Does Zenawi Belong in Copenhagen?

There has been much criticism of the appointment of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi as the representative of some 52 African nations. The reason for this criticism is because of two main things - human rights abuse and a terrible environmental record.

First and foremost is Zenawi's involvement in the atrocities comitted in Gambela against the Anuaks in 2003 and 2005. These atrocities, according to Dr. Gregory Stanton, president of Genocide Watch, "fit the definitions of genocide and crimes against humanity"^[1]. New York Times reporter Douglas McGill says that Zenawi is "on par with Kim Jong Il of North Korea," and asks, "would [Jong Il] be recognized and even welcomed into the councils at Copenhagen? I don't think so."^[2]

Next comes Zenawi's environmental record, and let me tell you, it isn't pretty. From 1990 to 2005 under Zenawi's administration, Ethiopia lost 14% of its forest cover. That's approximately 2,114,000 hectares of deforested land. In addition to this, Zenawi has plans in place to lease additional land to multinational farmers at about 50 cents a year^[3]. But that's not all. In addition to massive deforestation, Ethiopia is forced into incredibly unsustainable farming practices. Because the land is owned by the state, and then is divided amongst families, the "plots become so tiny and the soil so exhausted that it cannot feed the families who work it - even in times of normal rainfall."^[4]

I ask you, should this genocidal, anti-environmental "prime minister" be given too much consideration at COP15? I would say no. The African nations need to find a new representative, and fast, if they want to show the world that they're serious about climate change prevention. At this point though, they may be stuck with what they've got.

Sources
1 - Genocide Watch calls UN to initiate action against Meles
2 - MinnPost - Africa nation representation at COP15 criticized (Video)
3 - Zenawi's Devious Ploy for the Copenhagen Climate Conference - Selam Beyene, Ph.D.
4 - Herald Scotland Oct 26, 2009


Note:
This post is also on Gather