Final Words on Kebrab Ze Ethiopia’s Misguided Defense of Sisay Agena
By Habte H.
Dear Kebrab Ze Ethiopia,
Selam. First of all, let me say this – I truly admire your energy in defending what you believe in. Standing up for ideas is noble, and in our fractured country, such engagement is essential. And by the way, you seem to have a beautiful name – but after reading your defence of Sisay Agena, I could not help but wonder if the name was mistakenly assigned.
Your recent article did not read like a defence of a public figure with flaws – it read like a Prosperity Party (PP) press release. Whether you realize it or not, your words did not just shield Sisay; they provided cover for a crumbling political order that has turned its back on the very principles it once claimed to fight for.
Let us break down what is wrong with your argument – point by point.
1. Misquoting Philosophy to Avoid Accountability
You opened with a quote often thrown around to silence hard truths: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss individuals.” This Eleanor Roosevelt quote is philosophical, not a gag order. It encourages deeper thinking, but it does not mean public figures are off-limits. In fact, when someone holds power, shapes narratives, or influences policy – especially someone like Sisay – public scrutiny is not only fair, but also necessary.
We discuss individuals in public life when their actions impact society, when they betray the principles they once championed, or when they wear the cloak of moral authority while enabling repression. If we cannot talk about such people, who exactly should we be talking about?
2. The Myth of Sisay’s “Steadfast Commitment”
You claimed that Sisay has shown “deep commitment to Ethiopia’s unity.”
Are you serious, bro? Have you looked around? Ethiopia is not uniting – it is unravelling. The idea of unity has become a tragic punchline used to justify crackdowns and ethnic domination. Talk to an ordinary civil servant or visit regions, you will surely listen to the silence of hopeless youth, war widows, and displaced families. There is no unity here – only fear, distrust, and exhaustion. To claim Sisay is a “voice of unity” while he defends a government that fuels division is not just misleading – it is delusional.
3. Sisay the Freedom Fighter? Please…
We never called Sisay a freedom fighter – we only wished he truly had been one. Unfortunately, your entire argument rests on the illusion that he once stood for truth. Let us be clear: Sisay played the role of a freedom fighter, but he never truly was one. If he had genuinely fought for freedom, he would not be aligned with a regime that jails journalists, silences dissent, and rules through fear. Yes, Sisay was arrested by the TPLF – but his opposition to them stemmed from personal grievance, not a principled stand for justice. He was beaten, humiliated, and understandably bitter. At one point, he even declared, “I will fight TPLF for life” – it is on record. But now? Now, he champions the bigger authoritarianism he once denounced.
That is not evolution. That is revelation. He did not switch sides – he simply showed us which side he was always on.
4. Ethno-centrism? You Might Want to Check the Mirror
You claimed that Sisay is “against ethno-centric politics.” That is almost comical – if it weren’t so tragic. Ethiopia today is more ethno-centric than at any other point in its recent history. At least the TPLF had the decency to pretend it believed in multi-national federalism. Today’s regime does not even bother with the illusion. The Prime Minister and his inner circle openly proclaim, “this is our government” – clearly referring to their ethnic base – and the machinery of the state obediently follows suit.
In one public speech delivered in Afan Oromo to a crowd in Nekemte, Abiy declared that the Oromos had been ruled by “stupid enemies for 100 years” – a thinly veiled jab at Amhara elites. He went on to say, “we should not lose power and give it back to our colonizers.” I can send you the video link if you think I am exaggerating.
So, let me ask: can you point to a single meaningful development that shows Ethiopia has moved beyond ethnic politics? Do not say it is the PP’s so-called “unified” party – we both know it is nothing more than a cover for ethnic domination. Everything – from job opportunities and political appointments to parliamentary representation – is distributed along ethnic lines. Imagine boarding a flight with a crew selected for ethnic balance rather than competence. That is how absurdly ethicized our politics has become.
And Sisay? He does not challenge it – he amplifies it. He parrots the language of ethnic grievance while turning a blind eye to the ethno-nationalism wielded by those in power. If he were truly against ethno-centric politics, he would condemn all forms of ethnic supremacy – not just those that stand in the way of his current handlers.
5. The Fano Fighters: The Real Anti-Ethnic Movement
You implied that Sisay opposes ethno-centric movements like Fano. That is ironic – because Fano is probably the least ethnically obsessed group in Ethiopia today.
Fano did not rise to promote Amhara supremacy. They rose in response to violence, disarmament efforts, and state-sanctioned ethnic cleansing. And even in conflict, they have shown restraint – treating prisoners of war with dignity, regardless of ethnicity.
Are they perfect? No. But if you are looking for a movement that believes in national dignity beyond ethnic division, it is Fano – not the PP. Certainly not Sisay.
6. The Biggest Lie: “Opposition Groups Are Active”
You claimed that “many opposition groups remain active” unless they have taken up arms. That one sentence alone makes me wonder – are you a PP member? Or Abiy Ahmed’s ghost-writer?
What opposition are you talking about? Enat Party, terrified to speak up? Ezema, PP’s decorative flowerpot? Or the dozens of real opposition leaders who are now in jail, exile, or dead? There is no real opposition left in Ethiopia – just puppets or prisoners. If you still think Ethiopia offers a democratic space, you are either dangerously naïve or quietly complicit.
Final Thoughts: Speak Truth, Not Just Loyalty
Kebrab, I did not write this to insult you. You strike me as someone who genuinely wants to be part of the conversation. But the Ethiopia we live in now does not need eloquence wrapped in delusion. It needs courage – the courage to speak uncomfortable truths, even when it means criticizing those we once admired.
If Sisay wants to defend authoritarianism, that is his choice. But let us not rewrite him as a symbol of unity or freedom. Let us call things what they are. And please – do not mistake betrayal for bravery. Ethiopia does not need more false prophets. We have had enough of that.
By: Habte H. – A citizen who still believes truth should matter more than power.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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