Wednesday, September 4, 2013

A reformist group within TPLF?

Ethiomedia    
There are strong signs to suggest that a class of reformers is emerging within TPLF, once the sole property of the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
To refresh ones memory about the era under Meles, the key factor that Meles expected from any high-ranking appointee was "absolute loyalty." As long as one displays absolute loyalty, Meles would make them immune from any accusations, such as corruption charges. That's why civilian officials and army generals became uber rich in Zenawi's time. But that title and extravagance of Meles loyalists may come to an end soon if the anti-corruption campaign continues at the current pace. And credited for the "hunt" is none other than Debretsion Gebremichael, the most tech-savvy of all TPLF (PhD in electrical engineering), a TPLF politburo member, a deputy PM, and most importantly a life reportedly clean from corruption. Debretsion is - party wise - the boss of Getachew Assefa, the powerful security chief now aiding the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission carry out its duty without fear of reprisals. From what has been achieved so far, it is possible to say a group within TPLF has emerged to curb the widespread corruption that has further pushed ordinary Ethiopians into the depths of sordid poverty. Of course the reformist group is not without challenges. The Azeb supporters in the likes of Tigrai regional president Abai Woldu and General Samora Yunus (the latter known for his opportunism), may try to stir trouble within TPLF and confront the reformists. From the measures taken so far, however, the reformists look like they are winning.

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