የኢትዮጵያ ብሔራዊ የሽግግር ምክር ቤት

Ethiopian National Transitional Council

A conference to discuss the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF

dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an all-inclusive transitional government

July 2nd

and July 3rd

2013

Sheraton Hotel, Silver Spring, MD, USA

Conference Report

July 4, 2013

The historic conference called by the Ethiopian National Transitional Council (ENTC) to discuss the

process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an all-

inclusive transitional government was held on July 2nd

and 3rd

2013, at the Silver Spring, MD Sheraton

and successfully concluded.

Participants at this historic conference were all Ethiopian Stakeholders; Political Organizations, Women

and Youth Associations, Religious Institutions, Civic Organizations, Media Outlets, Renowned

Individuals and Intellectuals, Invited Guests and Ethiopian National Transitional Council Regional

Councils. The conference was opened with blessings and Spiritual Advice from the Abune Filipos,

Ethiopian Tewahdo Orthodox Church Bishop for the State of Maryland and Mr. Mensur Nuru.

85 S. Bragg Street

Alexandria, VA 22312, USA

Tel: 1-571-335-4637

+44-7958-487-420

www.etntc.org

contact@etntc.org

As per the Conference Agenda for the first day, Invited Guests such as the renowned scholar Professor

George Ayittey, author and president of the Free Africa Foundation, spoke about how to remove a

dictatorship and replace it with a democratic system based on the Ghanaian Experience. Ms. Anuradha

Mittal, founder and Executive Director of the Oakland Institute spoke about the lasting damage of the

on-going land grab in Africa and Ethiopia. A question and answer session was then held.

The prominent Ethiopian Scholar, Dr Messay Kebede gave a scientific analysis on the goals that the

Ethiopian National Transitional Council is trying to achieve, discussed the current situation in Egypt and

Syria and stated that it is imperative to start a national dialogue on a democratic transition process. He

also endorsed ENTC’s goals calling it timely and stated that he supports the concept ENTC is advancing.

Noted women’s right activist Wzr. Lemlem Tsegaw delivered a presentation on the role of Women in

the struggle for freedom, stating that the participation of women in the struggle was critical using

statistical data. She also emphasized that without the participation of women, the struggle for freedom

will not be successful.

The second day of the conference was also opened with blessings from the Abune Filipos, Ethiopian

Tewahdo Orthodox Church Bishop for the State of Maryland and Sheik Ustaz Khalid Mohammed, Imam

of the First Hijra Foundation. The agenda for the day presented by ENTC was to discuss the proposals

brought about by Religious Institutions, Renowned Intellectuals, Political Organizations, Civic

Organizations and Youth Associations to discuss the process of removal and replacement of the

TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an all-inclusive transitional government.

The following proposals were presented by conference participants and stakeholders about the

process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia with an all-

inclusive transitional government were the following:

The renowned, Ethiopian Intellectual, Dr. Getachew Begashaw briefly spoke about the need for

discussions (National Dialogue) on the process transition to democracy. He gave the intellectual

background for democratic transition. He stated that three conditions need to be fulfilled for the

transition process to commence were 1) National Reconciliation between opposition forces, 2)

Coalition and 3) Collaboration. He also discussed the Four roles or the charter for a transitional

government, namely 1) Ensuring Stability and Peace, 2) Providing Basic social services need to

continue, 3) Protecting the territorial integrity of Ethiopia and 4) The establishment of a peaceful,

sustainable and democratic system – with the final outcome being national elections

Sheik Ustaz Khalid Mohammed, Imam of the

First Hijra Foundation presented two

fundamental issues that need to be considered

in an all-inclusive conference for a national

dialogue. He stated that justice and democracy

should be the governing principles of a national

dialogue. He said that one of the fundamental

issues that needs to be considered in a national

dialogue was the principle of “Majority rules

and Minority have rights”. He warned against

dominance of single ideology or party but to

focus on justice and democracy. He further

stated that the process of elections and

accepting the results of elections represents

acceptance of the choice of the

people.

Lieutenant Ayalesew Dessie, representative of the Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (Hibre Hizb)

stated that there is a need for the emergence of a new union of democratic forces for the following

three reasons. He gave those reasons as 1) To provide focus for the struggle to bring about positive

change in our country, Ethiopia; 2) To minimize the danger from a power vacuum; 3) To pave the way

for a transition to a stable constitutional democratic system through those democratic forces that are

struggling for the same goals and ideals. He stated that replacement of a regime with another without

the process for national reconciliation was not sufficient. He advocated for a national dialogue

between opposition forces by thinking outside of their organizational boundaries and benefits and

warned against “teb beketero”.

Ato Hassen Moalin of the Ogaden National

Liberation Front (ONLF) thanked ENTC for

organizing this all inclusive conference. He

discussed the fundamental problems in Ethiopia

citing as examples the human rights violations in

the Ogaden, Gambella and Oromia regions and

the forceful expulsion of Amhara from their land.

He stated that “Weyane-ism” should be abolished.

In addition he expressed his organizations desire

to work with other democratic forces in removing

and replacing the TPLF/EPRDF regime and the

need to come together in this struggle.

Nejashi Justice Council representative Ato Muhedin described the mission of his organization which is

fighting for the Human Rights of Ethiopians, especially for Muslim Ethiopians. He discussed the need to

engage those Ethiopians that have stayed away from the struggle for Human Rights and abhor political

participation. He expressed the organization’s vision for justice and equality for all Ethopians regardless

of race, sex and religion and stated Nejashi’s desire to work with any organization that is working for

the same principle. He stated his organizations support for a transitional process that would be all

inclusive.

The Ethiopian Youth National Movement’s

representative, Menyahel Deresse began his

presentation by stating his organization’s goals.

He stated EYNM believes in Individual rights

and not the group rights espoused by

TPLF/EPRDF. He also stated EYNM does not

consider TPLF/EPRDF an organization that will

work towards a democratic system and did not

think that TPLF/EPRDF would not be part of a

transitional system. He also stated that EYNM

will work with Democratic Forces towards

removing and replacing the regime. He stated

that he will present his organization’s proposal

removing and replacing the dictatorial

TPLF/EPRDF regime during the open discussion.

The ETNC Speaker, Ato Sileshi Tilahun began his presentation by listing the stakeholders invited to the

meeting. He gave a brief overview of the organization’s goals and affirmed that ENTC’s stated means of

struggle as being popular resistance. He also briefly discussed ENTC’s activities during the last 12

months. He gave an analysis on the five options for the process of removal and replacement of the

TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia. They were:

1. Wait until the regime falls down on its own accord or divine intervention

2. Change the regime through the regime sponsored elections

3. TPLF/EPRDF starts a national reconciliation to return power to the people

4. Change the regime through the struggle of one powerful group which may turn out to be

another dictator

5. Remove the regime through a coordinated pressure and replace it by an all-inclusive

transitional government

Following up on the way the TPLF/EPRDF regime will be replaced, he explained why the concept of

forming a transitional government is the most suitable means of removing the regime through a

coordinated pressure and replacing it by a democratic system:

• Answers the people’s quest for removing the regime through a united front that would conduct

a united struggle and achieve a united victory

• Addresses the concern about what will happen after the removal of the regime

• Beginning the preparation for the process of transition, ensures that our country would not

descend into chaos

• It ensures that the result of the popular struggle will not be hijacked by opportunistic

individuals or unduly influenced by foreign forces

• The questions that will be addressed during the process of preparation for a transitional

government are: what is the role of the military when the regime is removed? and what would

be the fate of Woyanne officials? Answering these questions helps the Military, Security and

Woyanne officials side with the people. It helps these individuals get the courage to abandon

the Woyanne regime and take the side of the people.

• An agreement and cooperation based on the above provides the Ethiopian people and the

international community a convincing alternative and orderly transition.

The following proposal by the Ethiopian National Transitional Council for the process of removal and

replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia was then presented for the conference

participants.

1. Start immediate preparations for Forming an all-inclusive Transitional Government in Ethiopia

2. Form a committee for preparations to form a Transitional Government

3. Form a task force to draft a Transitional Government Charter

4. Start a campaign of popular resistance to remove the regime through a coordinated struggle to

replace the regime by a democratic system.

5. Form a task force to coordinate the popular resistance

Ginbot 7 Movement for Justice, Freedom and Democracy and Alliance for Liberty, Equality, and Justice

in Ethiopia (ALEJE – Timret)’s representative Ato Neamin Zeleke began his presentation by stating his

organization’s position. He stated Ginbot 7/Timret is a movement and does not have a political agenda.

He also stated that Ginbot 7/Timret does not have an issue with the initiative to discuss the transition

process the process on the removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia.

He raised issues of timing for and legitimacy of a Transitional Government. He stated that Ginbot

7/Timret gives precedence to an all-inclusive, organized and coordinated popular resistance and

insurrection to remove TPLF/EPRDF prior to starting a replacement Transitional Government. He

presented that emphasis and priority should be in what is being done inside Ethiopia. He further stated

that in principle, Ginbot 7/Timret agrees with ENTC’s proposals # 4 & 5 – (Start a campaign to remove

the regime through a coordinated pressure and replace it by a democratic system through popular

resistance and forming a task force to coordinate the popular resistance). Finally, Ato Neamin stated

that Ginbot 7/Timret will discuss the proposal with its executive committee and council and provide an

official response.

Following presentations of proposals at this historic conference, a memorandum of understanding

between the Ethiopian National Transitional Council (ENTC) and the Ethiopian Youth National

Movement (EYNM) for the process of removal and replacement of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime

in Ethiopia was then presented. The bilateral agreement between these organizations is as follows:

1. The Ethiopian people struggle for freedom has so far been not successful mainly due to the lack

of a strong and bold leadership from opposition forces to remove the Anti-Ethiopia, Anti

Ethiopians, undemocratic TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia. The dictatorial regime in

Ethiopia needs to be removed immediately. Trying to negotiate or reach an agreement with the

TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia is an obstacle to the struggle.

2. In the struggle to remove the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia, ENTC and EYNM will

craft plans for a popular resistance campaign. They will coordinate and implement together

practical activities of popular resistance.

3. The process of removal of the TPLF/EPRDF dictatorial regime in Ethiopia and replacement with

a Transitional Government was not given the proper attention. Therefore, immediate

preparations need to be started and ENTC and EYNM will work together to make this goal

successful.

4. ENTC will coordinate and facilitate situations with EYNM on getting Ethiopian Youth to get

actively involved and give their participation in their country’s politics.

Finally, after the historic conference listened to the proposals from all Ethiopian Stakeholders;

Political Organizations, Women and Youth Associations, Religious Institutions, Civic Organizations,

and Renowned Individuals and Intellectuals, it conducted lively exchange and vigorous debate

among the above participants. The conference then reached agreement on the following items:

1. The proposals put forward by the Ethiopian National Transitional Council were found to be

similar to those presented by all other conference participants and found to be all

encompassing. Therefore the ENTC proposal will be used as a base document and a

committee will be formed to prepare the final documents

2. Dr. Getachew Begashaw, Professor Mesay Kebede, Dr. Kassa Kebede, ENTC and EYNM

representatives will be the committee members.

3. Dr. Getachew Begashaw will be head of the committee.

4. A time table for completing the tasks of the committee should be determined and Dr.

Getachew Begashaw will inform the conference about the timetable.

On this occasion, the Ethiopian National Transitional Council would like to thank all those that have

strived hard and made contributions to make this consultative conference a success. ENTC would also

like to especially thank those organizations and individuals that responded positively to its invitation

and participated in the National Dialogue.

Long Live Ethiopia!

Ethiopian National Transitional Council