PART I
VIDEO: Interview with Col. Alebel Amare, leader of Amhara Democratic Movement and more news.. Col. Alebel was the former deputy commander of the Agazi (Woyane) Army
PART II
PART III
Interview With Colonel Alebel Amare – leader of Amhara Democratic Movement.
By Pheben I
April 21, 2010
Colonel Alebel, former deputy commander of Woyane army, sat down with EriTv correspondent to discuss about his new role, leader of the Amhara Democratic Movement, and the purpose of his movement.
The two reasons that lead to this movement, according to Col. Alebel, include Woyane’s divisive ruling style and the campaign that Woyane is running in order to weaken the Amhara ethnic group. He said the reason they are organized as Amhara (a single ethnic group) is to defend themselves. In the long run, the organization believes in one Ethiopia and is interested in relationships with other opposition groups. He added “as long as they believe in one Ethiopia and they believe power belongs to the people of Ethiopia”. He also said that they have already established relations with some of the opposition groups, including EPPF.
According to Col. Alebel, Woyane has gotten out of control with its exaggerated anti-democratic rules, and this type of government can only be removed by force.
The two reasons that lead to this movement, according to Col. Alebel, include Woyane’s divisive ruling style and the campaign that Woyane is running in order to weaken the Amhara ethnic group. He said the reason they are organized as Amhara (a single ethnic group) is to defend themselves. In the long run, the organization believes in one Ethiopia and is interested in relationships with other opposition groups. He added “as long as they believe in one Ethiopia and they believe power belongs to the people of Ethiopia”. He also said that they have already established relations with some of the opposition groups, including EPPF.
According to Col. Alebel, Woyane has gotten out of control with its exaggerated anti-democratic rules, and this type of government can only be removed by force.
On the upcoming election:
Col. Alebel pointed out that the election has already been decided and that Woyane is just playing games and using it as a tactic to get more foreign aid.
As former member of the ruling party, specifically defense army, Col. Alebel stated that the defense army should not even be described as Ethiopian, rather, it is better to re-name it as “Tigray Defense Army”. He stated that he and other members tried to include all ethnic groups within the party, but failed to convince Woyane. He added that the party ensured all key positions within the government be given to Tigrayans. In fact, he said, 95% positions are held by Tigrayans. The language spoken within the government entities is Tigrinya.
Col. Alebel pointed out that the election has already been decided and that Woyane is just playing games and using it as a tactic to get more foreign aid.
As former member of the ruling party, specifically defense army, Col. Alebel stated that the defense army should not even be described as Ethiopian, rather, it is better to re-name it as “Tigray Defense Army”. He stated that he and other members tried to include all ethnic groups within the party, but failed to convince Woyane. He added that the party ensured all key positions within the government be given to Tigrayans. In fact, he said, 95% positions are held by Tigrayans. The language spoken within the government entities is Tigrinya.
On the defense budget:
Col. Alebel stated 80% of defense, including sophisticated weapons, is positioned in Tigray. Furthermore, 80% of the economy budget is in Tigray. He pointed out however that the people of Tigray are not the beneficiaries of this type of system. Rather, they suffer like every Ethiopian, with no freedom of speech or anything else. He added that this was designed to benefit the Woyane only; their goal is to rule Ethiopia for as long as possible, and the back-up plan is to use Tigray as their hiding place.
Col. Alebel stated 80% of defense, including sophisticated weapons, is positioned in Tigray. Furthermore, 80% of the economy budget is in Tigray. He pointed out however that the people of Tigray are not the beneficiaries of this type of system. Rather, they suffer like every Ethiopian, with no freedom of speech or anything else. He added that this was designed to benefit the Woyane only; their goal is to rule Ethiopia for as long as possible, and the back-up plan is to use Tigray as their hiding place.
On building a Tigray Republic:
Col. Alebel indicated that the ruling party’s name never changed – still Woyane Harnet Tigray, meaning Tigray liberation front. He added that the entire defense system is under Woyane’s control – one ethnic power, and a lot of budget is being poured into Tigray, including foreign aid. He said these are the signs.
Col. Alebel indicated that the ruling party’s name never changed – still Woyane Harnet Tigray, meaning Tigray liberation front. He added that the entire defense system is under Woyane’s control – one ethnic power, and a lot of budget is being poured into Tigray, including foreign aid. He said these are the signs.
On Somalia:
Col. Alebel stated that the defense army’s involvement in Somalia was not based on Ethiopia's benefit but to please America and get more foreign aid.
Even as Somali defense armies, Ethiopians has suffered a lot; many have lost their lives and some are still suffering from severe injuries.
Even as Somali defense armies, Ethiopians has suffered a lot; many have lost their lives and some are still suffering from severe injuries.
