Ten months back, Ethiopia was suffering a severe political turmoil. All fingers were pointing at the ruling party EPRDF blemished by soot of corruption, mismanagement and oppressive system which placed the nation on a knife’s edge.
However, after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office, several reforms were underway despite some setbacks. As soon as Prime Minister Abiy came to power, thousands of political prisoners were released and previously outlawed political groups were allowed to enter their country to introduce their political agenda freely thereby draw many to their fold.
Also, some involved in human right violations and corruption was brought to justice and diplomatic relations especially the decades-old deadlock with neighboring Eritrea was resolved. These and other measures have been lauded and acknowledged by the international community. However, the big goal Ethiopia has been striving to realize is widening the political terrain of the country.
What should be done to enhance the political spectrum of the nation? What are the important measures which could develop a multi-party democratic system? How could we develop national consensus in a country of more than 80 diversified ethnic groups?
Dawit Mehari, Lecturer at Addis Ababa University, Institute of Peace and Security Studies says that national consensus is highly vital to ensure peace, stability and prosperity and establish a strong democratic culture. ‘‘Though Ethiopia is an ethnically diversified nation, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples have many blessings in common. They should focus on those blessings that could strengthen their unity. Unity is the only option to realize accountable, transparent and democratic political system,’’ he states. Adding he said “The ruling party and opposition parties should develop national consensus. They should prioritize their country’s national interest.’’
He adds that building robust democratic institution would have incomparable contribution in developing the nation’s political scope. ‘‘One of the major challenges the country has been facing is lack of a
strong democratic institutions. There were not independent judiciary, modern civil service, strong government structure and impartial media. These are basic cornerstones for enhancing democratic process,’’ he notes. “Following the reform, the government has shown its readiness to build such intuitions. This would make the nation peaceful, stable and prosperous with sincere national consensus.’’
As the wind of hope, liberty and democracy has been blowing since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power 11 months ago, many political groups are practicing their political agenda freely and several media outlets are disseminating their views without any persecution and intimidation. Dawit insists that this would have positive impact in leveling the lopsided political landscape of the country.
‘‘The proliferation of opposition parties should be taken as a positive scenario for enhancing political scope and building democratic institutions. In addition to this, media freedom has a vital role in modernizing the political system of the country. Hence, the initiatives underway to allow political parties exercise their rights and the freedom given for media should be acknowledged as a positive step forward,’’ according to him.
Developing the consciousness of youths and empowering them to participate in different political activities would be another way of strengthening political spectrum, Solomon Tekle, Political Science Lecturer at Addis Ababa University insists.
‘‘A political scope couldn’t be expanded without the active participation of the citizens. Thus, the political awareness of citizens should be developed. Youths must get opportunity to involve in different political organizations. They should know their duties and responsibilities,’’ he argues.
He adds that sustaining the federal system would be another way of creating inclusive political space.
‘‘Ethiopia is an ethnically diversified nation. There are various traditions, beliefs, languages and understandings. So, there should be a political space which accommodates all these diversities. This space could be no other than the federal system,’’ Solomon emphasizes.
Besides, developing common national consensus would have pivotal role in realizing sustainable political system. Thus, Solomon urges Ethiopians to focus on their common blessings rather than differences.
‘‘We Ethiopians have many incredible blessings in common. Similarity in our history, culture and language is evident. Our forefathers have defeated colonizers at the battle of Adwa brushing ethnic differences aside. We have to promote our common issues which are very important to ensure national consensus and to realize democratic political system,’’ he points out.
Ethiopia is experiencing a very radical reform. The reformed government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has shown its commitment to bring economic and political transformation through ensuring national consensus. As part of the effort, national reconciliation commission was established to resolve contempt and disagreement among Ethiopians. Moreover, the government is striving to ensure the intended consensus through ensuring equitable utilization of resources and safeguarding human and democratic right of citizens.
The Ethiopian Herald March 17, 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
