The first Congress of the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) was wrapped up with flying colors last Sunday issuing a six-point statement outlining the party’s future direction passing a vast array of social, economic, and political decisions.
During the first half-day of the congress, the report of the Central Committee was presented and approved unanimously with five agendas placed on the table The hearing and approval of the reports of the Central Committee and Inspection and Supervision Committee, discussion, and approval of the party program and statutes of the party, as well as the election of senior party leaders were the agendas.
In its half-day session, the congress discussed the first two agendas democratically and transparently and endorsed them. The issue of security was also high on the agenda. Members raised concerns regarding peace and stability in the country and an agreement has been reached to address security problems in various areas by bridging leadership gaps and fighting extremism.
Among the pressing issues in which the congress deliberated inflation and drought-related issues were top in the agenda in which many members spoke of. Various remedies were prescribed to get to the bottom of the problem permanently. In general, the congress discussed the opportunities and challenges facing the country and put directions to execute the major toll order in the future.
Aside from expounding the commitment to maintaining peace, security, and addressing socio-economic challenges facing the citizens for the past years, the party managed to express its commitment to uphold peace and security with the purpose of ensuring the wellbeing of citizens.
In the statement, the party announced that it has thoroughly passed a decision to address challenges seen during the implementation of reforms over the last four years. Results have been gained in agreement with endeavors undertaken to turn challenges into opportunities.
PP’s first congress deliberated on major socio-economic and political issues of the country and put the direction on future engagements. The congress saw the appointments of its presidents and vice-presidents. The party picked Abiy Ahmed as president and Demeke Mekonnen and Adem Farah as its vice presidents. Executive members were also selected during the congress. The congress was attended by representatives of sister parties from Africa and other parts of the world.
Following the conclusion of the congress, PP has announced that it has taken stiff measures against wrongdoers.
Adem Farah, PP’s Vice President said that, the party has been taking corrective measures against members who failed to discharge responsibility in keeping the party’s internal unity and serving the public interests. Accordingly, in-depth evaluation of 108,258 leaders and members of the PP was conducted and corrective measures have been taken on 10,658 cadres of which 2,574 were fired.
In-depth evaluation is a typical tool to examine the gains and shortcomings in terms of fulfilling the benefits of the public so as to identify weak links and duly address them. The practice also aims at evaluating the growingly expanding and complex tasks of the government vis-à-vis the public’s ever-increasing demand for peace and development, Adem elaborated.
Unlike many political parties that relied on borrowed ideologies, Prosperity Party (PP) relies on homegrown ideas and grass root voices and it takes synergy as a route to reach its destination of bringing prosperity, said the ruling Prosperity Party President Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
He stressed in his speech that Prosperity is unique from preceding Ethiopian political parties including EPRDF, WPE and others in terms of number of members, organizational quality and unique ideology. The PP has more than 11 million members, making it the largest political party in Ethiopia’s history.
The Party’s President further highlighted Prosperity keeping the past values while building a bright future for the people of Ethiopia. “Our party has the entire caliber including viable ideology, large and vibrant members and meticulous organization that enable us to ensure Ethiopia’s prosperity.”
As to him, PP has been exercising a true federalism for the first in the country’s modern history that has been demonstrated by the formation of Sidama and South- West Ethiopia states and by its adherence to the will of the people.
The First Congress is of paramount importance to address pressing challenges including combating maladministration, corruption, anti-peace and anti-prosperity moves thereby creating a peaceful and prosperous nation that all citizens harmoniously.
“When we say the Prosperity Party is participatory, inclusive and democratic one, we are saying that, all ideologies can be well entertained and translated into practical actions and a governing idea can be taken for growth and prosperity.”
“All contending political parties can work in collaboration with PP so long as we are working for the same cause-making a new and prosperous Ethiopia for the generations to come.” Contending parties have also to move legitimately keeping the interest of the Ethiopian people and shun destructive activities that disrupt the peace of the country, Abiy remarked.
The party’s congress was followed by the inauguration of the newly built headquarters. Speaking at the inauguration of the Prosperity Party Headquarters, Abiy also noted that, the ruling party has educated and committed members and it will make more of a push to address pressing social problems. “Now we have lavish HQs. Our priority must however remain to work harmoniously with the public so as to bring about sustainable development.”
He went on to note that, Prosperity Party will never forget that power belongs to the people as it struggles for the broad masses. The party members will therefore exert utmost efforts to serve the public interest.
PP has committed and disciplined members and is equipped with modern and suitable offices and now must turn attention to building national assets as the mere construction of lavish HQs is not our end goal. “We should extract good ideas while working in good-looking offices. But, if the people continue grappling with sugar and oil scarcity, our office will not have value… I would like to urge you all to work in a match with the quality of this office.”
Ensuring national interest in international arena is one of the major areas in which the party announced to capitalize on.
Be that as it may, at a press briefing held on Tuesday, PP Vice President Demeke Mekonnen said, the party will consolidate the #NoMore movement as a mechanism to protect Ethiopia’s national interest and also boost its diplomatic ties.
The movement, which is initiated by Ethiopian Diasporas, is gaining momentum and more Africans are getting involved thereby renewing the spirit of Pan-Africanism and Africans’ determination to fight against neocolonialism. “#NoMore resembles the black peoples struggle against colonialism and our citizens need to make active involvement as ambassadors that effectively ensure Ethiopia’s national interest abroad.”
“Strong diplomatic activities will be among the top activities awaiting the party and our diplomacy must create conducive environment to support “#NoMore movement which gained global acceptance. Protecting and securing the national interest of the country in every corner is among the prior activities awaiting us.”
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2022
