Kinjit International Council (KIC)

In July, we welcomed and celebrated the freedom of what Amnesty International called “prisoners of conscience,” the release of the leadership of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP) in our country.

Their just release and subsequent developments in the political and diplomatic spheres reinforce the Diaspora’s and our dedication and commitment to the entire leadership of a unified Kinjit that represents the aspirations and hopes of the Ethiopian people and their quest for peace, national reconciliation, freedom, pluralist democracy, peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries and rapid social and economic development. This and future generations of Ethiopians deserve a society free of fear, division, isolation, repression, mutual recrimination, mistrust and abject poverty, principles that are embodied in the vision, goals and programs of CUDP.

The Kinjit International Council was created in order to provide CUDP and its leadership with material, logistics, intellectual, public relations and diplomatic support in a well coordinated and strategic manner. KIC and its executive leadership believe that the only way that the “spirit” of Kinjit that galvanized millions of Ethiopians during the May 15, 2005 elections can be realized is through one Kinjit and through one voice.

• KIC has been authorized by the leadership of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (Kinjit) in general and by Engineer Hailu Shawel, its chairman, in particular, as the   and only representative abroad with the authority to coordinate, steer and encourage all support groups that are committed to the vision and political program of the organization. KIC intends to play a bridging and catalytic role in mobilizing support; in helping support groups and individuals around the globe to institutionalize their grassroots movements for the purpose of helping Kinjit in achieving its objectives of pluralist democracy, the rule of law and freedom. In this connection, KIC intends to abide and live by the direction, priorities and instructions given to us by Kinjit’s leadership.

• Over the past few weeks, Engineer Hailu Shawel, Chairman of Kinjit, has been making presentations around North America. Among the key messages and reinforcements he has made is the legitimacy of KIC and the need for grassroots organizations to regroup with vitality and determination. His reinforcements leave no doubt that Kinjit considers KIC as its legitimate representative abroad. The intent is not only to preserve KIC but to strengthen and institutionalize in ways that will enhance its support to the political and social struggle in Ethiopia. He is fully cognizant of the fact that KIC cannot and will not be able to mobilize support in the Diaspora around the globe without the active  and sustained  commitment and participation of grassroots and independent organizations in each country and region where a critical mass of Ethiopians work and live.

• KIC intends to have open and honest communication with partners committed to the KINJIT’s vision, program and leadership; it intends to work collaboratively and closely with grassroots support groups; it intends to contribute intellectually and diplomatically to individuals and groups that are committed to the cause of democracy and freedom; and, it intends to provide wise guidance and direction whenever and where ever needed.

 Kinjit and its leadership sacrificed and continue to sacrifice the lives and material well being of individuals not for selfish interests and for power and glory but to enable the Ethiopian people to achieve representative democracy and freedom. Kinjit’s existence and its potential to transform Ethiopian society for the better cannot and should not be seen in isolation from its dedication to the Ethiopian people. Our role is to enable the entire leadership and organization to achieve its vision, mission and goals. In this context, we should be aware of the fact that internal and external interests and powers will do every thing to sow seeds of division and dissent within our ranks by exploiting individual interests for glory, wealth and political power. Such schemes are and will be intended to diminish and erode Kinjit’s potential as a formidable national Opposition Party with capability to challenge and transform Ethiopia for the better. We need to be aware that divisions based on individual interests continue to be anathema to Kinjit’s strength as an Opposition party. Today, we see the unintended or intended consequences within the leadership of Kinjit both at home and abroad. In many ways, the political strategy crafted by the leadership of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Front (EPRDF) is being realized because we succumbed to the ‘divide and rule’ scheme of the ruling party. Those of us in the Diaspora around the globe have an opportunity to regenerate the enthusiasm and vigor that we can leverage in order to sustain the democratization process in Ethiopia.

The experience and suffering of the entire leadership of Kinjit will long be remembered as land mark sacrifice in defense of peace, national reconciliation, freedom, decency, democracy, unity and national transformation for an all inclusive and pluralist Ethiopia. For us, to move an inch from Kinjit’s vision for a better tomorrow for personal, individual, egotistical or other motive will be inconceivable. We know that to do this will only prolong the agony of the Ethiopian people. It will be tantamount to knowingly and intentionally supporting the leadership of the EPRDF and its continued dominance. History has shown that those who subordinate the long term interests of the Ethiopian people for personal glory, greed and power will ultimately be judged harshly not only by the Ethiopian people but by history.

We call on Kinjit supporters in the Diaspora throughout the globe to be vigilant against personal driven machinations and manipulations. Strengthening and pursing the principle of One Kinjit and One Voice will remain our motto. It is the only path to democratic transformation for this and the coming generation of Ethiopians.

 February 10, 2008.

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written by aha!, February 17, 2008

KIC stands for Kinijit International Council, set up I believe to provide advice to the true Kinijit faction, while KIL is a spinoff from Kinijit by K-5 delegation the came to the United States, whio by their action and deeds revealed their hidden agenda and through their continous capaign are trying to dominate the Kinijit Website with press releases condemning the Chairman for suspending the K-5 until their intentions and disruptive behavior is looked at by the the general assembly and KIC is trying to call on all Ethiopians in the Diaspora to gather under one Kinjit the that lives and breates the wishes of the Ethiopians to gain peace, freedom, and democracy through peaceful struggle and with the help of HR2003 and the European Paliament and international Humanitarian watch. The KIL, which is supposed to be merging with KIC, I presume and thereby the K-5 are singing and dancing to a different tune.

If they want to form a different party, so be it, but it is immoral to raise funds and resources and time and divert attention from the current crisis and formation of a strong party, if they only abandon their silly ideas of joining the system like Ato Lidetu , Dr. Beyne Petros or Ato Temesgen or Ato Haile Chamiso only to gain seats with no ability to bring about change. In the the Press release by KNA, Ato Aklog stated "we do not want change, but durable democracy", that is a mouthfull policy decision. Now these same website reacting vigorously to the decision made by the Chairman of Kinjijit party to save the party that belongs to to people back home from falling apart and led astray.

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written by Hammacho, February 15, 2008

dear editor
it is one thing to open a forum and another to not post ideas which are forwarded based on hatred or misconception but to avoid ideas which are not in line with your ideas would be ruthless and undemocratic.
But as to me since i have to forwardmy ideas i will try to write my opinions.
I read what KIC suggested what is expected from the grass root organizations who are estabilished within the diaspora and it is a blessing and a curse. A blessing that KIC came to its sense but a curse "anchiw tamechiw anchiw tarochiw"type.
First anf foremost CUDP has got a web site and why not posted their or is Mahder a new venue?
The other crucial questions i have are as follows
"KIC is authorizes by CUDP in general and by Eng. Hailu Shawl in particular......."then why the KIC did not invite the other delegate members when they were in the U.S.A or are you thinking that now the dust has settled?
"KIC intrests to play bridging and catalystic role........."i am ware that KIC played a catalystic role to fume the rift but i did not see how you played the bridging one rather than dismantling it .
as discussed in the body that you indicate pluralist democracy,the rule of law and freedm but what are these if certain individuals refute them when needed and praise them when it benefit them and it is not in line with the manifesto every member at all level to be guided.
After raising the above question i will focus on what has to be done to bring the diaspora so that to contribute to the struggle in Ethiopia.
As we all know the struggle for freedom, democracy and the rule of law is in Ethiopia and what the diaspora can contribute is on foreign relation, human resource, materials. So in order to harness this potential it is better to organize and unite in onesome. To unite the diaspora the basic requirement is it has to be done by own delegates not by people imposed on him/her either in delegation or imposition.
The next thing is just a matter of procedures in building its own regional/county/country/state or vicinity organization without the meddling of the so called we know all for you. In order to do this just audit what currently prevailing and dissolve all the so called KIC/KIL and some replicated KINIJIT chapters(if two chapters are in one state).
Then the true nature of the real supporters can be organized with the help of volunteer individuals with in every vicinity.

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written by Muleta Aragaw, February 15, 2008

First of all, I really welcome the very idea of supporting the visions of CUDP in all aspects we can. Thus I appreciate all organs under the same goal, including KIC and KIL. Nevertheless, I would again like to question such bodies with a very simple puzzle. That is, where lies the vision of CUD, under the leaders or the principles of the party?

Yes, I raised this question for the fact that these two organs showed a very contrasting position when their existance has come to be an end through the collective decision of the party sometimes before five months. And, further pushing its distructive stance KIC, maily favoured by the charman, throughout these times and now we come to witness that the same KIC floating aimlessly or dangeriously.

Please first, show us that you are united and are visionary so that we as grassroot supporters could unite our efforts for the realization of visions of KINIJIT.

Thank you, editor,at least you have read it )

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