The scene is in the compound of the Kaliti prison, the conversation is between two of the guests who have important position in their party.

Hailu called Berhanu in to his room and asked him if he cares to share his thoughts on the status of their party. To which the latter agreed.

I hear that some of our guys have come to this place and booked with us. Do you think there will be any left out there to keep the fort?

It is my belief that almost everybody has come here and those who are left behind are either of no use to us or worse they are working against our interest. So, for our party to succeed in the current condition we might have to look for other avenues. Berhanu replied.

What avenues are you talking about when the one we devised didn’t yield us any dividends?

Well, I don’t want to say I told you so but, if you listened to me in the first place we wouldn’t have been in this predicament.

You talk as if you want to exonerate yourself and don’t want to take responsibilities for your action. Please stop the blame game. After all, I was not at all comfortable ever since you joined our organization. If I had my way, you wouldn’t have been with us if it wasn’t for the higher echelon of the party who I would say, were looking for a short term gain. I know that you are too ambitious for your own good. I let you have a free rein knowing that you will prove your incompetence. I was proven right during the negotiation. You were outwitted and outmaneuvered by a better sly than you.

I will not demean myself responding to your tirade. By the way, are we talking of popularity contest here? Please tell me what a worthy thing you did. The dynamic change I brought to our party is reflected on the popularity of our brand.

Speaking of your so called “brand” What in God’s name do you have to go for raising fingers? It just looks ridiculous to me raising fingers in my age. Besides, it looks as if we are giving the middle finger to our supporters and opponents alike if we fail to raise our index along with it. Given our age, that is a sure thing pal.

You always want to ridicule things you are not the author of. No wonder you were always in the wilderness in spite of having a long year of service ahead of us. By the way, I have a lot of work to catch up on so I may have to leave. I think I will let myself out so you don’t have to bother to see me off.

…….........................................

 

What is the latest news about our opponents and their arrest following their insurrection asked Meles. He was conferring with Bereket who some say is his right hand man.

Bereket’s reply was that people were outraged and they say we did it to cover our loss in the election, which is absurd given that we admitted our loss in places like the capital.

Are you saying that there is no one who agrees with our decision? Or you mean most are cowed into submission to support them regardless.

Well, it is hard to tell because we are unable to definitely identify our supporters as they deceived us during the rally prior to the election. I must add however, there are many who do support us but not in public. That said, the good thing is the CUD managed to deceive only the urbanites.

At least our coward opponents can no more hide behind the public acting innocent to stir trouble. As they say, out of sight is out of mind. They will be history very soon.

What about their “spirit”. The one they claim that their movement is possessed with?

“Oh, that”. If at all there is one it is toothless like them. As you may well know, they have a propensity to make a tempest out of a teapot.

You know what the funny thing is, when everything failed, they had the audacity to demand a power sharing arrangement with us.  I mean if they claim to have “won the election”; why on earth they want to share it?

I think you don’t understand their mind set. Their aim at the outset was to grab power by any means possible. You can see their hunger in their eyes let alone their bellies. I admit that we should have publicized our achievements. Our assumption was” seeing is believing”. So, there is no need to brag about it. We may have underestimated the vociferous opposition in that regard. They have no concrete plan as an alternative government but, are hell-bent to oppose anything and everything we do for the heck of it. In the process, they hoodwinked a good number of our population. When they were unmasked however, they were found to be nothing but an empty shell. Besides, the disparate coalition without cohesion unraveled itself on the first hurdle. I can assure you that their further disintegration is inevitable.

I am glad that we flatly rejected their weird idea of power sharing. If so, why bother to have an election?

That is exactly my point. I’d rather be sitting in parliament as an opposition rather than sharing power with them to satisfy their hunger. But again, they were even averse to having us as an opposition. They just wanted us to disappear into thin air. Ha, ha, ha.  By the way, these people have poisoned the minds of our humble people. We need to work extra hard to make them see for what they really are.

I agree with you. Their desire was to bring about an inter-communal violence. We called a spade a spade and labeled them interahamwe.

For which my friend, you got under their skin triggering their wrath.

I must say you are not very much loved by them either. Speaking of which, do you really know why they don’t like you?

Tell me something I don’t know.

Well you may know some but I will tell you anyway. They say you are mulish, a divider rather than a unifier, a guy whose mind is here but his heart is elsewhere (refereeing to you know where), the person who gave our northern neighbor independence at the expense of our national interest. Besides, they claim that you have never professed your love for this country in public. These are but a few.

You know Bereket; if the love of a country is expressed in slogan we have many such people particularly in the Diaspora. My colleagues and I will do quietly what needs to be done to make a difference in the lives of the downtrodden. Nothing makes me happier than that because it is what we all have aspired to achieve years ago for which many were martyred. If they hate me for being what I am so be it. As to the specific allegations, time will tell who is right.

…….........................................

 

There are other oppositions who do things differently.

Hey Mushe called Lidetu by way of greetings to his party colleague who was busy sorting documents.

I am trying to find a file which I believe is misplaced or was left in the other office.

That is a result of a rush decision and doing things in haste during the formation of CUD. Remember, I have predicted this before it happened but, no one gave me an ear. We ourselves came out of this mess in a nick of time.

They are now accusing you of being the instigator of the problem who is working for the enemy. If you didn’t know they even have changed your name to “Khdetu”.

I am at a loss to explain why our people tend to be hotheaded and accuse others when they don’t get what they want. Slander has become a norm to such people. They spread malicious lies and turn around and prosecute you (in the court of public opinion) by being both the judge and jury based not on facts but hearsay and innuendo. In their eyes and that of their cohorts your name is mud. What they fail to realize is “What goes around comes around”. “I will have the last laugh”.

You know what, those who know you, like me, can attest to your unblemished record, i.e. you are a man of principle who fights for the principle you believe in. At this critical moment however, convincing others as to our innocence is rather difficult given that emotions are running high. Besides, we have our freedom and they have not.

It is preposterous to think that because we are not arrested means we condone the harsh measure taken by EPRDF on the opposition. I think they don’t know how EPRDF operates. Experience has taught us that one has to tread a fine line to deal with them.

Does that mean they crossed that imaginary line and paid for their mistake?

To begin with, they didn’t know the existence of the line. If at all they were aware of it, they may have crossed it due to their ignorance or arrogance. In the process, they ruined all we have been building patiently as an opposition.

But we didn’t bring any substantial change until the last election to which the credit goes to CUD.

That is where you are wrong. Do you think this love-hate relationship started overnight? We have been exposing the misdeeds of EPRDF way before the others came to the political scene. We became the voice of the voiceless. The others just jumped on the bandwagon when they sensed that there is an opportunity to be a strong opposition and even be in a government.

Don’t you think all is lost now?

No. On the contrary, we have learnt a great deal from the debacle. We just have to keep doing what we do best i.e. organizing our supporters.

Do you think the people will trust us now after their hopes were dashed?

Granted, it is not easy to convince them. Lidetu conceded. However, the first thing we should do is to tell them the truth about the relationship we had within the CUD party and our relative contribution towards its success.

That will be a difficult thing to do when they are imprisoned and for me it is opportunistic as well.

We will do it in our own time but, I have a feeling that someone will start spilling the beans amongst them. Mark my word.

…….........................................

 

Sometime later we hear a telephone ringing.

Hello Samora, I’ve meant to call you the other day but, didn’t have time. How is it going with you? Meles asked.

I’m fine thank you. How are you yourself?

I am well. What is on your mind?

I am just calling to discuss the situation both here and across the border.

I trust that all is under control.

You could say that but, what is troubling me is the propaganda they are spewing over the electronics and print media.

What is new! They have been doing this ever since they were soundly defeated.

Yes but, we are way behind in countering these unsubstantiated allegations.

Are you talking that of across the border or here?

Well, the one across the border doesn’t worry me much because they are using the so called independent media to spread rumor which often times happen to be just that. Thus, no one gives credence to their report. However, the one we have here is a bit different.

What do you mean different? Are you saying you don’t trust your own people under your command?

 “Oh no, not at all”, There is no doubt in my mind that our own are the most disciplined and dedicated ones. They will never be involved in such despicable act at all. We have even made an internal enquiry to that effect. However, what if some of the allegations are “true” and the enemy is using this as a propaganda tool to score cheap points.

You lost me there. Can you please be more specific?

What I meant is that since the enemy had massacred innocent civilians, some of whom were locals, it may be wise to investigate if revenge attack was made by the locals on the relatives and friends of the perpetrators.

Well I didn’t see it in that light dismissing it out of hand as pure propaganda. Although I sympathize with the victims of this heinous act and share their anger, under no circumstance vigilante action can be approved. Justice will be administered by the appropriate body for which we have the police. I agree with you that we might have to conduct an investigation into the matter. Hence, we will formulate a national task force comprising the Federal and State police.

That is a good start. We should also double our effort to win the hearts and minds of the local population.

You seem to be full of ideas today. What do you suggest we should do differently than we have been doing so far?

I understand that a lot of development activities are underway or are in the pipeline in the region. The obstacle to this has been the insurgency. I am sure the genuine people understand the problem and appreciate our endeavor. It still pays to engage the people and listen to their grievances (real or perceived) if any.

How do you propose we should do this?

I suggest that a high level delegation preferably headed by you should go to the region and conduct a town hall meeting and collect feed-back for action.

That is an interesting idea worth considering. In spite of the time constraints I have I will give it a top priority.

On another note, regarding the situation across the border, in my assessment there is no a military threat but only a security problem.  So, it is important to pursue a political settlement.

We are pushing the TFG towards that goal. The shuttle diplomacy we are currently undertaking is a result of that. By the way, we are also in constant contact with other countries who pledged peace keeping force to fulfill their commitment. It won’t be long before our forces are withdrawn after accomplishing their mission.

That is wonderful news and I say keep up the good work.

I myself have to thank you and your boys and girls for being the vanguard of this nation. You have my respect and admiration for looking after the interest of the country and keeping it safe. We owe you a lot.

That is most appreciated. We strive to keep the tradition of our forefathers.

Bye now.

Bye Mr. Prime Minister.

…….........................................

 

A social visit to Adama is on the itinerary.

What brings you here to our city? Abadulla asked his visiting guest Obo Bulcha.

I thought that Adama is my city too. Bulcha replied.

I didn’t mean to sound like that but, you usually don’t venture outside Finfine very much. Besides, I’m pleasantly surprised of your unexpected visit.

I was just passing by and thought to pay you a visit. How are you anyway?

I am good and am trying to make Oromia the best it can be.

I must admit that you are doing remarkably well. However, it pains me to see a lot of our compatriots languishing in jail.

Well, you are not saying that criminals should not be apprehended and brought to justice.

I’m saying nothing of that sort but, for one thing, our people are crowding the prison system. Secondly, the majority of them were not supposed to be there in the first place.

Can you elaborate more on that?

As you may well know, most of them are put in jail for their alleged support of OLF. No one bothered to even check whether the allegation is true or not. You may not realize it but, you are pushing particularly the youth to be militant.

I must agree that some mistakes have been made by our overzealous cadres. We are rectifying that problem as we went along. You also know that there are Neftegnas who are praying day and night for us to stumble not to mention brewing trouble if and when they can.

I wish you take it easy on this Neftegna business. It is not helpful.

Obo Bulcha, what we are fighting is not only the people as such but, their mentality as well. Some naively think that Neftegna is history. However, the mentality is alive and kicking even today.

I think you are echoing what the TPLF wants you to spread to create discord amongst people. After all, they are a minority without the support of OPDO and such.

That is what OLF wants you to believe. OLF even call us the TPLF condom. That doesn’t bother us at all. Little they do know that they are the socks of Shabia, a stinky one at that.

Speaking of which, rumor has it that you are an Amhara masquerading as an Oromo.

What else can they say? They have been brought up believing that Oromo is weak and submissive. For them, an Oromo can’t be independent minded and given the chance can perform miracles. As to my name, I’ve nothing to prove to anyone. I’m proud of what I am and no one can take away my Oromo heritage at will. By the way, I’ve a great respect for you for your courage and steadfastness. I also salute you for sticking to your gun and keeping your Oromo name in spite of the hardship experienced by our Oromo brothers and sisters in the past. Today, we don’t shy away from that and are happy to express ourselves in our language, develop our culture and be proud of our history.

There is no doubt that we have come a long way. It is my wish that our interest best be served if we work under the same umbrella of an Oromo organization. After all, we are the majority but fragmented miserably which doesn’t help our cause.

I share your view but, we have to be practical as well. We have to know our potential and limitations. Under the current environment, we feel that we can serve our people better by working with TPLF under EPRDF. You may not believe it but, we have a great sway in the decision making process. Some may call us names. The fact remains that they are not doing a fraction of what we have achieved to our people. We are pragmatists and believe in action rather than empty rhetoric.

We can argue about the merits of working with TPLF until the cows come home. Let’s just agree to disagree and leave it as such. I must leave you now.

It is always a pleasure having a discussion with you. Have a pleasant journey.

…….........................................

 

 A counselor in the slammer

Hi Birtukan, How’re you doing?

Thanks for asking Berhanu, I am having a fabulous time here.

I like your sense of humor.

Seriously though, there is nothing to uplift your spirit here.

It is indeed depressing but, I’m sure you didn’t come here to discuss the prison condition.

Well, I came to discuss some matters pertaining to the upcoming court case.

You see Birtukan, it doesn’t take a lawyer to predict the outcome of this so called court proceedings.  Some judges may be independent as you have shown during your time on the bench but, there is interference by the authorities in the judicial process. Therefore, one way or another, it is a foregone conclusion that we will be convicted.

I feel powerless as a lawyer for not doing anything.

I understand your frustration but, the surprising thing is, it seems we are abandoned by the international body except a few of our esteemed friends.

I know that at the beginning they imposed a halfhearted sanction to twist the arms of the Woyane. When that failed, they resumed their aid in the name of supporting basic services.

Yeah, the only pressure coming at present is from the bill which is at Congress. That is the only ammunition we have but, if I have to be frank, I doubt its effectiveness.

Have you ever contemplated of our party joining the parliament?

At first I was all for it. The discussion we had with EPRDF had its ups and downs but, going smoothly regardless. However, when we were on the verge of a breakthrough, they come up with an outrageous proposal. To counter this, we issued an eight point demand.  That, as they say is the straw that broke the camel’s back. Besides, some of our leaders were not helpful.

I am sure there is no love lost between you and our Chairman.

 I have nothing against him as a person. However, I didn’t like his dictatorial tendencies which I believe is inherited from his association with the previous Military Junta.

Do you trust him?

I trust him as I do trust any other politician.

Hmm, you gave me food for thought. By the way, do you think our party made some mistakes during post-election?

Hindsight is 20/20. It is now easy to say we should have done this or that. What gives me pleasure, however, is for us to have raised Woyane from its comatose state. They were taking the people for granted and doing nothing for long. Post-election, they have realized that they were resting on their laurels. Do you think the construction boom mushrooming around the city of late is because of the good heart of Woyane?  No. Are the flower farms being established at break neck speed a gift from Woyane? The answer is absolutely not. If it was not for us, there wouldn’t have been this awakening.  Imagine what we would have done had we assumed power. We would have done wonders. Coming back to your question, our overall performance was exemplary at different levels. However, I must admit that we may have made some errors of judgments in the process.  

What would be our fate now?

I know it is unfair for we have done nothing wrong but, we should listen to the appeals of the council of elders. At the moment that is the only option available to us if we have to gain our freedom. We can insist that the government should take partial responsibility for the turmoil.

You know that the Chairman is holding on that refusing to budge.

My assumption is he may not hold for long. If he insists on his refusal it is his choice but, I’ll be out of here in a flash.

Do we have any plan after Kaliti?

I have had a discussion with some of our colleagues and the consensus is to depart for USA as soon as possible. This embarrasses the Woyanes and deprives them of the chance to feel magnanimous. Let them celebrate their millennium by themselves. We shall not be party to that spectacle. It is also my feeling that we may have to send some delegation to Europe to thank our supporters.

Let’s hope that the mission of the council of elders comes to fruition. Frankly speaking I miss my baby very much.

I miss my family too. I am looking forward to pass quality time with them.

Let’s pray for that.

…….........................................

 

Author’s Note

This is a work of fiction based on events of the recent past. If the actors do not share the views expressed in the aforementioned drama, it is not their fault but only my imagination running wild. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that regardless of which sides of the aisle they are on, our politicians of different shades are trying their best to make a difference to their constituents and the country at large. It is because of this that the drama was written from a neutral standpoint with no malice on my part. Politics is a thankless job for it is difficult to make everyone happy. However, I appeal to you readers to appreciate our politicians for what they do. Let’s praise them when they excel and be bold enough to criticize them when they err with respect. In the process, we will learn to respect each other despite our differences of opinion.   

Ewnetu Belete