Tolera T | October 9, 2013
Tesfaye Gebreab
Social reconstruction (as optimist call it) or destruction (as pessimists call it) in Ethiopia for the last 120 years has resulted a total annihilation of priceless indigenous knowledge, language and culture, and identity. It would have not been a case of any relevance to point out if it was the result of a continuous natural social shear and evolution. But rather it was a one way conquest that can best be described as imposition that was supported by the wealthy European empires of the time. People of such as Gafat who were entire engineers and entrepreneurs were destroyed while large nations such as the Oromos remain resilient. And this past history should be told without any precondition in all languages possible.
Traditionally, Oromo history especially in the context of Ethiopia is told in English and Afaan Oromo. This way it reaches both the international community and Oromos themselves. However, telling the truth in Ethiopia means addressing the resistant Abyssinian portion of the population that seems disconnected from the international community. Hence it requires telling in Amharic. And that is what several Oromos and non-Oromos have been doing.
Note that the 120 years of conquest has created a dichotomy of modern art in Ethiopia- the Amharic language based and ‘other languages based’. This is true in cinematography, music and literatures. This is also exactly why it should be told in Amharic.
As far as the message and content of art is concerned, there are at least two opposing lobby groups-one fighting to silence any attempt to publish history as it should be told and the other one that is against domination of wrong and one-sided history and storytelling, influencing it. These have recently clashed over Tesfaye Gebreab who was forced to withdraw a publication contract of his new controversial book, ye sidetengaw mastawesha [en: Refugee’s Memoir], because of a strong lobby against it.
Why the Abyssinians campaigned against Tesfaye Gebreab? Some say it is because evidences from a fellow called Alemayehu Mesele, who claimed to have hundreds of pages of Tesfaye’s own handwritten documents that substantiate his intention of dividing Ethiopia or simply working as a spy for Isaias. Others say it is because he included a chapter ‘Chaltu ende Helen’ where he narrates about an Oromo girl called Chaaltu Midhaksaa.
As an Oromo and member of book club, I have immense respect for Tesfaye Gebreab. I have read his books and can only say he is an excellent writer. He depicts historical facts in beautiful Amharic composition and describes historical accounts in great depth and articulation.
His incredible Amharic writing talent could not rescue him from rhetoric that goes as far as revoking his birth write, Ethiopian citizenship. It seems Jawar Mahamed all over again. Just like Jawar whom they praised his insightful political analysis and counted on to ‘save Ethiopia’ to only wish death for him in outrageous Oromophobia, they expelled Tesfaye just because he told the truth. For me, Tesfaye himself, through his writing, is a victim of Oromophobia.
People who shouted and denounced Siye in a speech in DC are now accusing Tesfaye that he defamed Siye; the reason being Tesfaye hates anyone who would reclaim Port Assab [which is included in Arana Tigray’s portfolio anyways] or even Eritrea. I don’t think they know that Tesfaye also made revelations about Bereket Simon who is taught to be in love with Eritrea and have openly argued it is impossible to reclaim Assab.
As to the hundreds of documents allegedly claimed to give evidence that Tesfaye is working closely with Eritrean government to disintegrate Ethiopia, I say let’s see all the documents. A writer, particularly a journalist, can write whatever is in his head on piece of paper and that can’t be taken seriously. If there are military battle plan that he is carrying with him that can jeopardize the flawless ‘Ethiopian Unity’, then I say show us and let’s curse him together. But I don’t quite understand why his allegiance with Eritrean government is taken as a big deal. If people who work with Eritrean government are stripped of their citizenship, Dr. Birhanu and Ato Andargachew Tsige would have no country to fight for.
Tesfaye have often written about Oromo and used Oromo characters in his works. Ye Burka Zimita is probably the only Amharic novel that is based on main Oromo character [Aanole Waaqoo]. The Abyssinians believe Tesfaye is tactically dividing Ethiopians. They blame him for inciting hatred by bringing ‘dead’ history to light. Unless for his distinctive writing style that makes history telling very entertaining, what Tesfaye writes is already told countless times. So there is nothing to divide and hate. Oromos recognize they have followed different paths compared to the Abyssinians and they don’t require Tesfaye’s testimonial for that. They don’t have anyone to hate. Oromos love themselves and will keep telling the world their history.
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