It was imbued with new visions and aspirations,Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) took office nine months ago. The eloquent, charismatic and reformist Premier has materialized many incredible political reforms no sooner he came to the political limelight. He is successful in galvanizing Ethiopians from every corner of the country and around the world using his popular discourse known as “Medemer”(synergy) which capitalizes the importance of unity. How ‘Medemer’ influenced the Ethiopian politics and society? What would be its significance in bringing the ethnically diversified nation to unity? How could it influence the horn of Africa and beyond? Medemer(synergy) has brought Ethiopians at home and abroad together in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the ongoing drastic reform, Dawit Mehari, Lecturer at Addis Ababa University, Institute of Peace and Security Studies tells The Ethiopian Herald. ‘‘Every Ethiopian knows about the concept of Medemer and its connotations. Medemer implies the importance of being united,’’ he says, adding: ‘‘Ethiopia has more than 100 million people, 70 percent of which comprise youths who are under 30. Mobilizing this young demographic base using such a wonderful philosophy would be important to sustain the reform and ensure rapid economic growth.’’ He states that most Ethiopians are committed to sustain the ongoing reform and to ensure democratic and prosperous nation standing together alongside their visionary leader. ‘‘When the Premier unveils the concept of Medemer to the public, the nation was in total chaos and destruction. Heavy death tolls were registered and property damage was tremendous. Understanding the country was on the brink of disintegration, the ruling party showed the sagacious and courageous Abiy a green light to do the rescue effort. Thus, he brought Ethiopians to the umbrella of unity and saving the nation from disintegration though still there are setbacks being instigated by anti-change elements,’’ the lecturer notes. Prime Minister Abiy has taken bold political and diplomatic reforms which amazed the international community, he reflects. ‘‘He gave pardon for political groups and journalists, who were suffering tortures in prisons for years. He allowed previously outlawed and exiled political groups to exercise their rights in their country freely. Besides, he resolved the decade-old stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea.’’
The Premier always underlines the importance of Medemer. When he welcomes African leaders who came to attend AU summit which was held in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister had explained the significance of Medemerto the dignitaries. ‘‘Our home grown philosophy of Medemer reaffirms our dedication to the Pan-African vision of realizing prosperous, purposeful and peaceful continent. Ethiopia has come on board a train of rapid economic development. The Medemer philosophy of peace, love, unity and reconciliation being implemented in Ethiopia should be scaled up to other African countries. Not only continentally, it should be used throughout the world. If we deploy a concerted effort, we could unleash the untapped resources of Africa and we could make our beautiful continent peaceful and prosperous,’’ Dawit emphasizes. For his part, Migbaru Samuel who came from the US, Ohio State says the Medemer concept has motivated Ethiopians in diaspora to contribute for their country of origin. ‘‘The Medemer discourse is popular among the Diaspora community. When the Premiere visited the US last year,he had explained that to us. He vividly stated that we Ethiopians should stand together for the betterment of our nation irrespective of our ethnic and religious background. Thus, there is an incredible inspiration among the
Diasporas to contribute something good for their country,’’ he stresses. Migbaru adds that the Diaspora community is willing to maximize foreign currency earnings through upgrading the remittance sector. ‘‘There is a staggering number of Ethiopian Diaspora in various parts of the world. Previously, the Diasporas haven’t good relationship with the unreformed EPRDF. But after Premier Abiy came to office, everything is improving. Every Ethiopian is committed to fulfill the goal being set by the new administration,’’ he points out. Meanwhile, Medemer would have massive impact in creating political and economic integration in horn Africa and beyond. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has shown his devotion to integrate East Africa through railways and highways. The end of the deadlock between Ethiopia and Eritrea could be a sign of Medemer and Prime Minister Abiy should be credited a lot for it. ‘‘The ‘no- peace-no-war’ situation which had been devastating the economy of both Ethiopia and Eritrea was resolved by the tireless effort of our Premier,’’ Tilahun Amsalu, Political Annalist and Lecturer at Mekelle University stresses. He adds that
the diplomatic relations among east African countries would pave a way for political and economic integrations. ‘‘When we interrelate this with the Medemer concept, we understand that the cooperation among east African nations is immense in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity. Hence, we can understand that the Premier has unshakable stand in realizing regional and continental goals,’’ according to him. Tilahun further elaborates that the concept has won credence among millions of Ethiopians as philosophy of peace, unity, harmony, friendship, development, cooperation and integration. Hence, knowing its significance, he recommends that governmental and nongovernmental organizations should teach it in schools and public gatherings. To sum up, Ethiopia is undergoing a very dramatic political transformation. Many success stories have been achieved so far by the young and devoted Prime Minister. He has been striving to unite Ethiopians in particular and Africans in general. Beyond ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in Ethiopia, regional and continental economic cooperation and integration should be stepped up.
The Ethiopian Herald February 17/2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
