(By: Ben) I’m not here to pen a blog about the infamous Ginbot 7 (G7), AKA Girgir 7. As we all know, when this organization was formed four years ago, it was hyped to be the king maker or to become a king itself. According to their bravado, all they needed was six months to overthrow the current government and fly to Addis. As a matter of fact, as silly as it sound, they printed and sold “YeArbegnanet Certificate” for $500.00 each!
In Diaspora, G7 is now pushing ESFNA to a deadly cliff. As we read on Ethiomedia, the Public Relation Officer for Ginbot 7, Ato Ephrem Madebo, calls its disciples to flock to Dallas to attend the 29th ESFNA (Ethiopian Sport Federation in N. America) tournament. According to Ato Ephrem the reason why G7 calls Ethiopians to go to Dallas is not about sport, but purely on divisive politics. Here follows what he stated in the article: “. . . In fact, this is not even about playing and watching soccer. This is about telling an arrogant dictator that he cannot do to us what he is doing to our brothers and sisters at home.”
For Ginbot 7 folks, the upcoming Dallas tournament isn’t for sport, entertainment, and/ or “bringing Ethiopians together.” According to the Public Relation Officer for G7, what ESFNA organized in Dallas is “a weeklong freedom march in Dallas, Texas.” Ato Ephrem, the big boss at Ginbot 7, concluded his blessing by saying “See you all in Dallas. .. Dallas…Dallas…Dallas”.
Well, as Ato Ephrem stated, ESFNA event in Dallas might be the prime spot for those who want to advocate political agendas. However, it doesn’t sound like a place to go for playing and watching soccer. Far from it . . . For those who prefer sport & get-together, the avenue is RFK Stadium in Washington DC. For those who are tuned with Ginbot 7 song, they may read the lyrics of Ato Ephrem again & again: “See you all in Dallas. .. Dallas…Dallas…Dallas”.
Gebre Selassie is of Ethiopian descent but was born and raised in the Czech Republic. In June last year he became the first black player to represent the Czech national team and sees it as an honour and privilege to play for his country.
