Resurging Dire Dawa

Inside one of the train repair shops

The rustic trains at the old train station in the center of Dire Dawa, the liveliness of the open market in Kezira and the locals’ extremely calm attitude cannot be fully explained in texts or justified in snap shots. One must walk through it all to appreciate Ethiopia's resurging trading hub.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed Column on Addis Fortunehere published on Apr 05, 2015. Or simply click the following http://addisfortune.net/columns/resurging-dire-dawa/

Cheers,

Daniel

Sexual Harassment in Ethiopia

Sexual harassment is so pervasive here in Ethiopia. Almost every day, we are bound to witness young women being harassed by men in our beautiful Ethiopia. Our women continue to endure constant disrespect and unsavory sexual harassment. Different women deal with it differently, yet somehow, they seem to courageously persevere through it all.

Read the full version of my Nothing But Equality Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune here published on Mar 23, 2015. Or simply click the following http://addisfortune.net/columns/nothing-but-equality/ 

Cheers, 
Daniel

It’s All about Personality

Do you know your personality? Learning others personalities helps us work efficiently and communicate effectively in the manner that makes sense to our targeted audience...read the rest and share your opinion.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune published on Feb 22, 2015. Or simply click the following link. http://addisfortune.net/columns/its-all-about-personality/

Tenets of Winning Customers

Here is my opinion piece for this week on the lack of customer service in Ethiopia and suggestions for improvement.

Ethiopia is as warmly hospitable and as friendly as it can be. We go far beyond necessary to treat and accommodate our guests and visitors in our homes with the utmost respect and hospitality. Our hospitality, however, is not reflected in our business dealings and interactions. Too often, our business culture deprives people good customer services.

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune published on Feb 8, 2015. Or simply click the following link. http://addisfortune.net/columns/tenets-of-winning-customers/

Cheers,

Daniel

Why Mekelle Lacks Vibrancy

Vibrant cities are centers of a lot of unique offerings, keeping the spirits of those who live within its boundaries and attracting outsiders. Cities that are accessible with public transportation have diverse eatery options, congregation for art and cultural activities, impel people to interact and build relationships. Music and other social outings help bring people together and exchange ideas.

This is what Mekelle is missing. On one of my visits, I arrived late Friday afternoon…

Read the full version of my Op-Ed column on Addis Fortune here published on Feb 1, 2015. Or simply click the following link. http://addisfortune.net/columns/why-mekelle-lacks-vibrancy/

Cheers,

Daniel

A New Day a New Spirit

Sunset view in Debrezeyt back in 2014 :)

Experts do say, if you want to be happy, be grateful. This e-mail is to do just that - to express my

gratitude. I have so much to be grateful to you and people like you. I feel indebted for your positive influence and encouragement that I have received this past year and beyond. Without a doubt, I have grown so much, personally and professionally in these past six months.

I admit at the end of each December, I find myself recycling some of my previous New Year resolutions. I nonetheless, like many; I approach the first day of the year with a new energy and a new list of targeted goals. But most of all, a new spirit of can do attitude.

2015 is already looking a promising one, and by all means, I plan to keep it that way. But first, cheers to the just concluded 2014. It was a great year indeed. In 2014, I was fortunate to have met and spend sometime with a lot of successful people whom I call are achievers and doers. People who have contributed and continue to contribute tremendously for the betterment of humanity in their respective arena.

Even though, the lessons I have learned this past year were plenty, the biggest lesson I feel I have absorbed is, how the achievers seem to share one particular characteristic. They all seem to be driven by their fear of failure as much as they are driven by the clarity of their vision. It is as if they share a trait that is almost egotistical. It is a pride thing to many of them, some sort of an innately understood measure of self-worth. They are very decisive individuals, and subsequently, prioritizing comes naturally to them. They could find themselves in the presence of the most important people, and yet, they are unfazed by it. They waste no time, if it does not contribute to their overall goal somehow. They do what they want. They don’t yield. They lead.

There is so much to be learned from meeting and spending time with new faces in new places. It allows you to enter their space and observe things from their perspective, however small of a window that might be. When you are genuinely curious to learn why people do what they do? What drives them? Why some people go far in life where others have failed? You start to look at things differently. You start to lose your point of reference from which you are used to judge people’s actions or there lack off. Instead, you start to see things from their view as though you are following their visual patter through one glimpse of snap shot at a time. You get stimulated, and subconsciously you start to adapt their ways. There, in the process, you pick up cues why they do what they do, and like that, learning happens to you.

With a little luck make it a fulfilling year to you and your loved ones.

Be the brighter star of the day,

But, if your zodiac calls for the night

Then be a full Moon

and reflect the sunlight.

Best of wishes from Ethiopia

~ Daniel

 

Enjoying a coffee break with coworkers

Greetings from Tigray

When you visit new place for the first time it keeps your brain and your spirit stimulated with so much new information. That is even much greater when the place you visit is one that has special memories and holds sentimental values to oneself. Every day that I am blessed to spend it in Ethiopia, I feel relaxed, present & ALIVE. I am happy to see so much progress and optimist and inspired by the amount of work that still needs to be done. Humbled by some tireless government employees who work on behalf their people, grateful to all vigilant individuals who stand up for what they believe.

I think International Tigray Festival 2014 was a monumental, I feel lucky to have been part of it. I am confident we will see others follow the lead and I hope to see International Ethiopian Festival in the near future celebrated in Ethiopia. There is so much potential to be fostered out of a continuously connected Ethiopians living in the motherland and in the Diaspora.

To my friends, it is not for lack of effort from my end, I can’t tell you how insufficient the network is here, so please know your attempt to reach me is much appreciated. As always it has been a great reminder how efficient the western systems are and how much Ethiopia needs it in order to really reach middle-income country and expand its middle class population. Until next time, stay blessed.

With smiles from Mekelle,

Daniel 

What people reveal without trying to reveal about their personalities…

I really enjoy listening to people who frequently quote or make reference to books for many reasons. Some of my reasons are listed below, and as you read on keep in mind a challenge for yourself, that is to share something that you have observed/learned.

1. The obvious: people who are readers inspire me to be a well read individual. Yes, it seems it isn’t that difficult to be an avid reader, if you have the interest, commitment and discipline; but really is there anything more challenging than these.

2. In depth: when you pay close attention to avid readers, they are knowledgeable and are excellent communicators. They are not verbose; they cut through the unnecessary words and phrases. Precise & very articulate. They easily make convincing argument because they are able to make connections between events and patters.

3. The revelation: what is even more humbling about individuals who share where they got their ideas and supporting arguments is what they revel without trying to revel anything. People who are quick to give others credits are those who are sincere and have no need to prove anything to others. They are already content with themselves and they are not trying to impress others. They don't try to pretend they came up with the ideas themselves, they know they are not the center of the world. Knowledge is in everyone and no one ever comes up with something without being inspired by something else. Everything is connected and taking pride in something as a sole proprietary I think is a good sign of one's inner void or lack of self-esteem.

4. The reason: Why some are well read compared to others? Perhaps a matter of personality, avid readers are likely to be introverts by a greater margin than extroverts. Growing up they prefer their alone time with books than social gatherings. How are introverts different from extraverts? For one they are more reflective, speak less, have an appeal for data and figures, and are more analytical.

Disclaimer: this is purely from my own observation; so feel free to share your disapproval, and yes this does generalize, but really isn’t that what reality is based on.

Yours truly,
#LifelongStudent

Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)

Why do Ethiopian's celebrate Meskel? Watching Ethiopia's Meskel Demera on TV always felt great; but there is nothing like experiencing it in person. Ethiopia and its centuries old rich traditions and cultures...ah man inde Ethiopia. Enjoy the short yet amazing video and pictures that I was able to capture with my smart phone. It is very exciting to hear that his holiness Abune Mathias Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church saying ongoing efforts are underway to have the Meskel holiday inscribed by UNESCO in the near future. 

The video below is slideshow of few pictures that I took with my smartphone. This one is specially dedicated to those who couldn't be there in person. Kebahir mado lalachu wegenoche. Enjoy. 

What is Meskel? Here is a short informative introduction about the Ethiopian Holiday Meskel copied from Ethiopian Treasures. Meskel is celebrated by dancing, feasting and lighting a massive bonfire known in Ethiopian tradition as "Demera". Meskel commemorates the finding of the True Cross in the fourth century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. The feast is celebrated in Ethiopia on September 17 Ethiopian calendar (September 27 Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the True Cross. The celebration of Meskel signifies the presence of the True Cross at mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery and also symbolizes the events carried out by Empress Helena.

According to tradition, Empress Helena lit incense and prayed for assistance to guide her. The smoke drifted towards the direction of the buried cross. She dug and found three crosses; one of them was the True Cross used to crucify Jesus Christ. Empress Helena then gave a piece of the True Cross to all churches, including the Ethiopian Church. This piece was then brought to Ethiopia. According to the Ethiopian legend, when people get close to the piece of the True Cross it made them naked by its powerful light. Because of this, a decision was made to bury it at the mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery in Wollo region. The monastery of Gishen Mariam holds a volume of a book which records the story of the True Cross of Christ and how it was acquired.

Cheers,
Daniel 

My Four Choice of Words for Ethiopian New Year's Resolution

I feel HAPPY and blessed with a receptive brain that is capable of learning a lot of things if I choose to Click here to learn more insight about the Ethiopian calendar.  This gives most Ethiopian Diasporas, an opportunity or excuse (depending how you look at it) to reflect, reassess, recycle, restart and prioritize our New Year resolution twice in a year. I am no different. So, I too, try to immerse myself in the spirit and dig in deep to reflect on my previous resolutions and subsequent progress.
feed it.  Today Sept 11, 2013 is a fresh New Year to Ethiopians. Ethiopia does not follow the Gregorian calendar or Western calendar. To Ethiopians, today is actually September 1, 2006.

This year I feel more confident, realistic and driven. Maintaining this upbeat attitude and feelings will be the most important part. Making sure those motivations do not become fleeting feelings. I will have to write my goals using the SMART plans and structure my plans and goals into something that are actionable and measurable; well at least until January 1, 2014, when I am sure I will be reflecting and on today’s resolution yet again. I am focusing on four words to help me achieve the goals and resolutions I wish to pursue. Success, how ever small or big we all dream is inevitable, for it is a mere reflection of one’s internal satisfaction to the time, money and energy we invest towards some task or project. Therefore success is largely dependent on our inputs towards it. There are no short cuts and there is no alternate for hard work, but there are essential additions to supplement and enhance hard work. I guess I am trying to rephrase the saying, “Success is when hard work meets opportunity”. My four choice of words for 2006 are:

1. OPPORTUNITY – Take everything for what it is worth and try to capitalize on it, growth and progress will naturally ensue.

2. LIMIT – I have heard many wiser men say, the one thing that stops people from reaching there potential is the limit that they put on themselves. It is true at the curves and boundaries are the sweet spots for learning & absorbing. One’s capabilities and interests must surely be explored and tried one step at a time, it shall be achieved. “I might not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday”. And as the story goes, Thomas Edison failed more than 10,000 times when he was trying to create an electric light bulb, but he saw it differently saying, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

3. ACTION – True learning comes from engaging and trying theories in practical terms to gain more experience. Doing one’s plans timely requires focus, efficiency and productivity (my choice of words in my previous resolution that still will be in play this time around).

4. SYNERGY – Connect things and fill in the gaps to optimize on everything. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”

However, with all of that, there is one thing that is hard to plan or execute, but with life’s grace, more than anything else, the role other people play in our lives is unmatched. Through their guidance, assistance or just simply by being in it, they become the source and the reason of our motivation. The reasons how and why certain people enter our lives and are able to influence us is as diverse as the purpose they are in it to begin with

With that being said, we don’t know our influence on others but the influence of others on us. It is beautiful that way. I for one always feel so many people have helped, guided and influenced me for which I am grateful (whether big or small and you might even not know it).

Amongst other things, one of my goals for this year is to learn more through reading and writing. I plan to share what I learn or what I observe with you through one of my many social media accounts and e-mail. I would love for you to share your feedback what ever it might be; it is a great help to me as I try to progress each day. I will post what ever I feel is worth sharing on my Lifelong Student blog, facebook and/or twitter accounts.

If you are on one of those and we are not connected please add me on to the your circle of friends.

www.danielethiopia.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/DanielEthiopia

or on facebook I am Daniel Ethiopia

Cheers and to my Ethiopians Happy New Year. May 2006 bring you joy and fulfillment. Here is less than one minute video a glimpse of Addis Ababa around Bole area.

~Daniel

Daniel’s Chronicle of Addis Ababa (Part I)

Dear family and Friends, sorry for not keeping you up to date as I thought I would. However, unfortunately the Internet service here in Ethiopia is not as cooperative; hence, it is good excuse for my ‘better late than never’ update. Rather than attempting to update you all via e-mail and what’s not I figured I would just write a blog post and hope you find it worth the read of what I have to share.

There is something about me and writing, I start writing something and I tend to leave it half done; telling myself this isn’t ready to be shared, it out to be articulated, researched or simply explained better. Then one day at a time, the topic becomes long past overdue and I lose the urge to spend some more time editing and reviewing it before sharing it with others. I am going to try to start a different habit of writing and sharing, that is, I am going to try to share what I find myself writing however brief or inadequate it might be.

Let’s consider this one as the pre-emptive resolution to the new Ethiopian New Year just around the corner. It has been five years since the last time I visited the motherland; and my family & friends ask me very much similar question. Those outside of Ethiopia ask how is it? And those in Ethiopia ask how did you find it? The questions from those in the Diaspora seems to be more or less open ended while the questions from those within Ethiopia seem to have a suggestive tone (as if they have no doubt that I should be witnessing change).

It is not easy to answer the questions with just simple generalized statements. So I thought to myself, why not try to describe things as I am experiencing them by explaining and describing things as accurately as I find it; thus attempt to give people a very small lens to their senses and leave the translation and definition to their own imagination as much as I can.

The nonstop flight with Ethiopian airline from DC to Addis ended with a loud applause by the passengers as our plane smoothly landed at Bole airport. Through out the flight, the flight attendants kept addressing me as ‘antu; “erswo” an Amharic word used to show respect when addressing people who are either older than oneself or to imply respect (given, that I am a young man, I thought it showed the airlines humble customer service and professionalism, although I have heard to the contrary from fellow country man, every time that I have taken Ethiopian I never been disappointed). I don’t really remember Bole airport’s conditions or its set up to know if there is change or not…the process was fast and before I knew it, I was outside of the airport gazing at the plentiful of old taxis and gazing at the city. I don’t ever remember being so alert and eager to soak in anything and everything in details. The whole city seems much greener than I used to remember it, the taxis seem to be much older and worn out than what ever I was expecting.

Driving through the city is much different than how I remember it five years ago. Literally the whole city seems under construction (sometime back when I lived in the outskirts of Houston, Texas, my friends and I used to joke how if you leave your house for a week, when you come back to your home, you would notice new houses next to your house and you would wonder how and when they got built), in Addis Ababa it is as if that thought is on steroid. Some old neighborhoods and blocks are unrecognizable with new buildings and business centers. Yet so many things look incomplete and so much gap to be filled. What seems a barely finished and inaugurated building already has broken edges, non functioning electrical hand dryers, water faucets, doors, and stained walls already screaming for repainting etc.

I was at George Washington University one day for African Business Forum, and I remember one of the panelists Pro. Yohannes Assefa saying when ‘I travel to different countries through out, I try to think of 10 feasible business ideas in the time span that take me from the airport to my hotel’. Here you need not travel from airport to your hotel room for 10 business ideas, you can stand at an intersection survey your area and guaranteed you would think of dozen business ideas that are lacking. The city is heaven for creative and entrepreneurial spirited minds. As I arrived at my temporary home from Bole airport (a nice apartment to my standards) I could not believe the number of vehicles around. Nowhere in America have I seen that many cars in any residential neighborhood. It seems at least in these apartment complexes there are more cars per household than in any apartment settings in the US (perhaps adequate attention was not given to parking spaces when the apartment complexes here were designed). I tried to take shower before heading to work but unfortunately there was no running water (still many weeks later there rarely is running water in the morning after 8am and around 8pm…but that is no problem we have big buckets full of water and my roommates and I don’t seem to be bother by it at all.

Though my body kept feeling it was up for a while and it must been late in the afternoon (thanks to Jet lag), it was only 9:30am local time when I showed up to my workplace office about an hour and half later after I landed.  Just few minutes into it I was asked if I want Coffee or Tea. Thinking to myself I ordered neither I said none. Little did I know, we get free Coffee or Tea at about 9:30am and another one at about 3pm (yes its kind of normal thing in Ethiopia at least in bigger offices). Big smiles. 

I went 6 floors down to one of the cafes for lunch, had Injera firfir and after the very first bite, my thoughts were what the hell is the Injera around DC made of? I must have forgotten how delicious the authentic Injera could be. Thanks to what America has thought me, I asked to take with me my left over (I think the fact that the locals use ‘take away’ as their vocabulary for any order that is to go is indicator of Ethiopians are not accustomed to taking their left over).  I paid about 70-80 Birr, which equates to approximately 4 - 5 Dollars for my one Injera meal with a freshly made mixed juice for drink. There I had completed my first half workday in the motherland.

Most people feel life is expensive and living standard in Addis is very high. I suppose it is a matter of perspective and what the reference is. To me certain things seem to be expensive compared to the Washington DC area, and of course certain things are much cheaper. But there is one thing that is undeniable what ever the reason is; money just seems to be leaving one’s pocket at a much faster rate. I tell my friends jokingly, I frequently have to look back and check to see if money is slipping out of my pocket J Here are sample of things that are much more expensive here, a shoes that I could buy around DC for about 35 - 50 Dollars, here, it is well over 100 Dollars. If you want to dry-clean a shirt it is a bit over 2 Dollars where as in DC you can get it done for less than 2 Dollars. What are cheaper here? Mainly things that are labor-intensive products/services that are Ethiopia based; example freshly made avocado juice, getting hair cut etc…these things would be at least 2-3 times cheaper than what one would pay around DC. Either way you need to carry a lot of cash with you. As one of my friends put it, when you start planning your day, you honestly need to think about do I need to buy anything today? If yes, how many thousands of cash do I need is the next question that needs to be addressed. A shoe that I am wearing was 2,400 Birr (approx $128), wouldn’t have paid more than $35 in the states. If you want to buy a jacket or something else it is going to be a pocket full of cash (you get the point).

  

A lot of rest rooms in the city seem to be designed by the same engineers, unless the door to the men’s restrooms is closed, the Urinals are often times on the wall directly from the door and when people open the doors there is no privacy. The ladies as they pass to their ladies restrooms could have a good view of the men aiming there if they so wish too J. But nothing matches the difficulty of finding restrooms in service facilities that have toilet papers. I only have found few restrooms that have toilet papers; you got to carry one of your own to be safe. What else is somewhat different, well, around here I notice people pick up someone else’s (coworkers, friend and families) phone calls with out hesitation and answer the call. It seems normal and they do it so genuinely. For the whole time that I have been here, I think it has at the very least rained once a day and the 13 months of sunshine is being waited on patiently. Café’s are everywhere and full of customers at least on the weekends, during lunch and after work hours. I am not sure how it is like in between the rush hours, but I wouldn’t think it changes much. People are chill and when you go to restaurant and like places, you will have to wait for sometime unless you ask for services yourself…in most places the bill is only brought to you once you have asked for it (the gap regarding customer services or the lack of it as I see it actually needs its own topic…coming soon)

What has been the most surprising thing for me is, I used to follow the Ethiopian current events/politics fairly close while living in the Diaspora; but around here not so much. Why? Because, there is not as much catalyst as there is when you live in the Diaspora. In the Diaspora, certainly in DC there is nonstop discussion of topics related to Ethiopian politics or current events. Perhaps people lean towards that as a way to stay connected and feel close to home. Around here, people go about their daily lives and there seems very very little talk about politics. Even though I am in the heart of the land I have never felt so distanced from Ethiopian current events due to the lack of access to information of variant viewpoints. The Internet is slow or sometimes just doesn’t work at all, so it certainly discourages you from having to Google online news. I interact with people a lot but they neither seem to be concerned nor interested to discuss politics. Except two things many residents are convinced standard of living is very expensive, but I am not sure if people over look the other side of the equation, why things are expensive? To me there seems to be unlimited demand and people seem to be spenders but no one discusses that side of the equation. The second one is corruption, a topic that circulates a lot even in Azmari bet (who can help me define Azmari bet in English) as jokes and satires.   

The other thing that I have notice is how people seem to be so relaxed and walk with their heads help up high no urgency in their steps and seem to be living in the moment. People walk slowly and cheerfully as if they have no place to be at a specific time they would just get where ever they are going when ever they get there. It makes you a bit jealous but living here you adopt quickly to the circumstances.

All and all if I had to choose one thing to use as a sample to reflect or summarize the status of Addis Ababa, I would say the road system epitomizes life and everything in general in the city. In some areas it is quite wonderful and very nice. Yet, even in those nicely built roads including the newly inaugurated Bole road, so much work is still needed, the drainage on the side of the road for instance are wide open as can be seen on one of this picture and very dangerous for people walking in the dark or even during the day, but possibly not paying attention to their steps. Some roads in the city terribly need repair and redesign. Addis Ababa is a city that defines ‘Work in Progress’ and certainly its worst days seem long behind it. 

Disclaimer, this is just bit of my observation, on my next post I will share my experience about services from government offices or off there lack of and promise to keep it to a specific topic. Share whatever view comes to mind as you read this.

 

Warmly from the Motherland,

Daniel

African Union and Quadafi’s 'Fantasy'

Well, well, well exciting news for all of you my African progressive minded folks. On its 12th summit the African Union (AU) have selected Libya’s head of state Col. Muammar Quadafi to chair the organization. Just incase, let me drop a line or two about what AU is, AU is a successor of Organization of African Unity (OAU) established in 2002. Its head quarter is in

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All African states but Morocco (withdrew) are member of the AU, which meets twice a year.

So what is the exciting news? Well, Africa finds itself, as President Obama would say ”in the midst gathering clouds and raiding storms”, politically unstable, economically deprived, with countless civil wars, ethnic conflicts and momentous epidemic disease that is driving millions to the graves across Africa. In this time the AU have selected a self described “King of Kings” Libya’s totalitarian Col. Muammar Quadafi, to chair the organization for the 09-10 year. I am not concerned about where he might lead the Continent because the AU leader in this case “King of Kings Quadafi” does not have any significant power over any jurisdiction to the AU with out the consensus of the head of states of the member countries. The assembly of the African Union makes the important decisions, which meet twice a year.

The likely hood of Mr. Quadafi agenda prevailing to implement or redirect the course of Africa’s path is slim to none; though what troubles me is, he would not bring any light to the organizations, that faces so many alarming issues across the continent. With all due respect to “king of kings” Mr. Quadaffit, In my opinion he is the classical dictator who’s country have not see a single beaming rays of democracy under his control ever since taking power through a military coup at the age of 27; in which seems centuries ago in 1969. Mr. Quadafi

have been in power for 40 years, ”… the longest-serving leader in the Arab world”

Last August Quadafi gathered over 200 Africa’s traditional leaders to name him ”King of Kings” of Africa. So it should not come as surprise to hear that, before his arrived at the summit in Addis Ababa, ”…he circulated a letter saying he was coming as the king of the traditional kings of Africa”. I want to say 'what a moron' but I am not going to. Seriously, what kind of senseless leader would do such thing, in this ever changing and globalizing world of 21century? In what seems to me a thoughtless ambition of Quadafi quest, the ”king of kings” travelled to Addis Ababa with his long dreamed fantasy of creating a “United State of Africa”. He actually proposed it long ago; I remember hearing the idea floating as far back as 9 years ago. Thought then he didn’t have the conch (the talking stick). Now, on his inaugural speech he proudly expressed his ‘vision for Africa’ “I shall continue to insist that our sovereign countries work to achieve the United States of Africa," an Africa with a single military, single currency and single passport and so on. He even went on to explain how having political parties is the main reason to African nations civil and interstate wars, therefore, African leaders need to follow his example and abolish opposition political parties. Again it makes you want to say ”what a moron” but I ought respect my elders.

Expert on the African Union called the vision of “the United States of Africa” a "ludicrous fantasy on the part of [Col] Gaddafi." It is just that and beyond, a hallow ideology of Quadafi. Don’t we all wish for the existence of united and strong African? oh it would be sweet and so fulfilling to see a united Africa; but only if one is capable of brushing all its reality aside and live on cloud nine. Most African countries could not even create a peaceful and stable nation with in their own state, let alone trying to merge thousands and thousands of different languag

es, tribe, and ethnic groups to co-exist peacefully in a large but single state.

The AU chairmanship is a rotating power between regional head of state every year. This year it was turn for a northern African country and to Quadafi’s luck; Libya was the only countries present in the summit. In my view regardless of the circumstance they should not have selected Quaddfi. I think it is giant step backwards for Africa and great disappointment towards our African leaders, who didn’t stand strong to voice against Quaddaffi’s selection; knowing that, this is the same man who used to support and train many rebels from across the world inside his country under his leadership. The same man who have a law that forbids political groups who’s ideology are opposed to his own, consequently Human Rights Watch says, hundreds of Libyans have been imprisoned, disappeared and others sentenced to death.

A stanza from a poem titled ”Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost reads as follow...

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, 


But I have promises to keep, 


And miles to go before I sleep, 


And miles to go before I sleep.

Likewise Africa’s journey is so far of a distance from the European Union and the U.S.A that the idea of “United States of Africa” would probably tear the continent apart in no time. Thanks for the idea Mr. Quadafi but Africa does not need help on that aspect.

Dani.

Emotional State of Mind

Feb. 03, 09

Emotional State of Mind

My writings below the line was written over a month ago, but after listening to the new song by Teddy Afro (while imprisoned) titled “Ayinafar Negne” meaning (I am shy) I decided to post what I have written before it. As fanatic, I have wondered if Teddy is going to be imprisoned for all the 6 years he is sentenced to serve? In the times that I have found myself wishing, for his release or pardon, I can’t help it to think if I’m being selfish and injustice to the verdict of the court, or if my wish is a reasonable and justified by others who are fans and seek fairness under the court of law (of course this is under the assumption that his sentence was justified and proven with evidence under the court of law.)

If you would like to listen to Teddy’s new song “Ayinafar Negne” click the link below http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rq1LSA1XpNg

It is hard not to be stirred up by Teddy’s music as most of his songs hit his targeted audience so precisely. Accompanied by his beloved vocal tone, his music ranges across the spectrum; from helpless lovers victim expression to politically provocative messages and mesmerizing gospel chants for the grace of God; his poetically rhythm lines with the soothing instrumentals resonance, harmonic melody, coherent and thematic lyrics are powerful force of attraction to any, even to those untargeted audiences.

I always loved his music but i came to appreciate and love his music even so much more now. I know I would be lying if I didn’t say that I am fearful of the uncertainty of the outcome of his life after 6 years in prison. For example how can you not feel somber and emotionally stirred when you are in a [sew ager and listen to Yagere Semay

 “…besemay gari yehedkut beririe/ yalfilign biye new sweta kagere/ beslet wetiche lemigne tawott’/ min yize limeles wede enatie bett’/ bahir aku’arche teguzie teguzie hagere tegu’zie teguzie/ tadia endet limeles hagere? Eji enaten yizie hagere eji enaten yizie/ tirgum yatabigna yesidet nureye yesidet nuroye, andinum salyizew limeles agree limeles ageree…satna sikefagn bifesim enbaye, eyanebu eskista lemdiwal tikishaye”

……………………………………………………. 

Dec 11, 08 

“…satna sikefagn bifesim enbaye, eyanebu eskista lemdiwal tikishaye”As I leaned back on the backseat of the green and white bus, there are only three final days left to this winding yet challenging semester. As I wait to face my two hardest finals, with uncertainty and unprepared yet, my anxiety and stress seems to increase. Between studying and working I have slept for no more than 5 total hours in the past two and half days.  Ironically at the expense of sleep and studying, I feel the urge to write what is on my mind swirling like some sort of emotional turbulent.

I am sure and aware that the lack of sleep and physical tiredness have increased the vulnerability of my emotions, but some of Teddy Afro’s songs are causing different ideas to crash and collide with an emotional attachment within me.

Most of you Ethiopians know by now that, Tedros Kassahun better known as Teddy Afro, one of Ethiopia’s sensational musician have been convicted to a 6 year in prison for “manslaughter of a homeless man and fleeing from a scene of a car accident”. I absolutely love his music and admire his talents regardless if I accept or reject all the contents within his music. I was hoping the court would find him innocent of all charges and that he would be back to his artistic life, though at the same time I am not a cold hearted being who would wish the death of the poor homeless man to be forgotten in vein. I wanted justice for the poor homeless man who was run over, whomever done it deserved justice.

It is a controversial case with some believing that this was a political against the musician (Tedy) while others believe justice is being served and there is nothing political about it. I on the other hand while listening to “Yenat Bet” (…”Yetsafkut debdabe dersual wey melk’tie? Ene aloh betena, endetnesh enatei?”) One of his songs and get trapped in between; if justice is served it is great, but i wonder what if… he is innocent? How will he cope with the prison life and what he will be like after 6 years?

Ethiopian troops have been in Somalia since its intervention to help the transitional government of Somalia to stand on its feet against Somalia’s own Islamic militia of the Supreme Islamic Courts Council in 2006. [Though it is debatable if the Ethiopian troops entered to Somali to help the Somalia transitional government, or to strengthen its sovereign security, considering that the Islamic Court had declared Jihad against Ethiopia], If you are not aware know that, especially with the lack of stable government in Somalia, East Africa is becoming a terrorism hub.

Even though I’m happy that Ethiopia’s brave troops will be going home; on one hand, I feel that having Ethiopian forces in the failed state of Somalia was beneficial to the security of East African Countries. Though by no means do I suggest Ethiopia should continue to maintain its military any longer than it already has been.  My skeptic side raises questions and simultaneously I say so to myself “what the hell do I know about military and terrorism?”

Eritrea’s president Isaias Afwerki and Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seem to be the new bestfriends. They seem to bond so well that “Iranian ships and submarines have deployed an undisclosed number of Iranian troops and weapons at the Eritrean port town of Assab, according to opposition groups, foreign diplomats, and NGOs in the area”. The Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad even went on to say there is no limit to their relationship with the Eritrean “government” and he said that both ““countries share common views on regional and global issues and have similar stances towards the hegemonic powers.” Now that’s a yellow flashing light stating danger ahead to me.

Listening to Tedy’s Shemendefer “maleda tiwat tenesiche/ kebtochien asemariche/ litebikat kewenzu ga hugni/ befikru’a alchilim tamime…tichew eregninetie esu’a esuan sayi!” I feel nostalgic, reminiscing a time when I was in elementary school, i remember leaving the house early, and wait on the road hoping to see the girl I had this huge temporary crush J, thought I don’t really recall how many times I succeed seeing her, because I guess some times she was taking different routs from her house to get to school; of course not realizing she could of made Daniel day J. I tried, but regardless those were some great feelings, even now remembering that makes me smile.

By now, you probably are wandering why the hell am I deviating amongst different subject matters with unstructured paragraphs? This is an expression of mind; my thoughts are not flowing or meandering smoothly [about] a subject so I decided to just try to express it in its original form. After all this is just Dani’s view.

Dani.