Ethiopians living overseas have been playing a great role in the economic and political transformation of the country. But there is still a discrepancy between their contribution to the country and the support and protection their country offers to them back—by many accounts, the community’s role stands high shouldered.
Many argue that the wealth of experiences and financial capacity of the community have not properly been unleashed.
Launched in March this year, the Federal Diaspora Agency says that it has performed several tasks mainly “to fulfill its obligation to citizens, both within and outside the country”. The Agency has re-engineered itself in several ways. Identifying legal framework gaps is one of them, it says.
Selamawit Dawit is Director General of Ethiopian Diaspora Agency. Following the ongoing reform, several constructive developments have been witnessed. “The homecoming of members of the community, in large number, to their motherland is a good example.”
Formerly, the community, living in different parts of the globe, had a negative perception towards their motherland. Even if they had a desire to visit their country and their families, there were several reasons that prevented them from doing that. Detest towards then political system of the nation was, however, the main reason that deterred most members of the community from coming home and investing their knowledge and money at home, she argues.
In this respect, the Agency had lots of assignments to turn this negative mentality into a positive vibe. “Of course, the reform has enabled us recruit employees, train diplomats and other staffers to overseas missions.” According to her, following the reform several members of the community have come to Ethiopia either to live permanently or to invest in their motherland or simply to visit their respective family, she says.
Selamawit said that with the coming of Ethiopians living overseas, the nation has been able to get economic benefits as well, as the Agency is also working on “the Diaspora option-the community is considered as a great opportunity in the country’s development and democratic process”.
For instance, within the last months [Since last March], the community have deposited 29,667, 207 USD in a diaspora bank accounts.
“What is more, 1,281 members visited our office to facilitate for diaspora businesses.” Out of which 796 of them have got licenses and entered into operation in several parts of the country.
This is a good indication that the pledge made by the Diaspora is not a mere rhetoric. They have started to actively involving in economic activities of their nation within short period.
Asked if there is any attempt by the Agency to pacify the polarized political views of Ethiopians and descendants of Ethiopians living overseas, Selamawit said Ethiopia Diaspora Agency has no any political motives. It is purely free from politics. But this does not mean that the Agency will not provide service to such politicians. It provides them with all the necessary services and information.
As long as there is Ethiopia, there exists the community as well. In this respect, the Agency will serve them as a bridge. “No matter what the political stand of a member, the Agency provides him/her with all the necessary information. It does not matter which political party he/she supports or represents.”
Concerning building the image of the nation, Selamawit said the Agency has a desire to build a strong diaspora community that respect each other; that promote the nation’s good images.
“As much as possible, it is the desire of the diaspora to create strong bondage among the diaspora community. And the Community Development Department of the Agency is working aggressively in this regard. If they do not respect each other they could not build the image of their nation.”
Regarding the community’s role in the upcoming election, Selamawit said the Diasporas have key role in political and economic transformation of their country; participation in election being one.
The director as well raised the experiences of the diaspora communities of other countries saying: “Whenever there is some kind of problem at homeland, communities of other counties will do all to cover up the dark side of their countries. They are the Ambassadors of their nations. This is a good experience that must be copied to build the image of our country. Whenever we build the image of our homeland, we are building ourselves.”
The Ethiopian Herald December13, 2019
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
