Professor Mesfin: A Statesman he is

By Dereje Hailu Kassa | October 19, 2007

Selam!

Amongst us all Ethiopians if someone earned high respect and, whose
political leadership sets standard, in defining who's a statesman in my
mind Prof. MesfinW/Mariam stands out.

    I proved myself right while visiting other
    Ethiopian Web Sites, where his recent
    interviews with Deutsche Welle and VOA,
    Initiated a heated discussion. Otherwise,
    how can one explain the reason why out of
    all kinds of opinions given by many on the
    same topic, he got so much attention?

It is not the intention of this writer, to indulge in what was said  
somewhere else rather, it's a small attempt in pointing  what wasn't said.
I wished I knew what was going on in his mind, at his wise age waiting
for knife, as the same time preparing to let us hear  his long awaited
voice through the two most influential external Radio stations which can
be heard throughout Ethiopia with clarity than the local one from Addis
Ababa.

At a time our country faces serious, both internal and external challenges
that need to be tackled with great wisdom and far sightedness, no
wonder why so much excitement, anytime the man who devoted
himself to public service when he wasn't mandated to one says
something.

I don't know Prof. Mesfin personally, but I do know his love & struggle
for  every one of us often by risking his own life. Even though he is a
Professor in Geography he is more focused in making history, a new
and important one. He did that as an Ethiopian champion of universal
values such as Human Rights. Mr. Obang Metho in one of his recent
inspiring writings, ironically titled: "Open letter to the Kinijit or CUPD
Leaders" mentions that his organisation was " the first to arrive in
Gambella to investigate. They interviewed eyewitnesses and others and
looked at the evidence. Through these means, they determined that over
300 Anuak were killed and pointed the finger of responsibility at the
government for instigating the killings."

Prof. Mesfin was the first Ethiopian to stand in the  face of the most
feared strongman Mengistu, and tell him to step down.  I really feel am
doing injustice even for trying to say something about this great
Ethiopian's stride and accomplishments.


In 1977 at the climax of the cold war, when we were told that a war
broke out with
Somalia, I was just entering my teen, and knew nothing except the
official line which pretty much repeats the same cliché  ' they want to
take our land '. Like any
Ethiopian,  I wanted to know why? The only written thing you could
find which gives you clear perspective was Professor Mesfin's book.
That was an eye opener for me.

A lot of time elapsed since then, to be exact thirty years. Now, our
country is in the
midst of what many embrace as "the third front on global war on
terror".  Very serious national security matter, about which Ethiopians
need to be informed and, be able to closely monitor their politicians, both
in power and the aspiring ones', by demanding to know where they
want to lead them?  It is  the same curiosity from that time which
prompted me to ask, what would be his take on this crucial subject
today? He didn't answer, and no one asked. After all they are German
and American Radios not Ethiopian. Do we have one that asks this
question?

For now as usual we have to be able to read between the lines, in order
to understand the hardships, statesmen like Prof. Mesfin go through just
to communicate with us. Perhaps, it is obvious when he lashed out at
some politicians emphasising, their differences are nothing in
comparison with the task they have to  face.

For the first time though,  at age 74, this selfless Ethiopian who carried
out his
citizenship duties with flying colors complained about his back, blaming
it on car
accident twenty years earlier. " God wills I will be okay! " he told his
host VOA's Tizita Belachew. We all united on one thing including those
who disagree with his opinion, We all wish him a successful surgery
and quick recovery. It is also time to recognize his statesmanship and,
as the same time, give him a little break which he deserves by unloading  
off his back the burden of responsibilities comes with it.

Peace Be Unto You All!  

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