Amongst the main reasons for the need to devise foreign relations policy in a country is to promote and protect the interests of the nation in the political, social and diplomatic aspects.
Despite its various definitions, the ultimate goal behind the policy is its citizens. Though any country’s foreign relations policies vary in different wise, unquestionably, its citizens are the center.
It is a common trend for many people to move from country of birth to different countries in search of jobs, better education, and improved life opportunities or for political reasons. These days, the trend and the portion of people moving abroad have been increasing globally at alarming rate and significant number of people is continuing to live in overseas.
Following this, for governments to protect expat citizens, build tighter bonds and make them ambassadors of their countries of origin is becoming more and more important than ever.
Owing to this, Ethiopia has revised its foreign relations policy in a manner it has centered its citizens. The revised policy is emanated from the concept of Medemer (synergy) and prioritizes citizens.
According to Mulualem Desta, Foreign Relations Consultant at the Prime Minister Office, the new citizenship-centered foreign relations policy will greatly enhance the role of the Diasporas in their home country’s institutional and economic development.
He said that the new foreign relations policy was sculpted in relation to the concept of synergy, and will improve the overall role of citizens and maximize the contribution of the Diaspora community in their home country’s socio-economic aspirations.
It is clear that the Diaspora communities can contribute to the development of their country of birth. And it is getting due emphasis and special heeds by governments of the home countries.
According to him, the policy makes citizens the priority instead of a mere bridge to a certain goal – to be an important source of remittance and knowledge transfer. The new citizenship-centered policy engages Diasporas to play multi-sectoral diplomatic activities and it invites citizens’ for active participation and involvement as the concept honors citizens’ national pride and interweaves nation’s dignity with its people pride, he said.
Further, it provides a lot of room for purposeful citizenship engagement that is built on consensus, trust, common interests and goals.
As to him, the new policy is said to be different from the previous one in terms of the core ideas of its public and peace diplomacy, which prioritizes people-to-people relations and keeping the peace of neighboring countries.
Prime Minister’s Abiy Ahmed role in repatriating many citizens who were jailed in various countries is a good indication of the new citizenship-centered foreign relations policy.
Unlike the previous policy, the new policy prioritizes using absolute national interest. As the relative national interest mainly leads to rivalry among countries, the new policy uses the absolute or cooperative approach of national interests.
Selamawit Dawit, Managing Director of Ethiopian Diaspora Agency on her part said that the new policy enables Diasporas to be active participants in social, political and economic aspects of the nation.
The policy, in addition to updating some information, has also included prominent facts to be considered in involving Diasporas. Unlike the previous policy, it values the wellbeing and pride of its citizens, she said.
She further stated that the policy is significant in terms of realizing the major activities that the Diaspora agency is undertaking towards promoting and enhancing the participation of Diasporas.
It could also play a huge role to improve the activities carried out to respect the rights of citizens.
The new policy is expected to leave behind the mistrust and hostility between the Diasporas and the government in the years before and would work as an ideal platform for a common ground for mutual engagement, she added.
The Ethiopian Herald November27, 2019
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
