| President Hailu Shawel, by a letter of December 11, 2007 to the Kinijit Supreme Council had censured five members until the council provides its determination. The letter has also spawned a great opportunity for Ethiopians to see how democracy is practiced. The five censured members are those who came as delegates of Kinijit to the USA stating that they have a mandate to unite Kinijit Diaspora supporters but who in reality brought firmer grounds for disunity and who also refused to heed to the counsel of their President, Eng. Hailu Shawel. The questions that arise regarding the actions taken by 'the group of five' and the censuring by President Hailu include the following. Will the five censured council members accept the censure made by their President? Will the Supreme Council of Kinijit accept the request by its President and act on it? How do Kinijit party members and supporters react to the incident? |
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The Kinijtit Supreme Council through its officials and called meetings of those in Addis Ababa has indicated that it will respect the spirit and letter of its president. The Kinijit International Council (KIC) and the Kinijit North America (KNA) support chapters applaud the president's astute recognition that the disruptive actions made by the five council members ought to be investigated and acted upon by the Supreme Council of Kinijit. President Hailu's insistence to follow the party's procedures and by-laws in the investigation of the censured council members only shows his desire to maintain a united Kinijit Party. His persistence to place this difficult period within the context of the democratic struggle and sacrifices made by the Ethiopian people will pay huge dividends in the political struggle of Ethiopia.
Unfortunately, in the past few days the censured council members and their supporters are engaged in actions and propaganda that would complicate the investigation that the Supreme Council ought to take as it tries to resolve the division in the organization. The President has the duty to perform those tasks that would unite Kinijit. Indeed, there are no articles in the Kinijit by-laws that would empower any individual to oppose the President from working to unify the party. Yet, instead of focusing on the charges made against them and preparing responses consistent with Kinijit by-laws and procedures, the censured members and some of their supporters are involved in divisive moves, trying to confuse public opinion. Some have made unwarranted statements in the Diaspora media forums while others have taken to theatrical actions in Addis Ababa. We have also noted some web sites, managed by so called impartial journalists, posting on December 15, 2007 fabricated stories including a list of Kinijit council members that they claimed are not supporting the determination of the President. Yet, some of the council members from that list have actually participated at the Diaspora paltalk room international town hall meeting on December 15, 2007, where they had emphatically expressed their support for the President. Whereas the supporters of the censured members are practicing their freedom of speech by participating in such actions, a practice of democracy involves respecting the laws of the party. Not obeying the laws of the party saddens not only those who whole-heartedly support Kinijit, but also all Ethiopians struggling to bring about democratic change in Ethiopia.
Following the directive provided by the President would indicate political maturity to all concerned. We counsel that the censured members desist from their divisive actions, pursue the example set by the President and follow the by-laws and procedures of Kinijit. Law abiding elected leaders of Kinijit ought to discharge the responsibilities of their offices in the best interest of the movement. We support the action taken by the President of Kinijit. We await the determination of the Kinijit Council regarding the censure placed upon the five members.
Ethiopia Shall Survive
Kinijit North America Editorial Support
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