ADDIS ABABA – Scholars suggested revising the country’s foreign policy in line with the current internal and external changes, and in a manner that protects national security, safeguard the nation’s survival.
Professor Merera Gudina, Politician and Chairperson of Oromo People’s Congress Party told The Ethiopia Herald that the Policy, to this point, has brought about substantial achievements. However, it is time to revisit it in line with the reforms the country has already set out on, and the dynamics playing out at regional, continental and international levels. While talking about the elements the policy lacks, Professor Merera said that the problem is not related to the policy itself; rather the way it is implemented.
Appointment of diplomats, for instance, should be merit-based instead of political loyalty. Misganaw Gashawbeza, Assistance Professor at Bahir dar University School of Law also said that revising the policy is order of the day in every aspect. As to him, the policy has encompassed points that are unfavorable towards some countries and this has to be corrected.
The other point he made is that the policy restricts Ethiopian born foreign citizens not to enjoy the full rights and privileges and run investments that has been harming Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flow. So, revising and correcting it in line with international practices is timely. The policy was hailed for being one of the cornerstones in bringing peace and stability as well as economic development to the country by redefining poverty, rather than labeling countries as a threat for its survival.
Others criticize it as it is too tied to nation’s economy, but ignores intensification of strong-state politics and geopolitical fluxes. Tewolde Gebreselassie, Lecturer and Researcher at Adigrat University, Department of Management, on his Analysis of Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy with special reference to strategy of Ethiopia claimed that the policy had played vital role in ensuring a rapid economic growth; letting the internal political, social and economical disorders be minimized, and making the country beneficiary on global market and trade relations, among others.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nebiyat Getachew for his part said that the Ministry had conducted various reforms, in both reengineering the Ministry’s structure as well assigning qualified and efficient diplomats. According to him, public positions are assumed to serve the nation. So appointments are executed based on the set core values of the Ministry based on an objective standard.
“The prime objective of revising the Ministry’s structure is to let the current reform keep going and forging bilateral and strategic relations with nations and international communities.” To make transformational stride on policy change, the Ministry is engaged in reviewing the current foreign policy, he reiterated.
Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu while presenting Ministry’s six month performance report to the House of People’s Representatives recently said that the Ministry is engaged in putting place sound institutional reform undertaken to replenish the Ministry’s overall posture and stamina. “Despite lingering and looming regional, geopolitical challenges, our visibility and outreach is tremendous.
We are continuously and consistently refining our diplomatic mission to confidently promote our national interests and stimulate holistic economic development in a highly uncertain, and highly unpredictable global system.”
The Ethiopian Herald, February 13/2019
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
