ADDIS ABABA- Government should work towards building institutions that are free from influence of an individual or political party to ensure rule of law, says Temesgen Tesema, Lecturer of Law at Wollo University. “The government must build independent institutions to ensure rule of law.
The government has so far moved in good steps in ensuring rule of law, but there are more actions that remain ahead, according to Temesgen. As the country is in the middle of a long journey towards promising process of transformation, the government is working more closely with the public to ensure democracy and rule of law, says Federal General Attorney Communication Director Zinabu Tunu.
On the other hand, the newly enacted and amended rules and regulations are expected to improve and ensure rule of law more. Strengthening the system of accountability and regaining public trust is among the focus area of the institutional reform, said Zinabu. According to Zinabu the government’s commitment to maintain rule of law demonstrates the desire and commitment for sustainable peace and economic development.
In order to establish a system that promotes accountability and ensure rule of law, the government has embarked up on institutional reform with the aim of strengthening transparency and accountability of public institutions, Zinabu noted. The federal government is doing many activities to ensure rule of law and protect citizen’s right and interest, according to him.
According to Zinabu, the government is carrying out many activities to ensure the practical implementation of rule of law in every hierarchy starting from the federal level. Recently, the government is taking action against individuals and organizations that commit human right violations and corruption. Accordingly, some senior government officials were arrestedfor allegedly committing corruption and human rights violations.
In addition to bringing the criminals in front of the court, we are amending the previous rules and regulations set in the constitution of the country and enacting a new rules and regulation which helps to ensure rule of law and protects the interest of the society. Zinabu stated that, the first thing that the government is doing to ensure rule of law is that, correcting the structural organization and adjusting rules and regulations.
In line with the reform the government is applying the process practically on the ground to ensure rule of law. For example the newly established institutions like Ministry of peace, reconciliation commission, Identity and border commission are among them. “You can ensure rule of law across the country only when justice and rule of law are implemented not only at the federal level but also at administrative hierarchies.”
Zinabu said that, the government is committed to protect citizen’s human and democratic rights. The activity being done by the side of the government to ensure rule of law is improved from time to time, but much effort remains and the process is underway. Rule of law can be realized only when the rules and regulations stated in the constitution are applied on the ground practically. The government is responding for the questions raised by the society.
The question and the need of societies are increasing on daily basis. Most of the questions that arose from the society need an immediate response. The government’s commitment towards ensuring rule of law and sustainable peace and stability is timely and crucial as to, Temesgen. The government’s decision to take strong and bold moves in ensuring rule of law is necessary for Ethiopia’s multidimensional development.
Failure to do so will lead to destruction of property, mass displacement, and lawlessness in general, Temesgen noted. Despite multidimensional reforms underway in the country, there are instabilities and displacement in some parts of the country. Still today that are a threat to peace, stability and the wellbeing of citizens. It is a serious issue and it needs immediate response.
The Ethiopian Herald, March 30/2019
BY HAILE DEMEKE
