Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia

The SMNE Steering Committee oversees the work of the SMNE. Mr. Obang Metho is the Executive Director.

Abebe Gellaw, Knight Fellow/Yahoo International Fellow at Stanford University, Diploma in Law (CPE), London Guildhall University, BA in politics and International Relations, Addis Ababa University, Founding editor of Addisvoice.com, Duignan Distinguished visiting Fellowship, Hoover Institution, 2009-2010. Mr. Abebe is a journalist, a vocal critic of the Meles regime, has significantly contributed to the struggle for justice, democracy, freedom and justice. Apart from being a founding editor of Addisvoice.com, one of the leading independent media organizations that is giving outlet to the suppressed voices of Ethiopians, he is contributing significantly in helping SMNE achieve it goals.

Achame Shana, MSc in soils and environmental pollution from the University of Reading, Consultant on wastewater treatment technologies, campaigned and set up a charity that works for human rights and environmental issues in Southern Ethiopia, see website www.sepag.org Advocate for Shekacho People of Southwestern Ethiopia

Hussein Ahmed, M Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana , Researcher at AppTech Biotechnology Company

Ibrahim Mohammed, Bachelor of Science Degree in Farm Equipment from Mansoura University, Egypt, Founder, Chairman, Fundraiser for the Benishangul Human Rights Foundation of Ethiopia – 2004. Founder, Board Member, Fundraiser for the Benishangul Relief and Rehabilitation Association of Ethiopia – 1990 – 1994

Lemlem Tsegaw, MA, Health Care Planning and Administration, University of Delaware, BS Nursing, Walla Walla College, WA, 1997 Public Health Nurse of the Year Award, Portsmouth Health Department, Author of three books, other publications, poems

Melaku Tsegaye Mekonen, Degree in Geography from Addis Ababa University, Weekly Radio Show at University of British Columbia, Owner and Editor-in-chief of Mekedela Newspaper in Canada, Expelled from Ethiopia EPRDF along with 52 other journalist, Editor of news bulletin serving 80 thousand refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp

Michael Deribe, BS in biochemistry and molecular biology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Associate Bioprocess Scientist, Downstream Process Development, ALANAI honor society at UMass/Amherst Academic honors, involved in Community TV program production, web designing

Obang Metho, BS in Political Science, University of Saskatchewan, Founder and President of the Gambella Development Agency, Founder and Executive Director of the Anuak Justice Council, Founder and Executive Director of the Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia

Tessema Christos, MS in Agribusiness Management, Arizona State University, Tempe, Founder and Advocacy Coordinator, Empower free Enterprise, founder and Managing Director, Nile Publishing Enterprise, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Founder and Managing Director, Ethiopian Grain commodity Education and Information Assistance

Robsan Itana, BA, Ethnic studies, Community Building and Non-Profit Management, Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MN, Executive Director of the Oromo-American Citizens Council

Yassin Kassim, Founder of the Empowerment Initiative, an Atlanta based organization that promotes Human Rights, Social Justice, Non-Violence, Advocacy. He is also a member of the Ogaden Human Rights Committee