We, Habesha people, didn’t learn from the Germans. We couldn’t even preserve the history of our fathers. We are humiliated. Indeed, very humiliated. We should have acted with determination to eliminate racists and traitors from the face of Ethiopia. If we lacked the courage to do that, we should have at least preserved our territorial integrity and sovereignty. But we didn’t. History recorded this as a bad failure. [Askual newspaper May 2004]
This is the second part of the series “On Eskinder Nega”. Please, read the first part here (link)]
There was a man by the name Eskinder Nega. He was the bravest of all. His bravery got him to prison and he must be saved by all means. At least, so goes the narrative reiterated by the western media and organizations.
What in particular is he charged of and what are the evidences? You might wish to know.
Well, those with the resources are not willing to bore you with the detail. They simply tell you he is the man of noble characters and a saint-like figure.
Ok. What were his achievements as a writer that made him so ‘popular’ in Ethiopia? You might ask. Though, few Ethiopians knew his name prior to the promotion by the western media following his detention on suspicion of terrorism (a.k.a. – plotting a regime change)
The promoters simply tell you he was ‘the real power behind Askual, Menilik and Satenaw newspapers’ until their closure following the 2005 post-election violence. They rarely specify the contents and quality of the papers. But, since known organizations, like, CPJ, New York Times, PEN, etc., endorsed them, you will be tempted to consider them as exemplary ones.
However, those newspapers portrayed as Eskinder Nega’s brainchild barely made on-ground reporting. Their headlines stories were mere hearsays and their contents were more suited to show how not-to-write a news story. Almost all news items and columns were copied or translated from the internet with extremely sensationalized provocative titles. Several of them were inflammatory, defamatory and/or blatant disinformation.
But, there was one column series that dwarfs all the rest and considered by readers as the brand of Askual newspaper. It was titled “Get Lost Judae”. Perhaps, it could be the ‘courage’ to publish this column series that impressed the promoters of Eskinder Nega.
The column series run almost uninterruptedly from 2001 to 2004. It was always given a prime space and promoted with a caption on the front page. It was written by a man who was then a senior member of an opposition party – of which Eskinder Nega was a deputy Chairperson. The man left to another opposition party sometime later, after a sort of split in Eskinder’s party, but that didn’t affect the publishing of the column.
The column had one consistent theme: Hating Tigray, which is an ethnic group, in the northern tip of the country.
It is beyond my means to post or summarize all the “Get Lost Judae” column series (about 150 published in the span of four years). Though, each is no less outrageous than the other.
The column started as a response to a book published by a Tigrayan historian. Then, after a couple of months, it went to another Tigrayan author. In the guise of correcting historical inaccuracies, the column engaged in an explicit attack on Tigray people. Gradually, it abandoned the book review exercise pretext and focused solely on condemning and vilifying the ethnic group.
By 2004, the column was already calling for action against the Tigrayans whom it blames for supporting the current government and for causing all the ‘evils’ that have fallen on the country – past and present. At some point, it started putting a disclaimer that ‘Judae’ refers to individuals rather than groups. The purpose of the disclaimer is not clear, though.
The columns published from May to June 2004 are demonstrative of the “Get Lost Judae” series.
Here are translations from May 1/2004 and May 8/2004 editions of Askual newspaper.
Note: The translation is mine. I decided to make word-to-word translation of more than half the two columns to preclude any doubts on the context. Moreover, the column rambles at length and presents history in present tense, thus making it difficult to pick a representative paragraph and/or to use a liberal translation approach.
*Words and phrases in brackets are mine and intended to clarify.
* ‘Banda’ – literally refers to individuals who worked with Italy, when it invaded Ethiopia during WWII. It is also commonly used to as an insult to a person claimed to be allied with enemy of the country.
* ‘Mateb’ is a thread worn by devotee of Ethiopian Orthodoxy Christianity to demonstrate their religious identity.
* ‘Badmme’is a town on the Ethio-Eritrea border and a major battle during the 1999-2000 war between the two.
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“Get Lost Judae”
(May 1/2004)
[Starting at the third paragraph]
Our rulers, who dribble their cheap politics in the name of history, know that the Ethiopian people didn’t take a genocidal stance on any tribe during the Dergue regime. They know it for fact. It is nonsense to claim that the Dergue regime tried to exterminate our rulers’ tribe, in an era where the people didn’t show decisiveness to translate its hatred into action. This is not an old story, it is of recent memory. The Ethiopian people used to attend meetings alongside anti-peace forces in every Kebele [district administration]. It was silently observed that while the armed bandits [TPLF] were in the woods [fighting the Dergue], their people were sending them food from our capital city and other Ethiopian towns. They also provided timely intelligence to the enemy. No one from our side gave the matter proper attention. We laugh in regret when we note that the humble Dergue regime was looking for bandits hidden in the woods but left alone the bandits openly working in all Ethiopian cities. Dergue spent 17 years choosing bandits among bandits. Similarly, the extent of our weakness and ineptness embarrasses us even strongly when we recall that the Ethiopian people, which is no better than a suckling baby, sat alongside members of the bandit’s tribe in Kebele meetings held to discuss the military campaign [against the rebels]……….
Did the bandits really take power by defeating us militarily? Had our armed forces were loyal to their oath, wasn’t it possible to exterminate the wolves, who are currently ruling us, from the face of the earth? It was certainly doable. Wasn’t it possible to eliminate these people, who have no history other than being Baandaa, from Ethiopia? We feel it was a very easy task. But there was no determination. We became unconcerned about the future generation. Our Ethiopian bravery melted down. We bowed to the enemy due to our personal weakness. We need to admit this. What else could be the source of our current humiliation? We can’t point fingers on anyone. We ruined history by our weakness. We earned humiliation. We became as good as the dead. We, Habesha people, didn’t learn from the Germans. We couldn’t even preserve the history of our fathers. We are humiliated. Indeed, very humiliated. We should have acted with determination to eliminate racists and traitors from the face of Ethiopia. If we lacked the courage to do that, we should have at least preserved our territorial integrity and sovereignty. But we didn’t. History recorded this as a bad failure.
We have travelled in the path of truth and for truth. Ethiopia has always been more accommodating to her enemies rather than true citizens. History is a witness. It is visible today. The traitors who have been toiling to scrap this country from the world map are today combing honey from this poor country. This is not a lie. Truth is our mateb. Truth is our reference. What can we learn from history? What did we learn? The German people who took a decisive stand against the exploitative Jewish, under the resolute leadership of the Nazi, had continued showing their bravery in action. The German people have continued marching forward demonstrating its rage in action. Who can hold it lack? What does this tell us – real Ethiopians? What is the lesson for us? It teaches us that any citizen should act resolutely to become the actual owner of his country.
The Germans stood up resolutely. Their struggle continued. The Jewish were captured in-masse and deported to concentration camps. Especially, male Jews between the age of 16 and 60 were targeted. The Jewish were spitted on. Their face was disfigured with mud. The Germans were furious. The Jews were degraded. The Germans crusade against the Jewish. They are hoping that the Versailles Treaty, which German was forced to sign at the end of WWI, will be scrapped under Nazi leadership. They are positive that unemployment will end. Especially, Adolf Hitler is seen as God-sent for Germany’s Renaissance. Given the existing reality, millions are convinced that there was no better leader than Adolf Hitler. Thus, they followed him. We find it suited to quote what Goebbels said to express his admiration of Adolf Hitler. We shan’t forget the sentiment was shared by most Germans. (To be continued)
*****
“Get Lost Judae”
(May 8/2004)
[Starting at the third paragraph – with the quote of Joseph Goebbels,( the Minister of Propaganda and close party associate of Hitler)]
“In the Munich court you grew before us to the greatness of the Fuehrer. What you said are the greatest words spoken in Germany since Bismarck. You expressed more than your own pain . . . you named the need of a whole generation, searching in confused longing for men and task. What you said is the catechism of the new political belief, born out of the despair of a collapsing, Godless world . . . We thank you. One day, Germany will thank you . . .” (The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, William L. Shire, Fawcett publication, in Greenwitch, conn. 1960. P. 181)
The principle of administration prescribes a country shall equally serve as a geographic residence of all citizens. Heterogeneity is not a problem by itself. However, there won’t be peace in a country where a cancer tribe or community exists. The majority will be sacrificed for the prosperity of the minority. The current situation of Ethiopia is a good example.
Today, several millions have paid all the sacrifices required of us for the comfort and luxury of a minority tribe. In Ethiopia, where equality is absent, ‘slavery’ has taken the meaning of ‘equality’. In the 21st century, we have returned to the ancient tribal system. We have lost countless people in meaningless war, on Badme and related battle fields, for the sake of one very small tribe……Human sacrifice has become a necessity for the honor of the ruling tribe. The majority has been scarified for the greatness of the ruling tribe. Ethnic politics eats ethnic groups. Whose turn will be tomorrow? We should note that the Gambella massacre is today a talking point of the global community. Let’s not forget ethnic politics is the cause of all the political, economic and social problems of Ethiopia. A talk of peace would be a meaningless play with words in a country where a cancer tribe or community exists. The minority becomes economically rich and holders of political power. Traitors will steer the honest. Citizenship becomes meaningless.
The German people rose with determination during a political, economic and social crisis similar to the current Ethiopia. It was a public agenda. And, the public had to address it in action. The rage on Jews continued to be translated in action. (To be continued)
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Still not convinced? Wait for the next part of this series. It only gets better.
[You may read or download here (link) the original Amharic copies of the two editions of Askual newspaper quoted above.]
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Previous post: On Eskinder Nega : Setting the Record Straight
P.s.- I will respond in detail to questions and comments you raise will before concluding this series.
THE TRUTH WILL ALWAYS SET YOU FREE ,no matter what others think or talks about .
During the 2005 hot election season, I was familiar with the newspapers (I was a university student by the time). I was completely disgusted by the propaganda they spread to install division and racism in Ethiopia. I never knew Eskinder was the architect of these horrendous papers.
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Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I have bookmarked it for later!
Wow, an Ethiopian NAZI!!! Is he unaware that Hitler was allied to Mussolini who hard thousands of Ethiopians gassed and gunned down? The nazis would have ruled all of Africa with a white supremacist iron hand. Anyway, this sort of writing would get him into prison in many Western country, not least in Germany itself.
Just look at his picture .this guy Eskinder looks like the negro version of that crazy dude who shot that congress woman in Arizona last year.It is funny how his fans are trying to defend him by bringing up the ” context” issue 🙂 lol who knew genocide could be rationalized in the ” proper context”
A cold-blooded-murderer can never find a support from a peaceloving, reasonable man in the streets. the mistake of Eskinder nega is that he share a room with a venomous Snake called TPLF?
I am quite disgusted by this blog of Daniel. Thank you Alem for putting the records right here! Eskender Nega has shown to be a brave Ethiopian and I will take this opportunity to salute him! He left his comfortable life to bring in what is called a voice for the voiceless, opposition. We live in the 21 century and tplf are still locking people who disagree and fight against their idea. What Eskender articulated in his article, was that past Nazi had given us enough ethical lesson that one would believe it is behind! Can anyone argue here that TPLF has been favoring tigray people? one of the obvious evidence is the Ethiopian Army where all (all most !) key positions are detained by tigreans? why? Most business licences and land are given to tigre ? why? you go to immigration office, most of the admin officers at the key level are tigre? why? So even if Eskender would have called on a revolution , would it be ethically wrong? in that case, Mandela , Martin Luther King, would have been what? all of you who are blindly supporting tplf ( Daniel, he is a pro-government blogger so why should we be surprised? ) you are just a victim of tribalism yourself. And you know what, now because of your hate to other tribes, you have helped each of us to feel more stronger about our ethiopianism…Eskender is a brave journalist who use a pen (not an arm) to seek justice, equality and freedom to all. This land has enough for everyone why should it be owned by 6% of the population? on what ground? This is the 21 century – you want your kids to grow up in a safe and peaceful land. Yes Mandela also was called a terrorist! 27 years later, the world bow down to him…so you all better start to think use your brain before insulting Eskender. Even if had he been wrong, he does not deserve humiliation and insult. where would the world go if journalist cannot write their ideas their believings? Daniel, what is your goal in this article??? Eskender has a clear vision when he wrote that peace…let us not be divided, let us not be like the Nazi. What is your claim by writing this against Eskender? who you feel happy if he dies? or are you afraid that he makes history one day? because like it or not, truth will always win…be brave, go meet Eskender, interview him…meet the man before condemning him and causing other to hate him. What good in that honnestly? How can you call yourself a journalist? by the way are you one? from which school have you graduate? what is your credentials? Speak truth and the truth shall set you free. God bless Ethiopia and the brave people of Ethiopia. We need reconciliation, peace and love…
tazabi,
What you just said is the real “chefene”. You are saying everyone who did not agree with Daniel’s post or your views is a/ “pro-Eskinder” b/ “never read Eskinder’s famous newspapers” c/ did not about Eskinder. I see you have a problem, a real problem. It is good you commented because now we know who you are. A “chefene” who is afraid to even use your real name. This applies to several commenting on this post.
After reading the pro-Eskinder comments it is amazing to note that Eskinder ‘s fans have never read Eskinder’s famous newspapers. So how did they become his supporters? how can one side with somebody one doesn’t know about? Well, I guess that is what we call “Chefene Politica”
Daniel:
I have to disagree with you. First, you quoted Eskinder out of context. That is, you quoted those statements that suited you to advance your agenda. What he was saying in that article was that, compared to us even the racist and hated Nazis had a better grasp of their history and enough sense to defend their territorial integrity. Remember the article as you indicated was written in May 2004 [over 8 years ago]. It may be a language problem on your part. In which case, I suggest you reread the article. Second, I may be wrong here but I think you are jealous of Eskinder. I am talking about his command of the language and his courage. I have looked through some of your posts and I have come to conclude that you are indeed an appendage of the ruling party. I would not have counted your being an apologist for the current system against you if your brazen lies were not so obvious. It does not comport with the fact that you are a lawyer and fellow blogger. You do this at a time when Eskinder is in prison. What a heartless thing to do. Either you need to take courses in ethics or if you did that take them again or turn in your diploma.
I for one will not jump to any conclusion until I read the whole Amharic text in its entirity because context matters. Until we read the whole thing we can’t make any conclusion as to what the writer is trying to say. I suspect there is more to this story than it meets the eye. It is very easy to cut and paste some parts of any text to make somebody look bad but as readers we should wait until we read the whole thing to make informed judgement.
Since Ethiopia and Ethiopian’s are in a new era that is struggling to make poverty history let we all give priority for national common interest provided our difference and proactively work on our strategic enemies interest failure on the garbage.
Alula, This is not an important piece of evidence it is a blogger, writing about another blogger. What this is called is an argument for moral suasion. When you used the phrase “his group were present day Hitlers” you are committing the same stupid form of rhetorical illogic as Eskinder used. This extremism not based in fact that you are using Alula, is the same garbage that got Eskinder in jail.
I just have to shake my head at this stuff….
The man is criminal and deserves all the punishment. Though I take myself as pro-government, I still found it very very hard to believe how and why our justice system is degraded. I’m expecting more posts from you, Danny!
Thank you for sharing such an important piece of evidence, I hope these ‘free press’ promoters will get the message clear.
It is now made clear to the wider public that Eskinder and his group were present day Hitlers, they don’t even consider what our Jew brother could feel when justifying the atrocities of Nazis
Thank you thank you so much Mr Daniel Berhane, I have been always wanting to know what exactly he did but I’m really shocked to read this kind of evilness from a human being. Its so disturbing which I could never guess anything close to this magnitude.
All I can say is we should start to celebrate the election 2005 for teaching us such unforgettable lessons.
Daniel
It seems you are Personaly attaking Eskindir
He is in Jail because he speaks loud to show the truth to Ethiopians
Don’t worry you will not get into jail and your Blog will not be Blocked by the Ethiopian Goverment because you are Pro Government Blogger
Everyone knows that you are Paid for your Posts by the Government and Alamoudi
Who are you to say Ginbot 7 a Terrorist Group
Ginbot 7 is a party made in memory of the 2005 ethiopian Election in which CUD Party (Kinigit )won most of the Parlament seat but EPRDF or TPLF Leaders killed more than 300 Civil Protesters and Put CUD Leaders in to Jail then continue to be leaders of Ethiopia by force
And while themselves are Terorist Groups they call Ginbot 7 (Earlier named CUD) A Terorist Group.
Well , this is just Asqual,. There were a lot of open and disguised ethnic diatribe going on in all the other newspapers and magazines. I just don’t mean Eskinder nega’s only. You should check, Andnet, Moged, Tomar, Tobia. and so on. I remember one newspaper (forgot the name) that was very popular during election 2005, it used to quote the bible to pass its political message. My question, to you Daniel Berhane , do you plan to use this info and tell the so called free press advocates that they are actually advocating for Nazi sympathizers?
Eskinder Nega is a blogger, and newspaper publisher who has no fear about publishing this stuff. Your translations are appreciated but it seems you are going to an awful lot of effort to make a case against a colleague of yours who ponders too much, and uses inflammatory language who is already in jail for his “crimes” against Ethiopia. He seems no more offensive to me than any impassioned Ethiopian blogger. The casual use of the word genocide and terrorism in this context of articles and blogging are laughable. The only people this would offend are the people that he is criticizing with his over-the-top analogies.
I am still convinced that you are making a mountain out of a mole hill with Eskinder’s blustery rhetoric, but I am not sure of your motivation. Does Eskinder have the power to start a genocide with his pen? Are kernels of truth in his firey rhetoric too much for the TPLF to bear? Does the EPRDF fear he is right about Ethiopia’s history of being overly dominated by particular groups who benefit disproportionately at the expense of everyone else?
Instead of working hard to continue the EPRDF”s effort to defame this one “darling of the West” blogger, perhaps you can become the true hero, and describe to the audience here, how the justice system in Ethiopia is not independent of the EPRDF’s political agendas.
– To make Eskinder Nega really irrelevant, it would useful for you to describe how people in the EPRDF’s favor cannot short cut the system to ignore local officials who displease you, as a privilege of where they were born.
— To point out the ridiculousness of Eskinder Nega’s claims about the smaill minority exploiting the larger and diverse Ethiopian population. Write a story about economic and power demographics in Ethiopia. Start with the Amharas of the Haile Selassie regime, and now how much more widely diversely economic power is shared amongst all ethnicity. Does the wealth distribution of Ethiopia reflect the distribution of ethnic backgrounds?
Although I am sure the people who put Eskinder in jail for being so fiery about how Ethiopians need to stop allowing themselves to be ruled by minorities appreciate this series. I am sure the Ethiopian community would be more grateful if you took such hard look at his underlying points.
Tnx Danny for letting us know the truth. Life imprisonment? Laughable! Why is death penalty in our criminal code then? More truth please bro!
Wow, I don’t even know where to start. Thank you DB for keeping your word and bring us the truth that has been hidden in daylight. I admire your courage.
I wonder what Eskinder was thinking when he published such poisonous garbage, an outright call for a second holocaust, but not difficult to guess on which side of history he stand. If anyone, it should be the government that should receive encouragement and pat on the back for allowing publication of such inflammatory material as garantor of freedom of speech, and not the pseudojournalists like Eskinder who abuse and manipulated the democratic rights achieved by the sacrifices of many young lives. The elevation of Eskinder as a hero by the likes of HRW is a total mockery on Ethiopian people.
Unbelievable! someone actually justifies Hitler’s actions. Thank you Daniel for clarifying things
I already put at the bottom a link to a PDF containing the originals. Isn’t it working?
“…Heterogeneity is not a problem by itself. However, there won’t be peace in a country where a cancer tribe or community exists. The majority will be sacrificed for the prosperity of the minority. The current situation of Ethiopia is a good example…” Eskidir Nega was cooperating with the likes of G-7 and other Terrorist organizations to achieve this, and he deserves to be in prison for the rest of his life. He is a disgrace to humanity!
This is very interesting, daniel. But do you could you maybe post a PDF scan of the newspaper in amharic so that we can read it in the original language?
What can I say? I have no word but one: thank you Daniel for bringing this important article into our attention. Now, I know who Eskindir Nega is!