The reform measure being undertaken by the government of Ethiopia
encompasses a wide-ranging issues: from restructuring government
offices to reforming democratic institutions and legislations; from
establishing peace and solidarity with neighboring countries to striving for
implementing regional integration; from restoring dissidents into national
politics and releasing political prisoners to empowerment of women in
government leadership.
While the list can go longer, the pace at which it
is running is also worth appreciating, as it has been said by many both in
and outside of the country.
The public, by and large, has continued to give its unflinching
supports to the reforms and changes brought about with. The international
community, for its part, has lent enormous supports to the reform for the
steps taken are exemplary for the rest of Africa.
Truly speaking, what we are witnessing in this country was absolutely
unthinkable some seven months ago. Until then, Ethiopia was infamous for
stifling human and democratic rights of its own citizens. More often, it was
a subject of harsh criticism of world human right groups and activists.
It
was a country that the international community used to blame it for stifling
dissidents and political movements as well as freedom of expression.
These are no more the cases in the present Ethiopia. Opposition
political parties have been renamed as competitors than enemies; and
designated as brothers and sisters. They are now considered to be decisive
players and stakeholders for the wellbeing, development and prosperity
of the nation.
The absence of political repression and human rights violations; and
instead, the prevalence of a widely opened up political space is nothing but
a paradigm shift the country has set in. The sea change brought about with
the reform measures are also widely hailed by several world leaders as it is
setting the example to many of the African countries.
Despite the reform measures and the achievements made with it so far, it
is still a process that aims at a lot more, demanding too much patience and
steadfastness.
The reform measures being undertaken to upgrade the competence of
some of the democratic institutions such as the National Electoral Board of
Ethiopia, Federal Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission and The Auditor
General are yet to play more and more decisive roles in restoring rule of law
and leveling a playing field for political activities.
Meanwhile, the government will continue to work hard until all the
demands of the public are met. Be that as it may, rule of law must be prevailed
so as to keep the reform at its pace as well as to secure the peace and well
being of the society.
To this end, the public should always be vigilant and remain to be the
real vanguard of the reform, by respecting rule of law and preserving peace
and security in its respective surroundings so as to make it very difficult for
those who are bent to back-pedal the unfolding changes in the country.
The
international community should also strengthen its support to speed up the
ongoing reform measures which would certainly be an exemplary to many
other countries.
