I know, most of you reading the title of this diary are probably asking, who is Birtukan Mideksa? That is precisely the reason why I decided to make this my first diary at the Daily Kos. I have been reading, following, commenting, donating, and taking action here at the Daily Kos for many years now. The presidential elections, especially, made the Daily Kos one of my "MUST visit" sites - hourly. The roller-coaster ride that is the health care debate and the slowly building disappointment in President Obama’s lack of a strong commitment to the public option IS not helping either. But I digress ...
So who is Birtukan Mideksa? Follow me below the fold ...
Ms Birtukan Mideksa is arguably the most prominent female political leader in Africa and currently the head of the biggest opposition party in Ethiopia, a single mother, a prisoner of conscience, and the hope of eighty (80) million Ethiopians. All of this at the very old age of 35.
Ms Mideksa was arrested AGAIN on Dec 28, 2008 and sentenced to life in prison for a speech she made about her previous illegal incarceration. Given the strategic importance of the populous nation of Ethiopia in the global war on terror (situated in the horn with Somalia), the Bush administration had constantly ignored human rights violations in the country as reported by the US State Department, the Carter Center, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the US Senate, US House of Representatives, the European Union, and Canadian MPs – among many others. Especially after the 2005 nationwide elections, the subsequent crackdown that killed hundreds of civilians and imprisoned literally tens of thousands was uniformly condemned by the international community and led to the suspension of aid by Britain, the IMF, the World Bank, and even the Bush Administration.
Here are some quotes on her re-arrest:
- US Embassy in Ethiopia
The U.S. is concerned about the government of Ethiopia’s arrest of Unity for Democracy and Justice Party leader Birtukan Midekssa. We are particularly concerned by reports that Birtukan’s pardon has been revoked and she has begun a life sentence in prison. A vibrant opposition, independent media, and a robust civil society are essential elements of any democracy. The U.S. looks to the government of Ethiopia to provide the political space necessary for them to function. Steps that appear to criminalize dissent impede progress on democratization"
- United States Senators Dick Durbin, Russ Feingold, Johnny Isakson and Patrick Lehy
We worry that Birtukan's re-arrest signals your government's waning commitment to those democratic principles. This is a disappointing signal in advance of your country's elections next year, which we believe have great potential.
- Chairman Donald Payne of the subcommittee for African Affairs, US House of representatives
Ms. Birtukan Mideksa, one of the most prominent political leaders and a staunch human rights advocate, has been imprisoned for the second time by the Ethiopian government. Ms. Mideksa, a freedom fighter and a courageous leader, has faced untold suffering over the past several years.
- Eurpean Union MEPs Ana Gomes, Fontelles, Flautre, Gahler, Kinnock, and Morgantini condemn the arrest of Birtukan Mideksa
We write to express our concern and call your attention to recent developments in Ethiopia, which point to the erosion of human rights and political freedoms.
First, we are deeply concerned by the re-arrest of Ms. Birtukan Mideksa, leader of the Unity for Democracy and Justice Party.
- Gunilla Carson, Minister of the foreign International Development, Sweden
The imprisonment of Birtukan Mideksa is a source of great concern, both for her personally and for democratic development in Ethiopia.
- Peter Julian, Canadian Member of Parliament
Birtukan Mideksa has a constitutional right to participate freely and peacefully in her country’s political and legal process as the head of a political party. She is an inspiring and strong female politician and leader in a country where political freedom and equality for women are seriously threatened
Ms Birtukan Mideksa's re-arrest is meant to intimidate the opposition - the next round of elections are less than a year away. The first time she was charged with treason and genocide (genocide?), Ms Mideksa spent close to two years in prison. At that time, she left her two-year old daughter in the care of her ailing 70 years old grandmother – with no means of support. Ms Mideksa was the sole bread-winner for the family.
Unfortunately, the Obama administration has been slow to reverse Bush Administration policies and apply pressure on the Ethiopian government to release political prisoners, including Ms Birtukan Mideksa. It is tragic to see, yet again, the US making this strategic error and side with a brutal regime and alienate most Ethiopians. Given the popular support Ms Mideksa enjoys, that is exactly what will follow.
What can you do?
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
Martin Luther King Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963