Author: Gureza

Pictures, Pejorative Discourse, and the “Ape” Insult (Girma Berhanu) – Borkena

April 10, 2026 Girma Berhanu  A few weeks ago, two boys who are enthusiastic about football asked me a difficult question: why are Black footballers insulted in stadiums with monkey chants, images of apes, or even by fans throwing bananas? Why apes of all animals?At the time, I struggled to respond. I tried to explain, […]

Elections Without Energy, Reform Without Anchor – Borkena

April 10, 2026 By Kebour Ghenna Ethiopia approaches its 2026 national election with the outward form of democracy, but without its animating force. There is process, but little belief. There is participation, but little expectation. There is an election, but little sense that power is truly at stake. The ruling Prosperity Party is assumed to prevail. […]

Rejoinder To Doctor Yonas’ Article – Borkena 16:39 

April 10, 2026  Gezahegn Engida  Dr. Yonas’ article dispassionately and eloquently describes the Ethiopian political quagmire from the economics perspective of game theory. Similar to Yonas, but in plain terms, others have also described the Ethiopian political quagmire employing the metaphor of passengers fighting for the best seat in a sinking ship.  The problem has been described […]

The Illusion of Unity: Negative Solidarity and the Failure of Diaspora Coalitions  – Borkena 16:39 

April 10, 2026 Negative Solidarity, Fragmented Visions, and the Institutional Preconditions for Political Unity Abel Achenafe Image sourced from Pexels This article draws on Eric Hoffer’s concept of “negative solidarity” to analyze the persistent cycle of formation and dissolution of Ethiopian diaspora coalitions. It asserts that unity based on opposition or hatred is fundamentally fragile […]