EPRDF’s merger has become a hot topic in the country. Beyond being an internal agenda of the Front itself, its evolution to a single unified party is attracting the attention of many citizens as it determines the fate of the nation.
Ethiopia is home to diverse nations, nationalities and peoples. All of them lived harmoniously for decades. The right of nations and nationalities has been a long time quest in Ethiopia. It has also been a cause of conflict and protracted civil war in Ethiopia.
The civil war that took place all over the country ended in 1991 when EPRDF took power. Under its leadership, the Front spearheaded in promulgating the current constitution that enshrined the rights of nations and nationalities to self-administration and up to secession. Still with some drawbacks the constitution that put in place a federal system is more or less enjoying acceptance among the diverse nations and nationalities.
During the two plus decades that it worked, EPRDF could be said effective in ensuring peace and stability. However, the times it operated as a coalition of the four national parties were not free from shortcomings. As a result, the country has plunged into sporadic conflicts and widespread discontent by many sides here and there. Hence this is the right time for the ruling party as well as all concerned stakeholders to alleviate the problem from the root and put in place a system which enable the people of the country forge a peaceful life while their rights are respected.
In this regard the steps taken by EPRDF itself should be appreciated. Since more than a couple of years ago the front has been studying the issue of merging into one party. Now the Front is close to finalize its process of forming a single party. As many scholars and politicians noted, if the front successfully finalizes its merger, it is full of opportunities that bring about a new chapter in the political arena of the country.
First of all in the past, EPRDF lacked inclusiveness as it was formed by a handful of representatives from four of the nine regional states that formed the country. Second, there were complaints regarding unfair power exercise in the party itself. Hence, the front should take the opportunity to exercise leadership in a new organizational structure so that it can correct errors of the past and build up on its successes.
November 16/2019
