Commemorating the birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie - Guest Blog

Blogger's Note:

“Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.” ― Haile Selassie I 
These immemorial words were from Atse Haile Selassie who was born on this date some 120 years ago (July 23, 1892) in Ejersa Goro - Harerghe Province of Ethiopia.
In commemoration of Atse Haile Selassie's date of birth former Ambassador Imru Zelleke wrote the following article reminiscing on the life & works of the Emperor as well as Ambassador's service to his country under Haile Selassie Administration. It is republished here with Amabassador Imru's kind permission. 

A commemoration.

Today we commemorate the birthday of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I.

In reminiscing about Emperor Haile Selassie or any other monarch of Ethiopia, one must understand first  the history, legends, fables  and myths that make-up this age old institution. The Ethiopian monarchy is said to descend from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, whose progeny was Menelik I, the first King of Ethiopia. Mentioned in the Bible, whether real or mystical, this notion has been part and parcel of Ethiopian identity, traditions and an act of faith. Thus, Ethiopian monarchs have existed believing their role to be a sacred trust and a manifest personal destiny. Having been endowed with Divine power, they believed the ruler must  be just and fair to all his subjects, as laid out by the canons of the Kibre Negest and Fitha Negest.

Therefore, like his predecessors Emperor Haile Sellassie and his generation grew up in this mold, believing in the ruler's sacred duty to God and country. For instance when the 1955 Constitution  was being drafted, I was secretary of the drafting committee. On one occasion a suggestion was made by one of the foreign advisers to take out the term “Elect of God” from the titles conferred to the Emperor. When I reported this to the Emperor, he said “Were it not for God’s will, how do you think I came to this position?” and he really meant it. 

Having lost his mother at birth and his father in his early teens, growing up in the Imperial Court must have been very challenging for the young Prince. The entourage of loyal and wise men to whom his father entrusted his upbringing was evidently a great support to help him master and survive the byzantine intricacies of court politics. Indoctrinated in Coptic Orthodox doctrine with some influence from western Catholic educators, he was a young man living in a centuries-old political and social milieu that was confronting a twentieth-century world. A man of exceptional intelligence endowed with exceptional memory, he had visited Europe and met many statesmen from which he was exposed to new notions of governance. Although without formal education in the Western sense, he had quickly realized the importance of modernizing Ethiopia, a belief that prompted him to give priority to education throughout his life.

His premonition to the world powers who had allowed his country to be violated by the Fascists hordes, that their turn will also come, remains a remarkable prophecy in modern times. While living in exile, the Emperor succeeded in maintaining the legitimacy of the Ethiopian nation, and eventually securing back her independence and sovereignty, which was no small diplomatic feat. After the liberation the reconstruction of the country was not an easy matter. Confrontation with the liberating colonial allies who wanted to make of Ethiopia a protectorate, as well as reestablishing a viable government administration in highly different and adverse conditions, offered many pitfalls that the Emperor surpassed with skill and  hard work.  

The Emperor was an indefatigable worker totally dedicated to his mission. From what I had observed occasionally, his day started around five in the morning and ended around midnight. He insisted that everything be reported to him by ministers, governors and department heads. All officials, big and small, were expected to report to him about their work, which allowed him to keep tight control over what went on in the country. The various functions he presided were strictly scheduled and regulated. He attended rigorously all religious and national celebrations. Every afternoon he visited hospitals, schools and attended functions where his presence was required. He presided every day over the Imperial Court of Justice. All decisions he made were after consultation with all interested parties. He was highly disciplined and punctual in the performance of his imperial duties. Gifted with an extraordinary and unique personality, he represented Ethiopia and its glorious past with dignity and honor.

Some of the salient achievements of his reign were - obtaining the Ethiopian Orthodox Church its own Patriarchy; securing Ethiopia’s independence and national integrity; gaining full international recognition and status for Ethiopia; modernizing the government administration; promulgating provincial autonomy; establishing the civil service; restoring Ethiopia’s legitimate access to the sea and returning Eritrea to the motherland; granting free education to all citizens including university; introducing a modern legal system and codification of the civil, commercial and penal codes; modernizing the police; creating a modern defense force (Army, Airforce and Navy);  adopting quinquennial development plans; establishing banking and financial institutions, an airline, telecommunications, a highway authority, shipping lines, ports, a refinery, hydroelectric dams and countless other projects. 
All the above were achieved with a minimum reliance on foreign interference.  Last but least, he conducted an independent neutral foreign policy, particularly in fostering African freedom from colonial subjugation. To  quote: “Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned - well, everywhere there's war. And until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race - it's a war. And until there's no longer first-class or second-class citizens of any nation... Until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes - it's a war. Until that day the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship, and a rule of international morality will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued, but never attained.” ― Haile Selassie

At the end he did not allow his reign to terminate in bloodshed and sorrow, for which we are all grateful. Emperor Haile Sellassie was an exceptional human being and a great Ethiopian Emperor whose name will be remembered as such in the annals of World History.

Imru Zelleke

July 23, 2012       

The mockery of justice in Ethiopia

A blogger who use computer keyboard as his chosen weapon to write about liberty from dictatorial rule is accused of terrorism charges and thrown to jail by a ruler who is governing with means of intimidation & terror. What a travesty of justice! It is also sad many among us chose to keep silent. I can't understand why the Ethiopian Diaspora, especially some in the media business do not condemn such mockery of justice. Why we wait for statements by  FERENJI groups and chose to pass the information to others as if such events do not affect one of our own fellow citizen or YE MUYA AGAR etc.. ? Why can't we be counted saying this is not just, to say the least? As someone born in Ethiopia and a time-to-time blogger, I am outraged by the injustice done to the family of Eskinder Nega whose "crime" is to reflect on the possibility of Arab spring in Ethiopia & write about it.

As a naturalized citizen of a Western country, I also demand accountability from officials of my government who approved & gave millions of tax payers money for a project specifically targeted toward "independent judiciary" in Ethiopia. Since 1991, Western nations like USA & Canada through their foreign aid agencies such as USAID or CIDA have poured millions of dollars to Ethiopia for "judiciary reform" i.e. to make that organ of government independent from pressure of the executive branch which in Ethiopian case means the domineering ruling party - TPLF. My question to officials of these agencies is that do they have mechanisms to assess whether their aid is really leading toward making the Ethiopian Judiciary, independent?" Actually, I argue that the contrary is happening. What we are witnessing repeatedly is that Ethiopian judges & courts under Legesse Zenawi regime are still giving verdict the ruling party (read the strongman) wants, even after such huge amount of our tax payers' money was spent for "capacity building" of institutions, training of these judges & court officials. Was there any time the judges show any sign of independence other than delivering what Meles wanted from them?  Human Rights Watch Institute's report on foreign aid has clearly shown how donors money is being used by this government to buy political loyalty. I argue here that the foreign aid money allocated for "judiciary reform" is being used to make the judges tow to the government's line. In an interview with one legal professional in Ethiopia published recently in one of the Amharic newspapers, it has become clear that  the Judges & court officials training institute established through funds from Western institutions is being used by the ruling party to buy loyalty. Only those Judges or Court personnel seen in good favor by the ruling party & its cadres get the benefit of the training. The unfortunate fact is even those promising legal scholars get the message that it is only by staying friendly with the ruling party's wishes that they would be able to get Western funded advanced training opportunities, future possibilities of scholarships and eventually career advancements.
Fellow citizens of Western nations, join me in demanding accountability for our tax payers' money wasted in Ethiopia for kangaroo court proceedings. It is also time to make these judges accountable for their actions. Their towing to the ruling party line thinking about their own career and giving verdict against legitimate dissident bloggers, writers etc. based on personal calculation is being watched. You think you can get away with such verdict and advance your career now but there would be time each one of you would answer for such miscarriage of justice. 
To conclude, I would like to leave you with the following inspiring words from conscientious religious leaders, gallant fighters for human dignity & justice. God bless their soul!


“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ..In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends...."  Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"...the day of those who stand for justice will come, prolonged as the period of inaction may be. The dictatorships will not ultimately triumph...Although the time of waiting is tedious and heart-breaking in the extreme, we shall triumph in the end." Sylvia Pankhurst 

"My country men do not believe if they tell you that the patriots [political dissenters] are bandits[terrorists], the patriots are people who yearn for freedom form the terrors of fascism [tyranny]. Bandits [Terrorists] are the soldiers who are standing in front of me and you, who... terrors and violently occupy[rule over] a weak and peaceful country: our Ethiopia. May God give the people of Ethiopia the strength to resist and never bow down to the fascist [tribal regime] army and its violence.  May the Ethiopian earth never accept the invading [tribal regime] army's rule." Last words of Abune Petros [words under parentheses are blogger's additions for emphasis]

“I have got so many privileges in life. If I wanted to be like you and give judgments on things, I barely understand I could have. However, I chose to hear the cries of my people.  I chose to leave all my power and luxuries behind to give my country a better day. I feel sorry for you people. When Ethiopia realize what you are and what you did, I feel sad to think what it would do to you. ... All I wanted was to change my country and make Ethiopia a place where people are respected and treated equally regardless of their bloodline,”  General Mengistu Neway to presiding Judges

“The people of Ethiopia have struggled for their human dignity and rights in the past half a century.  However, the people have not been opportune to attain human and democratic rights. I, as part of this generation, believing that I, my children, and Ethiopians deserve democracy and freedom, have peacefully struggled with my capacity. I have not done this with any evil intention on anyone, have not trespassed the law, have not compromised the interests of my poor country, and never committed anything that sorrows/pains my God, conscience and the Ethiopian people. I have perfect serenity.  Longing for freedom has me standing before you now. This is not my first time when I was denied the justice ...in Ethiopian courts.  Apart from compassionately swallowing the “Sip from the grail/goblet of atrocities” that my accusers want me to drink, I am so sorry to say that I am not in a position to seek ‘Commutation of sentence’ for crimes that I did n’t commit."  Andualem Aragie

How well u know your heritage quiz? July 7 2012 - SILE FITIH (seeking justice)

SILE FITIH  (Seeking Justice)

Bloggers Note: Name the five who had said or written the following words quoted below: 

"...the day of those who stand for justice will come, prolonged as the period of inaction may be. The dictatorships will not ultimately triumph...For your noble stand against aggression millions of people will honor you...Although the time of waiting is tedious and heart-breaking in the extreme, we shall triumph in the end."

".. If the condition of the peace is such as will satisfy the conscience and sense of justice of men, if it is assured to human kind that they shall toil and live happily under a just system in which no discrimination will be made between small and great, then the peace system that shall be laid down can leave a heritage for the coming generation which will be full of happy life and boundless prosperity."

“I have got so many privileges in life. If I wanted to be like you and give judgments on things, I barely understand I could have. However, I chose to hear the cries of my people.  I chose to leave all my power and luxuries behind to give my country a better day. I feel sorry for you people. When Ethiopia realize what you are and what you did, I feel sad to think what it would do to you. ... All I wanted was to change my country and make Ethiopia a place where people are respected and treated equally regardless of their bloodline,”

"My country men do not believe if they tell you that the patriots are bandits, the patriots are people who yearn for freedom form the terrors of fascism. Bandits are the soldiers who are standing in front of me and you, who come from afar, terrors and violently occupy a weak and peaceful country: our Ethiopia. May God give the people of Ethiopia the strength to resist and never bow down to the fascist army and its violence.  May the Ethiopian earth never accept the invading army's rule."

“The people of Ethiopia have struggled for their human dignity and rights in the past half a century.  However, the people have not been opportune to attain human and democratic rights. I, as part of this generation, believing that I, my children, and Ethiopians deserve democracy and freedom, have peacefully struggled with my capacity. I have not done this with any evil intention on anyone, have not trespassed the law, have not compromised the interests of my poor country, and never committed anything that sorrows/pains my God, conscience and the Ethiopian people. I have perfect serenity.  Longing for freedom has me standing before you now. This is not my first time when I was denied the justice ...in Ethiopian courts.  Apart from compassionately swallowing the “Sip from the grail/goblet of atrocities” that my accusers want me to drink, I am so sorry to say that I am not in a position to seek ‘Commutation of sentence’ for crimes that I did n’t commit."