The European year 2019 has passed leaving behind several remarkable stories, some bright and encouraging while others could be defined troubling and heartbreaking for Ethiopians.
Ethiopians passed a year in a true transition mood but for many it also looked endless with practically every week resulting in eventful and intense developments. So much so that for some it did create a sense of anxiety that really deprived them of their sleep while for others it was easily accepted as routine or not particularly impressive but eventful all the same. Here is where the phrase ‘Ethiopia is in transition,’ or ‘Ethiopia is at crossroads’ has been repeatedly heard risking to dampen its true significance.
No one doubts that the country is in changing and vibrant times and most of the things that are happening are taking the country towards new developments uncharted and inconceivable in earlier times.
As events developed, two directions or motives have been dominating virtually all the headlines of the year. On the one hand everything seemed to have ethnic underpinning and ethnic activism or extremism undermining the bigger picture of the federation. On the other hand, those who deplored ethnic discrepancy as primitive opted to pull the cord towards union, reconciliation as they intend to move towards a common sense of purpose and objective.
The arguments that the federal system was being undermined by the new philosophy of Medemer which the prime minister introduced in the form of a full-fledged book created some discussions and controversy. The premier repeatedly explained that the real practice of federation would be realized now; not in theoretical terms only. The dictation pouring down from Addis Ababa’s EPRDF quarters will end.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has argued all year round about focusing more on consolidating the forces of the federation while offering the right amount of self-rule to the regional states. The constitution was never put in discussion in this sense.
The year 2019 would be best recorded for both the ugly developments as well as for the delightful ones. To name just a few, the high profile statue erected by heads of state and government of Africa at their February summit here in Addis to honour Emperor Haile Selassie was a vindication for his relentless efforts to unite Africa. This was definitely a motive of gratification for Ethiopians.
The Great Green Legacy Campaign that broke records with planting four billion seedlings in a year has put on the spotlight Ethiopia’s image as an environmentally sensitive society and reserved admiration from the entire world to the premier who championed the cause.
The extensive diplomatic successes of the year led the initiative and vibrant efforts of Abiy Ahmed towards the great international resonance of attaining nothing less than a Nobel Peace Prize in October besides other accolades in leadership and tourism sectors. Unprecedented chapters have been written in Ethiopian history.
History tells us that Ethiopia’s diplomatic clout has always been remarkable (see UN and AU engagements, peace missions), the refugee friendly country). But, to win a Nobel Peace Prize was way high up in the ladder of global recognitions, a matter that filled with pride every Ethiopian.
Add to that the inscription on the UNESCO list of intangible world heritage of the Timket or Epiphany celebrations. It was a wonderful follow up to the glory obtained at Oslo on December 10.
The reforms underway have been supported by practically every development partner beginning with the EU to the USA, from China to Japan and Korea and other important partners in the Middle East and Persian Gulf appreciating the speed and intensity of the reforms.
The ‘homegrown economic reforms’ have been showered by funds from the World Bank and the IMF and this intends to focus on a deep reform in the macroeconomic reform involving millions of jobs, expanding the export sector and attracting FDI.
Tourism was to be boosted by the exceptional efforts of Abiy’s projects such as the Beautifying Addis Project (which has been launched this year) and the Unity Park project in the National
Palace grounds. The inauguration was blessed by several African heads of state who did not hide their emotions about Ethiopia’s history.
In very recent weeks, the merger of the EPRDF into Prosperity Party has opened another exciting chapter in the country’s modern history. The premier has said that this all-encompassing party will give space to every voice in the country contrary to what used to be the practice until very recently which in fact provoked the change. Other mergers of parties were also made such as ‘EZEMA’ a group of four parties uniting into one. Similarly, we have heard of other groups of parties agreeing to operate together and vying for the imminent elections.
The Sidama referendum held in November demonstrated the capacity of the reformed National Electoral Board to conduct a credible, free and fair referendum. Even the reformed Human Rights Commission has approved of it as legal. People said that if this could be replicated in the coming elections, it would be great.
Finally, the successful launch of the first Ethiopian Satellite ETRSS 1 on December 20 has been hailed as a tremendous success. The country is now introduced to the space and digital world preceded in Africa only by a few countries. The information that this satellite would relay to earth would be of vital importance for multiple purposes such as environment, climate, agriculture as well as mining and border security.
But, the year was also not exempt from some troubling events orchestrated by the enemies of the country or its reforms. The June ‘attempted coup’ and assassination of high government officials was one such dreadful event.
The various ethnic motivated attacks and violence in general created a horrible image of a country that otherwise is reputed for its peaceful coexistence with even foreigners as its track record in history shows. This was the work of a few narrow ethnically motivated ‘activists’ or ‘factions’ deserving the condemnation of the large masses of Ethiopians including the premier.
The internal diatribe among members of the EPRDF coalition was not pleasant as at times it was denounced as undisciplined and dangerous. Observes said a party that led the country for so long could not find itself so low going contrary to healthy communication and discussions among sister parties. Polarization dominated the scene.
Our universities as well remained for some time theatres of unrest and that has disappointed many as more would be expected from educated people.
Internationally, the continuous controversy over the hydropower plant to be built on the Nile, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, GERD dragged the whole year with repeated meetings and consultations. The future is hoped to be peaceful and productive as talk continue to date. Some say the involvement of the US and the World Bank may calm down certain emotions.
The tragic Ethiopian 737 Max 8 Boeing plane incident in March brought the country to the attention of the world but its staff was exonerated as they had no guilt or committed no errors but the problem was ascertained to be inherent in the make of the aircraft and is being dealt with.
By and large, it was a year with various facets with the social media center stage when in October a security issue of an ‘activist’ provoked some protest that led to violence resulting in fatalities and destruction. Another round of condemnation followed but the public’s disappointment was undeniable. The government had to withstand severe criticism for not acting more preventively and actively.
This brought the issue of the rule of law to the forefront. Similarly the controversy regarding demolitions of houses in the outskirts of Addis was another event that brought about public outcry. Add to that the issue of the status of Addis Ababa, a futile controversy as dubbed by many as it was not a priority of the country. The premier had to intervene in one of his rare press conferences re-asserting its federal status and belonging to all citizens alike.
In several cases the year was characterized by issues of insecurity some real others perceived especially in the more remote areas and the government had to stay alert with all its means as there were force actively challenging its programs and actions. Indeed it was a year not deprived of events that attracted or involved the public’s attention. Media appeared polarized and there appeared to reign a campaign of disinformation and emotional appeals. This has led the government to better control these media and bring them to account. Extremism was slowly spreading.
For a widely heterogeneous and mixed cultures society such as Ethiopia, any violence with identity underpinnings would be dangerous. It is very easy to drift to a point of no return. Even if people continue to be informed that Ethiopia is reputed for its tolerant, multiethnic and multi-religious reality, there were some bothering moments that tried to undermine such blessing. That is why many hope that the new philosophy of Medemer as presented by the prime minister vesting on love, peace, pardon and reconciliation as well as unity would be better understood and applied so that there will be better days ahead. No one wants violence to be the trademark of our land, demolishing the age old tradition of peaceful cohabitation among peoples and cultures.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday edition December 22/2019
BY FITSUM GETACHEW
