It was with great shame that I listned to the Ethiopian TV that screened a snapshot of the argument between Dr. Yacob Hailemariam and Debebe Eshetu of UDJ. I heard Dr. Yacob condescending his own colleague in public saying, "Debebe you are an artist and you dont't teach me about law" with an expression of anger and frowning face. Engineer Gizachew was also showing a sarcastic smile at the humilating exchange, and Dr. Hailu Araya was bowing his head at the corner. It all looked like there was a conspiracy against Debebe Eshetu, who was trying to warn those who were chairing the meeting not to speak on his behalf regarding the conditions of his release/pardon.
I wonder why did Dr. Yacob and his fellow conspirators wanted to reveal this at this particular time, if there is any truth to what he was talking about, since they kept quiet about it even though they were asked to tell the public at the time of their release. Or is it to show solidarity to and save the face of Meles Zenawi, who was telling the World about the conditions of the release and pardon of the defunct Kinijit?
Even Meles himself has acknowledged that each of the former Kinjit leaders signed their request for release letter individually, accepting individual and collective responsibility for what happened in the aftermath of the 2005 election. So how did the distinguished lawyer, Dr. Yacob, come to know that the conditions of release of himslef, Gizachew and Hailu were different from that of Debebe, Birtukan and Birhanu? Or was he secretly advising and drafting those letters on behalf of Woyane or the then Shimagiles?
Can the Ethiopian people trust that Dr. Yacob and co.will respect ordinary Ethiopian citizens if they can not show any respect to their own colleague?
It might be early to judge, but I am afraid some in the UDJ are already selling themselves to Woyane. And everybody has to closely scrutinize their move and openly expose it to the public. They should not be allowed to drive the Ethiopian people into the in the name of opposition.
