85 S. Bragg Street Alexandria, VA 22312, USA Tel: 1-571-335-4637 +44-7958-487-420 www.etntc.org contact@etntc.org የኢትዮጵያ ብሔራዊ የሽግግር ምክር ቤት Ethiopian National Transitional Council A conference to discuss the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an all-inclusive transitional government July 2 nd and July 3 rd 2013 Sheraton Hotel, Silver Spring, MD, USA Conference Report July 4, 2013 The historic conference called by the Ethiopian National Transitional Council (ENTC) to discuss the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an allinclusive transitional government was held on July 2 nd and 3 rd 2013, at the Silver Spring, MD Sheraton and successfully concluded. Participants at this historic conference were all Ethiopian Stakeholders; Political Organizations, Women and Youth Associations, Religious Institutions, Civic Organizations, Media Outlets, Renowned Individuals and Intellectuals, Invited Guests and Ethiopian National Transitional Council Regional Councils. The conference was opened with blessings and Spiritual Advice from the Abune Filipos, Ethiopian Tewahdo Orthodox Church Bishop for the State of Maryland and Mr. Mensur Nuru.
As per the Conference Agenda for the first day, Invited Guests such as the renowned scholar Professor George Ayittey, author and president of the Free Africa Foundation, spoke about how to remove a dictatorship and replace it with a democratic system based on the Ghanaian Experience. Ms. Anuradha Mittal, founder and Executive Director of the Oakland Institute spoke about the lasting damage of the on-going land grab in Africa and Ethiopia. A question and answer session was then held. The prominent Ethiopian Scholar, Dr Messay Kebede gave a scientific analysis on the goals that the Ethiopian National Transitional Council is trying to achieve, discussed the current situation in Egypt and Syria and stated that it is imperative to start a national dialogue on a democratic transition process. He also endorsed ENTC s goals calling it timely and stated that he supports the concept ENTC is advancing.
Noted women s right activist Wzr. Lemlem Tsegaw delivered a presentation on the role of Women in the struggle for freedom, stating that the participation of women in the struggle was critical using statistical data. She also emphasized that without the participation of women, the struggle for freedom will not be successful. The second day of the conference was also opened with blessings from the Abune Filipos, Ethiopian Tewahdo Orthodox Church Bishop for the State of Maryland and Sheik Ustaz Khalid Mohammed, Imam of the First Hijra Foundation. The agenda for the day presented by ENTC was to discuss the proposals brought about by Religious Institutions, Renowned Intellectuals, Political Organizations, Civic Organizations and Youth Associations to discuss the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an all-inclusive transitional government.
The following proposals were presented by conference participants and stakeholders about the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an allinclusive transitional government were the following: The renowned, Ethiopian Intellectual, Dr. Getachew Begashaw briefly spoke about the need for discussions (National Dialogue) on the process transition to democracy. He gave the intellectual background for democratic transition. He stated that three conditions need to be fulfilled for the transition process to commence were 1) National Reconciliation between opposition forces, 2) Coalition and 3) Collaboration. He also discussed the Four roles or the charter for a transitional government, namely 1) Ensuring Stability and Peace, 2) Providing Basic social services need to continue, 3) Protecting the territorial integrity of Ethiopia and 4) The establishment of a peaceful, sustainable and democratic system with the final outcome being national elections Sheik Ustaz Khalid Mohammed, Imam of the First Hijra Foundation presented two fundamental issues that need to be considered in an all-inclusive conference for a national dialogue. He stated that justice and democracy should be the governing principles of a national dialogue. He said that one of the fundamental issues that needs to be considered in a national dialogue was the principle of Majority rules and Minority have rights. He warned against dominance of single ideology or party but to focus on justice and democracy. He further stated that the process of elections and accepting the results of elections represents acceptance of the choice of the people.
Lieutenant Ayalesew Dessie, representative of the Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (Hibre Hizb) stated that there is a need for the emergence of a new union of democratic forces for the following three reasons. He gave those reasons as 1) To provide focus for the struggle to bring about positive change in our country, Ethiopia; 2) To minimize the danger from a power vacuum; 3) To pave the way for a transition to a stable constitutional democratic system through those democratic forces that are struggling for the same goals and ideals. He stated that replacement of a regime with another without the process for national reconciliation was not sufficient. He advocated for a national dialogue between opposition forces by thinking outside of their organizational boundaries and benefits and warned against teb beketero. Ato Hassen Moalin of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) thanked ENTC for organizing this all inclusive conference. He discussed the fundamental problems in Ethiopia citing as examples the human rights violations in the Ogaden, Gambella and Oromia regions and the forceful expulsion of Amhara from their land. He stated that Weyane-ism should be abolished. In addition he expressed his organizations desire to work with other democratic forces in removing and replacing the TPLF/EPRDF regime and the need to come together in this struggle.
Nejashi Justice Council representative Ato Muhedin described the mission of his organization which is fighting for the Human Rights of Ethiopians, especially for Muslim Ethiopians. He discussed the need to engage those Ethiopians that have stayed away from the struggle for Human Rights and abhor political participation. He expressed the organization s vision for justice and equality for all Ethopians regardless of race, sex and religion and stated Nejashi s desire to work with any organization that is working for the same principle. He stated his organizations support for a transitional process that would be all inclusive. The Ethiopian Youth National Movement s representative, Menyahel Deresse began his presentation by stating his organization s goals. He stated EYNM believes in Individual rights and not the group rights espoused by TPLF/EPRDF. He also stated EYNM does not consider TPLF/EPRDF an organization that will work towards a democratic system and did not think that TPLF/EPRDF would not be part of a transitional system. He also stated that EYNM will work with Democratic Forces towards removing and replacing the regime. He stated that he will present his organization s proposal removing and replacing the dictatorial TPLF/EPRDF regime during the open discussion.
The ETNC Speaker, Ato Sileshi Tilahun began his presentation by listing the stakeholders invited to the meeting. He gave a brief overview of the organization s goals and affirmed that ENTC s stated means of struggle as being popular resistance. He also briefly discussed ENTC s activities during the last 12 months. He gave an analysis on the five options for the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia. They were: 1. Wait until the regime falls down on its own accord or divine intervention 2. Change the regime through the regime sponsored elections 3. TPLF/EPRDF starts a national reconciliation to return power to the people 4. Change the regime through the struggle of one powerful group which may turn out to be another dictator 5. Remove the regime through a coordinated pressure and replace it by an all-inclusive transitional government Following up on the way the TPLF/EPRDF regime will be replaced, he explained why the concept of forming a transitional government is the most suitable means of removing the regime through a coordinated pressure and replacing it by a democratic system: Answers the people s quest for removing the regime through a united front that would conduct a united struggle and achieve a united victory Addresses the concern about what will happen after the removal of the regime Beginning the preparation for the process of transition, ensures that our country would not descend into chaos It ensures that the result of the popular struggle will not be hijacked by opportunistic individuals or unduly influenced by foreign forces The questions that will be addressed during the process of preparation for a transitional government are: what is the role of the military when the regime is removed? and what would be the fate of Woyanne officials? Answering these questions helps the Military, Security and
Woyanne officials side with the people. It helps these individuals get the courage to abandon the Woyanne regime and take the side of the people. An agreement and cooperation based on the above provides the Ethiopian people and the international community a convincing alternative and orderly transition. The following proposal by the Ethiopian National Transitional Council for the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia was then presented for the conference participants. 1. Start immediate preparations for Forming an all-inclusive Transitional Government in Ethiopia 2. Form a committee for preparations to form a Transitional Government 3. Form a task force to draft a Transitional Government Charter 4. Start a campaign of popular resistance to remove the regime through a coordinated struggle to replace the regime by a democratic system. 5. Form a task force to coordinate the popular resistance Ginbot 7 Movement for Justice, Freedom and Democracy and Alliance for Liberty, Equality, and Justice in Ethiopia (ALEJE Timret) s representative Ato Neamin Zeleke began his presentation by stating his organization s position. He stated Ginbot 7/Timret is a movement and does not have a political agenda. He also stated that Ginbot 7/Timret does not have an issue with the initiative to discuss the transition process the process on the removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia. He raised issues of timing for and legitimacy of a Transitional Government. He stated that Ginbot 7/Timret gives precedence to an all-inclusive, organized and coordinated popular resistance and insurrection to remove TPLF/EPRDF prior to starting a replacement Transitional Government. He presented that emphasis and priority should be in what is being done inside Ethiopia. He further stated that in principle, Ginbot 7/Timret agrees with ENTC s proposals # 4 & 5 (Start a campaign to remove the regime through a coordinated pressure and replace it by a democratic system through popular resistance and forming a task force to coordinate the popular resistance). Finally, Ato Neamin stated that Ginbot 7/Timret will discuss the proposal with its executive committee and council and provide an official response.
Following presentations of proposals at this historic conference, a memorandum of understanding between the Ethiopian National Transitional Council (ENTC) and the Ethiopian Youth National Movement (EYNM) for the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia was then presented. The bilateral agreement between these organizations is as follows: 1. The Ethiopian people struggle for freedom has so far been not successful mainly due to the lack of a strong and bold leadership from opposition forces to remove the Anti-Ethiopia, Anti Ethiopians, undemocratic TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia. The dictatorial regime in Ethiopia needs to be removed immediately. Trying to negotiate or reach an agreement with the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia is an obstacle to the struggle. 2. In the struggle to remove the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia, ENTC and EYNM will craft plans for a popular resistance campaign. They will coordinate and implement together practical activities of popular resistance. 3. The process of removal of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia and replacement with a Transitional Government was not given the proper attention. Therefore, immediate preparations need to be started and ENTC and EYNM will work together to make this goal successful. 4. ENTC will coordinate and facilitate situations with EYNM on getting Ethiopian Youth to get actively involved and give their participation in their country s politics. Finally, after the historic conference listened to the proposals from all Ethiopian Stakeholders; Political Organizations, Women and Youth Associations, Religious Institutions, Civic Organizations, and Renowned Individuals and Intellectuals, it conducted lively exchange and vigorous debate among the above participants. The conference then reached agreement on the following items: 1. The proposals put forward by the Ethiopian National Transitional Council were found to be similar to those presented by all other conference participants and found to be all encompassing. Therefore the ENTC proposal will be used as a base document and a committee will be formed to prepare the final documents 2. Dr. Getachew Begashaw, Professor Mesay Kebede, Dr. Kassa Kebede, ENTC and EYNM representatives will be the committee members. 3. Dr. Getachew Begashaw will be head of the committee. 4. A time table for completing the tasks of the committee should be determined and Dr. Getachew Begashaw will inform the conference about the timetable. On this occasion, the Ethiopian National Transitional Council would like to thank all those that have strived hard and made contributions to make this consultative conference a success. ENTC would also like to especially thank those organizations and individuals that responded positively to its invitation and participated in the National Dialogue.
Long Live Ethiopia! Ethiopian National Transitional Council