I'd like to shift the direction of these discussions in SCA a
bit. I'd like to turn from discussions of the "truth" and
"lies" concerning the politis of certain nations. I'd like to
discuss something that is actually
tangible: The regional economy of the horn of Africa. I would
like to know what ideas that all of you have regarding this
topic. Here are some of my views:
-First of all, now that Eritrea is an independent nation, both
Eritrea and Ethiopia should discard their nationalistic and
chauvinistic tendencies, in favor of the opening up of regional
economic interaction. Personally, I am in staunch oppostion to
the policies of the present governemnt in Ethiopia, but what
does my opposition (as an opulent student in the West) really
mean to the millions of starving people in the Horn.
Especially, since all that any government has brought my people
is civil unrest and in some cases forced starvation. A poor
peasant in Wollega, Ogaden, Southern Sudan, or Somalia all
share the tragic yoke of economic tyranny (on the part of their
governments and other unsavory elements who abuse their special economic
priviledges in their respective countries). All this
bickering on SCA is getting us nowhere quickly. For now, lets leave the
mostly unsubstantiated poltical rhetoric to those who are actually fighting the
fights; to those who are sacrificing themselves for a cause
they deem just. Let us focus in on something we as members of
the African Diaspor can directly influence-the regional economy
in the Horn of Africa.
-It is apparent that in the wake of the end of the Cold War,
and the Budgetary crisises being experienced by Western
Nations, that Africa will have to rely upon itself much more
than it has in the past.
-Collectivized (I am not refering to the Marxist interpretation
of the word) regional economic activity would allow for the free flow of
investment captial within the region. Hence, it could
potentially be benefical to all nations
-A questions which all Africans must ask themselves is whether
or not the Western archetype of Development (i.e. a heavy
emphasis on industrialization) would work, or
whether African nations should turn to new and more innovative
development paradigms. If nations within the Horn of Africa do
rely primarily on industrialization, then there is a strong
chance that a large urban proletariat might grow. And seeing as
there are fewer markets and marketing opportunities available
in the world today, then this urban proletariat might prove to
be a very destablizing element (both economically and
politically).
-Should countries in the horn focus more on the development of its agrarian
resources? This is a very critical question since countries
such as Ethiopia are farming on only a limited portion of the
cultivatable lands. Hence, if more efficient farming techniques
are available, then farming output in countries such as
Ethiopia could increase significantly (and believe me, there's
definitely a market for food in Eastern Africa).
-If the Horn of Africa does create an intraregional economic
support network, then should specific countries specialize in
certain industries. One might argue against this saying that
the political climate in the region has been historically
unstable and hence dependence might cause develomental problems
for some countries if hostilities break out.
These are some of my views and ideas. I do not want to get
specific(because it would take to long to type out any
specifics) or "offer solutions" because the only time an idea
can
be called a solution is if it is implemented and actually work.
I hope some of you will respond, and present your ideas, or
discuss some of mine.
Peace, Gejaa
From uwvax!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!darwin.sura.net!haven.umd.edu!news.umbc.edu!gmuvax2!gmuvax.gmu.edu!sgebregz Fri May 7 10:23:41 CDT 1993
Organization: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
Lines: 103
Here is an AI report in Ethiopia. I hope Zemen and others will
shade some lights on the whereabouts of individuals listed below.
It sounds pretty serious.
PEACE.
Sam G.
--------------------- Begin Report ------------------------
30 April 1993
UA 147/93 Fear of ill-treatment/Legal concern
ETHIOPIA:
Dr Alemayehu Teferra, former President of Addis Ababa
University
and 18 university students, arrested two weeks later:
Anteneh Aregaw (psychology student)
Anteneh Ownetu
Bahru Temesgen
Berhanu Mulunesh
Gite (second name not known)
Getaneh Aberra (law)
Habtamu Alebachew (political science)
Haile Berke
Hizbadam Gela (languages)
Marye Aberra (management)
Tadesse Zemamem (economics)
Teshome Bimerew (languages)
Tesfaye (second name not known)
Yehualeshet Girma (electrical engineering)
Yohannes Negash (library science)
Yohannes Seifu (law)
Zelalem Mulatu
and one other
Amnesty International is concerned about the treatment and
legal status of Dr Alemayehu Teferra, former President of
Addis Ababa University and a former professor and dean of
civil engineering, who was arrested on about 9 April 1993 in
Addis Ababa. He is detained without charge and is held
incommunicado in Maikelawi security prison in Addis Ababa.
This was a notorious detention and torture centre under the
previous government of President Mengistu Haile-Mariam. The
present government of President Meles Zenawi is now using it
to hold political prisoners, including members of the former
government, and also opponents of the current government,
some of whom have allegedly been tortured. Conditions in the
prison are harsh.
The government has reportedly accused Dr Alemayehu Teferra
of involvement in the 'Red Terror' campaign by the former
government of President Mengistu Haile-Mariam in 1977-1978,
in which the authorities extrajudicially executed some
thousands of 'anti-revolutionary' government opponents and
detained and tortured tens of thousands more in Addis Ababa,
and more elsewhere. Dr Alemayehu Teferra had at that time
been chairman of a local urban-dwellers association
(kebelle) in Addis Ababa but he was apparently exonerated of
human rights crimes by the new authorities in 1991. On 18
January 1993 he was dismissed from his university post, to
which he was elected in 1991, when the government closed the
university after an anti-government demonstration at the
university on 4 January, in which at least one student and
reportedly several others were killed by the security
forces. The real reason for his imprisonment seems to be his
criticism of the present government over the security
forces' action at the 4 January demonstration.
The 18 students were arrested on 22 April 1993 for
demonstrating against the dismissal of 41 university
professors and lecturers and 11 other students, apparently
on account of their opposition to the government concerning
the university demonstration issue (when the staff
association issued a critical letter). They are detained
without charge or further explanation, and are probably also
held in Maikelawi security prison.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Amnesty International had already expressed concern about
the 4 January shooting of the student demonstrators (UA
01/93, 5 January 1993 with follow-up of 10 February). The
demonstrators were expressing their opposition to the
independence referendum on Eritrea, which took place as
scheduled on 22 April 1993, with a vote overwhelmingly
favourable to Eritrea (already de facto separate from
Ethiopia) becoming an independent state in late May. The
government stated that one student, later named as Tesfahun
Worku, was killed and 13 others were wounded in the
demonstration. Unofficial sources have put the figures much
higher. The government in late February set up a commission
of inquiry into the incident, to be headed by the President
of the Supreme Court, and to report its findings to the
Council of Representatives (parliament) within three months.
It has apparently not yet taken evidence from the university
community. The university was re-opened on 5 April under
close government control, with a new president, Dr Duri
Mohamed, who is also Minister of Planning and Development.
Before classes start, students must re-apply for
registration and faculty staff must apply for new two-year
contracts for their previously permanent jobs.
---------------- End ----------------------------
From uwvax!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!ira.uka.de!news.dfn.de!news.DKRZ-Hamburg.DE!dscomsa!dxcern!mcsun!sun4nl!dutrun!donau!dutetve.et.tudelft.nl!bowo Fri May 7 10:25:13 CDT 1993
The Delft International Students' Society (DISS) Cultural Festival (DCF) is
unofficially the cultural highpoint of the academic year at the Delft
University of Technology. The purpose of the DCF is to unite, promote and
positively portray the many colourful cultures of this world.
The DCF 1993 has a very wide range of fantastic and culturally
significant activities this year, catering for the young and
old. Activities range this year from ancient Chinese
meditation processes to professional belly dancing
demonstrations from a very lovely Arabian woman!
Come and expand your horizons and experience the many cultures
of the world, right here in Delft. Just for starters, you will be
able to witness Bulgarian folk dance, sizzling hot and sensual
Spanish music performed by an electrical Rosalin de Castro,
the 1001 nights atmosphere will be supplied by a eye opening
performance by a very famous belly dancer. In addition to all
of the above there will also be acts from the far east (such
as tai chi, various dance performances and photo and slide
presentations) and from Eastern Europe.
To cut a long story short, if you want to have the time of
your life (and educate yourself at the same time), come to the
Aula on the 21st of May. On top off all the fantastic and
colourful acts described above, you can party the night away
to the best disco you've EVER been to!!
Tickets to the cultural festival are available at the VVV-
Delft and at the Kaartenhuis-Delft. If however you cannot make
it to the VVV or the Kaartenhuis you can phone the DISS and
leave a message on our answering machine : we'll take care of
your ticket for you!! Our telephone number is 015-785989.
Tickets cost fl. 12,50. Be there!!!!!
D. Prabowo
More informations : bowo@dutetvd.et.tudelft.nl
bowop@garbo.uwasa.fi
phone home : 015-626344
office : 015-781797/781669
From uwvax!uwm.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!gatech!destroyer!cs.ubc.ca!empress.cs.ubc.ca!not-for-mail Fri May 7 10:27:07 CDT 1993
I bring this matter to your attention for discussion.It is an issue
that everybody might want to comment on. Therefore,it is for both
advocates of sesession and unity to this old but unfortunate nation.
There are key points to be taken into considerderation in dealing
with the issue.
1. What 'Confederation with Ethiopia' means in this context,
2. As there is no democratic rule in Ethiopia today (all of us know),
would it be effective..and fair?
3. Is it just a political game played by politicians to silence
the opposition groups and confuse the innocents?
4. Why was the secessionist war fought for all these years?
In inviting every interested group/individual,I ask you to bring
objective and constructive ideas to the forum. At this historic
moment our country needs us most,so wake up!!
Thank you
Moges.
From uwvax!uwm.edu!cs.utexas.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsserver.jvnc.net!erenj.com!mafewormac.erenj.com!user Fri May 7 10:29:07 CDT 1993
There are several reasons why the EPRDF might possiblely
be destabiling the country. However, the one I shall focus on in
this posting is the exacerbation of problem of ethnic subnationalism which
has come about in Ethiopia as a direct result of the policies
of the EPRDF.
-The OLF was included in the initial stages of Transitional
Government's development. Unfortunately, since then the OLF has
dropped out of the original government and has attempted to
militarily oppose the Transitional Government. The OLF has a
large constituency, and hence any opposition that it might
mount could act as a very destablizing force which would
undermine any efforts by the Tran. Gov't to secure peace in
much of the country and initiate economic development. Without
the support of the OLF and its growing constituency, any
attempts to have any form wideranging developmental policies
would be in jeopardy.
-Furthermore, the ethnic clashes between the EPRDF (and
argueably they are ethnic) and the OLF have spilled over and
affected many other ethnic groups (mostly noteably the
Amharas). As a result of both group`s efforts to secure
'traditional' lands, the phenomenon of ethnic cleansing has
ravaged many Amhara communities. Again, these clashes and
conflicts contribute to the growing amount of political instability which
is plagueing Ethiopia today.
-When ethnic groups clash in to such an extent, then the
political infrastructure of Ethiopia is greatly threatened.
Moreover, as Ethiopia's national cohesion begins to weaken,
then it is apparent the government which is in power is failing
to represent the people it claims to. If a government is not supported by the
mass of its polity, and faces violent widescale political opposition due to its
policies, then those who run the government (namely the
EPRDF) are acting as destabilizing elements.
-Without a stable government, then a country which needs a
drastic infusion of investment capital, such as Ethiopia, will
see its economic livelyhood in jeopardy. Foreign and domestic
investors do not want to risk their capital in a country whose
political situation is unstable. I'm sure the EPRDF`s
leadership is quite aware of this. Yet they fail to make
strides to negotiate with dissident groups such as the OLF or
even the AAPO. Seeing as the fate of a WHOLE nation supposedly rests (perhaps
unfortunately) in their hands, don't you think its their
responsibility to ensure the development and growth of all of
Ethiopia. If they didn't wouldn't you say they
were.....undermine the national cohesion of Ethiopia?
-I don`t have anymore time to list any more reason, but these
are more than enough.
Peace to Ethiopia and to all those who wish to see ALL her people
prosper,
Gejaa
From uwvax!uwm.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!ira.uka.de!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!usenet.ucs.indiana.edu!silver.ucs.indiana.edu!kautaj Fri May 7 10:30:50 CDT 1993