Across the Ethiopian diaspora, some individuals have been tirelessly working to erode the dignity and reputation of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF). Figures such as Neamin Zeleke, Masay Mokenen, Ephrem Madebo, Ayelsaw Zerihun, and others have positioned themselves as “patriots” and “true Ethiopians.” Yet, in reality, their campaigns are aimed at discrediting the very army that has stood firm to defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the lives of its citizens.
This contradiction is not only glaring but also exposes the underlying motives: power politics, nostalgia for lost dominance, and resentment at Ethiopia’s shifting leadership structure.
A Contradiction in Words and Deeds
Those who claim to be the most patriotic Ethiopians are the very ones now tarnishing the dignity of the heroic ENDF. They glorified the defense forces when political power was centered in their own hands for nearly 150 years. During that period, the army was hailed as the pride of Ethiopia, the symbol of unity, and the guarantor of sovereignty.
But now, after Ethiopia’s leadership shifted to the South , these same groups suddenly portray the ENDF as unworthy, corrupt, and illegitimate. The question is simple: Was the army patriotic only when it was commanded by northern elites?
This selective patriotism reveals that the problem is not with the ENDF or Ethiopia itself, but with a diaspora faction that cannot accept the reality of a changing Ethiopia.
Ethiopia Has Changed – The People Are Awake:
The Ethiopia of 2025 is not the Ethiopia of the past century. Today, Ethiopians are more educated, more informed, and more awakened. They can distinguish between genuine criticism and fabricated propaganda designed to claw back lost privileges.
No longer will empty slogans of “Ethiopia! Ethiopia!” be enough to manipulate the people. Ethiopians are asking: Where were these so-called patriots when oppression, exclusion, and monopoly of power were practiced under their leadership?
The Future of Leadership: Not in the Hands of One Group
Let us speak frankly. The dream of restoring uncontested northern political domination is just that, a dream. Even under the most favorable conditions, it may take fifty years or more for northern elites to regain anything close to their old grip on Ethiopia. And that is only if they fundamentally change their approach.
One thing must be clear to the northern elites, especially those in the diaspora: we, the East Ethiopians, are in the waiting room of history, prepared to lead this country for the very first time. Why should this not happen? It will happen.
For generations, our rights were denied by historic emperors and ruling elites. But today, hope is unfolding, and we are entering the stage of preparation. Yes—we are ready, and we will be the ones to lead after the South. That is why I tell you with certainty: your wait for a return to power will be very long.
The only way forward is not through propaganda or sabotage, but through cooperation and respect for Ethiopia’s nations and nationalities. The era of one group monopolizing power is over. The Ethiopia being built today rests on three principles:
- Inclusivity – every nation and nationality has a voice.
- Equality – no citizen’s dignity is above another’s.
- Peaceful coexistence – power must be shared, not stolen.
The northern diaspora elites must understand: they can either be part of this transformation or be remembered as obstacles to progress.
Ethiopia’s Great Hope
Yes, Ethiopia faces deep problems, political instability, economic challenges, and social fragmentation. But there is also great hope if Ethiopians unite, prioritize national interests over narrow ambitions, and act with responsibility.
The evidence is already visible:
- The GERD has become a symbol of Ethiopian resilience.
- The Corridor Development Projects are reshaping trade and infrastructure.
- New initiatives such as natural gas extraction, fertilizer plants, and international airports are preparing Ethiopia for transformative development.
These are the kinds of projects that should inspire unity and pride, not propaganda and division.
History Will Judge:
To those engaged in tarnishing campaigns against the ENDF: stop now. History is not kind to those who betray their country for personal or group interests. Fear the judgment of history, for Ethiopians will remember who stood with the country and who stood against it.
The Ethiopian National Defense Forces are not just soldiers in uniform, they are the sons and daughters of Ethiopia, from north, south, east, and west. They deserve dignity, not defamation.
Conclusion:
Ethiopia’s future lies not in resurrecting old monopolies but in building a peaceful, inclusive, and equality-based state. The diaspora elites tarnishing the army’s dignity must realize that their false narratives will collapse in the face of an awakened people. The path forward is cooperation, not propaganda; nation-building, not sabotage.
