Horn of Africa Leftists

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POLITICS

Discussing the Horn of Africa regions current events,political philosophy and social/cultural commentary from a Leftist perspective

2 SEPT

There Is No Such Thing as Ethiopian Imperialism

Chapters: (00:00) Introduction and Appreciation for Hood Communists (04:45) Countering the Idea of Ethiopian Imperialism and Colonialism (06:07) The Significance of the Armed Struggle in Eritrea (12:21) Moving Away from Hyper-Nationalism and Chauvinism (30:48) The Anti-Colonial Armed Struggle (34:36) Challenging the Existence Narrative of "Ethiopian Imperialism" (45:22) The Dangers of Hyper-Nationalism (50:45) The Marxist Framework and Imperialism (56:03) Beware of Co-Opted Voices Summary: This episode challenges the idea of Ethiopian imperialism and colonialism, with Filmon Zerai emphasizing the significant role that external powers, particularly Washington and London, have played in fueling divisions and managing the internal affairs of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Filmon argues that Ethiopia is not a sovereign power but rather a neo-colonial state, heavily influenced by these external forces.In discussing the armed struggle in Eritrea, Filmon highlights the necessity of moving away from hyper-nationalism and chauvinism when analyzing the region's history and power dynamics. The conversation questions the existence of Ethiopian imperialism, proposing instead that what is often perceived as imperialism is better understood through the lens of neo-colonialism. Filmon underscores the importance of recognizing the imperialistic power dynamics at play and the critical influence of external actors like Washington and London in shaping events in the Horn of Africa. He advocates for a more nuanced, materialist understanding of history and politics, critiquing hyper-nationalism and calling for a deeper analysis that goes beyond traditional nationalist narratives. Takeaways Washington and London play a significant role in fueling division and managing the internal affairs of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia is a neo-colonial state and not a sovereign power. The armed struggle in Eritrea was a key moment in the region's history and symbolizes anti-colonial resistance. Hyper-nationalism and chauvinism should be challenged in analyzing the region's history and power dynamics. There is no such thing as Ethiopian imperialism or colonialism, but rather Ethiopia is a neo-colonial state influenced by external powers. Understanding the power dynamics of imperialism is crucial in analyzing the events in the Horn of Africa. Hyper-nationalism and ethnocentric perspectives can distract from the larger power dynamics at play. The Marxist framework provides insights into the nature of imperialism and the role of client states. It is important to be critical of voices that claim to be radical or nationalist but are aligned with imperialist agendas. keywords Ethiopian imperialism, Ethiopian colonialism, Washington, London, Horn of Africa, Eritrea, armed struggle, hyper-nationalism, chauvinism, Ethiopian imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, Marxism, Leninism, Stalinism, power dynamics, hyper-nationalism, external forces Sound Bites "There's no such thing as Ethiopian imperialism. There's no such thing as Ethiopian colonialism." "Ethiopia is a new colonial entity that was created initially by the British and the French." "The main players and powers are Washington and London." "I am proud to be an Eritrean because of the anti-colonial armed struggle" "There is no such thing as Ethiopian imperialism, colonialism" "Hyper-nationalism distracts from looking at the external powers behind the current crisis" Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/horn-of-africa-leftists/donations

1h 2m
14 AUG

The State of Imperialism In the Horn of Africa

Chapters: 00:00 - The Significance of Black August and the Black Radical Tradition . 02:51 - The Connection Between the Black Radical Tradition and the Struggles in the Horn of Africa 10:34 - Discarding the Fetishization of the Abyssinian Feudal Monarchy 21:17 - The Role of the Black Diaspora in the Horn of Africa 24:01 - Questioning Reformism and Involvement with Code Pink and Amnesty International 28:19 - Recognizing and Resisting the Counter-Insurgency Efforts of the State 36:36 - Rejecting Ethnocentric Rhetoric and Unity Against Imperialism 37:29 - Eritrea's Engagement with Iran: Development and Security 45:09 - Ending Militarization in Somalia: Rejecting Foreign Troops 51:17 - The Ethiopian Airlines Fiasco: A Continuation of Imperialism's Tactics 56:20 - Constructive Criticism and Political Evolution in the Pan-African Movement Summary In this episode, Filmon Zerai discusses the significance of Black August and its connection to the struggle in the Horn of Africa. They emphasize the importance of the black radical tradition and its recognition of the Eritrean liberation struggle. Filmon Zerai also criticizes the fetishization of the Abyssinian feudal monarchy and the romanticization of the Battle of Adwa, calling for a mature and evolved approach to African unity. They also question the effectiveness of reformism and the involvement with organizations like Code Pink and Amnesty International. This conversation covers various topics related to the Horn of Africa, including the role of imperialism, the engagement of Eritrea with other countries, the situation in Somalia, developments in Tigray, and the Ethiopian Airlines fiasco. The speaker emphasizes the need to reject ethnocentric rhetoric and focus on the common enemy of imperialism. They also discuss the importance of constructive criticism within the Pan-African movement and the need for organized action. Takeaways Black August is an important month that highlights the struggle of black prisoners of conscience revolutionaries The black radical tradition recognizes the Eritrean liberation struggle and rejects the fetishization of the Abyssinian feudal monarchy Reformism and involvement with organizations like Code Pink and Amnesty International may not align with the principles of the black radical tradition A mature and evolved approach to African unity is needed, moving away from romanticized narratives and focusing on liberation and anti-imperialism Imperialism is the common enemy in the Horn of Africa, and it is important to reject ethnocentric rhetoric and focus on unity against imperialism. Eritrea's engagement with other countries, such as Iran, can be seen as part of the resistance axis against imperialism. The situation in Somalia highlights the need to end the militarization of the country and reject the presence of foreign troops. Developments in Tigray reveal the complexity of the political landscape and the need for a clear revolutionary path. The Ethiopian Airlines fiasco should not be viewed as a conflict between Eritreans and Ethiopians, but as a continuation of imperialism's aggressive tactics. Constructive criticism within the Pan-African movement is important for growth and improvement. Organized action and unity are crucial in the fight against imperialism and for the liberation of the Horn of Africa. Keywords Black August, black radical tradition, Horn of Africa, Eritrean liberation struggle, Abyssinian feudal monarchy, Battle of Adwa, reformism, Code Pink, Amnesty International, Horn of Africa, imperialism, Eritrea, Somalia, Tigray, Ethiopian Airlines, Pan-Africanism Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/horn-of-africa-leftists/donations

1h 1m
4 APR

The Return Of The Podcast-Update On The 2 Year Hiatus

The Horn of Africa Leftists podcast has been on a hiatus for the past two years, but the social media pages have remained active. The host explains that he stopped recording due to the challenges and attacks he faced for providing a leftist analysis of events in the Horn of Africa. He also reflects on the intention behind using the pronoun 'we' in the podcast and the importance of maintaining independence and avoiding opportunism. The host discusses the background and purpose of the podcast, which aims to provide a left alternative perspective and agitate for a return to socialist traditions in the Horn of Africa diaspora. He also highlights the decline of the No More Social Media campaign and the rise of Amhara nationalism as a challenge to Abyssinian fundamentalism. The conversation covers various topics related to the Horn of Africa, including the right of regions to defend themselves, the historical grievances of the Amhara region, the legacy of Yohannes and Menelik, the role of the TPLF, the need for a left alternative analysis, and the criticism of certain media outlets and individuals. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a progressive and inclusive approach, the need to address historical grievances, and the ongoing struggle for unity and resolution in the region. Keywords Takeaways The Horn of Africa Leftists podcast has been on a hiatus for the past two years, but the social media pages have remained active. The host faced challenges and attacks for providing a leftist analysis of events in the Horn of Africa. The podcast aims to provide a left alternative perspective and agitate for a return to socialist traditions in the Horn of Africa diaspora. The No More Social Media campaign has declined, and Amhara nationalism has emerged as a challenge to Abyssinian fundamentalism. Regions in the Horn of Africa have the right to defend themselves and resist oppression. The Amhara region has historical grievances and has been under subjugation by the TPLF. The TPLF aims to continue the legacy of Yohannes and Menelik under the banner of Tigrinya language. There is a need for a left alternative analysis and persuasion in the Horn of Africa. Certain media outlets and individuals need to be more critical and inclusive in their coverage of the region. The focus should be on resolving historical grievances and moving towards unity and progressive change. Titles Maintaining Independence and Avoiding Opportunism A Left Alternative Perspective for the Horn of Africa Diaspora The Role of the TPLF The Legacy of Yohannes and Menelik Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 The Hiatus and Challenges 03:15 Reflecting and Reviewing 07:22 Transparency and Criticism 13:51 Agitating for Change 28:34 The Decline of the No More Movement 33:23 The Rise of Amhara Nationalism 38:09 The Right of Regions to Defend Themselves 39:06 Historical Grievances of the Amhara Region 40:31 The Legacy of Yohannes and Menelik 41:55 The Role of the TPLF 46:45 The Need for a Left Alternative Analysis 51:25 Criticism of Media Outlets and Individuals 01:05:06 Moving Towards Unity and Progressive Change Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/horn-of-africa-leftists/donations

1h 15m
24/01/2022

Understanding The Sudanese Revolution

Uprising: forces, structures, and possibilities Mahder is currently a PHD student in Political Science Research on the 2019/2020 uprising plus local resistance committee and tea seller unions by engaging Sudanese scholar and activists Historical points and questions. On February 12, 1952, Egypt and Britain How do you view the issue of Nubians and their struggle in both states? Where do the Nubians fit into the narrative of Pan-Africanism and the National Question? Are they an oppressed nation within nation-states? What was the position of the Sudanese Communist Party in regards to South Sudanese grievances during the early years? It seems Sudan still has active labor unions that impacted and shaped the protest in Sudan. Why do you think the western press ignores that or mis-characterizes the class dynamic of the Sudanese protest and anti-neoliberal narrative? Or have you noticed that? What is the communist view on Pan-Africanism and Pan-Arabism? What is your view on Sudan being viewed as an Arab state and anti-African racism? Jaafar Nimeiry 1969-1985--was supported a socialist branch Sudanese Socialist Union falling out with the Communist party---first person who installed the Sharia law Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/horn-of-africa-leftists/donations

1h 12m
27/12/2021

Why Somalia is Ignored and Misunderstood by the Left Now?

Somali freelance journalist Mohamed joins this episode for a critical focus on Somalia http://halganmedia.net/ https://twitter.com/Free_Somaliweyn Can you explain your take on the anti-colonial history of Somalis against various colonial power and how that shaped Somali nationalism from then to now? How do you feel about the influence of Saudi Arabia and sponsorship of the Whabbist/Salafist line in Somalia as a counter against Somalia nationalists aligned with egalitarian or socialist Islam tendencies? What is your view on the history of Ogaden and the Somali region in Ethiopia? How do you view Turkish/NATO presence in Somalia? How do you view the question of Somaliland and the current efforts to instigate tension by London/Washington via Taiwan vs China? Can you explain the events that led to rise of the ICU to crush warlords in Somalia prior 2007? Why do you feel Eritrean and Somalis are closer when recognizing the danger of Abyssinia Fundamentalism? How do you feel about federalism vs centralized state in Somalia and the role of Melez Zenawi to create that 4-1 clan system of model? Your view of the TPLF role in the 90s era in prolonging anarchy and war lors Do you feel Somalia is ignored by the left in media spaces in comparison to Ethiopia? Both Somalia and Eritrea were sanctioned the last 18 years but we didnt see that focus but now Ethiopia is the focus. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/horn-of-africa-leftists/donations

1h 11m
29/11/2021

How The Left Got Ethiopia Wrong Again Part 2

"If we have shortcomings, we are not afraid to have them pointed out and criticized because we serve the people. Anyone, no matter who may point out our shortcomings. If he is right, we will correct them. If what he proposes will benefit the people, we will act upon it."-Mao FEEDBACK These western leftists absolutely need to just keep it at imperialism and stay away from the internal politics of Ethiopia. Just being in pfdj promotes you to address the primary contradiction which is imperialism. But the lack of acknowledgement of secondary contradictions by pfdj leads to a lack of understanding of an analysis on how the ruling class exploits these secondary contradictions to further their agenda. These secondary contradictions are weaponized to exasperate the primary contradiction. How tplf is using the plight of the oppressed nationalities to mask their elitist ideology. Ppl like Simon dismiss the oppressed as just tribalists. And it stops there for them, offering no validity to the oppressed masses who instead fall for tplf rhetoric that appears to be more in line with the oppressed. This alienates them like you said, and that’s a legitimate critique of the no more movement. This adds a lot of issues. This also gives legitimacy to Abiy, who on top of being even having more neoliberal policies than tplf, has denied historical grievances of folks in Ethiopia and even in America, and like you said you can oppose and fight against imperialism without totally endorsing the other side. It shouldn’t stop at just primary contradiction. While EPRP*(Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party) was actively resisting derg, they still aligned with dergs decisions to oust western puppet entities from Ethiopia. An example of being principled and aligning on the right side w/o endorsing the other side CRITICISM You repeatedly state that Abiy started this war with TPLF, contrary to TPLF's own words in which they state they launched a "pre-emptive strike" against multiple northern command bases on Nov 4th. Just simply "having positions" doesn't really mean anything if it doesn't translate to material action. In my opinion, many on the left, save a few organizations, are failing to capture the moment of what is essentially a pan-African movement against neo-colonial designs. https://blackallianceforpeace.com/principles-of-unity What end is having a critique of the GOE while under attack by US backed forces supposed to contribute to the global movement? Should the left not unite with the #NoMore movement against imperialism or should it? Listening to this I hear a lot of strawmen. Nowhere in any of the breakthrough or black agenda report coverage of the war have I seen anyone praise Abiy as some kind of socialist anti-imperialist hero.Seems unfair to suggest that's their position when it isn't. Also like...what? "Take away the TPLF?" This isn't materialist at all, seeing as the TPLF is a heavily armed belligerent and player in the current conflict. This is an appeal to idealism in the middle of a war in which there will eventually be a victor and a vanquished. Just wondering exactly what the endgame is here? So people shouldn't be mobilizing against US supported regime change in Ethiopia because Abiy is a capitalist? Should we take a "neither x or y" approach while a fascist proxy group continues its onslaught across the country? POSITION Examine why PFDJ or Eritrea are in alliance with Amhara region?is it right? The primacy of the class struggle over the national question is an issue All-Ethiopia Socialist Movement(MEISON) vs EPRP*(Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party) However, there were some sticky political problems for both the TPLF and EPRP regarding Eritrea. While they recognized the struggle for the Eritrean independence as genuine, they had differences as to whether the case was a ‘colonial issue’ or not. Without conducting the necessary study or having appropriate discussions, the TPLF h

1h 9m
24/11/2021

How The Left Got Ethiopia Wrong Again

Important episode to consider what does principled anti-imperialist solidarity suppose to look like for the Horn of Africa with critical three points 1. Let's examine the left content creators and journalist position as being too pro Abiy/PP due to the sourcing info from the Abyssinian (Amhara region)/PFDJ alliance that is led to the creation of the new diaspora based #NoMore movement and current development...Why did they do this? Maybe the motivating factor is for social media traction/audience metrics/donations etc You take away the TPLF you can see why the people and advisors or allies of Abiys are neoliberal and reason why is in alliance with them is they all share common ideology views on neoliberalism and overall Abyssainid views on what is Ethiopia and its future.. Including Berhanu Nega as education minister, in a speech to lawmakers on Wednesday. The others are Belete Molla, who comes in as innovation and technology minister and Kejela Merdassa as the head of the culture docket. The Ethiopia’s far-right -ultra-unionist PM Dr Abiy Ahmed and his conspirator ally Professor Berhanu Nega’s parties- namely Exclusive Prosperity Party (EPP) and Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (ECSJ) are advocating Western liberal democracy and liberal economy as model capable of saving Ethiopia and its subjects. Berhanu Nega wrote policy papers for the World Bank, which were later included in the Kinijit (CUDCoalition for Unity and Democracy) Manifesto The Kinijit (CUD) Manifesto. Attached snippet calling for the implementation of free market liberal democracy “[Mr Abiy] is extremely interested to see a strong private sector that can generate jobs for the millions of youths that are currently unemployed,” said Mr Abebe, 38, who worked at the World Bank before Mr Abiy asked him to join the commission. “And I think that is consistent with the whole economic reform agenda. For so long economic growth has been fuelled by state investment and now the state should cede space to the private sector and play its natural arbiter role as a regulator,” he said. https://www.ft.com/content/38c9e736-7e49-11e9-81d2-f785092ab560 https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/15/suspicion-and-fear-linger-as-ethiopia-campus-wars-go-quiet Wed 15 Apr 2020 07.21 EDT The government is now looking at alternative funding models, including student loans. “There should be some kind of co-financing from the private sector,” said Tassew Woldehanna, president of Addis Ababa University. “Students need to start paying.” In January, the Minister of Higher Education suggested that free tuition was partly to blame for conflicts because it made it harder for universities to maintain the quality of education and housing for the roughly 200,000 new students enrolling each year. In 2000, Ethiopia had just two universities; now there are 45. It is one of the fastest expansions in higher education in the world, but without a concomitant rise in standards. Abiy and Crrypto connection Cardano is not new to Ethiopia, in 2018 the government signed a deal with Cardano to incorporate blockchain technology to the agritech industry. According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, since Ethiopia is a latecomer to: Jack Dorsey vocalized his support of Project Mano, a group of Ethiopia-based entrepreneurs who want to get the Ethiopian government to consider mining and storing Bitcoin I would like to thank @IMF & my dear sister @KGeorgieva for IMF’s extraordinary support of Ethiopia’s Home Grown Economic Reform Program amounting to USD 2.9 billion. Building on our past success, we have embarked on a new journey to set Ethiopia on a path to prosperity. https://twitter.com/AbiyAhmedAli/status/1205152845818945536 "Borrowing from IMF and WB, is like borrowing from [one's] mother"- PM Abiy speaking in a peace conference in Addis Ababa. .... "Because after they give us a billion birr, they tell us to pay it in 20,

1h 1m
20/07/2021

How Cryptocurrency is a New Approach to Re-vitalize Neo-Colonialism in Africa

On this episode, we discuss the latest updates on Ethiopia and Sebs research on via "Blockchain Technology & Coercive Surveillance of the Global South" https://solartsunami.medium.com/blockchain-technology-coercive-surveillance-of-the-global-south-bec05246e749 Sebs on Twitter https://twitter.com/RedSeaCactus Cryptocurrency Is About Data-Mining Not Economic Liberation w Sebs Solomon via Black Power Media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoZIDO5VBZk Jackson Palmer Tweets https://twitter.com/ummjackson/status/1415353984617914370 From Eritrea to Bolivia: Who Supported the Washington Backed Coup? https://hoodcommunist.org/2020/12/24/from-eritrea-to-bolivia-who-supported-the-washington-backed-coup/ The Human Rights Foundation Connection to Bitcoin and Meron Estafnos Oslo Freedom Forum (@OsloFF and Bitcoin https://twitter.com/gladstein/status/1405216053215461379 https://hrf.org/speakers/meron-estefanos/ https://twitter.com/AnitaPosch/status/1408047323503075334 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/horn-of-africa-leftists/donations

1h 12m

See All (13)

Discussing the Horn of Africa regions current events,political philosophy and social/cultural commentary from a Leftist perspective

Creator

Horn of Africa Leftists
Years Active

2020 - 2024
Episodes

13
Rating

Explicit
Show Website

Horn of Africa Leftists

Horn of Africa Leftists

Episodes

There Is No Such Thing as Ethiopian Imperialism

The State of Imperialism In the Horn of Africa

The Return Of The Podcast-Update On The 2 Year Hiatus

Understanding The Sudanese Revolution

Why Somalia is Ignored and Misunderstood by the Left Now?

How The Left Got Ethiopia Wrong Again Part 2

How The Left Got Ethiopia Wrong Again

How Cryptocurrency is a New Approach to Re-vitalize Neo-Colonialism in Africa

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