BY STAFF REPORTER
Berhanu Molla is a former staff of Ethiopian Airforce, during the derg regime which means some three decades ago. After the fall of the derg regime the airforce members were disbanded. Many of them, including Berhanu were forced to flee abraod.
Berhanu has lived in USA for 30 years. He has been coordinating opposition efforts against the TPLF led tyrant regime throughout the times. EPA had a brief stay with him on current national issues. Have a nice read!
Could you tell us about the effect of the ethnic schism created by the TPLF regime among the Diaspora?
You came up with the right idea. We never even considered that we had an embassy. I have never been to the embassy before. We just entered the embassy when Dr. Abiy arrived. On that occasion, I was even part of Dr. Abiy’s American Welcome Committee. That is why I first saw the embassy. I have nothing to do with it before, I did not want to leave, though.
The embassy itself is ethnically organized. Only members of one ethnic group gathered. Surprisingly, they had their own party at the embassy. Attempts have been made to spread racism in the Diaspora. But the Diaspora is not an easy-going people. But they were trying to make a difference between us by employing different tricks.
For example, they are trying to deceive the Diaspora by giving them land. Some were given land, especially on the occasion of the Millennium. This does not mean that all who come to them will bow down to them. They captivated some. These are the people who are fighting for them to the end. It should be noted, however, that I do not mean all of them, but only a small number of them. Most of the Diaspora has been fighting for 27 years and organizing protests. In the cold and the sun, they introduced the true identity of the TPLF to the world community. The struggle in the Diaspora is not easy.
But in the case of embassies, only one group of people can do whatever they want with their own private home. They even came to buy a plane ticket for $ 500. This has never been done by any other government. During the TPLF’s founding anniversary, many were encouraged to enter the country. When they arrived, they were given land. Today, it is the owners of these buildings who are struggling there. They have avenged all that they have done with the previous government, but our current government is good and it has not affected the wealth of the TPLF supporters as they are roaming the streets.
Nothing has been done about it. But what the people need to be aware of is that all those who are harassing the Ethiopian media today are the property owners here. They are the ones who are still besieging Ethiopia because they were the beneficiaries and a lot of things were done at that time.
The West’s struggle for the country in the presence of the Diaspora is taking on an African dimension, but the West is unwilling to listen to Ethiopia. What do you think is the reason for this?
Well, I don’t think the West is aware of the problem. They know Ethiopia well. But they do not want to see the reality. They want a government that submits to them. But our government has not been able to subdue to them. That is why they are supporting the TPLF in a way that is unrealistic. You know very well that what I am doing is wrong. Now some of them know who the TPLF is. The inhumane acts committed in Amhara and Afar states are being witnessed. They are softening their grip on power because their hopes for the TPLF have been dashed and they realize they will not win.
But in general, the Westerners are still there; From now on, they only want their own interests to be respected. As their hopes for the TPLF are being dashed, they are being forced to accept the reality. But the biggest problem is to form a puppet government. The Americans in particular, because this government is invincible, joined forces with the TPLF and mobilized all Westerners. That is why we are here today to help our country.
Despite the seriousness of the situation in Ethiopia, the Western-backed campaign is difficult, but we stand by our side to ensure that Ethiopia does not disintegrate. We are still moving with the position that if Ethiopia falls apart, we will fall together with our people. We are determined to be a role model and help others professionally.
As you said, the way the West rose up against Ethiopia is not easy to see; But Ethiopia is not a muddy country. The Ethiopian people have bravely proved otherwise. What we are seeing in the Diaspora right now is a matter of great frustration. I now believe that the government’s call for entry will be more than expected. But I am a little worried about the capacity of the Diaspora to handle all that. Even now the flight is full; There is a serious shortage.
I do not think the one-time flight is commensurate with the size of the Diaspora that is to come. The Diaspora should not come by other countries airlines as long as it is intended for the benefit of the country. If the need arises, many will want to come to the country and express their frustration. They are still holding an unprecedented peaceful demonstration in every country. In general, we can bring the West to our position by using a number of tactics. The Diaspora should be able to support the country and its people.
Some westerners, in addition to their political influence, are trying to weaken Ethiopia by manipulating the economy. So how do you deal with this?
Although I am not an expert on this subject, as an Ethiopian, the small amount of money that comes from outside or that we can earn by ourselves is more important. I think it is sustainable. Because every time the West gives, the pressure comes with it. For example, for some time, the industry and its employees have benefited. But the impact is even greater. They used it as a tool for kneeling. Therefore, it is better for us to grow our economy with indigenous resources, even if we have little money. Doing so would free us from their right-wing dominance.
If we look around the Diaspora, there are many Ethiopians in every country. If that Diaspora is determined to help the country, it should send the foreign currency directly to the bank. I believe that doing so will greatly alleviate the country’s foreign exchange deficit. After all, most of them grew up with money and support sent by their diasporas. Therefore, if the Diaspora in each country faithfully supports the country, we can achieve growth in a short period of time. So everyone should think that the small amount of money you send can come here and you can do a lot.
Some people suggest that Ethiopia is not doing well in its relationship with the United States. Do you agree with this idea?
In my opinion, our relationship with any country should be handled properly and wisely. After all, we cannot live in isolation. That being said, the relationship we need to have is pure and direct. I believe that beyond that, a healthy relationship must be created and maintained. Because we should not treat them as enemies. I believe it is important to have as good and understanding relations with the United States as possible.
By the way, the #Nomore campaign was not started with an intention that we do not need the West at all, but that they should stop influencing and interfering in the affairs of the countries. Again, modern right-wing ideology must be abandoned.
What do you think should be the ultimate goal of this war?
As you know, the government has been in power [in Tigray] for eight months. During that time, it tried to bring about some administrative changes and share the democracy with the people of Tigray. But it could not continue.
It is necessary to control and administer every state of Tigray and make the people of Tigray a beneficiary of democracy. We need to help the people of Tigray as they are Ethiopians. They are influencing their children today. On the other hand, the majority of the people of Tigray have been filled with false propaganda. They have no choice but to embrace the truth. They only hear their words. Mothers who know the truth are obligated to raise their children. Tigray has lost a successor.
If you have a message for the Tigrayan parents who raised their children for this unjust war, let me give you a
chance.
Countless young people have died in the TPLF triggered war. Even their own people have testified to this. The message I want to convey is that they should try to say enough. Do not let our children go, they must challenge the TPLF, saying
that Ethiopia is our country and will not collapse. Otherwise, the Defense Forces alone cannot liberate Tigray. They must be able to cooperate.
Thankyou
You are welcome
The Ethiopian Herald December 25/2021
