Although Ethiopian officials claim that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is on "sick leave," receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital outside of Ethiopia, rumors continue to grow about his condition and who may replace him. (Photo: AFP)
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.
—-
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)
There is a wildfire rumor raging in Addis Ababa that he has passed away. They are unable to put this genie back into the bottle. The burden of proof is on the government.
I agree. Whatever little information they have released thus far is incomplete and suspicious. What is there to hide? Governments come and go, and politicians come and go, good or bad, but Ethiopia stands!
There is no transparency in the way the Ethiopian dictatorial regime works. We Ethiopians should demand the truth from the government and the media such as Tadias should contribute their share by contacting the government office and insist the Ethiopian people have a right to know.
Ethiopian Government Press Secretery….
On Wednesday, a Western diplomatic source in Brussels told the Telegraph that he is now “critically ill”.
“He is being treated as a private person and the information is confidential but it is understood that he is critically ill,” the diplomat said.
Other diplomats told the AFP that Mr Zenawi might not survive his illness.”He is in a critical state, his life is in danger,” said one.”He is in a critical state but is alive,” another added.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hey – Do you believe the spin by domestic stakeholders or international sources who are in a relatively better position to differentiate a simple truth like this. Sources like ethiopiafirst.com and Addis Fortune are divulging that Meles is back in town with no hard evidence or on what condition. Is this intended to fill the void or trying to be transparent to the people? I tend to believe these 3 western diplomats who spoke before the United States muzzled them to keep quite for purposes of national security until they work up a smooth transition in that “volatile” region? I have no issue believing these three western diplomats who are “designed” and “conditioned” to tell the truth unlike the intimate domestic stakeholders mentioned above.
And watch how Bereket was suffering from dry-mouth syndrome when he was mentioning Meles’s name. That is the best proof that things are not good as they try us to believe.
I guess this thing is getting worse than I expected it to be. This guy would have been out of his position if it was in a civilized world. But in a dictatorship, especially that based on ethnicity, the situation is getting ugly. 90 mil people are taken hostage because they do not have access to info from “their” government. I have nothing against journalists and people who guess in this dark shooting and I would not hold anyone as a liar because the problem rests with the one who is hiding the truth – the so-called government which in fact is an ethnic closed community gang. No one is lying but trying to connect the dots. It is the gang group that is hiding the people’s concern and business as if the country is a personal property of the few. Bravo free media – keep on connecting the dots until the hostage takers come clean.
We feel that PM Meles is in serious condition and very likely will not survive. Surely, the administration and his ruling, EPRDF, never came up with accurate information of PM’s health status. They just confuse the public that he is doing great and will return soon. Until now, no return and realistic information of his health. It seems to be the country is expecting sad news. If alive, PM is in life support or he was dead already. As of now, across the country, the administration and the national army have different feelings than rest of citizen, move of troops from different location across the country–kind of bad news from PM.
I was just speculating two things. The first one is that he is already dead. The second one is they may be using tactics as usual to assess the feeling of people like they did for 2007 election may be diverting the attention of issues with muslim brothers and sisters.
Ethiopia has been around for melleliums before Meles and will remain long after he is gone. Our country has witnessed many, many changes and struggles and has suvivded them all! Think we can’t take this one? Try us EPRDF.
These are legitimate questions!
I have never supported Meles Zenawi. But I hate the sin, not the sinner. I FORGIVE him even though he was coward enough not to FORGIVE his perceived enemies. I pray for him as a human-being and as yager meri as a fellow countryman (wheather we like it or not) because I love Ethiopia more. If he survives this near death experience, I hope he grows a heart.
Why is it not clear? If he lives he doesn’t want his authority being questioned, and if he dies the EPRDF would’ve wanted to buy itself time to figure out who it’s next Lenin look-alike will be.
I think PM of Dictator regime is died already and the society under these regime have to start discussion of their future.
I don’t understand why the health issue of this person called Meles of Ethiopia is so secret. Did his followers believe that he is divine? It is not difficult to conclude from this that the ruling party is not supported by the public. Otherwise, it is the people’s right to know what is going on. As it has been said, this confirms that the officials in the ruling party of the country called Ethiopia are really mafias, armed gangs who rob the society and surely not people represented by the public.
Information from different sources indicates that he is dead. But, the EPRDF people are buying time to re-arrange things so that they could stay in power. We need genuine and wise leaders at this time! May God bless our people!
He is at Least Better than The tyrant ESAIS AFEWERKI
May God be with him! We Ethiopians are not pleased over the suffering of another. Let us have a good wish to our PM no matter how he acted or…. we can’t judge him. The one who gave him the authority is the only one to judge him! I don’t want to be too spiritual but just wanted to be fair enough in speculating his condition.
I love you all yeagere lejoch!!!
I am a very good lie detector. Bereket was lying to his teeth. Meles died last week. They are fighting over who should replace him. Buying time.
I think; they prepare a plan to select a new leader. That is why it is secret of Ethiopian people. I don’t know what we will do.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is actually head of government and not head of state. The de jure head of state of Ethiopia is 87 year old President Girma Wolde-Giorgis, whose rumored death earlier in the year was found to be greatly exaggerated.
That being what it is, some of the Prime Minister’s strongest critics wish him a speedy recovery and return to matters of state. The devil we know…and now miss!
The TPLF gangs are negotiating with CIA to nominate a new leader who can serve the American interest in the horn of Africa.They will announce soon that Meles is dead.
Believe me.
I hope, He will come his power after a few days. I would like to say about some opposition parties. Really this day clearly shows as who are the opposition parties. I’m sure they don’t worry about the peoples of Ethiopia. What they want is to come to power by any means. But “God loves Ethiopia” Ethiopia is always alive. God bless Ethiopia and Meles.
Demanding honest information about the dictator is not the same thing as “missing the devil we know.” The people have the right to know.
Is it true that he is back in Ethiopia?
I don’t see the desperation to know Meles’s status in Addis, atleast, as high as the people who lives abroad. I know when you don’t see what is going on in the country you worry much for your family and so. All the bad thinngs come to your face. But this fixation to know more and just speculate sounds too political than just curiosity. We are just doing fine and we will be. We have a lot of high ranking faces we don’t mind replacing Meles. Atasibu. The people will not go out on the street to revolt – we are just tired of crisis and death in the street. So chill. Let him rest – if he says he needs it – that is the least we can do.
They are starving us for information in this country and they lie to the world the people don’t care. Of course, the people care. We are not ignorant. What this situation totally exposed the mafia/gurela style unprofessionals we are used to.
@Kaddisaba There is some kind of tension in Addis. Did you say “crisis and death in the street” ? Where did that come from if everything is fine!!!! It does not take 30-something days to rehabilitate a sick person anymore,not in modern time. People recover from Heart attacks or major 12hr surgeries in a matter of days. A perfect example would be the story where a Mom gave birth to twins, then was infected by flesh-eating bacteria,Lana Kuykendall has been in hospital for just over two months,Kuykendall has undergone more than 20 surgeries,lost both her legs and an arm. Now that is RECOVERY!All tis was possible because of modern technology. Although I realy don’t care as Meles lives or dies the fact is there is no sickness in modern day that will take this long unless he is terminal. Back to the story, seems like someone is trying to prove a point,that Addis has new leaders or EPRDF is buying time so they can recover all stolen money and assets…and run!
The ligitmate question at this very moment for Ethiopia is- how can we,the Ethiopians, each one of us, conrtibute for the stability and unity of ETHIOPIA? (regardless of whoever distabilized or dis-united Ethiopia)
Every country has its own enamy, both internal and extrernal. Ethiopia is in the middle of an abroupt socity and organization inside the country or nearby, that can trun their back for Ethiopia suddenly.
No question! sooner or later we need to now the truth, about the answers of your questions “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?”,
But, the big but, do the answeres of your questions contribute to the stability of the country????
May be”yes” may be “no”
If it is useful for the stability of the country let the authority keep it secret for a while and let them tell us latter when they are ready to do so!
I as an individual pray for Mr. Prim Minster, to recover soon, and transfer the power smoothly for stability of the country than abroupt situation like this.
Ethiopia doesn’t gain anything from disclosing whatever happend or happening for the PM,Ethiopia in my openion can gain some stability or self organization time if the issue kept secrete for some time (if PM is not coming so soon back for work)!
Meles is now at agood condition. He will come on ETV screen soon.
I appreciate the whole concerns of citizens and medias. But I do not see to politicize every issues related with Meles Zenawi, PM of Ethiopia. For me, I prefer to see his personal health first. Off course, if we have been in close attachment to Ethiopia’s political situation, this issue , PM Meles Capability in his power, is really timely agenda for Ethiopia during the transitional period and TPLF crack down that scaled up to EPDRF (1991-2000) at that, time of confusions and shock therapy had been well managed by Meles. Soon the country come to promising economical, social and political paradigm. Therefore, as some one mentioned it before Ethiopia had been grown in different changes of political leaders and their ideology. But all were not stable transition and now I am very confidant, there will be smooth transition of power, whether H.E.PM Meles Zenawi continue his Official capacity or not.Because, Ethiopian politics and leadership is a bit going pro-actively for example they are working to replace the old leader-ship by new coming generation including Meles Himself, the first measure has been taken in 2010 after the national election, by those senors leaders like, Adisu Legess, Syume Mesfen and others.
For me this gives good indication of smooth transition of power in Ethiopia in any cause.
Ethiopia will achieve its Renaissance.
Every body wake up, use your mind. What is wrong with you, he might have died, but the Gov’t should prepare for the things comes next. this is not a simple thing like everybody thinks that the people must know.
I happen to believe this is a divine opportunity for Ethiopians to reflect together on what kind of a future we want as a country. It is a moment to cool down our defensiveness and to reconcile with our enemies and to reaffirm our commitment to our friends. Let us be the best of ourselves for the sake of our country. It must start with the government supporters who have become to associate every criticism with hate speech. That’s scary. If you are the government, whoever you are, you will always be criticized. That’s a fact of life. So MOST opposition are PRO-Ethiopia. What we need today is reconciliation and forgiveness. Avoid those who are intensely hateful.
As information frOm different source pm meles zenawi is in life support machine wich means he is totaly dead. So please everyone contribute your enthusiastic cooperation for ethiopia coz dis is a time . Honestly epdrf have no unity any more.
I hope and pray that he survives, resumes office and resigns. It’s good for Ethiopia! Proper and smooth transition!
I agree with Arbaay that a national dialogue on the future of Ethiopia is needed. However, this kind of discussion already under way among Ethiopian diaspora. One such an effort is lead by the Ethiopian National Transitional Council (ENTC). ENTC’s mission is to serve as a civic forum to “Facilitate conditions for a democratic transition.” Locally, here in NYC, we meet last week and discuss the current situation in Ethiopia, the mission and activities of ENTC. Please, join us as the discussion continues this Saturday at Colombia University, on 118TH Street and Amsterdam Avenue, at 2:00PM. For more info. Call me: Belay @ 347-873-6154.
I am not eager to hear weather he is alive or not. I don’t why you people are expecting to get true information from the dictatorial regime who has never tell the truth. Simply pray for the TRUE ETHIOPIANS and forget about those who are living with blood.
I agree with most of the opinions. The Government should come forward with the truth. But this poor country histories of hiding the truth of whereabouts of her Rulers. I leave for the historians how long after the Menilik II passing it was announce- six years? However, this is 21st Century and the succession should have planned for the Country lon, long ago. I wish the best to Mother-Ethiopia and her children from all corners
This man attempted to mock 80 million Ethiopians by putting a semi-dead president who has already failed to get up from his chair while a new diplomat was handing him a resignation letter…..
God is fair enough to side with us!!! He himself faced a more complicated condition and suddenly disappeared from his throne which he thought of occupying it forever.
we all know that Melez has died, No one can ignore this.
Not sure why there is a sudden premium on ‘honest information about the “dictator”‘ We know he is sick. He may or may not be alive. We will know soon enough, either by his re-emergence, or by the huge vacuum his passing will cause. Take this period of uncertainty for what it is – the calm before the storm. Rumors have rarely killed people. I doubt they will start now.
The problem is that Meles himself claimed that he is a democratic leader (99.6%). So we take him at his word that he is not an Emperor (at least not officially). If he is a democrat, as he claims, his health is the people’s business. If he can not do the job, the people need to know. DEMOCARY 101 – EPRDF. Life is a birabiro. Where is the man? Come clean please?
EPRDF PLEASE STOP EMBARRASSING ETHIOPIA. Even the Cuban communist government showed the people Castro in Hospital and announced that his brother Raul became President. It’s protocol. We are talking about a country here. And Ethiopia is not a new nation on the block? We are the African Medina!
If ever there was a contrast in approaches, the passing of the Ghanian president today [which is very tragic, and my thoughts are with our African brethren] illustrates how a fully functioning democratic AFRICAN society functions.
Not saying that PM Meles has passed, but when it comes to people in positions of power, their health, well-being or lack thereof, are a matter of state. An immediate, complete and thorough report is due immediately.
BREAKING NEWS: Ghana president passes away aged 68
Ghana President John Atta Mills has died suddenly at the age of 68 just hours after being taken ill, the west African nation’s presidency announced.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden and untimely death of the president of the republic of Ghana,” the statement said, adding that Mills, who had travelled recently abroad for a medical check-up, died hours after he got sick on Tuesday.
He died in a hospital in the capital Accra, the presidency said, without providing a cause.
According to the constitution, Vice President John Dramani Mahama is to take over as interim leader and he was to address the nation shortly.
Presidential elections are set for December in a country seen as a rare example of stable democracy in West Africa. Mills was to be the ruling party’s candidate.
The late president had recently travelled to the United States for what had been described as a routine medical check-up.
Mills took over as Ghana’s president in January 2009. He narrowly won the vote in 2008 with a less than one per cent margin against a candidate from the party of incumbent John Kufuor, widely respected for having bowed out following his two terms in office.
It is sad to hear when this this type of news is spreading and why Ethiopian people are suspiscious about the officials expression. Naturally, Ethiopian officials are known by three chracters, 1) by thier secret politics, 2) Pseudo democracy and 3) false propaganda. It is sad to hear the Ethiopian prime minister’s illness from the Senegalese president. This what we call it political moribund.
Matebu- Casa Blanka
Really I am Surprised with the whole concern by Ethiopians and the media. However, I don’t want to politicize every concerns related with our PM. For me, I hope and prefer to see him alive first. This time for every conerned citizen, it seems time of confusions and shock and this proofs how Meles was strong leader enough in leading Ethiopia. I wish Meles to continue the country’s promising economical, social and political program. Nevertheless, as some one mentioned it here before Ethiopia had seen different changes of political leaders and their ideology. But all were not strong in leading like Meles. However, I expect that he will come back soon and resign and this would be our final proof that Meles loves Ethiopia and its people. May God save Ethiopia from this blind confusion and negative expectations of Ethiopia’s destiny.
When Atsay Menelik II passed away, his wife, Queen Taitu Bitul did not announce to the public that he had died. Instead, the Queen and her advisors decided that it was imperative to first come up with a strategy that would allow for the transition of power. This being a monarchy they were interested in “keeping it in the family.” (Far from outside invaders)
I imagine that although their are faint claims of democracy in not only Ethiopia but throughout Africa….it has many of the symptoms of a distorted monarchy, not really here or there. And so I suspect that the same strategy is in ‘play’ right now.
As an Ethiopian I am concerned with a few things:
1) Who is next? (Most importantly)
2) Who gets to decide who is next?
3) When this transfer of power takes place, how will this effect my loved ones?
4) How will this effect the present and the future of people in the country?
As an Ethiopian I can make some assumptions about the country’s current status, which if you don’t mind I will refer to as having the symptoms of SCRAMBLE. Much like what happened during the precolonial period when Europe invaded Africa. Although it seems to be just an internal thing, my guess is that that there are many foreign investors/ interest groups who control more about the future of Ethiopia then the people of Ethiopia, even the ones in temporary ‘power’.
Sometimes it’s more difficult to see things coming when everyone is wearing the same ‘uniform’.
1) What interest groups are impacting the future of our country?
2) Who are they?
3) What type of interest/investments do they have, and how far are they willing to go to protect them?
4) Do these interest groups get to decide for the Ethiopian people who is next?
Maybe history does repeat itself so each generation can have a first hand experience.
Good point Wagshume. What the truth here? That’s the key question for me? This is 2012, Facebook Age. Why is it taking so long for these guys to tell us what’s going on with the man who is in charge of the Highest Office in The land? Are they for real?
JUST WAIT UNTILL CNN OR AL Jazeera, PUBLISHES THE ENTIRE MEDICAL RECORD FOR YOU with Secret interview of Belgians! WE WILL SEE WHO WINS THEN?
Well said, I can’t agree more. As an Ethiopian I am concerned with a few things:
1) Who is next? (Most importantly)
2) Who gets to decide who is next?
3) When this transfer of power takes place, how will this effect my loved ones?
4) How will this effect the present and the future of people in the country?
All legitimate points!
kalid Balala,
Why are you surprised by Ethiopian culture? Yes, we are a very complicated people but at the end there is always order to the chaos. That’s what makes Ethiopian society intriguing. We have a well-earned pride in our country, culture and its continuity. Don’t be fooled, the respect is not for Meles, it is for what he represents at this time and period. After all for all its worth, history can not ignore the Meles Era (1991 – 2012). In a way he is lucky that god gave him a dignified way out. He should resign and slowly disappear into the background! Give other Ethiopians a chance to continue his good work and correct his mistakes and shape a new Ethiopia for the 21st century! Yichalal!
What’ the ponit of showing him on ETV after the damage has been done? This teahces me that his party without Meles is totally unprepared to represent Ethiopia. They failed their own man.
Sadly,
Meseret
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.