Also on the news today:
» Ethnicity and restructuring of the state in Ethiopia By Berhanu G. (NES)
» A certain ill-advised Africa Times, a US-based newspaper gave award to Zenawi for such Ethiopa’s humanitarian crisis.
Shakespear Feyissa confronted Frazer
By Muluneh Yohannes - 01 June 2008 Seattle, WA — Jendayi Frazer, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs delivered a lecture on “The Future of Africa and U.S. Foreign Policy” at the Seattle based University of Washington Campus.
The Bureau of African Affairs and its involvement in Africa
Under the U.S. Department of State, the Bureau of African Affairs is in charge of the broader Sub-Saharan Africa region. The Bureau identified three key challenges to African leaders in the years ahead: consolidating democratic gains, expanding economic growth, and stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS. According to the information from the State Department, American Foreign Policy towards Africa focuses on the following fields of cooperation: African Education Initiative, African Growth and Opportunity Act, Malaria Initiative, HIV/AIDS Initiative, Women’s Justice and Empowerment Initiative, Confidence and Security Building Measures.
Ambassador Frazer’s speech
The Assistant Secretary delivered a 15 to 20 minutes speech. The Ambassador highlighted that the U.S. is committed in building institutions and further strengthening strategic partnership with Africa. She specifically identified four major U.S. Foreign Policy priorities in Africa.
- The first one is the broader collaboration with the people of Africa on mutual interests.
- The third area of cooperation dwells in the Fight Against Disease. Assistant Secretary Frazer quoted President Bush as saying “A baby should not die just because of the bite of a mosquito”. Accordingly, the Bush administration set a 15 billion dollars five year’s budget to tackle HIV/AIDS and a further 30 billion dollars is requested in 2007. Another 3.5 billion dollars is under utilization to tackle the deadly malaria epidemic.
- The last major area of cooperation of the U.S. with Africa is Peace Initiatives. The Assistant Secretary recalls the prime role of the U.S. in peace negotiations in Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sera Leon, and the North-South Sudan conflict. Jendayi was upfront with the huge task left in conflict management and resolution. She did not hide her frustration on the highly volatile Horn of Africa situation.
The second priority is Expansion of Economic Growth. The Ambassador stressed that the Bush Administration is committed for Debt Cancellation; pending endorsement from congress, 3.8 billion loans signed for health and education investment; 90 % duty free for African products of the AGOA agreement (African Growth and Opportunity Act) with fourteen Nations resulted in the current 11 trillion dollars trade exchange between the U.S. and Africa. Moreover, America targets to help the African Financial Market in the form of 100% Debt Relief amounting 42 billion dollars.
Challenge surfaced on the question and answer session
There were about 200 attendees of the lecture comprising students and staff members of the campus. However, the majority of the audience was the Diaspora community from Africa, specifically from Horn of Africa. Ambassador Frazer was bombarded with emotional pleas and questions from Ethiopians, Somalis, Eritreans, Sudanese, and from the self proclaimed Independent Somali Landers. The long time friend and old classmate of Dr. Jendayi, Dr. Sanjeev Khagram moderated the Q&A session with huge difficulty and in a protective way of his guest. Two days before the event, Ethiomedia requested to have an interview with the Assistant Secretary. Our request was pushed away and communicated to us through the same Dr. Sanjeev. The following are some of the highlights of the Q&A period.
When asked about the U.S. role in the Horn of Africa crisis engulfing Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia, the Ambassador explained the region as a “very, very, very hot region for current and future U.S. administrations”. The majority of the audience was from the Horn of Africa region and undoubtedly, brought burning questions. Shakespear Feyissa, an Ethiopian-American Lawyer confronted Frazer on why the U.S. has done little or nothing about the mass killings and arrests of innocent civilians, imprisonment of elected opposition officials and civic society leaders following the 2005 controversial Ethiopian election. The lawyer specifically asked why the Assistant Secretary herself and her administration ignored the dictatorial actions of Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia. As soon as Shakespear finished his high-toned question, the room was erupted with an overwhelming noise of support. The moderator seemed to panic and ordered the house not ask questions about Ethiopia. Frazer attempted to address the question and differed with Shakespear on the level of American response. She argued that they pressured Meles on the release of the prisoners and related matters.
Dr. Frazer was also asked about the policy of the U.S. on the Ethio-Eritrea border conflict. The Ambassador was frank to argue that her personal belief and stand was not to involve in this matter. However, she said that she had to do the job as instructed by her boss. According to Dr. Jendayi, President Issayas of Eritrea further complicated the matter when he chose not to deal with America. She clarified that her office and Secretary Rice have been attempting to reach Issayas with no success at all simply because the “President of Eritrea does not return our phone calls”. When she gave reasons on why President Issayas is unfriendly towards the U.S. she indicated one turning point. According to the Ambassador, President Issayas was offended when the U.S. put Ethiopia along Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya as one of the four major Strategic Countries to America. Eritrea directly asked America to remove Ethiopia from the list and Eritrea itself to take the place. Frazer mentioned that Eritrea offered an Island base for the U.S. military and it was declined because it was not needed. That also angered Issayas Afeworki. Subsequently, there is no meaningful diplomatic relationship and the Ambassador stressed that the U.S. has limited leverage over Eritrea. However, she was not short of warning the tiny Horn of Africa Nation for serving as a base for Islamic extremists. Dr. Jendayi believes that Eritrea’s support to extremists is not because of Ideological conformity, but rather Issayas is focused so much in deposing the Meles Zenawi regime in Ethiopia.
On the Somali crisis, she made it clear that the U.S. expects Ethiopia to leave Somali after making sure of the uncertainty of power vacuum. She expressed her concern on the slow African Union response. Dr. Jendayi was also asked how America handles the different Somali faction groups. She argued that the U.S. has no enemy in Africa and openly or otherwise we dialogue with all Somali Faction leaders including the extremists.
Dr. Jendayi recognized the fast paced China involvement in Africa and she mentioned that Africa would become one of the new power centers because of the hugely untapped human and natural resources. The Ambassador confessed that her African Bureau is full of junior diplomats with limited or no experience to deal with high stake issues in Africa.
Another audience asked if there is a chance for the U.S. to settle the Ethio-Eritrea dispute. Jendayi Frazer, with a tone of frustration, labeled Meles and Isayas as the twin “stubborn leaders”.
Note: information from the U.S. Department of State used for this report.
The writer can be reached at muleur@yahoo.com
June 1st, 2008 at 4:29 am
well done , shakespear feyissa,as usual you hav just done your job . God bless ethiopia
June 1st, 2008 at 5:05 am
Bravo Muluneh!
Great job compatriots from Seattle. We are proud of you.
June 1st, 2008 at 5:32 am
USA is responsible directly and indirectly for the crisis in east africa or in africa in general. USA’s a low level diplomatices have played significant role for the messes up of east ASfrica’s politics. USA ambassador has played high role for CUDP’s leaders imprisonment and later USA’s ambassador have formed another fake “KINIJIT” with ayele chamisso WITH IN USA’s EMBASSY. It is USA who gave military training for TPLF’s killers to kill innocent ethiopians. To stand with TPLF to fight terrorism is really immorale and considere as an act of terrorism. There is no worest terrorist group more than the tegray narrow mind , criminals and beggers TPLF. USA should accept this.
June 1st, 2008 at 5:34 am
BRAVO MR ISAYAS. YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON IN AFRICA WHO IS FREE FROM USA’s low level diplomates and even from USA. Now bandaw melese has already started criticising the two ciminla money’s institutions like world bank and IMF.
June 1st, 2008 at 9:02 am
What a BS. All Things she said about Isayas happened when he first came to power , back in 1991. The conflict turning point? These people are evil. She is doing what her boss asked her to do!
June 1st, 2008 at 9:19 am
It is the deal made in Sheraton between USA’s junior cow boy deplomats and TPLF tugs got out hand. ISAYAS is just the scape goat. She has no idea what to do next? Lets not count on them they will send another cow boy to fix this.
June 1st, 2008 at 11:20 am
Good job mr. feyissa
June 1st, 2008 at 11:29 am
Wey America! Its actions will backfire. It is sad to see Meles and Tigray walking alive while the rest community in the region including all Ethiopians (except Tigray) burning.
Lehulum Gizie Alew ale talaqu mexaf.
June 1st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Eritreayans you are the most confused people I never see. You cont be friend with U S A and terrorist at the same time you need to choose one. Pleas use your brain if you have any. You ask US to be their ally but they reject you? ha ha ha ha ha. Fascist meles zanawe stile misleading the United States to gate their support. We don’t need anther fascist from the north. Isayas We Ethiopians know why you went to be US ally. You gust went their support to kill incant Ethiopians. By misleading US you are fighting terrorist Like your cousin fascist meles zanawe sham on you. Unbelievable we Ethiopians stile sleeping while the shabians (not all eritreayans) working 24 hours to kill us? Sham on us.
June 1st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
This is sad. Ethiopia has internal and external enemies but what disappoints me is why some of us who claim to love our country as so blind and so willing to destroy our beloved country.
We may have disagreament with meles and his leadership but he is ruling us. We may say he is the worest leader ever but make no mistake, he is an Ethiopian and doing his best (as far as he is concerned) to his country. I am sure e screwed up several things, but anyone is bound to mess here and there while working. Isayas Afeworki is one mad man. This guy is now openly showing his frustration. Why would he work so hard to distruct Ethiopia ruather than construct his banana republic Eritrea? And when was mr Feyessa visited his home land? Does he think that he would be arrested/killed if he goes back? I encourage him to call Neway Debebe (the singer) and ask him about the reality back home. Sure we have problems but we are better off today than the last time Mr. Feyessa and the blind opposition left the country.
God Bless
June 1st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
yegermal, you said “call Neway Debebe (the singer) and ask him about the reality back home” Dont make this guy do your messy work. he is just a siger(Azmare), he will sing Meles he is tall(GOBLALAWand Sheblalaw) for a money. You guys are riuning peoples career.
June 1st, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Poor Jenjawit Freezer, may it was time for double wopper
She screwed up badly in her policy in the Horn and she sure ripped her inept character when she tried to deliver a policy that doesn’t exist. She claimed Isais didn’t respond to her phone call. When one thinks about it, why should he? Here is a woman that was hell bent to undue the border commission decision as her compatriot Mr. John Bolton stated in his book, “Surrender is not an Option” and she wants a dialogue with Isais, one of the fighting Lions of Eritrea? She sure needs our simpathy for this incapable woman has lost it and lost it for good. Viva Eritrea!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 am
Woyane thugs desperation par excellence!! Now you mercenaries of Sudan and Shabia want Neway Debebe to defend you? You tried to use Teddy Afro, but that proud son of Ethiopia was a pain in the a– for you, bringing out your dirty deeds, while making 90 percent of Ethiopians proud of themselves and their history? You concoted another kiletam lawsuit just like the one you did against Our Kinijit? It will further show to the world your buffoonery once again. Kiletam Woayne!!
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 am
I think this speaks for itself about Eritrea. Issayas will not sleep well unless he seen fragile Ethiopia. This is a dream regardless power switch.
June 2nd, 2008 at 7:20 am
The government of the United States of America must assume some kind of responsiblity for the atrocities being committed by its client regime of Meles Zenawi. Ethiopians demand and deserve official apology from the US in order to have normal and friendly relations in the future.
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Bravo Africans from Seattle. I am sure if we keep on telling the truth, one day Africa will be cured, and free from all the dictators.
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
This woman is adisgrace to the black race just like the rest of African leaders who are “Running” their respective countries with the blessing of the West!
June 4th, 2008 at 6:57 am
I wish we had few more people like shakespear feyisa.I said this not just his confontaition, i know him well he is truly ” Yekifu qen lij”
Good Bless You Shakespare!!!
June 4th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Neutral (Comment above)
You are full of shit. You do not have a clue on what Isaias is all about.
June 4th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I am writing to the editor. I just to want to let you know that I was attending in these meeting and I have seen everything. Shakespear Feyissa asked questions. Some of them are relevant some of not accurate. However, I became to realized that shakespear is not enough matured to represent any political organization. He only know to be aggressive that resulting him not to ask more questions during the meeting. He is not a politician. Anyone can tell that he really want to get attention from the participants. He is not asked really good questions. I also seen maximum about 50-60 participants. There was not 200 participants. I used to believe this website and I still have a great respect to the website. But, you need to pay attention to the reports. I saw Muluneh Yohannes was there he was talking a picture while shakespear was shacking Jendayi Frazer hand. That is set.
Thank you
eden
June 4th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Well Eden,
I think did not have his facts straight. In fact Jendayi Frazer challenged him with his statements. I was there too and I reported 70-100 attendees. Please read it in: http://www.ertra.com/2008/berhane_may29.htm
June 5th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Eden—you are truly one disgraceful and laying person. First, Shakspeare did not claim, or nor did he express he represented or would like to lead any political party. Where did you get this idea? For you and many like you who are supporters of baby killers and the worst dictators, people like Attorney Shakespeare is a bad news. Mr. Feyissa is an attorney, a great one at that, and he did his job of questioning her, demanding answer and as you admitted he was agressive and did his job well. As a lawyer, that is what he suppose to do, he was not there to make a speech to be a nominee or a leader of a political party. Did you see Fraser’s discomfort, she almost left the building when the agressive, well-trained attorney grilled her until they wante to shut the whole place up. You sound like uneducated, unitelligent, and bling EPRDF cadre when you say Shakespeare Feyissa was not a politician, was that a forum to show political skills, did you go their to nominate a leader of Ethiopia? you are clueless about politics, lawyers, and you should go and write at Aigaforum. As to your other Woyane buddy, wqaw…what facts? the fact that Fraser became Secretary in August as oppose to May…didn’t you deaf hear when Shakespear told her most atrocities committed were in November of 2005 in her watch!! For me and the rest of us Ethiopians who love justice, Shakespeare was an articulate and elequent advocate…Eden, my cluless woyane, how could you judge a person whether they can lead a party in less than two minute questioning? oh, you got used to the idiot Meles saying so many dumb things for hourse and hours…you can understand the agressive, passionate, and advocacy types of politics…
June 5th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Selam to you all. I have seen your comments. The dialogue is essential, but it will best help us if it carries respect. I thank those of you who encouraged us for getting this report done. The lecture and whole Q&A session took about three hours. I have tried to cover the main points as objective as i could be. Truly speaking a couple of guys challenged the Ambassador to her limmit. One was Shakespear Feyissa. He was for sure a concerned and disappointed Ethiopian about the messy U.S. foreign policy towards Ethiopia and their backing of the dictatorial regime in Addis. Shakespear’s questions were instantly shared by the big crowd as was evident by the cheering noise of aproval. Other critical questions were thrown out by Eritreans and Somalis.
The participation and enthusiasm was encouraging. I hope we will do the dialogue amongst ourselves…people of Africa. Blaming the frenjis will not be a solution. If we cann’t have a civil discussion with in ourselves, how can we blam the mafia leaders in power? They are killer rebles, we need to be much better than them. I just get disappointed when i see some people use these kinds of forums for tera sideb. We will have better days when we are determined and act in a way to deserve it.
God Bless you all!
June 5th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Fuck this bitch, she is full of shit. Fuck Meles he is full of shit.
June 5th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I was there too. I am governtment supporter..However, I have to say what I see. Shakspeare cannot resist Jendayi Frazer questions. When she ask Shakspeare during answering his question, he looks like he does not know what he was talking about. I think Eden and wqaw are saying the right thing and there was around 70 people, not 200. Shakspeare was tried to coordinate with anti-Ethioipian somalians and Erthrians too. He does not even know who were the major audience.
Thank to the True Ethiopians
June 6th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Solomon/e
I would be very very very surprised if a woyane supporter would undestand the meeting between educated people and judge it fairly. You are, like many of Meles’ friends, who advocate for killing kids on the street of Addis, rape women in Ogden, arrest or kill all the Oromos…how could I or anyone expect a good, fair, and objective analysis from you. Where did Fraser asked Shakespeare questoin? Where did she challeneg him? SHE WAS RUNNING AND HIDING BY SAYING ” I AIN’T RESPONSIBLE” it is all Meles, if you can understand English…okay, that was what she was saying…you are the one idiot who does not know what he is talking about, you and Meles are the ones who shame us, Africans, and humanity…you low life woyane leave true Ethiopians alone and get the hell out of our country…
June 6th, 2008 at 2:39 am
[…] have received several reactions from readers on the report By Muluneh Yohannes: Frazer labeled Meles and Isayas as twin “stubborn leaders” . Some supporters of Zenawi regime questioned Shakespear’s confrontation with Frazer. Click here […]
June 6th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Hello Birtukan,
you seems mad. I do not intentionally makes you mad. I have personally nothing to do the Ethiopian Government. I am just saying what I see. My question is why do you guys mad if someone tells the fact. Why do you guys lable if anyone do not lie? How far are you guys go by hiding what is happing in the ground. Frazer did not support Meles or Isayas on her speech. She was strongly blaming Isias and slightly Meles only about the border issue. Even-though the audiences pushed her to talk about Ethiopian politics but, she was little restricts not to talk about domestic politics. I do not understand why you guys label for someone says different than yours. It is easy for you to label this wayanne or meles. Please do not lie tell the truth.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:05 am
[…] that sort of sucks. But Feyissa presumed that part of the reason for his suspension was his race (Ethiopian, I […]