LESSON FROM NIGERIA(for Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, EU, USA, and the UN)
By Kidane Alemayehu
April 17, 2006
Nigeria has set an unprecedented and remarkable example in African politics by handing over ex-President Charles Taylor, the previous dictator of Liberia, to the United Nations so that he would stand trial for his crimes against the people of that country. The Nigerian people and their leadership deserve the fullest admiration by all those who stand for justice throughout the world for the principled action taken against ex-President Taylor. This action would no doubt send a clear message to all current dictators and those who might entertain such ideas that they would not be able to escape justice sooner or later.Nigeria’s commendable action clearly indicates that those days when dictators would bleed their people, and nations’ resources and retire in luxury at some safe places are, thank God, finally over! Africa is coming of age.
It is the fervent hope of this writer that the government and people of Zimbabwe would learn the right lesson from the courageous and principled action taken by Nigeria by handing over the most vicious previous dictator of Ethiopia taking refuge in their country, namely, Mengistu Hailemariam who is living in a splendid luxury in their midst.
The Ethiopian people had contributed substantially to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. It is, therefore, sad to note that the Zimbabwe government is giving refuge to a dictator who had perpetrated atrocious crimes against the people of Ethiopia. One wonders what Zimbabewans would feel if their dictator were harbored in another seemingly friendly country.
One other point that should be made is that Ethiopians in the diaspora as well as in the country prefer to put the case of Mengistu’s murderous past under the carpet ostensibly on the basis of the argument that the current crisis in Ethiopia should command the full focus of their attention. It is submitted, however, that unless individuals such as Mengistu are brought to justice, our indifference would likely result in breeding current and future vicious dictators. It should also be stated that the struggle for democracy, peace and development in Ethiopia can proceed effectively while an appropriate action is taken regarding the extremely overdue case of Mengistu Hailemariam.
It is further important to emphasize that the on-going case being conducted by the current regime in Ethiopia against Dictator Mengistu has been dragging on for 15 years! Talk of a snail’s pace. Nevertheless, even if the case were to be resolved (apparently expected later in May), skepticism is likely to arise as to whether the culprit has been given his full day in court. Therefore, similar to other dictators such as Milosovic and Taylor, Mengistu Hailemariam should also stand trial at an international court. For this to happen, however, under the current system of international law, concerned governments have to seek such a recourse against the dictator. The behest of popular public opinion, especially that of Ethiopians, could go a long way in bringing Mengistu Hailemariam to justice in the context of an international tribunal, a measure that he has managed to escape for so many years. It is absolutely essential that Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia concerned with the human rights abuses and genocide perpetrated by Mengistu Hailemariam take a sustained and effective measure to ensure that he is prosecuted by an international tribunal.
Will Ethiopians and the people of Zimbabwe bring the former brutal dictator Mengistu Hailemariam to justice by taking a leaf from the exemplary action taken by Nigeria? Would the international community including USA, EU, and the UN give heed to the cry for justice on behalf of the thousands of Ethiopian people who perished during Mengistu Hailemariam’s brutal dictatorship?