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By Seble Teweldebirhan
Addis Ababa, June 11, 2012 (Ezega.com) - Temesgen Desalegne, founder and Editor of the weekly Amharic newspaper Fetehe is a pragmatic political journalist in the country. He writes contemporary critique targeting the ruling party, government officials, opposition parties, and more often the Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. He is probably the only person currently living in the country, and not imprisoned, to write blunt critique of the government. In fact, it is a mystery for many why he is still out there writing, instead of sent abroad or to prison with his colleagues and friends.
Regardless, Temesgen is still criticizing the Ethiopian regime every week and his newspaper Fetehe is gaining considerable acceptance among the public. However, there are many who disapprove of his critique as driven by emotion rather than established facts, but that do not seem to be stopping his growing popularity. Recently, Temesgen published a book titled ‘’Yemeles Amelko” or “Worshipping Meles”. The 254-page book contains 32 different articles he wrote for his newspaper Fetehe over the years.
The title of the book came from one of his articles, which tries to criticize the current dominant personality of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. In a country of more than 80 million people and a party that claims to have more than 5 million members, the popular view seems to be that there is no one competent enough to replace the PM and lead the country. There are opinions that say if the PM quits his position, it might even be challenging to continue as a nation. This attitude seems to greatly frighten and shame Temesgen. Accordingly, he explains this threat as a calculated political game.
Among other political dramas, Temesgen argues the ruling party showed an extensive effort to build the image of the PM beyond reach. For example, several books celebrating the achievements of the PM started to appear in the market. The books presented the PM as extraordinary, a mastermind, committed, loyal, brave, and capable of many things. His character publicized as a person who reads, who values knowledge, and knows what he does in every sector.
In addition, pictures of the PM has also emerged everywhere. In most offices, and public spheres nowadays, pictures are hanging with a logo like “Long Live Meles”. Even in Mesqel Squire in Addis Ababa, the biggest square in the country, the PM is present in a huge poster showing children a better future.
However, building his image beyond comparison does not stop there. The media, committed to convince everyone that he is the last and the only authority in the country uses his name very frequently. Most statements begin with ‘as the PM said’ or ‘as the PM indicated’ etc. In addition, words he comes up with often referring to various situations are the main parts of any news report or speech.
Most importantly, not once the Ethiopian people had an opportunity to see the PM challenged for real. Even when that happens, insiders to the media suggest that it is carefully edited since the effort is always to present him as a man who has answers to every question. Temesgen in his book also noted that celebrated political figures in the ruling party, other than the PM, have a short career in public sphere. They immediately lose their spotlight if the public started to like them. Temesgen argues that this has indeed worked, and the PM is currently the only practical authority in the country. Officials are failing to come up with their own statements and reactions, and they must refer him in most of their public encounters.
Temesgen also included discussion on the famous debate between the renowned opposition leader and human rights activist professor Mesfin Woldemariam and the most controversial and influential leader of TPLF Aboy Sebhat Nega. The two political personalities at the opposite sides of the spectrum have recognizable arguments in Fetehe newspaper especially on Ethiopia history.
In addition, Temesgen included several articles he used to criticize government officials, opposition parties and several other institutions in equal terms. He challenges the various statues of the regime, misuse of power in religion, corruption, and so many other pressing matters in the country.
For those who do not have access to the newspaper Fetehe, and would like to know how Temesgen views politics and social being in Ethiopia in general, the book is a convenient alternative.
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Seble Teweldebirhan is Addis Ababa based Reporter for Ezega.com. She can be reached by sending email through this form.
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