Ethiopiques
Why does a country with her own unique alphabet and long history of writing persist to deny citizens the right to freedom of expression in this era of Expression? No other country in Africa may typify this paradox more than Ethiopia. As Leopold Senghor's famous collection of poems entitled "Ethiopiques" remained 'powerful and popular' so does the source of his intriguing title, Ethiopia, in her own ways. In "Ethiopiques", I share Ethiopian views on pertinent issues related to journalism, culture and, of course, the overarching subject of politics.
Mesfin Negash is an Ethiopian journalist living in exile in Sweden. He is one of the journalists accused of "terrorism" in 2011 by the Ethiopian government. The co-founder and first editor-in-chief of an acclaimed Ethiopian newspaper, Addis Neger, he is currently the Managing Editor of Addisnegeronline.com. He is a political science student by training and known for his critical commentaries on significant political and social issues.
  • A computer lab in Mekelle University, Ethiopia.
    Territorial Righteousness
    by  / October 5, 2012

    In his column this week, Exiled Ethiopian writer Mesfin Negash dissects “territorial righteousness,” the idea that one has less right to citizenship, less information, less understanding, and less sympathy to national issues because one lives in exile.

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  • Farewell and Farce-well to a Dictator
    by  / September 7, 2012

    Journalist Mesfin Negash examines the effect that PM Meles Zenawi’s death has had on Ethiopia. Negash highlights how state media has manufactured the image of national grief, blurring the lines between private and public mourning.

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  • Silence is Loud
    by  / August 24, 2012

    For eight months Ethiopian Muslims have been protesting against the government’s interference in the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council. Journalist Mesfin Negash examines the ways in which the government has suppressed protesters and religious freedom.

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  • Meles Zenawi
    Dead Until Proven Alive
    by  / August 10, 2012

    In this week’s Ethiopiques column exiled journalist Mesfin Negash discusses the apparent disappearance of Ethiopian president Meles Zenawi, who hasn’t been seen in public for over 50 days. Rumors are Zenawi might be critically ill or even dead.

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  • Ethiopia: Home, Bitter Prison
    by  / July 27, 2012

    In this week’s Ethiopiques exiled journalist Mesfin Negash reflects on the ways that Ethiopia – once home, sweet, home – has become “a bitter prison for the majority of Ethiopians, both at home and abroad.”

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Fearless, Ink.