Some seasoned former military leaders are clamoring for being thrown in prisons without trail after the dismantling of one of the robust army force in Africa. Still, these lulus have a gut to share their wealth of experience and acid-tested skills for the current defense force.
They have also courage to return the glory of the army force. Among such former military leaders is found Brigadier General Wassihun Negatu. He stands out for the decision of sparing Bahir Dar city from a gutting down by explosive.
Therefore, The Ethiopian Herald has just approached General Wasshun Negatu, to have his say on the assessment of the current defense force via the prism of his experience. Excerpts:
Herald: What was the profession of your childhood dream?
General
Wassihun: My father was a patriot.
Because of this, I was eager and passionate to be military personnel. I am a
well built and tall guy. So I developed interest to be a body guard.
Noticing my interest and talent the former army force allowed me to serve my country in the army unit stationed in Adama (Nazareth during that time). As I used to hate to be an ordinary officer, I worked hard to come up with a successful result. I became a gold medalist during Haile Selassie I regime.
Herald: Despite the efforts made by the military, various forms of lawlessness are still much in display in the news, how would you comment in this regard?
General Wassihun: Since I had been imprisoned, everything is out of picture and out of sight. If one is out of sight, one will be out of mind as well.I was not able to receive day to day news and information. However, I have got a general knowledge in analyzing the military and political situations. As I was in academy, we knew what happened next. I think the reformed government led by the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr.Abiy Ahmed has made a lot of reforms in various sectors. I am sure the responsible bodies are doing their best. I know that most of them have a great deal of experiences. Of course, they might lack some disciplines and efficiency. I hope they will upgrade their share and do their level best.
Herald: Do you believe that the military has done its level best to secure peace in the country?
General Wassihun: Military men are always under two laws— rule of law and military law.
Military law is very important for guidance and discipline-related purposes. Without having military disciplines, including, not paying attention to bosses’ orders, someone could not be a military man. The military personnel should make himself / herself ready to accomplish his/her mission. Otherwise, it is impossible to be a military person.
Actually, the military leaders of the country, including, defense minister, chief of staff, commander of air force are in position to defend the sovereignty of Ethiopia.
In short, they are well-disciplined and well-trained. If anything happens, I am sure that they are in a position to defend the motherland. Disciplines should be maintained and checked. I think the top generals are in good shape and position.
Today, there might not be any bad incident. But, they have to be in full gear or adjust themselves to aptly respond for unfavorable unfolding. Always they have to have a peeled eye to tackle out the enemy before the enemy attempts to attack the country. In every unit of the armed forces, they have to be alert for military response and combat.
Some sort of incidents may erupt. One never knows. As there are many displaying a friendly disposition with the country, there could also be many proving subtle enemies of the country.
Things could also change following the change of leaders. Recently, Dr.Abiy Ahmed made negotiation with Eritrea. There was a period of sever fighting with Eritrea. Now, that is solved due to the great peace-brokering contribution of the prime minister’s leadership.
We did lose so many men and property fighting with neighboring countries, Eritrea and Somalia. Every Ethiopian loathes war with other countries. Living together with others is paramount for the safety and security of the country. One cannot get any profit from war. Ethiopia and Eritrea were one country. They have so many commonalities. Now, they are divided temporary. I hope Ethiopia will make some sort of unification with Eritrea.
Now they have
got back on track. Currently, President Isayas Afeworke is a good friend of our
beloved Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. Both countries should be united as one.
We do not have to expect this done by others say by England or Western countries.
The people of the two countries, or the siblings, could do that. Dr.Abiy Ahmed is working hard to maintain ever lasting peace in the country and in the horn of Africa. There is no reason to fight one another.
It is much better to make progress and standing for change or prosperity. I do not see any reason at all for fighting one another. We should fight with ideology and idea around the table.
As Dr. Abiy Ahmed once said that we do not need cash and guns, we should solve our disagreement around the table. The current catchy-slogan of Africa Union high-level discussion, entitled Silencing The Guns, is an appreciable idea. This has a genuine meaning for us as well.
Herald: Since 1974, the Ethiopian military has hijacked the popular revolution; do you think that the military would have a chance to do the same if the current situation of the country stays unchanged?
General Wassihun: As a military leader, I do not wish a sort of revolution. I think one thing should be corrected. The Derg force tried to hijack the revolution to overthrow the monarch government of Emperor Haile Selassie I.
This intent was to remove the monarchial government. Haile Selassie I was among the 225 the monarchial authorities. The military force tried to do away with the monarchial government. It was not an easy task to remove Haile Selassie I from power.
He was a highly recognized person. He ruled Ethiopia for 45 years. Of course, Haile Selassie I was making mistakes; however, he as well was doing good things in educational reform. But he should have handed over his power to the people of the country.
Coup d’état has a risk and opportunity either to be eaten by others or to eat respectively. So, you should be thinking twice, not once. Major governmental institutions, including, media outlets should be under control to parry Coup D’état.
Herald: I presume you have established an organization for former army members, what contribution does your organization wish to make to usher in enduring peace and security in the country?
General Wassihun: Since the EPRDF combatants controlled and defeated the Derg force; they have dismantled the army forces. This was one of the shameful acts executed by the EPRDF government. From the army, they had fired experienced doctors, technicians and engineers and the like. EPRDF combatants are not an Italians, they are fellow citizens of the country. So, they should not have destroyed the army forces.
That was the big mistake they made so far. They should not have destroyed the army forces and make military organizations dysfunctional. Firing generals and military personnel were not problems; however, firing educated guys was shameful. These individuals were well-trained and well-organized. These individuals, charged with a lofty mission, had fought in Korea and Congo.
Because of this, we are trying to organize the former army force through organizing and establishing Ethiopia Defense Veterans Association. The association does not aim at joining the army force. But members will provide advisory, training and other military services to return the glory of Ethiopian army force. We have tried to talk Defense Minister and the farsighted PM.
Herald: You and some of your colleagues have been imprisoned for 10 years without trail and released without conviction, have you ever tried to ask the government for compensation?
General Wassihun: I served member of the defense force over 30 years. Finally, following the change of government, EPRDF arrested generals who worked for the Derg regime. At that time, they arrested and imprisoned me for 10 years without trail.
They put me behind bars in various maximum security prisons. Then, I wrote a strong letter asking either to be sent to court or judged based upon first impression.
In course of time, they released me. Now I get a pension. Currently, I am a retired general. Before I joined in the army, I did take training in various academies abroad.
I have a plan to sue the government for 10 years detention without trial. I need compensation the time wasted. I need to quench my thirst for justice.
I think Ethiopian people will lend ear for this delayed justice. We are badly in need of justice. Unless the government does this, the situation augurs ill.
Herald: In your first book, you mentioned you have saved the city of Bahir Dar from a huge Arson, tell us more about that?
General Wassihun: Frankly speaking. I was the one who saved the city of Bahir Dar from explosive destruction. During that moment, we did not have enough force to defeat the “rebel” force. In Bahir dar city, there was over 2.5 million liters explosive gas deposited as a property of Ministry of Transportation (MOT).
Then after, the “rebel” force was raining down fire close to those specific areas. Therefore, I decided to leave the city for the rebel and to retreat back to other places, just to save the city from arson. Due to the decision I made with my comrades, the Bahir Dar city was spared from a gutting down by an inflammable gas. Therefore, my decision did save many lives and the conflagration of the city.
Herald: Do you believe that Colonel Mengistu should face trail?
General Wassihun: I am afraid people may not have enough knowledge about Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam. As I closely observed and as to me he had good sides too. He was a kind, responsible, decent and courageous leader of the country .He was farsighted. Therefore, I do not suggest putting Colonel Mengistu into trail.
Herald: Do you believe that Egypt would trigger a war against Ethiopia grudging GERD?
General Wassihun: Obviously, Egypt has been a historic enemy of Ethiopia. Egypt has been always fighting against Ethiopia. In this case, as our beloved Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed is good at negotiations and diplomatic relations, war could not to be optional. Ethiopia should show a firm stance to work for the great value of peace.
But if Egypt triggers war against Ethiopia, we are ready to fight for the sake of securing our interest.
Herald: What is your comment regarding the establishment of Navy force in Ethiopia?
General
Wassihun: Actually, without having a seaport, it
is unthinkable to set a Navy force. Therefore, there should be a means for
unification with Eritrea. This is what I would like to say in this regard.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday edition March 1/2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
