Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s political opening up and his move to mend the long restrained relation between the government and the Diaspora community, that had been main critic of his predecessors open fresh era of hope for Ethiopians and Ethiopian origins seeking to engage in domestic affairs.
Since taking office, the Premier has traveled to the US, France and Germany that brought the community together with some key political figures who had been in self-imposed and forced exiles making their way back home after years of homesickness. The shift marks a millstone for the diasporas known for their street protest against the government.
With Birtukan Midkesa being the latest to take senior post as Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, not few are also been appointed for formal and informal duties. This move according to experts will pull the much needed expertise to the country.
The Prime Minister last week told the parliament that his government seek to do more in making use of Ethiopian diasporas’ expertise in the economic and political activities of the country. For long, the Diaspora has been marginalized from the domestic affairs casting a shadow both on the internal and external images of the country, says Dr. Getahun Fenta Head of Center for African and Oriental Studies at the Addis Ababa University.
It starkly painted a gloomy image on the outside world. Staggering numbers of Diaspora members were literally on the streets of foreign countries in protest of the government, demanding political and economic changes in the home country. Anti-government rallies were a usual and common phenomena, he adds.“The fracture between the government and the Diaspora has also had its fair share of economic impact on the country.
Even foreign aids were withheld due to excess pressure by Ethiopians in the Diaspora.” Now that the government is opening up the political landscape and is heeding to gain their concerns, the diasporas will appear to be more enthusiastic to expand their engagement in their country.
Though too early to say, what the government doing is encouraging in stepping up diasporas’ engagement. The appointment of high caliber individuals who were in self-imposed and forced exiles to top government posts will help to democratize the country. It is no less important to individuals who migrated for political reasons, they might find it easier to return home than economic migrants, he argues.
Undertaking Institutional reform and redressing corruption and other forums of maladministration and expanding economic opportunities will attract economic migrants back to home. Decent housing scheme, receptive educational system may help create conducive climate for the diasporas to invest their expertise in their country. Easing legal barriers should be the prime focus of the government besides incentivizing those seeking to take part in voluntarily activities in the country, he adds.
For his part, Abreham Sium, Diaspora Association Chief Executive Officer, notes that the government clearly eases legal barriers for all to allow more political engagement of the diasporas. “We believe that the country has a lot to benefit from the Diaspora community. The issue of dual citizenship must be discussed and settled.” This section of society should not only be engaged economically but also politically.” The Association has been organizing forums to brief returnees with customs and investment matters, according to him.
The government need to facilitate opportunities and provide investment incentives and closely work with the association with regard to Diaspora Fund as well. Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Meles Alem also told the newsroom that legal framework is being prepared to establish Diaspora Agency. The would be agency will have over sea’s branches to facilitate favorable condition where the community can closely be engaged and informed in the agendas of the country.
The ongoing reform in the ministry would also help scale up the participation of diasporas. Diaspora oriented foreign relation will receive a special attention says Meles Alem Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Dr.Abiy said he wants to see more diaspora’ engagement in domestic affairs while vowed to work towards easing legal barriers for the community.
As part of this, the government introduced Diaspora Fund, many diasporas are voluntarily coordinating and mobilizing the community to donate the minimum—a dollar per day. The country has seen many activists and politicians coming back home in large numbers following the political opening up hoping to take part role in reforming the country. With some taking highest positions, some are also providing their insights on current and pressing issues of the country.
The Ethiopian Herald, November 30/2018
BY DESTA GEBRHIWOT
