BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
Ethiopia is among the countries with high number of diaspora communities in the world. Accordingly, more than 3 million Ethiopians have migrated into North America, Europe and Middle East, among others. They have high passion and engagement to their home country. Currently, the Ethiopian diaspora have been participating in various national issues paving the way to support the reform process.
The Ethiopian communities in all corners of the world have been contributing to their nation development through remittance, knowledge and technology transfer and investment activities. Consequently, engaging the diaspora living in different parts of the world and facilitating conducive environment for them to participate in the country’s development endeavor has become vital. Besides, their contribution and devotion have been manifested through their diplomatic activities.
In this regard, the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Director General, Selamawit Dawit told The Ethiopian Herald that the involvement of the majority of the diaspora in the diplomatic arena has been increasingly significant since the reform that took place in mid-2018. Their contributions are not limited to specific issue or agenda rather it has been vital in all rounded development endeavors of the country. Accordingly, they are actively discharging their national responsibilities in supporting the country’s reform process, it’s stance to the international community using different platforms. The Diasporas have also contributed support for internally displaced people, the GERD and Diaspora Trust Fund. Therefore, the contribution of the diaspora communities is becoming significant for Ethiopia.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed acknowledged the contributions of Ethiopian diaspora when he made the remark whilst addressing MPs on government’s law enforcement operation at the House of Peoples’ Representatives 6th Year 4th Extraordinary Session recently. He said there are communities and individuals who are working for their country voluntarily without demanding any compensation. Astonishing, their commitment, struggle and exertion to their country shine from some ambassadors’ and diplomat’s deeds.
He added; “if I were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, instead of having embassy or consular office along with ambassadors in Los Angeles or elsewhere, I would rather assign somebody who is diligent and committed to his country to coordinate the diaspora. Moreover, there are diasporas who were born or lived for long in US, Europe and anywhere. They are also acquainted and exposed to foreign language and culture, political system and so on. Hence, it is possible to strengthen them to work more as ambassadors.” Because “Ethiopian’s development, peace, stability, freedom, unity and territorial integrity primarily would be ensured only by Ethiopians.
In fact, this statement sounds good for Ethiopians living abroad since they are dedicating their time and money to promote and safeguard their country’s stance and policy to stop foreign interference in Ethiopia serving their citizen diplomacy. Recently, it is true that Ethiopian diasporas are playing significant role for their nation. Especially, their contribution has been increasingly important in the political sphere, economic engagement, and image building activities.
Regarding with the political diplomacy, Ethiopian diaspora have been playing indispensable role to their county. Prior to the reform that took place in Ethiopia since 2018, they have been echoing the voice of Ethiopians for better liberty while after the reform; they are participating in the institutionalization and democratization process of the country.
Economically, the diaspora engagements have been exhibited in different activities. They are the prime source of foreign currency in the form of remittances.
Solomon Abosati in his thesis entitled “ The Role of Ethiopia’s Diaspora Diplomacy and Engagement Since the Mid-2018 Political Reform in Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects” affirms that it is possible to say that the foreign currency Ethiopia gets from the diaspora is much greater than what the Ethiopian Government gets from its export. The diaspora plays an irreplaceable role from sending money to families to raising funds to support projects. He further added that the Ethiopian diaspora role of remittances and foreign exchange deposit to the country’s economy is paramount. It is not possible to underestimate the role of the diaspora even before the reform. This influence and involvement of the diaspora is due to their better education and financial or economic capabilities.
Similarly, Seguin et al, (2006) in their academic article, entitled, “Scientific diasporas as an option for brain drain: re-circulating knowledge for development” stated that in our present globalized international environment, ordinary people have become increasingly important and they get easily involved in citizen diplomacy to promote the image of their countries of origin.
Taking this fact in to consideration, the current government of Ethiopia has been promoting and supporting not only citizen-centered diplomacy but also citizen diplomacy where citizens of the country engage in promoting the national agenda and close the gap in order to avoid foreign interference.
Ethiopian Foreign Affairs State Minister Amb. Markos Tekle (PhD) told The Ethiopian Herald that since the reform that took place in mid-2018 in the country in terms of foreign policy of the country has attached increasing attention to citizen diplomacy with the recognition of Ethiopians living abroad as part and parcel of the diplomatic discourse.
Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Addis Ababa University Kassahun Berhanu noted that by avoiding “unnecessarily” details the current foreign policy of the country allows Ethiopian diaspora to practice citizen diplomacy in the country or the area where they live. Hence, the diasporas are contributing to their country.
Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ambassador Dina, told local media that whenever foreign powers try to put pressure on Ethiopia by picking issues such as GERD or the law enforcement operations in Tigray, the diasporas along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been working together to reverse the pressure while explaining Ethiopian intention.
Selamawit for her part noted that the diasporas are echoing their opposition to foreign interference in Ethiopia through demonstrations, writing and publishing articles, sending letters to embassies, international organizations and agencies that show Ethiopian stance. Accordingly, the diasporas are playing important role to their nation through citizen diplomacy.
Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Deputy Director Mohamed Indris (PhD) also stated that Ethiopian diasporas are following up every development at homeland and ready to extend supports in the efforts of ensuring sustainable peace and stability in Ethiopia.
Zemedeneh Nigatu, an Ethiopian diaspora who lived in US long time and investment adviser in Ethiopia, in his part told CGTN that before the reform that took place in Ethiopia, there has been wide division between the government and the diaspora, but following the reform the diaspora relations have improved. Hence the wind of change evident that the diaspora communities are not only exited but also devoted their time, money and everything to contribute to their country. Diasporas may have foreign passport for variety reasons but they are Ethiopians that is why they are echoing and working to their country.
Selamawit concluded that following the reform, the government of Ethiopia creates enabling environment for diasporas to participate to their nation. Hence, currently diasporas are participating based on their ability, skills, knowledge and the like.
Furthermore, the accessibility of digital platform facilitates the diaspora communities to play substantial role to their nation. So far, many of the diaspora have been working on voluntary bases nevertheless, in the future it is important to promote citizen centered diplomacy in a more institutionalized way. Citizen diplomacy would help the nation to be respected and get better position in the international arena.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD JULY 20/2021
