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Sebhat Nega - An interpreter we could not understand
OMFEU Commentary ǀ
June 5, 2009
 Woyanne
affiliated web site, aigaforum.com, posted on 2nd June 2009 what it
claimed was the interview given by Ato Sebhat Nega to Hager Fekir Radio host Ato
Negussie Wolde Mariam. Major issues that were raised by the host during this
interview session include the “significance of Ginbot 20”, the Council of
Minister’s recent measure to readmit the previously deported Eritreans and power
delineation between the Executive and Legislative branches of the Government
regarding this same measure. In fact, this very measure is believed by many as
have been induced by Woyanne intentionally in order to distract the ever growing
domestic resentment.
The Radio host, who at the beginning of the
interview, introduced his guest as “Ye Ihadeg Mengist Kefetegna Baleseltan”, at
the end of the session, tried not to miss what he thought was a golden
opportunity by leveling his own allegation against employees of the Ethiopian
Embassy in the USA, for what he alleged as “poor performance at propaganda
work” . Just imagine for a second, a situation where an allegation put on a duly
employed government employees is submitted to a visiting merchant.
One would surely be at a loss to discern the
full extent of what had really gone in between these two gentlemen by way of
that particular interview session. The radio host appeared to perceive his
guest- interlocutor as “Ye Ihadeg Mengist Kefetegna Baleseltan” though Ato
Sebhat is known to us only as an elderly citizen currently working as Deputy
General Manager of EFFORT, a business conglomerate that is owned by Woyane. Of
course, he is a central committee member in that regional political grouping.
Under normal condition, Ato Sebhat Nega is
presumed to discharge those tasks that are pertinent only to the business
organization he is currently leading or the regional political grouping to which
he currently belongs. We see no ground, whatsoever, for him to speak on behalf
of the government or even the so called EPRDF for that matter. The radio host
never bothered to a priori learn for himself and let his audience know whether
or not his guest is specifically mandated to speak on behalf of the government
nor Ato Sebhat cared to qualify in what capacity he was addressing those issues.
In fact, he appeared to be enjoying his newly found “Ye Mengist Baleseltan
without portfolio” status bestowed upon him by an amateur radio host who most
probably is devoid of the significance of verifying the credentials of one’s
interviewee.
At one point, Aboy Sebhat sounded like
“President of the Federation Council giving a final verdict on contested
constitutional provision” regarding the delineation of power between the
Executive and Legislative branches in matters pertaining to readmitting of the
previously deported Eritreans. He said, “This issue is within the domain of the
Executive branch. The Legislative body has nothing to do with it.” Prior to
making that seemingly authoritative assertion, Ato Sebhat should have been wise
enough to make sure first that he firmly stood his ground that enables him say
so. He should have known that any assertion that lacks legitimacy is nothing but
bragging.
Few years ago, a certain town hassler had
managed to self appoint himself as Woreda Administrator in two Woredas belonging
to two different regions before it was discovered that he was actually a
usurper. Such incident may sound a fabricated story to many. In fact, it
should. But we are stating here what had actually happened in this unfortunate
country of ours some eight years ago. The mere fact that this guy comes from a
certain area in the country had made it possible for him to easily stage such a
repugnant scheme. We are not interested, as such, in an adventurous move taken
by a certain individual who might probably be on a mission to stage an anecdote
episode that constitute a chapter in their short-lived history of glory. What
troubles us most is the prevalent situation in the country that made it possible
for him to stage that scheme.
In a country where it’s defense force is fully
commanded by officers coming from one region, in a country where the commanding
height of the country’s economy is being controlled by this same group and in a
country where this same group is relentlessly striving to subdue citizens into
total subservience, much more humiliating incidences are to be expected in the
time to come. Whether we like it or not, we are being cornered to make a choice
between heroically resisting such a repulsive situation or get prepared to lead
a low life as a second citizen in our own country.
As things stand in the country at present, it
appears that it is very likely that any passerby travelling for the sole purpose
of a shopping spree can pose for a while as “Ye Mengest Kefetegna Baleseltan” so
long as one shares a common regional origin with the current rulers. It is also
true that there are plenty of individuals out there who are predisposed to
readily and uncritically buy that so long as they got the faintest clue that
doing so would help them promote their self interest. It is truly a nauseating
reality that needs to be tackled very seriously.
Hence, it wouldn’t be inappropriate for us if
we are to state that we could neither recognize Aboy Sebhat as “Ye Ihadeg
Mengest Kefetegna Baleseltan” nor comprehend the rationale behind his verdict
like statement regarding the power delineation between the executive and
legislative branch of the government with respect to Ethio-Eritrean relation.
Aboy Sebhat’s assertions lack supportive mandate to be considered official and
sound reasoning to be considered persuasive. It is simply a failure in both
angels.
June 2009
Oromo Movement for Federalism and Ethiopian
Unity
Omfeu05@gmail.com
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