Al Mariam’s Voice of America Interview (Amharic) on Global Peace Index, June 7, 2017

Author’s Note: I  have a tradition of reviewing the year in my last commentary of the year. It gives me an opportunity for a momentary reflection on some things that have happened and did not happen during the year. If I were to describe 2017 in a short sentence, it would be “The Year of…

Mesrak Gessesse I am now writing this as I just finished my annual mammogram and ultra sound testing for breast cancer. Exactly five years ago to the day on October 25, 2010, I wrote an article discussing my experiences after being diagnosed with breast cancer. (Please click here to read that article.) I now write…

I wish all of my weekly Ethiopian readers throughout the world a happy and prosperous Ethiopian New Year. I join you joyfully in ringing in 2007 and ringing out 2008. For my Ethiopian readers in the United States, September 11 (Ethiopian New Year’s Day, Meskerem 1) is a festive day of celebration as well as…

There is an old saying, “He  who pays the piper calls the tune.” That phrase originated from the German fable of the Pied Piper of Hamelin who was hired to rid the village of Hamelin of rats (not Democ Rats variety), but did not get paid for his work. So, he stole all of the…

[UPDATE 11/23/21]: On November 23, 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued a warning of terrorist attacks in Addis Ababa and warned Americans to avoid places “frequented by foreigners.” If any terrorist actions take place, the U.S. will be solely responsible. The U.S. would not have issued such a warning unless it had credible…

[This commentary first appeared on The Hill.] President Obama visited Ghana in 2009 and told Parliament, “History is on the side of brave Africans.”  He warned Africa’s strongmen, “History is not with those who use coups or change Constitutions to stay in power.” He declared to the world, “Africa doesn’t need strongmen, it needs strong institutions.”…