Today, with a view to discussing the current political challenges in the efforts to build prosperous and democratic Ethiopia, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed is holding direct talks with members of various competing parties and prominent political figures who have recently come home giving up arm struggle to pursue their ideologies by peaceful means.
Yes, everybody is hopeful that the talks will come up with an unprecedented solutions to the current political crisis in the country . Such discussion will definitely help the political parties and the incumbent to exchange useful political ideas and views in a timely manner. Plus, it will make the politicians of the country active as they do often have hot political debates.
In fact, the ruling party has explicitly stated its unreserved support for multiparty system. Hence, organizing such open forums for debate and discussions is a must in the effort of building democracy. This is because cross pollinating ideas will have irreplaceable role in yielding sweet fruits.
By the same token, under any circumstances, state-owned media outlets have responsibilities of broadcasting such events in an accountable and transparent manner as they are the eyes and ears of the general public .Therefore, they are expected to be the most credible and trustworthy media outlets in such occasions.
Hopefully, during the course of the direct talks with competing parties, the ruling party, the political activists, various scholars and others will have their say in the current political challenges of the country in a civilized and democratic manner.
Indeed, the direct talks should discuss some anti-peace elements’ ill attempt to reverse the ongoing political reform in the country. It is true that enemies living abroad and here have been carrying out futile attempts here and there to assume state power through shortcut in vain. By doing so,they have caused large destruction of property and loss of lives in the country.
Apart from taking legal actions against these criminals , holding direct talks with the general public and the competing parties is a must. Such efforts would help arrest those who attempt to hijack legitimate public demands. Hence, with a view to exposing the hidden agendas of the enemy quarters, it is crucial to discuss the root causes of the unrest in some parts of the country in a plain language with the competing parties and the public at large.
For sure, there is nothing that can’t be solved having extensive discussion in a democratic and timely manner. Discussion will help to treat the cause of the unrest rather than its symptoms.
All in all, it is a step forward to provide a wide range of discussion forums on current political challenges with the competing parties and fellow citizens in order to discuss ways forward in a transparent and accountable manner. Naysayers must not forget that Ethiopia has managed to lay firm foundation of federal system and the inalienable constitutional rights of nations, nationalities and peoples’ of Ethiopia have been respected.
The government is also capable of dealing with the current unrest through improving the electorate system, assigning people who are up for the task, enhancing the youth participation in the development and politics of the nation as well as continuing to create a demanding society.
