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Haimy Zewdie
Eskinder Nega has faced baseless accusations and character assassination, primarily from diaspora groups with vested interests in the Amhara struggle. These groups use social media foot soldiers to spread dangerous and false narratives. Despite their large numbers in the social media space, they do not reflect the broad support Eskinder enjoys both at home and in the diaspora. Nevertheless, It is crucial to refute these false accusations and provide clarity on the matter.
One of the allegations against Eskinder Nega is that he is not a true Amhara nationalist, and therefore not suitable for the cause. This accusation is made entirely without evidence. Eskinder was among the first prominent figures to raise alarm about the genocide of the Amhara people and urged for Amharas to organize. He joined the first Amhara organization or All Amhara People’s Organization alongside Dr. Asrat Woldeyes. This alone demonstrates his long standing commitment to the Amhara cause. Moreover, in 1999, he opposed the transformation of all Amhara Organization to All Ethiopian Unity Party believing the imminent threat of genocide against Amharas was still present, which demonstrates his deep insight of the Amhara cause. He later helped re-establish the All Amhara Organization. Since the 1990s, Eskinder has consistently advocated for Amharas, speaking and writing about the dangers Amharas face, including bringing his concerns to the United Nations in 2019. His magazine’s slogan throughout the 90s, “Amhara will revive its history” (አማራ ታሪኩን ያድሳል), further illustrates his lifelong dedication to the Amhara struggle. Eskinder’s longstanding commitment and foresight makes him not only a genuine Amhara advocate, but also one of the pioneers of the Amhara struggle. Thus, the allegation that he is unsuitable for the cause is entirely baseless.
Another accusation against Eskinder is that he differs ideologically with other Fano leaders. This claim is also false. All Fano leaders have reaffirmed their love for Ethiopia and their alignment with Eskinder’s vision. While their priority is the Amhara cause, they hold no ideology that opposes the statehood of Ethiopia. In an interview with Ethio-360, Zemene Kassie stated, “Eskinder and I have the same goal — saving Amharas and Ethiopia. We are the same morally, ideologically, and as brothers. Far more than that, though, we are spiritually aligned,” Confirming his commitment to Ethiopia and his ideological alignment with Eskinder. Similarly, Asseged Mekonnen, in an interview with Amhara Media Corporate, asserted, “Can we view Amhara and Ethiopia separately? They aren’t separate. We can’t make a distinction between Amhara and Ethiopia,” further demonstrating their ideological unity. None of the Fano leaders have stated a political direction that conflicts with Ethiopian statehood. In fact, there is no Fano or Amhara nationalism that mirrors the anti-Ethiopia ideology of TPLF or OLF. Beyond the baseless propaganda spread by unqualified social media influencers, there are no ideological differences between Fanos. This accusation is thus completely unfounded.
Another accusation against Eskinder Nega is that he has failed in leadership. Eskinder has been a member of two organizations: the All Amhara People’s Organization, where he briefly served as vice chairman, and Balderas, which he formed under incredibly challenging circumstances. Balderas, first established as a civic council, exposed Abiy Ahmed’s Oromo nationalist agenda by highlighting issues such as the demographic engineering behind the displacement of Addis Ababa residents, the removal of Amhara public officials, and the illegal distribution of land and identification cards to nonresidents. As a political organization, Balderas revealed that Prosperity was not a reformed democracy but an authoritarian regime that simply replaced one ethnic hegemony with another. Furthermore, the regime conducted elections while Balderas candidates, including Eskinder, were imprisoned, undermining the democratic process and showcasing to the world the authoritarian nature of Abiy’s government. Despite these challenges, Balderas remains a functional organization, further proving Eskinder’s astute leadership skills even under an authoritarian regime and behind prison walls. Thus, the claim that Eskinder has failed in leadership lacks truth.
The most slanderous accusation against Eskinder Nega is that he divided Fanos. This claim is categorically false. Fanos did not have a centralized command structure. Eskinder’s efforts under Amhara Popular Front aimed to bring all Fanos under one umbrella, which is critical for effectiveness. Before Amhara Popular Front was formed, each Amhara province (Wello, Shewa, Gonder, Gojjam) had two to three separate factions. Eskinder’s goal was to unify these fractured factions into a single unit, and he has succeeded in bringing various factions together within several regions. Most importantly, Amhara Popular Front has provided financial assistance to factions that did not join APF, amounting to $600,000, demonstrating Eskinder’s sincere commitment to advancing the Amhara struggle through unification. This financial support has helped ensure that even independent factions could contribute effectively to the broader struggle. Lastly, Eskinder’s leadership has facilitated the recent unification of seven factions from all four provinces. Eskinder has been a principal actor in the effort to centralize Fanos, recognizing that a unified Fano is essential for coordination, strength, and advancing the Amhara struggle, making the dangerous false narrative of Eskinder causing division wholly false.
While the unification efforts are ongoing, there remains a coordinate effort to stifle it especially on social media platforms and independent media outlets. As a result , it is critical to recognize that every struggle faces infiltration from state agents with vested interests in maintaining their grip on power. This includes elements from the Amhara Prosperity Party, the Oromo Prosperity Party, and other anti-Amhara organizations. It would be naive to assume that governmental elements are not involved in the current state of affairs. The deliberate interference and misinformation campaigns have significantly hampered the the Amhara struggle, which makes it even more critical to refute baseless accusations against Eskinder and other Fano leaders.
Lastly, while no one is perfect, the attacks on Eskinder’s character are unjustified and contradict his consistent record of honesty. Eskinder has become a symbol of resistance against oppression representing truth in the face of major opposition. Irrespective of one’s stance, Eskinder’s commitment to the Amhara cause and his track record of integrity are undeniable.
In conclusion, Amharas are facing a genocidal war, debating our differences or targeting any of our leaders, is a luxury we cannot afford when our survival is at stake. Diaspora members may have the luxury to pick and choose leaders, but the Fano forces on the ground do not as they are in a war zone, willing to give their lives for the Amhara people. Despite opposition to Eskinder, it is crucial to respect the voices of the seven Fano forces and encourage unity among those who have not yet joined the unified command for the sake of the Amhara people.
*Footnote:
1. Eskinder Nega’s interview on the All Amhara Organization can be viewed at:(https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FdydROF_vEI&feature=youtu.be)
2. Zemene Kassa’s interview with Ethio-360 discussing Eskinder Nega and their shared ideology can be found at: https://youtu.be/zjF4-VY1YPo?si=-d3He5X9GSuRv7DY
3. Asseged Mekonnen’s interview with Amhara Media Corporation on Ethiopia and Amhara can be found at: https://youtu.be/Tpe3JcvXq3A?si=BHoan7hI5qmIIbfG
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Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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