9. He appoints high civilian officials of the Federal Government other than those referred to in sub-Articles 2 and 3 of this Article.

10. In accordance with law enacted or decision adopted by the House of Peoples’ Representatives, he recommends to the President nominees for the award of medals, prizes and gifts.

11. He shall submit to the House of Peoples’ Representatives periodic reports on work accomplished by the Executive as well as on its plans and proposals.

12. He shall discharge all responsibilities entrusted to him by this Constitution and other laws.

13. He shall obey and enforce the Constitution.

Article 60

Dissolution of the House

1. With the consent of the House, the Prime Minister may cause the dissolution of the House before the expiry of its term in order to hold new elections.

This article and the 13 sub sections of the Constitution unless amended in the coming few days give Hailemariam a wide competitive edge. He just needs to employ these powers and do the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar thingy.  Haile could reshuffle the army leadership and dissolve the parliament to call for a new all inclusive dialogue and election.

The West: The second most important advantage and opportunity that Hailemariam has is support from the West. The US has repeatedly echoed that it would continue to work with Hailemariam and the Constitution would be respected in the process of leadership change. Hailemariam has also built a good relationship and track record with many countries during his tenure as Foreign Minister. By combining the support he has from the West and his Constitutional rights, Hailemraiam can (may) make history.

Subsequently

If Hailemariam himself does not read this, I am sure one of his loved ones would  and will show/tell him. Thus we say, for the sake of our nation's and region's peace, your legacy and ‘your’ own visions not others, attempt what Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar succeeded and live a peacefully comfortable life to earn the titles “Father of democracy, patriot and brother of the people”. This shouldn’t be a charm offensive but real one for your heart!

One Nigerian medium described, that  post Abacha Nigeria had needed “... a man of peace, a fence-mender, a wound-binder, a man whose ambition was not vaulting, one who would steer Nigeria away from the knife-edge of danger” that  Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar  was able to be so when the time needed him. Don’t we need the same Hailemraim?

Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Ethiopia: a prerequisite for Democracy

©By De Birhan Media

10 September 2012

This is a comprehensive policy document, peace journalism and paper with 20 pages. De Birhan presents this paper as an olive branch for the new Ethiopian year 2005. This thesis argues that if the post Meles Zenawi leadership/administration is to call for a genuine “reconciliatory dialogue” with all concerned parties or at least wants to be a “democratic regime”; it must immediately start a comprehensive Security Sector Reform (SSR).

It also offers recommendations on how to go about implementing the Reform. SSR will absolutely play an enormous role in bringing a "relatively sustainable peace" to Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa region. 

You can download and read the paper in a PDF format here  or simply here on our website. 

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Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Ethiopia: a prerequisite for Democracy

Ethiopia is entering a new era. A new era without Meles Zenawi, who ruled the nation for 21 years to the amusement of his clans, party members and Western allies and to the enormous disgruntlement of the majority of Ethiopians. It is also a new calendar year 2005.  It is a new era because, when Meles Zenawi departed, he left a regime, party, plan and policy that would only be energized and operational in his presence. He has built and left a security apparatus that is militarily “strong” but very weak in “leadership, accountability, transparency, inclusive representativeness”. Believing that democracy is a necessity for the peaceful and sovereign continuation of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region, Ethiopian and international stakeholders have been arguing that the Ethiopian security apparatus needed a “comprehensive and urgent reform”. This thesis argues that if the post Meles Zenawi leadership/administration is to call for a genuine “reconciliatory dialogue” with all concerned parties or at least wants to be a “democratic regime”; it must immediately start a comprehensive Security Sector Reform (SSR).

What is Security Sector Reform?

EPRDF to establish a TV and Radio Station in the US

By T, De Birhan Media Staffer
10 September 2012

Challenged by the media domination of Ethiopian Statelite Television and Radio (ESAT) in the Diaspora, the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is going to establish a Radio and Television Station that would be based in Virginia, United States, sources disclosed. Large sum of money has been allocated for it. The Station would present itself as an "independent  media established by independent individuals to give balanced information".  They said it would be run by income from  sponsors and advertisers. 

The Television and Radio Station would start transmission to audiences both in Ethiopia and the Diaspora in the Amharic language in the coming few months, the source added. 

ESAT established some two years ago has been blocked by the Ethiopian regime from transmitting in Ethiopia over seven times. It now transmits its programs on the internet and Satellites outside Ethiopia. ESAT Radio and Television "have become competent alternative media taking most of  the regime's State media audience", the source added.